Case study
Two conference sessions, hosted by broadcaster Fiona Bruce, brought employees together to hear directly from leaders across the organisation.
The UK car division hosted its IML Live event, providing an update on business performance and priorities for the year ahead, while a group-wide conference united employees from across the organisation for the first time. It was an opportunity to share a clear vision for the future.
The remainder of the programme encouraged delegates to make the most of their surroundings. By selecting venues within walking distance of one another, BI WORLDWIDE ensured the experience felt seamless from beginning to end, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the occasion rather than worrying about logistics.
A weekend to remember The defining moment of the celebrations arrived on Saturday evening. Guests gathered at Monaco’ s Grimaldi Forum and were welcomed into an exhibition space that charted IM Group ' s journey across five decades. Classic vehicles from the company’ s automotive heritage stood alongside displays showcasing milestones from across the wider business, including IM Properties and Spitfire Homes, giving attendees the chance to discover the story of the organisation in a tangible and engaging way. Then came the centrepiece of the weekend.
A bespoke production, 10 months in the making, began to unfold. Across seven curated chapters, IM Group’ s story was brought to life through film, music and visual storytelling. All music was performed live by a 50-piece orchestra and 40-person choir. The production involved six days of choreographed lighting design.
" It was absolutely bespoke and created specifically for IM Group,” Ball added.
“ When people realised there was a live orchestra performing the soundtrack, there was this huge gasp in the room.”
The emotional impact was felt across the room with one retired employee, who had been with the business since its earliest days, reflecting:“ We thought when we retired that there could never be that close sense of camaraderie and connection among the staff again
“ I don’ t know how you’ ve done it, but it’ s still here. I can still feel it.”
Closing the celebrations together The final evening on Sunday brought guests together for an evening called‘ A Night in Monaco’, a celebration featuring food, music and entertainment, with the highlight courtesy of The Imposters, a band made up of IM Group employees led by Edmiston on drums and a special appearance from Lord Edmiston himself, who opened the evening before Rick Parfitt Jnr’ s RPJ Band took to the stage. The huge dance floor was packed all night.
Across four days, colleagues from different businesses, departments and locations had shared experiences that many will remember for years to come. What began as a celebration of the company’ s past had become something much more meaningful: a chance to spend time together and create new memories.
For MD Andrew Edmiston, the event delivered exactly what it set out to achieve:“ I wanted people to understand that we have a history and legacy of overcoming difficulties and challenges, and that it’ s working together that enables us to succeed.”
Reflecting on the weekend, one employee said:“ I’ ve worked for two and a half years for this company, and I’ ve decided now I want to work here forever.”
For IM Group,‘ Together | Stars’ was more than a celebration of 50 years in business. It was a chance to bring an entire organisation together in one unforgettable place, creating memories that will endure long after the final photographs have been taken. n
ISSUE 145 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 23