The Brief

Symbiosis was approached by UK Hospitality to manage their annual Christmas lunch in December 2019 at The Old Billingsgate. UKH is the lead trade association in the hospitality industry, acting as the voice for some of the UK’s best loved hospitality brands. We came up with an exciting concept consisting of creative sponsor bars, delicious catering and eye-catching interior to create an unforgettable event. This represented itself as a challenge that required logistics, precise planning and a touch of creative flair.

Our Response

Symbiosis fully branded sponsor bars, including big industry names such as Koppaberg, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker. There was an open plan bar area where a drinks reception treated guests on arrival and a further room with 120 decorated dining tables, and a main stage where speeches and a performance from a top UK comedienne would take place.

UKH and Symbiosis worked with Ultimate Experience to deliver table service, fine-dining style catering, and a custom design drinks app that was available for guests to place their orders throughout the afternoon. The app ensured the smooth distribution of a variety of vibrant drinks, from passion fruit martinis to draft beer and cider. Along with event planning, Symbiosis produced branding for the entire venue, showcasing UKH as well as classic SKY artwork across the front entrance and reception area. We also managed brochure printing, ticket distribution and event staffing.

Delivery

The Symbiosis production team arrived on-site and successfully installed the graphics and branding followed by the timely set up of the main bar and stage area. They oversaw the delivery and set up of all sponsor bars and worked with the venue AV team to run through all stage rehearsals. Our team were on site for the full day managing all logistics whilst also lending a helping hand on reception to greet the 1200 guests for an afternoon of festive celebrations.