Red Gate Software SQL in the City Event
Red Gate Software “SQL in the City” event
The Occasion
On July 15th 2011 One Wimpole Street hosted “SQL in the City” an event organised and executed by Redgate software. This event was the first in the series of global events, the second being in Los Angeles October 28th 2011.
The purpose
To host a day of SQL server (a Microsoft © database platform) the Redgate way
Who was invited and why?
Redgate customers – (a variety of individuals from various sectors who use Redgate tools to support their businesses) and the SQL Server
community. “This event would allow us to engage with our community and allow them to gain valuable training from experts to take back to their jobs.” according to Annabel Bradford Communities and Events manager for Redgate.
What did the event consist of?
350 developers and IT professionals were invited to One Wimpole street where the venue was transformed by some ingenious branding. Splashed with the corporate red from top to bottom in the atrium, the guests were treated to a continental breakfast, while chatting to Redgate specialists, dotted around the venue using digital infopod stations. The main sessions utilised the hi specification capabilities of the Main Lecture theatre, from streaming video to our 1080 HD projection.
After being treated to a delicious 2 course buffet of Poached salmon fillet with caper, pak choi and lemon vinaigrette, Goats cheese and marmalade tart with Bramley apple tart, fresh strawberries and c ream, and coffee; the sun broke out from the clouds and illuminated the atrium on what turned out to be a very sunny and hot day.
To top the day off the guests were treated to a networking drinks reception featuring Redgate’s own branded beer, and with bottles of their own branded hot sauce (it was extremely hot!) to give the event their own personal stamp, and to give the attendees a great keepsake to take away with them
What was your logic in choosing One Wimpole Street in particular?
Researching the range of conference spaces in London there were many to choose from.” says Bradford. “One Wimpole street was in a
central location, had the right sized rooms, had a central space to allow attendees to network with each other during break times. The red seats in the main lecture theatre were ideal because our brand colours are red! The food was great value for money and the staff were extremely helpful on the day.
Having not organised our own conference before it was ideal to have someone available (Craig and his team) who knew about our event and what we wanted and could ensure everything was done correctly.”
Did the event achieve what it set out to do?
Absolutely. The feedback we received was incredible, they enjoyed the event and the venue complimented this. The venue is such a big part of how delegates evaluate an event overall, so it was very important that this was spot on. And it was, perfect
Some of the feedback from delegates who attended
Venue facilities: 98% were ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ with the venue facilities
Refreshments & Lunch: 94% were ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’
98% of attendees would attend another SQL in the City event next year –overall a great success!
Here are some comments from the Red Gate team:
“Food was great, staff were really good and helpful”
“Venue was attractive, good size and different areas easily accessible”
“Perfect, they handed it like pro’s and thought it looked the nuts! (no negatives”)
“Good choice of venue, liked the fact that we seemed to have the whole place to ourselves and not too corporate”