21 years of events has taught us a thing or two.
Since Viva began in September 2005, we’ve worked across conferences, incentives, celebrations, corporate hospitality and everything in between. We’ve seen the industry change, watched technology evolve and helped our clients navigate plenty of last minute surprises along the way.
But some things haven’t changed.
So, to celebrate 21 years of Viva, here are 21 things we’ve learnt along the way.
1. An event is never just an event
There’s always a bigger reason for bringing people together.
Whether it’s changing mindsets, celebrating success, building relationships or getting people behind a new idea, the best experiences have a clear purpose.
That’s why we think about Return on Experience, not just what happens on the day.
2. Stay curious
The events industry doesn’t stand still, and neither do we.
New ideas, new formats, new technology and changing expectations keep us asking, what else could we do?
3. Creativity needs a reason
We love a big idea, but creativity for creativity’s sake isn’t really our thing.
The best ideas are the ones that support the objective, bring a message to life and make an impact in the room.
4. Details really do matter
It might be the smallest detail that someone remembers.
From the way a guest is welcomed to the moment they walk into a room, every part of the experience adds up.
5. Size doesn’t matter
We’ve learnt that 12 people is still as important as 300.
Whatever the size or budget, every event deserves the same care, curiosity and attention to detail.
6. The best client relationships become partnerships
Some of our clients have been with us for 20 years.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from trust, honesty, knowing when to challenge an idea and always having each other’s backs.
7. Being an extension of the team makes all the difference
We don’t want to feel like an agency sitting on the outside.
We want to feel like part of our client's team, understanding what matters to our clients and taking ownership of the details that make an event work.
8. Things will go wrong
They just do.
The difference is how you deal with them. Staying calm, finding a solution and keeping everyone moving forward is just as important as getting everything right in the first place.
9. Your suppliers can make or break an experience
The right suppliers bring expertise, ideas and energy to the table.
After 21 years, we’ve built some pretty brilliant relationships, and we know the value of having good people around you.
10. Sustainability starts long before the event
It shouldn’t be something you think about when everything else has already been decided.
From venue selection and travel to catering, materials and gifting, there are opportunities to make more responsible choices throughout the planning process.
11. Sustainable doesn’t have to mean boring
In fact, some of the most interesting choices can be the more sustainable ones.
Local experiences, seasonal food, reusable materials and thoughtful gifting can all add something to an event while reducing its impact.
12. Measure what matters
If we want events to have a real impact, we need to understand what that impact looks like.
From attendee feedback to event carbon data, measuring results helps us understand what worked, what didn’t and what we can do differently next time.
13. Technology should enhance the experience, not take it over
We’ve seen event technology come a long way.
Now we’re exploring what AI and emerging technologies can do to make experiences more engaging, personalised and responsive, while keeping human expertise at the centre.
14. People are still the most important part of events
No app, screen or piece of technology can replace a great conversation.
No app, screen or piece of technology can replace a great conversation. We find people love connecting with other people, and as our lives become increasingly busy and digital, making time and space for those connections at events is more important than ever.
15. A good team makes a big difference
Events are a team sport.
Our best work happens when our event, creative and technical teams bring their different skills together and everyone is working towards the same goal.
16. Culture is worth investing in
We’re proud to have been recognised as a Great Place to Work, but what matters most is creating a place where people genuinely enjoy being part of the team.
And our latest survey gave us a pretty good reminder of that: 100% of our people said they celebrate milestones at work.
17. Celebrate the wins
After 21 years, we’ve learnt that you shouldn’t be too busy planning the next thing to stop and celebrate what you’ve achieved.
Big milestones deserve a moment.
And yes, we’re absolutely taking our own advice this year.
18. Doing good business means thinking beyond business
Being a B Corp, Real Living Wage Employer and ISO 20121 accredited means we’re thinking about the impact we have on our people, our clients, our suppliers and the planet.
It’s not about getting to a finish line. There’s always something we can improve.
19. Memorable doesn’t always mean bigger
Some of the most powerful moments we’ve created have been simple.
A great conversation. An unexpected reveal. A room that completely changes the mood.
It’s about creating the right moment, not simply the biggest one.
20. The best experiences stay with people
We’ve always talked about creating event experiences that leave a lasting impression.
After 21 years, we still believe that’s what great events should do.
People should leave feeling something, thinking differently or talking about what they’ve experienced long after they’ve gone home.
21. We’re still curious about what comes next
21 years feels like a pretty big deal.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that standing still isn’t really our style.
The industry will keep changing. New ideas will come along. There’ll be new challenges to solve and new experiences to create.
And we’ll keep asking the same question:
What’s next?
Here’s to 21 years of Viva Esprit, the people who have been part of the journey, and the experiences still to come.
