SYNERGY & SHAREWORKS ACADEMY
Main Services: Event Design & Management | Conference Design & Management | Live Event Production | Destination Production
Always Included: Experience Design | Project Management | Program Strategy | Creative Strategy | Health & Safety
Key Elements: Food & Beverage Management | Health & Safety Management | Off-site Activities | Transportation Management | Speaker Management | Registration & Guest Management | Brand Integration & Gifting
Our longstanding collaboration with Shareworks has led us across the United States as we co-produced Synergy and Shareworks Academy workshops in Boston, San Diego, and Phoenix, as well as taking their program virtual in 2020! *See our full Virtual Synergy case study for more information
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The Experience
Custom Branding
Every year, the client designs a new conference logo and colour palette, setting the tone for the event’s look and feel. From there, we create a brand experience that’s dynamic, location-aware, and deeply memorable for guests. Every touchpoint [big and small] is carefully considered to ensure the brand not only shows up, but stands out leaving guests with a sense that no detail was overlooked.
At registration, guests are immediately welcomed into the brand world, with vibrant signage, custom desk wraps, and thoughtfully designed check-in spaces that make a strong first impression. The main stage continues that visual storytelling, becoming a powerful centerpiece where content and design meet.
Beyond those key moments, branding is woven through the entire program. Event design choices are made in harmony with each venue’s architecture and character. For instance, Boston’s colonial venue with its stately pillars and historic elegance inspired traditional details like pillar signage and refined floral centerpieces. In contrast, Phoenix leaned into its modern aesthetic with minimalist desert succulents and clean lines, and San Diego embraced a relaxed, coastal vibe with palms, breezy textures, and oceanic accents.
Branded pillows, linens, signage, gifts, and environmental elements tie everything together, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. And wherever possible, sustainable materials are prioritized.
Welcome Reception
Each year, the program kicks off with a Welcome Reception designed to help guests reconnect, break the ice, and immerse themselves in the local culture. While the format stays consistent [featuring regional cuisine, signature drinks, and laid-back networking] the experience shifts with each host city, offering a fresh and memorable start to the week.
In Phoenix, the evening unfolded with vibrant Southwestern flavours and a signature cocktail poured in the client’s iconic blue hue. The desert setting lent a warm, relaxed atmosphere, perfectly suited for mingling over local bites and festive sips.
San Diego brought a breezy coastal vibe to the reception, hosting guests poolside with a seafood-forward spread of ceviche, a classic clam bake, and oysters shucked fresh to order. With shuffleboard, ping pong, and an open dance floor, the reception turned into a lively social scene where laughter echoed and bold moves were celebrated.
In Boston, guests were welcomed high above the city at a stylish penthouse party. The reception blended classic Boston charm with playful, interactive elements. "How to Speak Boston” cards sparked conversations at each table, while an icebreaker game challenged guests to match Boston slang with everyday phrases. The food was as storied as the city itself: Boston cream pies, Parker House rolls, and other local favourites were served alongside themed decor. With city-themed decor and a DJ spinning upbeat tracks, the night was both classy and full of character.
No matter the city, the Welcome Reception sets the tone for the days ahead: inviting, energizing, and infused with a local twist that makes every year feel new.
Conference and Off-sites
The second day of the program strikes a dynamic balance between hands-on learning and immersive local exploration. The morning begins with a high-energy General Session, where attendees gather for inspiring keynotes and a look ahead at the year to come. The stage design is refreshed annually to reflect the brand’s current colour palette and showcase elements of the host city, setting a vibrant tone for the day.
Following the General Session, guests break into pre-registered workshops tailored to their specific roles or interests. These deep-dive sessions offer hands-on training within the software platform, allowing delegates to explore new tools and workflows in a practical, applied way. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to share their insights on the Customer Journey Wall – a custom-designed installation that evolves with each session, capturing feedback and stories in real time.
But the day does not end at the conference centre. In the evening, guests set out on pre-selected city tours, each offering a unique taste of the destination.
In San Diego, the options leaned into the city’s laid-back, sun-soaked charm. One group set sail on a private yacht for a scenic bay cruise and open-air dining. Others explored wine country with a curated tasting tour, while a more active bunch pedaled through the city on a bike tour, making themed stops for authentic Italian gelato and dinner under the stars.
Boston offered a more historic and cultural flavour. Guests chose from classic New England experiences such as a Red Sox game paired with a hearty tavern dinner, a guided walk along the Freedom Trail ending in oysters and local seafood, or a thought-provoking tour of Harvard’s storied campus. Those seeking a relaxing evening boarded a boat cruise for skyline views and casual conversation on the water.
In Phoenix, guests experienced the desert city’s unique mix of adventure and charm. Organized in partnership with local DMC AZA Events, options included a Topgolf showdown, a laid-back brewery crawl, and a serene stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden. For the more adventurous, horseback riding offered a sunset thrill. And for many, the unexpected highlight was an unforgettable group outing to the NKOTB concert – a nostalgic, high-energy surprise that had the whole group singing along.
Whether through hands-on learning or unforgettable local excursions, this day is designed to leave guests both smarter and more deeply connected with each other, the product, and the place.
Closing Reception
The final day of the program carries forward the energy and insight of the week with continued workshops and connection time. As the sessions wrap, guests come together one last time to celebrate shared learnings, new relationships, and unforgettable experiences at the Closing Reception, which is always a highlight of the week.
In Boston, the evening was a nod to the city’s rich past with a playful twist. Set in an upscale 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge, the reception transported guests to another era. Velvet drapes framed the space, jazz notes floated through the air, and the bar in the back transformed into a password-only “secret bar” for those in the know. Staff dressed the part in bowties, suspenders, and newsboy caps, while a vintage-style photo booth gave guests a charming memento of the night. It was a perfectly tailored farewell that balanced sophistication with a touch of intrigue.
Phoenix sent guests off in style with a high-impact, high-flavour celebration. The Closing Reception embraced the city’s bold personality, featuring tequila tastings, dramatic ice sculptures, and a culinary showcase that celebrated Phoenix’s rising food scene. With vibrant décor, luxe touches, and a warm desert-night vibe, it was a sensory send-off that left guests buzzing.
In San Diego, the week ended in full colour with a lively Grand Fiesta. Guests were greeted by the sounds of an authentic Mariachi band and the sight of swinging piñatas. Flowing margaritas, a custom-crafted feast, and festive décor created an atmosphere of joy and celebration. It was a bright, communal close to a week of connection and growth.
From start to finish, the experience is designed to leave guests inspired, informed, and already looking forward to the next one.
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Whizbang Moment
A True Partnership Built on Trust
Our longstanding collaboration with Shareworks is more than just a working relationship, it’s a true partnership built on trust, alignment, and shared vision. As an extension of their internal marketing team, we are deeply embedded in their brand, their goals, and their way of working.
We understand not only the visual identity and strategic objectives, but also the nuances of how the team communicates and collaborates. That level of integration allows us to move efficiently, think proactively, and co-create experiences that feel seamless and intentional from start to finish.
We don’t take that trust lightly. Being invited into that inner circle year after year is something we value deeply. It’s what allows us to deliver work that’s not just on brand, but truly on point.
DELEGATES
ANNUALLY
DAYS OF PROGRAMMING
ANNUALLY
UNIQUE OFF-SITE
EXPERIENCES