London played host to this year’s annual Skype Leadership Team meeting, with over 140 delegates flying in from various global offices to network and brainstorm over a 3 day event.

Instead of the age-old dull registration desk, we engaged with the delegates using YrSurface: an interactive table pre-programmed with our bespoke name cards. After each person had scribbled down some key info on these high-tech tables, we produced delegate postcards to form a networking wall in the break room. And took their ‘guilty pleasure’ songs to make a playlist for the welcome night dinner!

Making use of our Thames side location at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, we took the group from Skype and Microsoft on a wonderful river cruise aboard the Barracuda yacht for the welcome night dinner.

Our second evening was spent at the beautiful Kensington Roof Gardens engaging the whole team with a new marketing campaign as a ‘be together with Skype’ family dinner.

The days consisted of conference sessions, customer engagement activites, executive meetings and motivational speakers. As communication is always at the forefront of their company ethos, our dedicated AV team produced a stunning wall-to-wall LED screen to showcase slides in a visually exciting and engaging way.

After another thought-provoking week of presentations and inter-departmental networking, the delegates left London invigorated for the year ahead.

Photographer: Hannah Smiles

The city of 100 spires, “Golden Prague” welcomed our group of successful sales professionals after they achieved (or should I say smashed) their targets using the trip as motivation along the way.

The tradition and lively atmosphere of Prague provided the perfect backdrop for a short-haul incentive. Whether colleagues wanted to reward their hardwork with a beer or practice their photography skills on the enthralling city architecture, we had something for everyone.

Our team produced a full three day schedule and our knowledgeable British hostess guided them seamlessly between their boutique hotel and the tailored activities of each day.

The highlight of which took us to the narrow lanes of the old town for a Treasure Hunt through the best of Czech beers (with a few general knowledge questions thrown in). Teams were given question sheets & maps guiding them through fun challengers and beer tastings.

Working together to collect points they raced to the finish line – a fascinating micro brewery in the heart of the city – where the winners were rewarded with company branded glasses to remember the trip by.

We said goodbye to this beautiful city in style; dining at the famous Cowboys steak restaurant: set in the hillside with stunning views overlooking the city centre.

The group headed home (plus a few souvenirs) amongst much discussion of next year’s destination … “What’s the sales target for an incentive to Barbados?” … bring it on we say!

Taking in the splendor of the setting, we produced and staffed a bespoke cocktail bar at London’s iconic Dorchester hotel last night.

As part of a prestigious award ceremony for drinks industry brands and professionals, we served a selection of delicious cocktails to the delight of those in attendance.

From the fruity ‘Edinburgh Rose’ with Hendrick’s Gin or the ‘Berry Cheeky Monkey’ with Monkey Shoulder Whisky to the classic ‘Disaronno Sour’ and the subtle ‘Żubrówka Bison’, there was a cocktail for every taste as guests celebrated their award wins and networked with fellow industry insiders.

With a back bar display showcasing the full range of First Drinks’ portfolio, this was truly a wonderful night for top quality brands.

Utilising the perfect central location of Floridita in London’s soho, we re-branded the bar using simple canvas drapes for real impact.

The drapes featured various spirit brand logos enticing guests towards our team of experienced cocktail makers, whilst being a cost-effective and quick way of covering the existing mixed-brand bar.

Tonight’s diverse cocktail menu included Hendrick’s Rose Garden Punch (a delicious summery blend of lychee, raspberry and mint topped of with cucumber – as always a Hendrick’s Gin should be!), Mount Gay Rum Bridgetown Daiquiri and VSOP French Martini to name just a few.

Effective Event Solutions was proud to work with such prestigious brands and provide an unforgettable night for one of their key suppliers.

Sunshine in November? Yes please! Then look no further than the Lisbon coast for your next group incentive trip.

Lisbon has a lot to offer; from stunning coastal hotels like the newly opened Myriad which offers 360 degree views across the river to a fleet of chauffeured classic VW beetles, adding a touch of nostalgia to your airport transfers.

This month we also used speedboats to travel up the coast to beautiful Cascais, which boasts an array of hotels and restaurants as well as it’s proximity to the town of Sintra. The Sintra Palaces are set high above the region, providing an awe inspiring backdrop for events, and also have beautiful winding gardens which are ideal for team-building activities (team-building challenges here can be themed to any company objective).

For a motivating long weekend out of the office, Lisbon is the perfect location at this time of year!