Welcome
Letter from the Editor
Creative Quarter
The Joy of Art and Technology in Storytelling...
An Introduction
Matt Moate
CREATIVE QUARTER
Immersive Me
Creative Insights
Unique, Memorable Moments...
Experience counts
A Dozen Years of Dreams
From the EMEA Team
The Wonder of Florence
From the US Team
Nashville, the Music City
Have you considered
Scotland
Our View
Best Practices Working in a Clients' Office
Intro
Letter from the Editor
Tom Oliver

Welcome to our latest edition of The Ivory Dispatch, where we aim to create a space for inspiration and sharing new destinations, trends, and innovation.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, one thing is clear: brand experience events are no longer just about spectacle - they’re about significance.

This year, we’ve seen a shift towards more intimate, purpose-driven activations. From conferences and roadshows to C-suite leadership events, brands are focusing less on size and more on impact. Personalization, sustainability, and cultural alignment are driving the most memorable moments.

The best brand events now feel less like marketing - and more like meaningful connection; redefining what it means to engage, inspire, and build trust with their partners, clients, and colleagues.

We've reflected this in our current issue, showcasing some bespoke destinations, niche impactful tech, and an article on the joy of art in storytelling.

As always, thank you,
Tom and all at Ivory

Best wishes,
Robbie and everyone at Ivory

CREATIVE QUARTER

The Joy of Art and Technology in Storytelling...

Kalkul campaign for Coca-Cola BJI. kalkul.com

Kalkul

This consumer-oriented technology is pushing boundaries to engage meaningfully and inspire the B2B world. Our creative team is currently exploring how we can collaborate with Kalkul to create an offering around bringing websites into the AR space - it’s an exciting time, with technology moving at pace and one that, as an industry, demands attention.

Explore

Seeing Echos in the Mind of the Whale

Intelligent storytelling at its best, in our opinion, if you get the chance we recommend a visit to ‘Seeing Echoes in the Mind of the Whale’ in Barcelona. We love the way Tom Mustill was able to bring his background as a biologist into his new passion as a filmmaker and writer - creating a story where people and nature meet.

Explore

Seeing Echoes in the Mind of the Whale - The Ocean Speaks Exhibition, DHub Barcelona. marshmallowlaserfeast.com

“Thank you for all of your incredible work to make this an incredibly successful event.”

Global Meetings & Events Team Colleagues
TCCC

Wave Tank

The approach of using data, insights, and artistic direction is such an authentic and multisensory experience. We recently used this approach for an AI powered installation to showcase one of our clients’ new artificial intelligence offerings to their customers. A permanent example of bringing this data-led creative to life is a project for HPE.

Explore

an introduction

Matt Moate

...one of our Senior Art Directors says hello...
Hi, I’m Matt, an art director at Ivory.

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, I have more than two decades of experience as a designer. My first job was illustrating for The Face, and since then I’ve made music videos, directed fashion shoots, developed brands, designed restaurants and created immersive experiences.

As a multidisciplinary creative, I've worked with many global brands and national institutions, helping them find new ways to engage and delight audiences through architecture, film, graphic design, illustration and multimedia installations. I’ve directed ballet for Nike, designed digital wayfinding for the Imperial War Museum, and created an interactive wave machine for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. I’m a keen experimenter in my work, and as an artist-filmmaker. I’ve exhibited globally at the ICA, Barbican, MoMu Fashion Museum, Center for Architecture, and the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Since joining Ivory, I’ve had a central role in shaping the company’s creative output, delivering innovative creative for our clients. Our aim within the creative department is to always push for the unexpected and make creative use of technology.

And when I’m not in front of a computer, I can be found making furniture.
Creative Quarter

Immersive-me

Ivory x IME have been exploring how to enhance brand experiences through creative technology and storytelling.
The video is of a project which recently won a Telly Award. It dives into the research and narrative behind the work, shows the fast turnaround, and highlights both the brand reach and the millions of visitors it attracted. It's a wonderful example of how to bring an immersive experience that chimes with our belief in the details making something truly special. It brings a fresh view while remaining grounded in the culture and traditions. From the spectacular visuals to the soundscape and the smells, we think they nailed it.

