A Spectacular Debut

How CMA’s event planning and marketing solutions help turn KippsDeSanto & Co.’s inaugural conference into a perennial success

CHALLENGE

KippsDeSanto & Co., an investment banking firm and a subsidiary of Capital One specializing in the aerospace, defense, government and technology services sectors, came to CMA with plans to launch a new industry event but uncertainties on how to best get the event off the ground.

The idea was to create a leadership conference that would forge stronger connections with key contacts and prospects. The primary challenge was creating a memorable, impactful experience that would impress attendees, draw brand-name keynote speakers and strengthen the brand’s market position.

The initiative was a first for KippsDeSanto & Co., who wanted to spark buzz around the event by infusing it with a “WOW” factor that only a seasoned marketing and event management team could provide.

SOLUTION

With a basketball icon chosen as the event’s keynote speaker—a Hall of Famer who won five titles as the floor general and point guard of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s—CMA drew up a game plan to captivate attendees’ interest.

The strategy centered on integrating every element with the chosen theme, “Beyond the Horizon,” which reflected the event’s strategic focus on industry advancements and visionary speakers who offered insights on expanding business opportunities and fostering more growth.

Collaborating with KippsDeSanto & Co., CMA employed a comprehensive approach that successfully attracted hundreds of industry leaders to the event:

• Branding and Creative Design: Initiating the project with a dynamic branding exercise that later led to the event’s name, CMA developed a compelling visual and narrative concept that echoed throughout all event materials and communications.
• Marketing Collateral: CMA designed and distributed various marketing materials, including digital invitations, save-the-date postcards, comprehensive e-blasts and engaging on-site signage and materials.
• Event Execution and Logistics: Overseeing every detail, CMA helped ensure a seamless event from initial registration to closing remarks by managing vendor relations, on-site logistics and décor coordination that beautifully filled every space of Capital One Hall, a pristine performing arts center, music hall and corporate event facility in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Guests were treated to exquisite culinary presentations throughout the day and evening, while innovative audio/visual technology and lighting created an ambiance that captivated visitors from arrival to departure.

RESULTS

KippsDeSanto & Co.’s inaugural conference has quickly transformed into an annual attraction that has drawn military leaders, industry influencers and championship-winning sports legends from the National Football League and Major League Baseball.

The client credits its multiyear collaboration with CMA, which has produced the following stellar results:

• Impressive Attendance and Growth: Attendance has soared since the inaugural event, increasing from 300 in the first year to an expected 700 in the upcoming third year, reflecting the event’s growing prominence.
• Continued Client Engagement: Exceptional feedback from KippsDeSanto & Co. has led to a continuous partnership with CMA, with contracts renewed before each subsequent event.
• Enhanced Brand Recognition: The conference significantly elevated KippsDeSanto & Co.’s industry standing, generating excitement and fostering extensive networking opportunities. It has become a must-attend event, noted for its insightful content, high-level speakers, outstanding setup and premium hospitality.