Date
9 June, 2023
Client
UEFA
Attendees
550 VVIP guests
Location
Tersane Istanbul, Türkiye
- about the project
The Challenge
UEFA aimed to host a high-end celebration dinner on the eve of the Champions League Final, honoring both finalist teams with 550 VVIP guests. The challenge was to move beyond the expectations of a typical gala dinner and design an original concept that could surprise and delight an audience accustomed to protocol-level formality. The event needed to merge UEFA’s brand prestige with Istanbul’s cultural identity, transforming a seated dinner into an immersive and memorable experience within the unique setting of Tersane Istanbul — a heritage venue still under construction at the time.
Our Approach
Our creative team started by reviewing UEFA’s RFP and holding concept workshops to integrate Istanbul authentically, avoiding clichés while drawing on the city’s layered history, colors and patterns. We defined Istanbul as a city of enchantment, where tradition and modernity meet, much like the unexpected variety of football. This vision became the foundation of the key visual and concept design, guiding everything from branding to stage design.
From arrival to farewell, guests were immersed in this creative journey:
- A live band in custom costumes greeted guests with Turkish melodies, while dancers in UEFA’s colors led them from cocktail to dinner.
- The Champions League trophy was presented in a specially designed pedestal, later transitioned into the dining area under a layered mirror structure inspired by Istanbul’s multi-faceted identity.
- The evening unfolded with choreographed drumming and aerial dance, symbolizing the journey of the finalist teams.
- Performances celebrated Türkiye’s centennial, blending modern and traditional elements with custom visuals, culminating in a finale by Eurovision winner Sertab Erener.
Meanwhile, operational excellence ensured comfort and safety: VIP lounges, protocol seating, portable luxury restrooms, artist caravans, backstage facilities and close coordination with the venue construction team.
- Outcome
The Impact
The Celebration Party redefined the traditional UEFA gala by combining Istanbul’s spirit with the excitement of the Champions League. Guests experienced a sequence of immersive, surprising moments interwoven with dining and speeches. UEFA officials praised the creativity, flawless execution and attention to detail, formally expressing their appreciation in writing. Despite the challenges of staging in a heritage venue under construction, the event delivered an unforgettable evening that showcased both UEFA’s prestige and the magic of Istanbul.
Services Provided
- Creative concept development and key visual design inspired by Istanbul’s cultural identity
- Full event branding, graphic design, stage decoration and table styling
- Audiovisual production including stage, lighting, sound, LED and projection systems
- Bespoke entertainment programming and artist management (aerial dance, choreographed shows, live concert by Sertab Erener)
- Guest journey design from arrival to farewell, including protocol-level hospitality
- On-site logistics, accreditation, VIP portable restroom and caravan solutions, backstage and artist facilities
- Security planning, risk management and operational coordination for a heritage venue under construction
- Catering and protocol dinner management for 550 seated VVIP guests
- Media content design and integration with live show performances