Full interview:
With 27 years of experience, Europalco has been a central figure in corporate events in Portugal and beyond. The company, whose mission is to provide personalised, creative and technologically advanced solutions, recorded remarkable growth in 2023, with a 10% increase in the organisation of corporate events, reinforcing its position as a leader in the events sector. In an interview with TNews, Pedro Magalhães, Europalco's managing director, explained that the main drivers of this growth were "a solid reputation, an expanded range of services and strategic partnerships". He also revealed the plans for 2024, including two more acquisitions and international expansion.
How would you describe the year 2023 in terms of growth and innovation for Europalco?
In 2023, Europalco made significant advances in both growth and innovation, marking an exceptional year for our company. We saw a notable increase in the organisation of corporate events, with a 10% increase on previous years, resulting in approximately 1,500 events. This expansion underlines Europalco's growing presence and influence in the events sector.
What were the main drivers behind the 10% increase in corporate events organised by Europalco compared to previous years?
Firstly, our reputation for delivering exceptional event experiences has attracted greater demand from existing and new clients. Positive feedback and referrals have undoubtedly played an important role in this growth.
Secondly, Europalco has expanded its service offering, catering for a broader spectrum of client needs. This involved introducing new technologies, innovative products and integrated solutions for events, which attracted a wider client base and increased the number of projects.
Thirdly, strategic partnerships with external organisations in various sectors, such as banking, insurance, automotive, health and wellness, have strengthened Europalco's client base and contributed to the increase in corporate events. These partnerships have enriched our offer and increased the success of events by sharing resources and objectives.
Finally, our commitment to innovation and efficiency was evidenced by the adoption of advanced technologies, such as KUKA robots, and the introduction of innovative products, such as luminous wristbands and silent headsets for meetings. This attracted customers looking for cutting-edge solutions for their events, which further fuelled our growth.
Overall, the combination of all these factors drove Europalco's remarkable growth in the organisation of corporate events during 2023.
How did Europalco respond to the initial challenges of recruiting, training and preparing teams during a period of significant growth?
We took a proactive approach to recruitment, recognising the pressing need to increase our workforce. We implemented comprehensive live training programmes to ensure the effective integration of new employees. We also focused on team development, with workshops, seminars and team-building activities to promote collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills. These efforts were actively discussed and encouraged during our live team meetings.
In addition, we emphasised our company culture live, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This commitment was evident in our live interactions, ensuring that our recruitment, training and coaching processes were aligned with the company's strategy. In response to evolving challenges, we remained adaptable and flexible.
In 2023, they organised 56 events in a single day. What were the main key elements that made it possible to successfully realise all these events?
Certainly, realising 56 events in a single day was a remarkable achievement for Europalco in 2023, and highlights our efficiency and strategic prowess. We achieved this by expanding our planning team to effectively manage several simultaneous events. This ensured that each project received the attention it deserved, allowing us to maintain high standards across all shows.
Meticulous planning was crucial to overcoming the logistical challenges. We planned every aspect of each event, from equipment set-up to transport logistics, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Our team executed the plans perfectly, co-ordinating seamlessly to ensure that each show was executed according to our clients' expectations and beyond.
How does Europalco approach employee wellbeing and how is this reflected in the company's organisational culture?
At Europalco, we recognise that our team is the cornerstone of our success, driving the continuity and sustainable growth of the company. Our work culture reflects our commitment to attracting, retaining and developing talent. Through wellness programmes, annual trips and awards, we celebrate and reward the dedication of each team member. Our ShowCare programme goes beyond professional development, offering specialised support in nutrition, legal and financial issues and psychological well-being for both employees and their families. Diversity and equality are integrated into our work culture, fostering innovation.
What were the main challenges Europalco faced when dealing with highly complex events such as the Web Summit and World Youth Days?
Events like the Web Summit and World Youth Days are technically complex, often involving advanced audiovisual montages, high-tech equipment and complex logistics. Europalco had to deal with these technical complexities while ensuring flawless execution to meet the high expectations of clients and participants. Managing the logistics of large-scale events poses significant challenges, such as transport, venue organisation, crowd control and participant coordination. Europalco has had to meticulously plan and coordinate every aspect of these events to ensure smooth running and a positive experience for all participants. Events of this magnitude are often held to tight deadlines, leaving little room for error or delay. Europalco had to work under pressure to meet deadlines and deliver results according to the agreed timetable, which required precise planning and execution at every stage of the event.
How was the experience of receiving the AV Awards and the Global Eventex Awards? What impact did these achievements have on Europalco?
At the AV Awards, organised by AV Magazine, Europalco won the coveted title of "Virtual Rental, Staging and Production Company of the Year", cementing our position as an industry leader in AV solutions.
Our momentum continued at the Eventex Global 2023 Awards, where Europalco was honoured with three major awards. In the "Public Events: Conferences, Meetings and Exhibitions" category, Europalco won two silver awards, highlighting our ability to organise exceptional events. In addition, our dedication to customer satisfaction earned us a bronze award in the "Supplier of Choice" category, further reaffirming our commitment to excellence.
These achievements underline Europalco's unwavering dedication to providing world-class services and place us in a prominent position within the events industry.
How does Europalco integrate sustainability into all its operations and events? What are some of the most important sustainable initiatives implemented in 2023?
Embracing sustainability is fundamental to Europalco's values and ethos. In 2023, our unwavering dedication to environmental, economic, social and safety principles earned us the prestigious ISO 20121 - Sustainable Event Management accreditation. In every facet of our operations, from waste reduction to energy conservation and resource utilisation, we integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our work.
Our local community involvement, emphasis on diversity and implementation of the ShowCare programme are excellent examples of our commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of our employees. These initiatives underline our unwavering commitment to sustainability and highlight our proactive approach to having a positive impact on the world around us.
What are Europalco's plans for 2024 in terms of acquisitions and international expansion?
Europalco has ambitious plans for 2024. We acquired two companies in 2023, with negotiations underway for two more this year. Our aim is to be present in Portugal's main cities, but also to diversify our offer, providing our customers with a comprehensive portfolio of products. Internationalisation remains a long-term vision, reflecting our ambition to reach a global audience.
As we navigate these milestones, Europalco's spirit remains rooted in simplicity, resilience and dedication to providing unrivalled experiences. The 2023 figures are a testament to our journey and, with sustainability at the forefront, we march towards the future, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Source: T News. (2024, March).