Innovation Nation
Client
Brief
To showcase the burgeoning technology and innovation sectors in the Newry, Mourne and Down district, and uncover the global powerhouses operating from within this city and wider council area
Following a competitive tender process, Lanyon was successful in its bid to develop and deliver an inaugural technology and investment conference for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area across two-days.
Supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and some of Northern Ireland’s most successful indigenous companies, including First Derivatives plc, Norbrook Laboratories and STATSports, Innovation Nation 2018 shone a light on the burgeoning tech and innovation scene in Newry and beyond.
Featuring keynote speakers such as Brian Conlon of First Derivatives, Liam Nagle of Norbrook Laboratories and Kinzen’s Mark Little, it showcased how organisations, both local and international, can use the latest innovations and technology to drive their businesses into the future.
During the event we delivered the Ascend Start-up Competition 2018, and the winner was announced at the official Innovation Nation 2018 Dinner, which was hosted in the Newry Town Hall at the end of day one.
The second day of the conference, known as Day of Ambition, saw hundreds of school students from throughout the Newry, Mourne and Down District inspired by the local business world and showcased some of the most cutting-edge innovation and technology.
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60+
units of media coverage
996k
est. coverage views
400+
delegates attended
628m
online readership
Event & Programme Management
Working with key stakeholders, we researched, identified and contacted over 30 relevant speakers to secure their commitment to attending Innovation Nation 2018, and worked with them to manage their travel/accommodation/logistics.
We had full responsibility for all staging and AV requirements, as well as all hospitality aspects of the event and successfully executed a number of complex logistical arrangements. We also managed all event photography and videography requirements throughout the conference.
Brian Conlon
CEO - First Derivatives
Helen Lennon
CEO - Secure Broadcast
Liam Nagle
CEO - Norbrook
Cathy Craig
Founder - Incisiv
Sponsorship management
We developed an attractive tiered sponsorship package system that ensured a strong return on investment for all sponsors at their respective levels – these included ‘platinum’, ‘gold’, ‘silver’ and ‘supporting partner’ levels.
We utilised our own strong networks of private sector businesses and region-wide stakeholders to sell sponsorship – often requiring Lanyon Communications to attend face-to-face meetings with the potential sponsor, as well as numerous follow-up conversations by telephone/email to convert the sponsorship.
PR & Communications
We devised the key messaging for the event, which included integrating relevant pieces of research with regards to innovation and technology, both locally and globally.
We developed and agreed a series of newsworthy media announcements, and took control of drafting all press releases, editorials, media commentaries and speaking notes, as well as liaising with the media internationally.
