Event Architecture and Design Conference 2009
Organiser Facility Media
Venue Mira Hong Kong
Delegates 90
Date May 14-15

THE BRIEF
The Architecture and Design Conference is a new event that organiser Facility Media wanted to establish as the best of its nature in the region. It was important to secure high-quality speakers and provide an impressive programme at a sophisticated venue.

CHALLENGES
To begin sourcing speakers, organisers approached their contacts primarily through RFP, its magazine on the built environment. The list of speakers eventually included industry heavyweights Sir Peter Cook and Thomas Heatherwick, as well as regional leaders such as Silas Chiow. These architects and designers work on many projects all over the world, so it was difficult to coordinate travel schedules while simultaneously ensuring the right mix.

Ashford Pritchard, conference producer and editor at Facility Media, says Hong Kong was chosen because most of the speakers have projects underway there and the city was also easily accessible for regional delegates.

EXECUTION
The conference needed a number of spaces in addition to the main conference room. This included an area for sponsors’ exhibits, breakout rooms for media interviews and two registration desks. It was also important the refreshment area allowed delegates, sponsors and speakers to network.

“Mira worked with us to ensure each of the different areas flowed in and out of the main venue without causing congestion and confusion,” says Pritchard. RFP magazine also held an awards dinner on the first evening. Mira designed a unique lighting concept and a live band provided entertainment.

COMMENT
Pritchard says: “We chose Mira Hong Kong because of its recent transformation into a design-driven hotel, the flexibility and quality of its meeting space, and its reasonable price.”

Alfred Yeung, group property development director for Melco, says: “The conference was most refreshing and thought provoking.”