Case Study - Aon/St. Pat's Day

Challenge

Aon Corporation, a leading provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting, was looking to reinforce relationships with key constituents in Chicago.

The City of Chicago is well known for its annual grandiose display on St. Patrick's Day. The Chicago River is dyed green and everyone becomes Irish for a day. Leveraging the energy and excitement fueled by this setting, and paying credence to the company's Celtic name, Aon set out to host an annual party where clients, prospects, employees and high-profile Chicagoans can mingle and celebrate while underscoring Aon's commitment to its Chicago home base and its relationship with the Irish community.

Our Solution

KemperLesnik recognized the value of making this event the largest private St. Patrick's Day party in Chicago. A plan was developed and implemented that transformed the annual fete from its intimate 20 attendees to an impressive average of 1,500 guests for 10+ years, until its final installment in 2005. We oversaw all aspects of the event, including operations, logistics, meals, agenda and program, and gift procurement.

Results

KemperLesnik moved the function from a small restaurant to The Excalibur, which was transformed into (and became known as) Aon's Irish Castle. Highly visible attendees included the mayor and several high-ranking politicians. World-famous Irish performers entertained the guests, and $8,000-$10,000 was raised each year for the Angus Robinson Foundation. And while the all-day event took place in the polar opposite of a business setting, the deals transacted each year at the function always paid for the party in clovers.