Conference News Supplements CN Agency Awards | Page 8

8 CN Agency Awards Global Agency of the Year – with ExCeL London WINNER: Banks Sadler ho’s in charge: Caron Livens Banks Sadler is a full-service event agency delivering events from game launches for Sony PlayStation through to SMM programmes for Accenture. It has a 300-strong team delivering 13,000+ venue bookings and 500+ event projects in 72 countries in 2018. Achievements Partnering with new clients Ericsson, Unity and Olympus increased the total client base by 39%, contributing to an 8th year of year-on-year growth with a 130% increase in revenue in the US market. Best Large Agency – with MTC Events WINNER: Smyle ho’s in charge: Rick Stainton Smyle is a creative agency specialising in creative and digital experiences and says it combines creativity with technical innovation to “leave ordinary behind”. Achievements In the last 12 months, Smyle has created and delivered 485 projects including 150 video projects, a 35% increase on 2017. Published figures indicate that Smyle has seen 68% increase in turnover to £28m, gross profit increase by 50% to £6.9m and an astonishing 100% increase in operating profit from £1.4m to £2.8m. Samsung gave Smyle seven weeks to deliver the Samsung IFA press conference and global product launch for an audience of 2,000. They illustrated how technology enables lifestyle and used it to connect with guests in ways aimed to surprise and delight. What’s different? To support its team even further, Banks Sadler launched an Employee Engagement Team designed to improve the engagement of staff during a period of transformation. Through surveys, focus groups and one-on-one sessions, the team work with HR, marketing, operations and the charity/social and sustainability committees to “energise employees through pillars including recognition, wellness, and development”. What the judges said “Grown client base by 39% and developed new registration tool. The highly complex site had an impressive 1,288 question variations and was designed to integrate with catering companies. They also have a strong employee engagement team.” What’s different? Smyle has rasied £5,000 for the MIND charity in 2018. The team has also invested in branded metal water bottles for all on-site full time and regular crew. What the judges said “An outstanding submission. Really impressive case studies that showcase Smyle’s excellence in the industry, with high levels of creativity and innovation, as well as a first-rate development program and tangible growth prospects.” www.conference-news.co.uk