Gates partners' meeting in Wrocław: when dialogue creates engagement

Gates Corporation gathered its key partners in Wrocław for this year's DAC Conference, a meeting about listening, acting and growing together.

With a format built on dialog, experience and clear follow-up, they showed what it means to really "walk the talk".

Background information

Gates is a world-leading industrial manufacturer with a strong partner network in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Every year, the company's key dealers gather for a meeting - the DAC Conference - to strengthen cooperation, share experiences and discuss the future together.

For Gates, the meeting is not just about presenting news, but about building long-term relationships and showing that you really do what you say, that you "walk the talk".

After two successful meetings in Barcelona (2022) and Athens (2023) Contrast was commissioned to create this year's edition for the third year in a row - this time in Wrocław, Poland.

 

Challenge

The DAC meeting is a key part of Gates' work with its partners. It gives them direct insight into how the collaboration is working, what the needs are and how the company can improve.

But creating real engagement requires more than traditional presentations and numbers on screen.

Gates wanted to show that they are not just listening - but acting. That they follow up on previous promises and continue to develop cooperation in the right direction. In short: that they walk the talk.

 

Solution

We created a meeting experience built on conversation, responsiveness and participation.

The format was relaxed but well thought out, with on-stage interviews, short presentations, filmed segments and round table discussions where everyone had their say. The dramaturgy we had previously developed for Gates - inspired by talk show formats and focusing on dialog - was further refined.

To deepen the relationships between the participants, the program also included a study visit to Gates' modern production facility, an appreciated meeting with the company's Customer Service team and team-building activitiesthat strengthened cooperation across national borders.

We also filled the program with pre-recorded films, vignettes and visual transitions that enhanced the overall experience and gave the meeting a professional, cohesive look.

 

Outcome

This year's DAC meeting was another milestone in the collaboration between Gates and its partners.

Both internally and externally, the event received fantastic feedback: on the content, pace, stage production and overall feel. Several participants highlighted how professionally everything worked, from the logistics to the program and the meeting app that held the days together.

"The whole event went flawlessly and the feedback I am getting is that we really are 'Walking the Talk'. I see a group of partners increasingly engaged with us... You DID it!!!!"

- Ian Dent, Senior Director, Gates

For Gates, the DAC meeting is more than just a conference. It is a way to listen, act and grow together with their retailerswhich ultimately strengthens both business and loyalty.

 

 

About the collaboration between Gates and Contrast

  • 2022, Barcelona: Contrast developed a completely new meeting concept. From classic powerpoint presentations to moderated talks and talk show formats.

  • 2023, Athens: The concept was further developed with even more focus on script, dramaturgy and interactivity.

  • 2024, Wrocław: The third edition further refined the format with filmed elements, visual transitions and team building.

A long-term plan gets results. Gates continues to show what it means to truly walk the talk.

 

Project Manager: Ola Comstedt
Production Manager: Julia Gustafson Berg