Case Study: Canada-UK Business Summit

Industry

International Trade

Location

London, UK

Client

Canada Day London

Iconic Venue

Events Since Launch

Months to Execute

Hour Time Difference

km Distance

3000

Sold Out Year 2

50 %

About

The Annual CA-UK Business Summit (formerly Doing Business in Canada) is a premier event that fosters stronger business relations between Canada and the United Kingdom. This summit provides a dynamic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from both nations to discuss opportunities, share insights, and explore partnerships. The event is held at the Canadian High Commission HQ at Canada House in London.

Challenge

Gravity Pull was approached by Celebrate Canada Worldwide to produce an event for businesses and corporate sponsors of the Canada Day London. Despite the tight timeline of under three months and the challenge of a 7-hour time difference between our Calgary-based Production Team and the London-based Leadership Team, we collaborated closely to deliver a successful hybrid event in its first year, followed by a fully sold-out event the next. Hosted at Canada House on Trafalgar Square—an iconic but logistically complex venue due to its dual role as the Canadian High Commission—the CA-UK Business Summit presented unique challenges that differed significantly from typical event venues.

Services

Project & Budget Management

Developed comprehensive budget
Oversaw the distribution of budgeted funds, including reviewing, verifying, and ensuring the accuracy of all financial transactions related to the event
Oversaw the entire project lifecycle from planning to execution and post-event follow-up, creating and managing event-specific timelines, tasks, and deliverables
Prioritized swift turnaround, changed office hours to allow for quick decision-making due to 7h time difference
Expertise and strategic collaboration with the Client, enabled us to conceptualize and launch the project within three months

Marketing & Branding

Developed a website to provide event information and facilitate registrations using robust event management software
Provided a digital platform in year one allowing for virtual attendance
Coordinated rebranding of the event from Doing Business in Canada to CA-UK Business Summit, including coordinating new graphic assets and branding
Oversaw production of new branded materials, banners and graphic assets following the event rebrand
Coordinated acquiring high-resolution event footage, including videos and photos, for promotional use in sizzle reels and event recaps

Event Planning & Logistics

Coordinated with the Canadian High Commission detailed floor plan design, AV system setup and food and beverage provided by local vendors
Secured industry-leading professionals as speakers for each event, coordinated their participation and managed their day-of needs
Collaborated with CA-UK Chamber of Commerce to promote the event to their database
Managed setup and day-of-event logistics, attending to the needs of clients, partners, guests, and speakers