Osprey Packs European Sales Meeting

The challenge here was to host Osprey and their UK + European staff and distributors for their annual European Sales meeting to ensure that all sales teams across different European regions are aligned with the company’s overall sales strategy, goals, and messaging. So we set to work on the following elements.

• Destination research with easy access from across Europe and the UK
• Venue research catering for 70 people with conference facilities and food on-site
• Transport logistics for up to 70 people arriving/departing at various times
• Accommodation for 70 people each with their own rooms 
• Outdoor activity for up to 70 people
• Storage of goods and POS post-event
   

There were many elements here that needed careful planning to ensure a smooth event, something our DMC team on the ground in Europe are well versed in and what would later prove to be pivotal to the success of the Sales meeting on this occasion. 

"We met Rich and the Atlas crew at a tradeshow early in 2024, the timing couldn’t be perfect as we were looking to plan our European Sales meeting. Previously we organised these meetings in house which took a lot of time and resource, and we knew we needed a partner. Rich and the Team met and surpassed every requirement and expectation. Atlas supported with everything from coach transfers, hotel liaisons, logistics, accommodation, and onsite support, all in the truly beautiful resort of Morzine. Atlas’ extensive local knowledge and relationships with local business coupled with their combined years of experience truly enhanced the event for the Osprey team and our guests, nothing was too much for the team and Atlas truly delivered – Thank you all so much!"

Sean Laverick / Brand Marketing Manager / Osprey Europe

Osprey wanted several options for the destination including a city centre option to make it super accessabile for people traveling from different countries. We looking into Geneva, Insbruck, Annecy and many more but we knew the first destination we were going to propose was Morzine in the Portes du Soleil. And why you might ask, well, when an outdoor brands wants to inspire it's sales team and staff they need to do it in an inspiring enviroment that represent what the brand stands for and showcases their products. Tech companies should be in the city, adventure brands in the mountains, it just works. 

Morzine is located just one hour from Geneva airport meaning all attendees can access the venue with multiple international flights coming in and out each day! Geneva airport is located only minutes from the city centre also meaning guests can arrive early and spend sometime in the city before traveling to the event. 

With the need to host up to 75 people, each with their own room the search for a big hotel (with conference facilities) was on! As Morzine is a ski resort during the winter months and a multi-sport summer destination hosting events such as the Tour de France we knew we had the right accommodation options. With our extensive network of accommodation partners that we utilise for our Mountain bike and Ski companies we sent some emails and soon had a solution. The hotel was happy to open exclusively for our client, provide a full conference package and food options with a fully licenced and managed bar on site. This was the perfect solution!  

Far too many sales meetings are held in conference rooms with no windows in a conference-specific hotel, the guests end up staying in the hotel for the duration of the conferences and by the end of it feel suffocated and drained. There is nothing wrong with this if it is a one-day event but for multi-day events with break-out areas and multi-product experiences, there needs to be more available at the hotel and off-site to keep everyone's energy up and enthusiasm high. 

We ensured that we left the hotel several times during the 3-day event, once for the big hike and once for some drinks in an awesome bar with a terrace and waterfall next to it, views of the mountains and a change of scenery! People talked on the walk, socialised at the new venue and returned to the hotel ready for a good feed and a few more drinks.

Being an inspiring and active outdoor brand we knew Osprey would want some additional activities added into the mix. For 75 people this was never going to be an easy task as they wanted to keep everyone together. Suggestions of a lake swim, paddle boarding, mountain biking and many more were thrown around but they involved a little too much logistics on a tight timeline so a big hike was on the cards. The hike would depart from the hotel and with 4 professional guides there were 3 different route options once we had passed the stunning Nyon Cascade Waterfall. This allowed those who had earlier flights and long drives the ability to head off yet still enjoy a version of the hike! 

If you operate within the outdoor industry with climbing, skiing, mountain biking or a product-focused business hosting your annual sales event in the mountains or an outdoor environment is a surefire way to motivate and inspire your team. Drop us an email and we will do the rest!