When Caffè Nero brought together their senior leadership and store managers from across the UK, they needed a production partner who could handle the technical demands of a fast-paced, high-stakes multi-day event.
And they found one.
For SJARK, this was a four-day on-site project, including a full build day followed by three live event days. We were brought in to deliver complete audio and visual production across multiple rooms, supporting a series of presentations, workshops, and keynote sessions. From executive addresses to simultaneous breakout sessions, every detail needed to be executed seamlessly.
Especially because we had less than two weeks notice to prepare due to a last-minute venue change, our team worked closely with Caffè Nero to understand their goals, align on their vision, and ensure a seamless, high-quality experience of their conference across every space and stage.
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Caffè Nero’s conference was a key annual touchpoint - uniting leadership and field teams to align on strategic goals through presentations, workshops, and collaborative sessions. With senior figures such as the Group CEO and UK COO speaking, the stakes were high.
The project called for:
The team needed a partner that could not only deliver to spec, but embed themselves within the event’s tempo, culture, and shifting demands. That’s where SJARK came in.
Despite the time pressure, our approach remained the same: thorough, proactive, and people-focused.
With no opportunity for a pre-event site walkthrough, we leaned on our experience managing productions in varied environments. Our first priority was aligning on the event’s core objectives: understanding what success looked like for the client and building from there.
Once we had a clear picture of their goals, we worked quickly to define the technical parameters: how many rooms would require AV coverage, what kind of microphone configurations were needed, and which visual elements would bring the content to life. With that in place, we began building both the technical plan and the on-site team, matching roles and skill sets to the event’s pace, complexity, and tone.
We selected a specialist crew built not only for technical ability, but for attitude. This event was high-energy and people-focused, so our team needed to be confident in working closely with on-site organisers, adapting quickly, and maintaining a calm presence throughout.
Our planning included built-in backup systems such as spare equipment and flexible set-up plans, to ensure any last-minute changes could be handled without disruption. From mic management to screen placement, we considered every detail, no matter how small.
Ahead of the event, our team received a full briefing to ensure everyone understood the scope, technical requirements, and their individual roles. Setup day began with a full team walkthrough before unloading and building out the various technical zones.
Our team worked in sync with the client’s internal events team to ensure each space was optimised for its intended use, whether that was a leadership keynote or a more interactive workshop.
By the end of the build, we ran a full end-to-end test, giving the client peace of mind and space to focus on the content, not the tech. And so, we ended the day with a client walkthrough - an essential step to ensure everything was aligned and ready for the event to run smoothly.
Each day started with equipment tests and a joint briefing with the client’s production lead (plus a few signature Caffè Nero breakfast pastries for good measure). Our team ensured every speaker was mic’d and ready, transitions were smooth, and no technical detail held the show back.
After the main presentation, guests split into two simultaneous stages for a variety of workshops, requiring duplicate AV setups, swift room adjustments, and precise timing to keep everything on track. Our crew remained agile throughout, ready to adapt to last-minute changes in group sizes or speaker needs without disrupting the flow.
From resetting rooms between sessions to offering hands-on support to client staff, we were there not just to execute, but to contribute to the overall success and atmosphere of the event.
It goes without saying that throughout such projects, we always prioritise crew wellbeing, to ensure that all team members had regular breaks, stayed hydrated, and had the support they needed. A happy and well-prepared crew makes for a successful event, and we believe the atmosphere behind the scenes directly impacts the quality of delivery - as evident by the planning and delivery of this event.
The event was delivered without a hitch: despite the late venue change, tight schedule, and limited prep time. The client praised both our professionalism and collaborative spirit, noting how seamlessly we integrated with their team.
"Lasse and his team were great, nothing was too much trouble and their expertise was clear throughout. Even when we made customary last minute changes to the set up, and altered things part way through, nothing was a problem, Lasse calmly, accurately and happily took care of all the details. They felt like part of our own team, and even helped tidy up things which had nothing to do with them at the end, just to be helpful. All the AV worked perfectly, and there were backups just in case it didn’t.
The team was a pleasure to work with, they definitely contributed to the success of the event, and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again. "
— Gareth Hopley, Communications Director, Caffè Nero
For events where timing, precision, and adaptability are critical, having a technical partner who feels like an extension of your team can make all the difference. We loved bringing this event to life with Caffè Nero and look forward to continuing to support their mission in future.
Whether you're planning a leadership summit, national conference, or cross-functional team event, SJARK’s bespoke approach and expert crew are ready to support.
Your next event starts with a conversation. So let’s talk.
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