See more here

Creative Quarter

Unique, memorable moments...

Explore the creative studio's approach to campaign identity creation and see it in action at last year's event in Dubai

Explore

EXPERIENCE COUNTS

A Dozen Years of Dreams:

We Look Back at Twelve Years in the US

The Coeur d'Alene Resort

As an agency, our central mission has always been to show up and deliver to the highest of standards wherever our clients are. An office in the U.S. signalled our commitment to global scale and service excellence beyond our HQ in London, reinforcing trust with our multinational clients who demand consistent quality and strategic alignment across all key markets.

-
A tranquil setting... right out of a movie!
It's been twelve years now since we landed in the vibrant heart of New York City, full of big ideas and even bigger ambitions. We chose NYC as our first US base due to its electric energy, which we are still enchanted by today. Over time, our new operations allowed Ivory to tap into the vibrant creative, tech, and production ecosystems across cities like New York, Austin, Miami, and San Francisco (among others) - further enhancing our ability to deliver cutting-edge, locally resonant brand experiences.
It takes time to build and we ensured we built the team with a razor focus on the needs of our clients. Through this considered and client focused approach, our reach has grown, delivering hundreds of events across the US, Canada, and Mexico. We now have the privilege of partnering with a client list that fills us with immense pride, transforming visions into unforgettable experiences across North America, and beyond.
Experience counts when working in one of the most dynamic and competitive environments in the world, and after twelve years, we have built a team that our clients trust as experts. And yet, we have only just got started! Ivory continues to listen, learn, and challenge conventions to ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation and delivery. This year, after listening to the needs of some of our key clients, we celebrated the opening of a new office in Houston - so we can continue to support them better, year after year.
Cougar Bay Lodge.
To our incredible team, our valued clients, and our steadfast partners across the Americas: thank you. Thank you for making these past dozen years not just special, but truly extraordinary. Your trust, collaboration, and dedication have been the bedrock of our success. We can't wait to see what comes next.
From our emea team

The Wonder of Florence

Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, offers an unparalleled blend of culture, history, and sophistication - perfect for executive-level gatherings with your valued partners, clients and colleagues.
The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italty.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts world-class venues nestled among iconic Renaissance landmarks, creating an inspiring backdrop for productive meetings and unforgettable team experiences. From intimate strategy sessions in boutique hotels to larger conferences in state-of-the-art facilities, Florence caters to various corporate needs.

After hours, attendees can network while savouring Tuscan cuisine, exploring the Uffizi Gallery, or marvelling at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – cultivating connections and memories that extend far beyond the boardroom.
Why do we love it?
held in Florence. supported by Ivory
We recently took some of our clients’ partners to the city, where they enjoyed a meticulously planned program that combined business with the rich cultural offerings of Florence.

Guests stayed at the luxurious Hotel Savoy, perfectly located in the city centre for a full Firenze experience. The culinary journey included traditional Tuscan cuisine at local favourites like Za Za and Cucina Torcicoda. A wine tasting at Il Cavaliere – Castello Di Gabbiano provided stunning views of the Tuscan hills and an opportunity to sample exquisite wines.
Sample exquisite wines at II Cavaliere – Castello Di Gabbiano

“Thank you for all of your incredible work to make this an incredibly successful event.”

Global Meetings & Events Team Colleagues
TCCC
Ivory Support included:
Comprehensive transportation
Including airport transfers and shuttles to meetings and dinners.
coordinated accommodations
Ensuring comfort and convenience.
Engagements
Organised unique dining experiences and engaging excursions.
Gifting
Selected special gifts that went beyond typical swag, offering a unique nod to the culture.
FROM our US Team

Nashville,
Music City

A vibrant downtown Nashville.

