In 2021, DNV Energy Systems merged two seemingly opposed business areas: renewables and power, and oil and gas. The success of this merger relied on these two areas gelling quickly. To do this, it decided to deliver its largest ever in-person, global event, engaging 270 leaders across five continents, and 4,000 non-attending colleagues. With Stafford Long, it designed a two-and-a-half day programme of talks, panels, films and activities – all designed to keep everyone inspired and invested throughout.

Many of the specialists at DNV had never met face-to-face due to the pandemic, and there was a tendency to work in silos. The company wanted to ensure its culture was less fragmented and overcome collaboration issues that had been stifled by specialists being in different locations. It wanted everyone to buy into DNV’s purpose of ‘safeguarding life, property and environment’, and propel towards its vision of moving from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

The ‘POWERED BY’ platform highlighted the different elements that fed into a more unified and collective strategy. Stage and signage had a consistent look and feel, with a bespoke stage and neon signage, as well as digital screens and lightboxes. It used films to launch and close the event, as well as a people-centred film conveying key insights about recruitment and retention mid-convention. Two HR colleagues became roving reporters during the event, and daily on-location films captured the excitement for colleagues who could not be there. Engagement levels with the content were high, and contributed to impressive year-on-year revenue growth and sales pipeline.