Impact Story: Transforming a National Sales Meeting into an Unforgettable Experience

The Challenge

A leading global company with more than 60,000 employees needed to host its annual National Sales Meeting. A high-stakes event designed to train, inspire, and recognize top performers. The client came to SDI with a highly restrictive budget, yet big expectations: to create a seamless experience for 3,000 attendees, across two hotels, accommodate extensive breakout and general sessions, and deliver engaging, on-brand moments from start to finish. 

Our Approach

SDI leveraged long-standing relationships with premier hotels and destination management companies to source the right location and secure competitive pricing. We built a comprehensive plan that addressed every detail. From registration and air travel to customized reporting, VIP care, to themed evening events. SDI ensured a smooth journey for attendees and peace of mind for the client.

Key execution highlights included:

• One cohesive program: A main general session plus 10 business unit general sessions and 700 breakout sessions, all under two roofs.
  
  
• VIP support: A single point of contact. An SDI Account Manager provided personalized management from airport arrival through departure.
  
  
• Efficient travel logistics: Our Air Department booked 3,000 flights in just six weeks, optimizing each flight for lowest fares and most direct routes.

Memorable & Engaging Experiences

We infused creativity and innovation to elevate every touchpoint:

• Immersive meeting environments: Including Theater in the Round seating and stadium-style viewing for an operating room simulation.
  
  
• Hands-on interactive sessions: “CSI”-themed breakout where attendees became detectives.
  
  
• Vibrant evening events: Privatizing city blocks and venues (including full buyouts of well-known spaces like Jason Aldean’s and Luke Bryan’s) to bring five distinct themes to life:
  
  
  • Sports Night with golf simulators and ping pong
    
    
  • Country Hoe-Down with line dance instruction
    
    
  • Piano Bar with craft food and cocktails
    
    
  • Casino Night with blackjack, roulette, and prizes
    
    
  • Dance Club with DJ and techno dance floor
    
    
• Purpose-driven team building: Engaging activities like assembling military care packages, creating hurricane preparedness kits, and racing custom Lego cars.
  
  

Results

Despite evolving agendas, last-minute changes, and strict budget constraints, SDI delivered a flawless meeting experience that earned rave reviews, including frequent “best meeting ever” feedback from attendees and stakeholders. 

Our team’s ability to innovate under pressure, maintain cost control, and personalize the experience for thousands of participants reinforced a 32-year partnership with this client, and strengthened SDI’s reputation for executing large-scale, complex events with precision and creativity.