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SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION AT WORLD OF COFFEE 2023

Hanging and floor LED screens for a dynamic visual element U-shaped tunnel to exhibit a drone

Client:

Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

Venue:

Dubai World Trade Center

scale:

10,000 sqm

For SCA's event at the World of Coffee (WOC) held in Zabeel 5 & 6 from January 10-13, 2023, DXB Live set ambitious goals and fulfilled all requirements to improve the event experience. Aiming to surpass the previous footfall, the target was set to increase attendance from 7,500 to an impressive 10,000 visitors. Alongside boosting visitor numbers, a significant enhancement in the event's scale was achieved by increasing the number of exhibitors, expanding the event across more halls, and broadening the international presence of both exhibitors and attendees. Introducing innovative features was a key strategy to refresh and uplift the brand annually. This year saw the debut of a lecture stage and an SCA community lounge, complemented by fully automated sessions and workshops seamlessly integrated into the event layout. The inclusion of the Coffee Design Award (CDA) and Best New Product (BNP) awards further highlighted the event's prestige, with all features doubled in size to cater to the highly specialised and niche market of specialty coffee. Ultimately, the event exceeded expectations, welcoming 10,000 visitors, 223 exhibitors, and participants from 48 countries, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of excellence. Working closely with the client, our creative design team and strategist developed a comprehensive brand book and identity, ensuring consistent brand alignment across all platforms. Additionally, we collaborated with the marketing team to enhance the SCA brand's presence in the market. Our efforts included increasing social media visibility, offering special rates for SCA members, and managing all logistical aspects of flights and accommodations. We successfully delivered the SCA lounge tailored to the client's specifications. We created a fully automated, private session space as a turnkey solution for SCA to accommodate last-minute requests. This space was designed to showcase selective products, including machinery and beans, to an invitation-only audience. Furthermore, we managed all logistics related to SCA zones, including the international shipping of specific equipment.

Scope

Our services encompassed various offerings, including exhibitions experiences, and main contracting. We provided creative technology solutions and marketing and promotion services to boost visibility and engagement. Sales and sponsorship were key areas of our expertise, supported by modular systems and comprehensive fabrication workshops. Our technical production capabilities were top-notch, covering audio, video, and lighting to create immersive experiences. Media and broadcast services were offered alongside professional photography and videography to capture every moment. We supplied furniture and utilities, managed telecom services, and precisely executed rigging and trussing. Registration processes were handled smoothly, and our graphic and sign production added the finishing touches to the event.

Brand Development and Integration

For this event, our brand development and integration services played a crucial role in establishing a cohesive brand identity, ensuring seamless integration across all aspects of the event.

Exhibition Design and Development

The exhibition design and development were meticulously planned and executed, creating an engaging and informative space for attendees and exhibitors alike, and fostering an environment conducive to networking and knowledge exchange.

Budget management

Budget management was a key service, ensuring that all facets of the event were delivered within financial constraints without compromising on quality, enabling a cost-effective yet high-impact event.

Exhibitor Services

We provided comprehensive exhibitor services, facilitating smooth participation for all exhibitors, from logistics to on-site support, ensuring their experience was as productive and hassle-free as possible.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotion strategies were deployed to maximise event visibility and attendee engagement, utilising traditional and digital marketing tactics to reach the target audience effectively.

Sponsorship Acquisition

Sponsorship acquisition was handled adeptly, attracting key sponsors to support the event financially and in kind, adding value to the overall event experience for participants and attendees.

Security and Safety

Our security and safety measures were stringent, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees, exhibitors, and staff, prioritising their well-being throughout the event.

On-site Management

On-site management ensured the event ran smoothly, with our team overseeing operations, resolving issues promptly, and providing an optimal experience for all involved.

Post-Event Reporting and Evaluation

Post-event reporting and evaluation offered valuable insights into the event's success and areas for improvement, informing future planning and strategy development.

Production and Delivery

Production and delivery services were executed flawlessly, from staging to audio-visuals, ensuring a professional presentation and atmosphere throughout the event.

Exhibitor Management

Exhibitor management was handled efficiently, from registration to on-site support, ensuring exhibitors' needs were met and their participation was successful.

Talent Sourcing and Management

Talent sourcing and management brought in distinguished speakers and entertainers, enriching the event's content and providing attendees with memorable experiences.

Destination Management

Destination management made logistical arrangements for attendees, from accommodations to transportation, enhancing the overall experience of visiting the event location.

 

Challenges

We faced several challenges in exhibitor acquisition and management, including competition with similar shows, particularly those focused on Food & Beverage or coffee and tea, that were close in date. Engaging the right type of partners and overcoming resistance from international exhibitors added layers of complexity. Furthermore, onboarding buyers and ensuring we attracted the right audience to the show were critical to ensure that exhibitors' investments were worthwhile.

10,000+

10,000+ Visitors

223

223 Exhibitors

Solution

We implemented several strategic measures to address the challenges identified in our 2022 analytics on demographics, business types, and regions' potential for participation. We expanded our sales team and partnered with sales representatives in India, Spain, and the US, significantly leveraging the network of DXB LIVE, which includes key entities like the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Economic & Tourism Department, Khalifa Fund, Mohammed Bin Rashid SME, DMCC, and others. Our approach focused on onboarding key players and brands, maximising our digital marketing budget, and ensuring brand uplift through heavy digital involvement pre-show. We also concentrated on coverage and content development, creating a personal asset bank for long-term planning. A particular emphasis was placed on showcasing how our event was specifically tailored to specialty coffee, distinguishing it from other commodity-focused shows. We highlighted the unique features of our event, enhancing our competitive advantage over other shows in WOC Dubai. To address concerns about show size and similarities to regional shows, we communicated the industry's growth in the region, the unique and extensive ecosystem available for potential clients, and the significant volumes of imports and exports. Direct involvement from coffee associations and trade commissions of each producing country was secured. Furthermore, the team engaged in direct sessions and seminars with the farmers' association in Columbia to address their concerns firsthand. To tap into the HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés), we identified key buyers, invited them to our buyers' program, and created incentives aligned with their goals. This included creating a platform for them to meet coffee producers physically, close deals, and source the best specialty coffee for their industry. These actions collectively served as practical solutions to our challenges, setting a solid foundation for future success.

Collaboration & Results

We facilitated weekly meetings with the main SCA team members at all phases of event development. This collaborative approach ensured the thorough review of the 5-year partnership agreement, including deliverables from both sides, exhibitors and sponsorship lists, marketing plans and content, partnerships, and website development. Our commitment to detail and structured planning underscores the value and results of our services.

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