Owned by Hero Brands since 2017, German Doner Kebab (GDK) is an international kebab chain specialising in German doner kebabs. For the third consecutive year, Conference Craft was chosen as the event production company for GDK’s Annual Conference. Held at the historic Midland Hotel in Manchester, this event required a creative departure from standard corporate formats, tasked with bringing a unique ‘Greatest Showman’ theme to life.
The client’s vision was to create a truly immersive experience that energised franchisees and suppliers. The brief demanded a complete transformation of the venue to match the high-energy theme while ensuring the brand remained central to the design.
Immersive Atmosphere: The primary goal was to transport attendees inside a ‘Big Top’ circus environment.
Brand Integration: The theatrical elements needed to reflect GDK’s corporate identity rather than using generic circus decor.
Cohesive Experience: The theme needed to flow seamlessly from the main presentation room into the networking and expo areas.
The challenge lay in executing high-concept event theming within a traditional hotel ballroom. We needed to build a structure that mimicked the architecture of a circus tent without compromising the sightlines or the technical functionality required for a business conference.
Conference Craft delivered a comprehensive set design and build solution that blended theatrical flair with corporate precision.
Bespoke ‘Big Top’ Design: We created a custom ‘Big Top’ structure within the main presentation space. This featured custom-created striped draping, specifically colour-matched to reflect GDK’s corporate colours, ensuring the theme felt proprietary to the brand.
Immersive Networking Area: The design extended beyond the stage. We furnished the walkways of the networking expo with branded white voile, creating a light, ethereal atmosphere that guided delegates through the space.
Lighting & Atmosphere: To support the theme, we utilised dynamic lighting to accentuate the drapes and create the dramatic ambience associated with the ‘Greatest Showman’ concept.
Technical Production: As with all our live or hybrid events, the theatrical elements were supported by robust audio and visual infrastructure to ensure clear communication during presentations.
The result was a cohesive and memorable corporate event that delighted all attendees. By successfully integrating bold event theming with practical venue management, we ensured the GDK Annual Conference was not just a meeting, but a spectacular experience.
Do you have an annual corporate conference that you need help with? Conference Craft has over 40 years of experience in the event production industry, and we’ll take the stress out of event planning for you.