Tuning in to the unforgettable southern spirit of Tennessee

Soaking up the Southern charm of the Nashville music scene.
Street Musician from Nashville
We held an event for a blockchain company who were looking to host an exclusive event on the side of the Bitcoin Conference. The location was Nashville, the vibrant capital of Tennessee. Famously the "Music City," Nashville offers an energetic atmosphere that inspires creativity and fosters collaboration which we think deserves a second look, even if you have been there before.
State-of-the-art convention centres and a variety of unique venues provide versatile spaces for meetings of all sizes, while the city's famous honky-tonks and legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry offer entertainment for after-hours networking.Opening in 2025, the Nashville Yards will host an array of exciting new meeting spaces!
Opening in 2025, the Nashville Yards will host an array of exciting new meeting spaces!

Immerse yourselves and your guests in the local culture through activities such as songwriting workshops or tours of historic recording studios. Any Jon Bon Jovi fans out there can visit the new JBJ Bar.

And of course, the city's culinary scene, from upscale farm-to-table restaurants to classic Southern barbecue joints - Butcher and Bee is not to be missed!
Stationairy, Nashville. stationairynashville.com
Have you considered...

Have you thought about... Scotland?

We have recently rediscovered the wonders of Scotland, including the stunning Gleneagles Hotel - historic 5-star hotel with excellent meeting facilities and even its own train station!

Scotland captivates with its rugged beauty and rich heritage.
The stunning Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland.
From Edinburgh's historic castle perched atop volcanic rock to the misty shores of Loch Ness, this land of legends provides an inspiring setting for innovative thinking and team building. Imagine brainstorming sessions in a centuries-old castle, networking amid the stunning landscapes of the Highlands, or fostering collaboration on a world-class golf course. Scotland's diverse venues range from cutting-edge city conference centres to secluded country estates. By day, engage in productive meetings; by evening, bond over whisky tastings or traditional ceilidh dances.
From Edinburgh's historic castle perched atop volcanic rock to the misty shores of Loch Ness, this land of legends provides an inspiring setting for innovative thinking and team building. Imagine brainstorming sessions in a centuries-old castle, networking amid the stunning landscapes of the Highlands, or fostering collaboration on a world-class golf course. Scotland's diverse venues range from cutting-edge city conference centres to secluded country estates. By day, engage in productive meetings; by evening, bond over whisky tastings or traditional ceilidh dances.
OUR VIEW

Best practices...

We understand that working in a client's offices rather than a private venue presents unique opportunities and challenges.
The stunning Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland.
For your business meeting needs, take a look at the stunning Gleneagles Hotel. A historic 5-star hotel with excellent meeting facilities and its own train station, just an hour from Edinburgh by car with access to direct trains and flights from across EMEA to Edinburgh making it a convenient destination. It offers unique activities such as 4×4 driving, spa treatments, and fishing providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
At Ivory, we have 15+ years of experience working on a variety of size, scale and seniority of events with HP Inc., amongst others. We've even built brand destinations, permanent Customer Innovation Centres, for Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Zurich, London and Houston. 

It is essential to work closely with our clients to ensure a smooth process for employees and guests alike. We believe in the power of bringing audiences on-site as a means to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to their success, building trust and rapport.

There are some fundamental principles to this:
  • Deeper Immersion: Be open. Your audience gains a more intimate understanding of your culture and what makes the company tick by coming to your office, helping to build stronger relationships.
  • Early Onboarding: Communication. It is crucial that your agency partner aligns with in-house teams early and learns how internal processes, hours of operations, services booking systems, and visitor protocols are handled so they can be incorporated into planning from the start.
Getting closer to art in Fotografiska.
Getting closer to art in Fotografiska.
  • Clear Scope of Work: Efficiency. We precisely define roles and responsibilities early to ensure no duplication, making life easier for you and ensuring time and cost efficiency.
  • Common Areas: Respectful. We are always mindful in shared spaces (kitchens, break rooms) so as to limit any disruption.
  • Confidentiality: Secure. We understand that this is paramount - it's a given with us. Anywhere and always.
By adhering to these best practices, our team can become a seamless, productive extension of yours, fostering strong relationships and successful project outcomes.
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