The Association of Corporate Treasurers ( ACT ) runs an annual dinner for the treasury profession , regularly selling out London ’ s Grosvenor House Hotel . The evening is a firm fixture in the corporate calendar , attended by 1,500 treasury / financial services professionals , featuring charity fundraising as well as top-level speakers .
In 2019 , guest speakers were HRH Prince Charles ( via video ) and Sir Chris Hoy . It raised over £ 60,000 for charity partner , Hand in Hand International and the event
NOT the Annual Dinner !
The Association of Corporate Treasurers won the On24-sponsored DEN Award for Best Audience Engagement Model earlier this year for its NOT the Annual Dinner ! event . Here ’ s how the charity fundraising evening unfolded
contributed strongly to the association ’ s bottom line .
In 2020 , ACT was reluctant to simply cancel its flagship event , and feedback from members was that they would love to come together in some way , especially at the end of a very challenging year .
With only one month ’ s leadtime , the challenge was set for ACT to provide an evening on 11 November in which guests could experience all the sparkle , networking and bonhomie that comes with attending a live dinner . In addition , it needed to incorporate charity fundraising and ensure people would turn-up despite the constant talk of ‘ Zoom fatigue ’.
The concept was for guests to be seated on ‘ tables ’ and network , as they would in a real-life situation , possibly even more , while speakers were carefully selected to maximise audience engagement .
The Archbishop of Canterbury ( former treasurer ), Jitske Kramer ( cultural anthropologist ) and Louis Theroux provided the perfect blend of reflection . Compere David Meade , the mentalist , offered the light-hearted
ACT SOURCED BRANDED LUXURY HAMPERS , WHICH WERE COURIERED TO INDIVIDUALS SO THEY COULD ENJOY THEM WHILST TOASTING THEIR VIRTUAL TABLE COMPANIONS . IT ‘ SECURED ’ ATTENDANCE , THUS ENSURING SPONSORS WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED BY DROPOUTS .
entertainment for a muchneeded ‘ night out ’.
A key element of the evening was food and drink . Guests were used to enjoying the highest quality food and wines as part of their experience at the Grosvenor House . ACT solved this by sourcing branded luxury hampers , which were couriered to individuals so they could enjoy them whilst toasting their virtual table companions . It ‘ secured ’ attendance , thus ensuring sponsors would not be disappointed by dropouts .
An online auction opened in advance , and the whole platform used similar technology to that which the team had immersed themselves in for the association conferences during the year , but with a very