Following two years of remote working and Microsoft Teams calls, world-class IT solutions provider Bytes wanted to bring together 250 of their core sales teams, alongside their key partners and vendors for a day of collaboration and learning in March 2022. To ensure they incorporated the whole business in the festivities and celebrate the ‘brilliance of Bytes’, the organisation also wanted to host a gala dinner for 350 of its team in the evening, filled with awards, three-course feast, and dancing.

Farnborough International’s purpose-built spaces enabled the event to run as a multi-layered function, including a main conference and individual activities, as well as catering throughout the breaks, networking spaces and a large room for more than 35 tables of ten to be held in a dinner format. Our built-in AV technology was used throughout the event, with our chosen supplier Aztec on-hand to support with the implementation and delivery throughout the event.

‘Inspire’ was the ideal location to host the Gala Dinner, offering a large stage for presentations and a live band performance, multiple bars within the room, space for 350+ guests and plenty of room for a busy dance floor. The AV team created ambience using professional lighting rigs and the Amadeus catering team delivered a first-class three-course dinner for guests. The attendees utilised the ample on-site parking and local hotels for an easy overnight stay.

Organiser Emily Symon said:

“If anyone is considering an event of any kind, Farnborough International is a venue I would strongly recommend – the team, facilities and location will not disappoint.”

Commenting on the experience at Farnborough International, organiser Emily Symon said: “When asked to organise the first ever Bytes Software Services Sales Kick Off and Gala Dinner we knew we needed a purpose built, multi‐functional, forward‐thinking space, with great transport links and local hotels in abundance. Splitting our event into two clear parts, meant we had very specific needs – the venue offered up the flexibility & scale that we required, and the experienced team were available to offer up solutions to any challenges we encountered in the planning stages and during the event itself.

“Even with over 250 people in one space at times, it always felt spacious and safe. The multiple branding opportunities within the building meant we were able to offer large scale, professionally executed advertising for our vendors that really added value. It also meant we were able to create a clear event identity for the day and then into the evening too.

“If anyone is considering an event of any kind, Farnborough International is a venue I would strongly recommend – the team, facilities and location will not disappoint.”

Event details:

• Total number of delegates: 250 during the day and 350 during the evening
• Type of event: Conference & Gala Dinner
• Spaces used: Inspire, Discover, Innovate, Pioneer & Advance

For more information on hosting your event at Farnborough International, click here.