AOK Events

Westminster College Missouri Churchill Awards

The Brief
AOK Events was tasked with helping Westminster College in Missouri find an ideal venue for their awards evening, as well as provide support with event management and production. The goal was to create a memorable and seamless experience for all guests, highlighting world politics and the importance of leadership in today’s world.

The Venue
We needed a venue with historic significance to match the nature of the event. We chose Guildhall, which features a statue of Churchill in the Great Hall. It was the perfect fit for the tone of the evening.

What we did

• Full event management
• Venue find and liaison
• Looked after full production, stage design and room styling
• Sourced Ultra high-end caterers
• Sourced private allocation of wines and champagne
• Booked a classical singer using AOK Entertains
• Booked D Day Darlings from Britian's Got Talent
• Booked a photographer & videographer
• Furnished the drinks reception area
• Took lead on full table design
• Helped organise auction for the event

The Results

“You did an amazing job with this event. It was truly spectacular Jake.

And the way you handled my last-minute request on the quotes on the screen…plus the volume on the video was extremely impressive. That memory will stay with me forever.”

Sales Incentive Trip to Marrakech

The Brief
Our client wanted to reward their team for hitting their sales targets with an unforgettable sales incentive trip to Marrakech. The destination was perfect for the brief with its versatility and incredible array of ‘once in a lifetime’ activities.

We took care of everything including event and itinerary management, venue finding, airport transfers, event photography and entertainment.

Accommodation
In Marrakech the group stayed at the Kenzi Rose Garden Hotel for two nights. We also organised the company meeting and lunch in their event spaces.

On the last night, the group stayed in the Agafay desert camp, where guests delighted in the pool and breathtaking views.

Day 1: Arrival Dinner

• We organised transfers for all guests from the airport to the Kenzi Rose Garden Hotel
• Guests enjoyed a tea reception at check in
• A shuttle transfer took the group to the main square where guests walked around and soaked in the atmosphere
• Afterwards, we organised a three course dinner at Ksar El Hamra with entertainers playing local music

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon at dawn

• Everyone got up at the crack of dawn to drive into the desert for a sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Breakfast and tea were provided before and after the balloon ride
• Back at the hotel, we booked the conference centre for the company's meetings
• A buffet lunch was served at the hotel with guests dining in the sun
• Guests were then transferred back to the Souk where we split into 6 groups
• Each group received a guided tour through the Souk and were set on their way to complete a scavenger hunt
• For the evening, we booked the Jad Mahal restaurant for a three course dinner, accompanied by a range of entertainment including belly dancers and fire throwers 

Day 3: Camel Ride into the Desert

• We began the last day driving into the Atlas mountains to an activity centre
• The six teams competed in a range of team building challenges before trying out the longest zip-line in Africa
• A traditional tagine lunch was served at the activity centre with views of the mountains
• On the way to the desert, we stopped at a viewing point where everyone could get group photos
• In the desert guests were surprised by a caravan of 65 camels, which they rode for the final leg of the journey to the Agafay desert camp
• At the camp, guests indulged in the last of the evening sun by the pool
• A conference tent was set up for a final business meeting
• The sunset was accompanied by a live band, before everyone sat down for a three course dinner
• The rest of the last evening was spent by the fire and in the pool bar 

The Results
Keeping every activity a secret, was very effective in blowing guests away and creating truly special moments for the group. The client received good feedback from their team who will remember and cherish the trip and the time spent with their colleagues forever. 

Nicholson Artist Series Label Launch at Unit X

The Brief
Our client, Nicholson, was looking to host a launch party to celebrate their first artist collaboration with Shaquille-Aaron Keith, whom they asked to create two bespoke paintings for the labels of two flavours of Nicholson gin. The event needed to be designed to showcase the paintings and the limited-edition bottles through displays and event décor. We were also asked to create an area where the limited-edition bottles could be displayed and sold to guests.

Taking place on the opening evening of London Fashion Week, Nicholson wanted the event to have a “WOW” factor, appropriate for the high-profile guests and influencers. Through floristry, event décor, and a custom bar, we achieved a consistent feel and aesthetic for the event, drawing inspiration from Shaquille’s Caribbean roots. Celebrating the artworks and this new direction for the Nicholson brand, the evening was complemented by bespoke cocktails and themed canapés, while also showcasing the on-tap Nicholson cocktail range.

The Venue
We chose Unit X as the venue because it offered a blank canvas and is located in the heart of Covent Garden. The venue also had ideal lighting solutions for the artwork, as it typically operates as a gallery. Additionally, the industrial feel of the venue perfectly matched the aesthetic of the event.

What We Did

• Venue sourcing and liaison
• Delivered the full aesthetic design of the venue, including lighting and décor
• Curated an immersive bottle display area featuring florals and elements from the artwork
• Provided enhanced venue AV and production
• Arranged bespoke bar builds and design
• Managed logistics for swag display and stock transport
• Arranged catering, with a bespoke menu inspired by the theme and incorporating the gin
• Coordinated content capture, including photographer and videographer
• Full AOK Events management

The Results
The clients were absolutely delighted and the event exceeded expectations. We received really strong feedback, confirming that the event had served its intended purpose, generating buyer interest and the artist Shaquille Keith, was thrilled with the look and feel of the event and how his artwork was displayed, stating it was a big moment in his career.

Company Offsite at Port Lympne Safari Park

The Brief
AOK Events were asked to source a venue and organise an annual three-day company offsite for one of our clients in the UK. With the pressure of improving on two incredibly successful events in the years prior, we created an itinerary for 65 guests which included activities, meetings, transfers and catering.

The Venue
Our client were looking for a venue that incorporated an outdoor lifestyle with luxury accommodation. We therefore exclusively hired all Bear Lodges at Port Lympne Safari Park, as well as making use of the beautiful Orangery for their activities and catering.

WHAT WE DID

• Full event management
• Sourced and managed comms with Port Lympne Safari Park
• Managed AV & decor suppliers
• Managed all activities including; morning yoga, enrichment programme, private safari, bespoke scavenger hunt & a scatter feed
• Coordinated all transport for the guests
• Booked a caricaturist with AOK Entertains
• Coordinated all branded items

The Results
“Thank you SO much for all your help, I honestly couldn’t have done it without you both and felt I was actually able to relax and enjoy myself knowing you were both there! I have had THE best feedback, everyone was so complimentary about everything, the venue, staff, food, activities, downtime, they loved absolutely everything and have had a fair few saying it was the best conference they had attended.”

NetApp INSIGHT Xtra at The Peninsula

The Brief
We worked with NetApp to create a memorable event for their fourth annual INSIGHT Xtra Partners conference, combining two events into one. Recognising the need for a larger space, AOK Events secured The Peninsula, offering high-end event spaces perfect for bringing all partners together. Guests gathered for an unforgettable experience, with exciting discussions, networking, and a luxurious setting that made the event one to remember.

The Venue
Our client chose the brand new Peninsula primarily because it’s a stunning venue, which was the biggest factor in their decision. With its luxurious, high-end ambience and impeccable service, The Peninsula offers an experience that stands out among other venues.

What we did

• Venue finding
• Full event management
• Managed all AV and production
• Guest registration
• AOK Entertains sourced keynote speaker Hannah Fry and a roaming band for the drinks reception
• Liaised with all suppliers
• Sourced all eco-friendly branding
• Managed logistics with their vendors to create a ‘vendor village’

The Results
“I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU! We couldn’t have pulled off such a spectacular event without you guys! You have been so supportive and patient! We’ve received some incredible feedback from our partners, customers, and sales teams.”