CASE STUDY
Welcoming Clipsal to the tropics
Customer Background
Clipsal by Schneider Electric is Australia’s leading brand of electrical equipment and accessories. Since 1920 Clipsal by Schneider Electric has created ingenious electrical technology and solutions to power Australian homes and transform an empty place to a homeowner’s favourite space.
AMPED24
Across 4.5 days, tropical Cairns hosted AMPED24. With balmy temps of 27 degrees, close proximity to the airport, and the convenience of venues and restaurants just a 10-minute stroll apart, it was the ideal spot for Clipsal’s gathering.
Cairns was a luxurious escape for delegates, especially those from colder parts of Australia. They traded chilly temps (as low as -5°C in Tasmania) for Cairns' warm temps. The city's airy venues brought the greenery and marina views indoors, lifting everyone's spirits.
- Pia Cannon, FCM Meetings & Events Project Manager
The guest list included Clipsal Club members and employees, with partners and children also welcome. The event took place across multiple iconic locations, creating a diverse, culturally appropriate experience where all attendees could soak up everything Far North Queensland had to offer.
Objectives
Clipsal dreamed of something special for AMPED24. They weren’t after a run-of-the-mill event planner. They needed a true partner who’d roll up their sleeves and work hand-in-hand with the Clipsal team to create an unforgettable experience. The team worked closely to:
Develop an event identity aligning perfectly with Clipsal’s event theme and guidelines.
Strike the right balance between enjoyment, wellbeing, and safety.
Have a plan B ready to tackle any unforeseen hiccups or last-minute changes.
Integrate eco-friendly practices so fun doesn’t come at the planet's expense.
Our Approach
Accommodation
Event planning began eight months before the big event. With over 1,200 hotel rooms required, we didn't waste any time engaging an accommodation supplier.
Crystalbrook Collection was hands down the best accommodation supplier I've worked with. They were responsive, flexible, and incredibly accommodating to our countless requests—spa vouchers, kids club, offsite dinner ideas, transfers, room configurations, and onsite branding, you name it. Their attention to detail was second to none, and they provided us with rate cards and inventory upfront, allowing us to keep Clipsal in the know early. This resulted in over 50 attendees extending or upgrading their stays.”
- Pia Cannon
Kids Club
With various age ranges, from toddlers to teens tagging along, two tailored kids' clubs were set up.
The kids club was extremely popular, with over 50 attending. It allowed families to join AMPED24, knowing their little ones weren't far away. We included take-home gifts like hooded towels, hats, and personalised water bottles.
We also organised fun excursions and activities like scavenger hunts, magician performances, visits to the aquarium, and live wildlife presentations. A curated kid friendly menu was on offer for the whole week and for those under 4, we linked their partners in with babysitting services."
- Pia Cannon
We brought two kids. The kids club staff and activities were amazing. I can't express my gratitude to them.
- AMPED24 Attendee
The Itinerary
Day one kicked off at Hemingway’s Brewery, transforming into an Aussie-themed event with Clipsal-branded Cane Cutters beer, a photo booth, and live entertainment. The conference days featured a visual Welcome to Country, product demos, interactive displays at Clipsal Playground, games, gamification, breakout sessions, and keynotes from Saul Griffiths, David Koch, Brooke Hanson, and Dylan Alcott. The content received rave reviews, with 98% rating it as ‘very good’ or above.
People went wild for the gamification on our event app. Engagement was off the charts, with some even getting a bit too carried away. With epic incentives like a $10k travel voucher, everyone was hooked. The app's social wall also acted like the event’s Facebook feed, building a strong sense of community.”
- Pia Cannon
In the evening, attendees, including kids, explored Rainforestation Nature Park, and experienced the local Indigenous culture, indulged in roaming tapas, and took a private night tour showcasing Australian wildlife, including the infamous saltwater crocodile.
The food we organised at all venues was outstanding, consistently high-quality, and locally sourced. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, and even coffee and chocolate from the region made a huge difference in elevating the experience. Food is always an element of events that helps lift people's moods and perceptions of how well the event is going, and even as staff, I was consistently impressed."
- Pia Cannon
The event wrapped up with a leisure day on Clipsal Island, aka Green Island. Lounging on the beach, exploring the reefs by glass-bottom boat, snorkelling, or savouring the moment, there was something for everyone. Followed by the 'Tropic Luxe' gala dinner back on Cairns esplanade, packed with local flavours, entertainment, and a fire dance show before saying the final goodbyes the following day.
Challenges
Sourcing local suppliers in Cairns for expo materials, displays, bands, entertainment, and merch was tough. We overcame this by collaborating with trusted suppliers and shipping some items from Sydney.
Located 45 minutes away from Cairns by ferry and home to 120 species, Green Island has strict regulations. We worked closely with Queensland Parks to navigate and respect these rules and guarantee safety, including extra lifeguards on-island.
With 480 attendees and Cairns' size limitations, an offsite gala dinner was initially ruled out. When an endangered bird took up residence in our original marquee spot, we quickly found and set up an alternative location, which was even better.
Outcomes
77% of attendees rated Cairns as a 5-star location, highlighting its perfect fit.
Accommodation was seamless, with all billing and room setups handled effortlessly.
The event app, a key driver of engagement, was downloaded 389 times and had 239 active users.
87% of attendees rated the event as excellent, and 99% said they'd return for the next one.
Collaboration between Clipsal and FCM Meetings & Events was 10/10, with excellent alignment, communication, and on-site support.
Family members had a fantastic trip, with the kids clubs allowing parents to focus on the conference, knowing their children were well looked after.
On behalf of Schneider Electric, we have great appreciation for the exceptional service provided by FCM Meetings & Events. Throughout our collaboration, FCM Meetings & Events has consistently demonstrated attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of our travel arrangements was meticulously managed, with all the small details being a highlight and recognised by our customers.
The seamless coordination and proactive approach were instrumental in meeting our specific requirements. Their ability to adapt to our evolving needs was outstanding, and it greatly contributed to the success of this event.
Moreover, I must emphasise the seamless integration of FCM Meetings & Events team into our own. Their personable approach resonated positively with our clients as an extension of the greater Schneider Team. Their commitment to customer satisfaction were evident in every interaction, leaving a lasting impression and enhancing our overall customer experience.
As a team we enjoyed working with FCM Meetings & Events and saw the benefit of working with a larger well synchronised team.
David Moore – Schneider Electric Partner Program Manager