Case study
Søster X BMW Group UK - South Africa "An event to never forget"
Brief: BMW Group UK were looking to foster deeper relationships between the retailer network and senior management at the BMW Retailer Convention 2023 - BMW’s largest global corporate event. The event needed to provide a series of unforgettable experiences.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa.
Delegates: 392 members of BMW's retailer network and senior management.
How
Conceptualised to nurture inter-divisional relationships across the business, and communicate BMW’s vision for the next three years, søster designed and delivered a dual program that spanned Cape Town's most captivating destinations.
Catering to 392 investors and owners, heads of Business, and their partners, required coordinating international flights and conflicting schedules. søster staggered arrivals and departures, with three core overlap days for everyone to come together.
Experiences
Team-building activities were taken out of the typical boardroom environment and set amidst Cape Town’s stunning landscapes, with guests whisked away to Constantia for a tasting and dinner in Buitenverwatching Wine Estate’s 250-year-old cellar.
A jazz garden party on the slopes of Table Mountain set the scene for memorable networking, where søster had privatised Kirstenbosch Gardens to create a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.
Cultural encounters were woven into the itinerary too. A traditional Braai dinner held at Cape Point Vineyards and a private tour of Robben Island sparked meaningful discussion, connection and introspection.
Business
The convention was held at Maker’s Landing, a reimagined ferry terminal now serving as a hotbed for the city’s thriving food scene.
While presentations by the management committee informed attendees of BMW’s future strategy, what truly galvanised and inspired was a motivational talk by Nelson Mandela's private secretary, Zelda la Grange.
By spoiling guests with money-can't-buy experiences, BMW, together with søster, was able to etch unforgettable moments into the already inspiring experience.
The convention showcased the agency’s expertise in brand experience innovation and global event management, but even more so, exemplified how corporate events that blend key business aims with luxury and unique cultural experiences can bring about transformation for both individuals and businesses.
From the client
“A huge thank you to the whole team for an event to never forget.
There was so much hard work, care and passion from everyone involved. The verbatim from our Retailers has been beyond our wildest dreams."
James Morrison, head of experiential and partnerships, at BMW Group UK.
About søster
We help luxury brands to connect, motivate and inspire brand affiliates and customers by leveraging travel’s innate power to build deeper connections. As the sister agency to Black Tomato, we have a unique understanding of the world of travel and unparalleled access to industry insights, which enables us to deliver impactful creative content, brand strategy and global experiences.
