From June 6 to 8, 2019, the XXIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum took place in the northern capital. This annual event has become a significant platform for shaping the vectors of sustainable economic and business development, interaction between government structures and corporations, and international cooperation in various fields.

In recent years, there has been a steady growth in the scale of the Forum, expressed in the number of participants and invited guests from different countries, sessions, meetings, discussions, and signed agreements. 2019 was no exception: more than 19,000 participants from 145 countries, more than 230 etc.), now it is more difficult of various formats, among which the central event was the plenary session with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and representatives of other states.

Plenary session with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation

But the Forum is not only about business negotiations, contracts and official receptions. In addition to the main program, participants and guests were also offered unofficial events such as private parties, concerts and cultural programs, invitation-only dinners and private gatherings where entry was strictly by invitation. All these were organized by Forum partners and sponsors with the aim to entertain and surprise guests and create a different unofficial atmosphere for communication where it is easier to make "necessary" connections and discuss delicate partnership issues.

The event agency "Aventura" closely monitored the course of the Forum paying attention to organizing such a large-scale event, developing a complex multi-vector program and of course how they entertained and surprised guests.

Briefly about the program

The main program of the Forum included four thematic directions within which more than 1300 Russian and foreign experts, moderators, speakers, government officials and business representatives took part. They shared their experience, modern practices, innovations engaging in discussions and debates.

Concerts featuring stars from the Russian and international show business.

The rich official program smoothly transitioned into entertainment events held in various locations. The cultural program had to meet a certain standard, so real stars of Russian and international show business were invited. "Leningrad," G. Leps, L. Agutin, Zemfira, "Lyube," V. Butusov, "Bi-2," "Splin," "Moral Code," G. Sukachev, "Little Big," and "Hleb" were just some of the invited artists. Additionally, on different days of the Forum, guests were treated to performances by artists from the Vienna Opera such as Andrea Bocelli and Aida Garifullina, stars from the Mariinsky Theatre, A. Freindlich, ballerina I. Liepa, a symphony orchestra, jazz performers, and others.

The cultural program catered to every taste and preference. After an intense day of information sessions, guests could unwind at a gala dinner accompanied by music from popular performers or in a concert hall. However, these were all traditional forms of hosting such events. What surprised the Forum's organizers? What new innovations, trends, and tendencies in the event industry were implemented? Let's delve into this in more detail.

How guests were entertained at SPIEF-2019

The exhibition areas attracted significant attention with their unique stands and models showcasing projects and business ideas that aligned with modern event trends.

• Pavilion "Gazpromneft" amazed with an endless modular screen displaying incredible graphics created by artificial intelligence. The colors and shapes of objects in the art project "Transformation" were based on multicolored virtual geological models created by neural networks for oil exploration. The installation also conveyed the full complexity of real physical phenomena. Micro-particles in the simulation responded to virtual wind flows and even changes in light. When the elements collided or touched the curved edges of the display stand, their shapes, speeds, and trajectories changed.

Gazprom Neft" pavilion, art project "Transformation

• One educational concept was presented in the form of a robot named Pythagoras – focusing on studying artificial intelligence and integrating its elements into the pedagogical process to create social robots. Another robot resembling a character from "Star Wars" and distributing gifts was presented by Sberbank.

Robot from "Sberbank

• Visitors could experience a 3-minute virtual tour of the construction of the Crimean Bridge inside a dedicated stand with 360-degree visibility screens that created a sensation of flying over the bridge.

Pavilion about the construction of the Crimean Bridge.

• Guests could immerse themselves in the world of computer games within the Predator Thronos gaming cabin with immersive effects from Acer.

Predator Thronos gaming cabin with immersion effect.

• The 220th anniversary of A.S Pushkin's birth was also highlighted through animations bringing the poet and his nanny to life on a large screen in the conference hall while characters from Pushkin's fairy tales adorned the walls of the banquet hall.

Animation on the theme of A.S. Pushkin on a large screen in the conference hall.

The intensity of the program, the multi-dimensionality of discussions held simultaneously in different venues, limited some participants in their ability to attend the events of interest to them. The solution to this problem was offered by information and analytical support - the Summary service - a product of Roscongress and TASS. Its assistance consisted of providing short analytical summaries of the main events of the Forum, with conclusions and proposed solutions.

Upgraded security system: over 100 cameras, facial recognition system, and license plate recognition.

Updated security system.

• The popular place for photo shoots became the stand with the golden Aurus Senat, some even managed to sit behind the wheel. The luxury car was part of a model street with accessible services and a safe multifunctional space - Russia Extends.

Aurus Senat" car.

• An exciting place became the stand of Kalashnikov Concern - where a shooting range was organized, hosting a shooting tournament for those willing to test their skills and "relax" their nervous system after an intense program.

Stand of Concern "Kalashnikov".

• Another way to relax and unwind became the well-known game "Snake" in interactive form at Tinkoff Bank's stand.

• But the most effective place for relaxation and emotional recharge was the chill-out zone presented by the Japanese company Yamaguchi. During breaks between events, attendees could enjoy relaxing massages in special chairs accompanied by pleasant music amidst cherry blossom (albeit artificial, but creating a corresponding ambiance).

Chill-out zone with massage from Japanese company Yamaguchi.

• At the "Innosocium" stand, an exhibition of artists with developmental features called "Inalienable" was held for the first time. This drew attention to specialized institutions where there are no opportunities for creative development of their wards.

• The pavilion of Qatar's state was handed over to the charitable foundation "Liniya Zhizni" after the Forum.

Pavilion of the state of Qatar.

• Bike paths were set up on the main avenue of the Forum, although guests preferred to walk.

Bike lanes are equipped on the main avenue of the Forum.

• For those who adhere to proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle bar and vegetarian menu were organized.

• Sports games are popular at any event, regardless of its focus. Thus, a gala match in hockey, basketball, race, golf tournament, show jumping, tennis, squash, and even a chess tournament on a train on the way from Moscow were held.

• Interest in sports at the exhibition was also attracted by a detailed model of St. Petersburg's Zenit Arena in miniature and Zenit's championship cup at Gazprom's stand, which remained with the club forever after their 5th victory. A separately designed stand dedicated to Euro 2020.

Model of the St. Petersburg stadium "Zenit Arena" in miniature and Zenit's championship cup.

All participants of SPIEF-2019 note the high level of organization and conduct of the Forum. Guests received a lot of new information, emotions, and impressions. Active coverage in media and social networks confirms this.

Event agency "Aventura" carefully tracks innovations and fresh ideas in organizing such events. Our specialists also implement the latest trends in their work, making your events impressive and unique.