The launch of Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) in late 2007 was one of the most challenging, yet exciting events of the year for Pioneer. NSN wanted to host an event that would combine the formality of a company launch, in line with local norms, with lots of fun and entertainment. Furthermore, NSN wanted a new approach to the event: having been witness to various launches, they wanted to up the ante for their own event.
Soon after the brief, the Pioneer team began brainstorming for ideas and through many discussions, the concept for the event began to take shape. The team decided to go with an European flavor and took inspiration from “Oktoberfest”, the famous German beer festival, a known favorite of NSN customers. Other creative highlights included using a short video clip in which the top NSN executive would feature as a secret agent who saves the life a journalist on the run from CIA operatives. The clip was produced using a mixture of footage taken from the Hollywood Blockbuster The Bourne Ultimatum and footage shot at NSN Hanoi office. Pioneer’s proposal received encouraging feedback, ultimately landing it the contract to organize the event. On the evening of November 23 2007, the Grand Ballroom of the Melia Hotel in Hanoi was packed with NSN’s guests, most of whom were from Vietnam’s telecommunication sector.
As the program began, all guests were pleasantly surprised to see NSN’s Vietnam Country Director, Thomas Weber, star in a short clip of what appeared to be The Bourne Ultimatum. Immediately after the clip, he emerged on the stage to deliver the opening remarks. While this was undoubtedly an unusual way to kick off the event, it created a buzz for its creativity and was highly appreciated.
Throughout the night, guests were treated to a special menu of international cuisine but many people said that the highlight of the dinner was seeing their favorite German dishes from Oktoberfest. In addition to scrumptious food and drinks, guests enjoyed a splendid performance by a flamenco band and dancers as well as Salsa dancers who galvanized many audience members into dancing with him. Other musical highlights of the evening featured an upbeat performance by a well-known face on Hanoi’s musical scene - Filipino singer Doreen.
