Northstar

Jan-Feb 2016 53 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com was created for the delegates, who were split into 14 teams with different routes to explore. This was done by partnering with SwarmWorks, a consultancy that employs interactive technologies to transform traditional conventions and conferences into dynamic experiences. EXPERIENCE The delegates were kept in the dark about their City Mission until the final hour when they were ushered into a room and told about the activity. They were then split into 14 teams interact with the locals. Chat functions between the teams and the game master were activated to make the game experience more interactive. Photo tasks were also part of the experience, enabling delegates to use those photos as a fun element during the event's closing session. To align the experience of the City Mission with the conference theme, questions raised during the meetings and workshops were addressed during the task-solving segments as well. This allowed the client to bring the big picture into perspective in a fun and memorable way. Completing the cultural experience of the City Mission was a city cruise on board a yakatabune. It provided the setting for a scenic backdrop accompanied by music, merry making, wining and dining. FEEDBACK The client felt that they were able to maximise their short time in Tokyo in the best possible way, with a programme that allowed them to explore different parts of the city. This project was an example of a totally customised product that involved a lot of work beforehand, and it turned out to be a unique experience for the client, who emphasised that it was the best programme by far. TALKING POINT The interactive element of the programme was a hit, whether it was during the City Mission or during the meetings and workshops where delegates were able to use technology to participate. It was an intensive conference that was uplifted by the innovative approach. and briefed on the routes they had to cover in the city, with specific tasks to complete along the way. After which the teams were tracked by the "game master "via GPS as they made their way around the city. The delegates were equipped with iPads, iPhones and GPS routers as well as city day passes as they went about solving their assigned missions without relying on the internet. These missions involved exploring different locales in the city as they "unlocked tasks" at each point, with each task designed to give delegates the opportunity to Clockwise from top: Exploring Tokyo at full speed ahead and engaging in cultural must-dos

• Cover