Corporate

Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner 2024
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Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner 2024

Designing for the Future: The Creative Vision Behind the 2024 Chamber Gala Dinner

The 2024 Chamber Gala Dinner in Guernsey was more than just an evening of networking and celebration—it was a call to action. With the theme "People and Planet," the event, in association with Specsavers, provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the future of business, sustainability, and the well-being of our island community.

As a graphic designer, working on this prestigious event was both a creative challenge and an exciting opportunity to visually represent a powerful message. The words of our keynote speaker, Mary Portas, who challenged us to think about the legacy we want to create and the transformation we could drive together, were the driving force behind the design concept. From the first sketches to the final execution, every element of the design was crafted to inspire attendees and reinforce the evening’s theme.

The Vision: Building Blocks for a Better Future

The heart of the event design was a building block pattern. This concept was a visual metaphor for the future we hope to create for Guernsey—one that is sustainable, thriving, and united. Each block within the pattern represented one of the core pillars of the event: people, planet, and business. By using this illustration-based design, I wanted to communicate the idea that, just as individual blocks come together to form something greater, each of us has a role in building a prosperous and sustainable future for our island.

These building blocks weren’t just decorative; they were a tool to bring the theme of "People and Planet" to life. From the web hero images to the social media campaigns and the event-day graphics displayed on large LED walls and TV screens, the design was consistent and immersive. The building blocks were featured across every visual element, from the event programs to the table name cards and placenames, ensuring that the evening’s message was reinforced at every turn. One of the most rewarding parts of this project was the opportunity to illustrate the event’s speakers detailed on each of their introduction screens.

The People and Planet Award

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural People and Planet Award. This new accolade celebrates businesses and individuals making a significant impact on both the environment and society. I was thrilled to design the branding and promotional materials for this award, which were presented on the same screens as the speaker illustrations. The award itself was a beautiful representation of the event’s core values—recognizing and rewarding those who are actively shaping a greener, fairer future.

Sustainability in Every Detail

In keeping with the People and Planet theme, we took great care to ensure that every print material produced for the event reflected our commitment to sustainability. All the event’s printed materials, from the programs to the placenames and table numbers, were produced on a carbon-neutral printing press using sustainable recycled materials. This eco-conscious choice not only aligned with the event’s theme but also ensured that every piece of collateral, no matter how small, contributed to the broader goal of environmental responsibility.

Acknowledging Our Partners and Sponsors

No event of this scale would be possible without the support of partners and sponsors, and the Chamber Gala Dinner was no exception. A huge thank you to Specsavers, our event partner, and to all of the generous sponsors: Carey Olsen, Sure, Bovill Newgate, UN1TY, and Little Green. Their support helped bring this vision to life and enabled us to create an experience that resonated deeply with attendees.

Conclusion

The 2024 Chamber Gala Dinner was not just an event; it was a statement. A statement about the future we want to build for Guernsey, driven by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability. As a designer, it was incredibly rewarding to take part in crafting this experience. By using design to highlight the themes of people, planet, and business, I hope I contributed to an evening that inspired action and left everyone thinking about the future we can create together.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all those who made this event possible. The future is ours to build—let’s make it a green, thriving, and beautiful one.

With thanks to Chris George for the room photography

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What We Did
Branding Presentation screens Drinks reception screens LED wall table plan Programmes Social media campaign Website hero Table numbers Placenames