One key to Google’s continuing dominance in internet search, cloud computing and advertising technology is ‘Think with Google’, an annual conference series that brings together marketers, advertisers, agencies and the company’s very latest advertising solutions.

In January, 2017 the Pico team was deeply involved in the forum’s 2017 edition held at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Shanghai, providing a range of services including project management, creative and design, livestreaming, on-site construction, and the creation of sophisticated multimedia elements.

Ultimately, the aims of Google’s engagement with Pico for the conference were straightforward. Among Chinese companies in the midst of globalising and digitising their businesses, the conference was to reinforce Google’s reputation as a trusted adviser with leading-edge technologies. For Google, the conference would help strengthen and expand their existing partnerships with marketing executives attending the conference – and create new ones.

Finally, in more general terms, a successful conference would boost media awareness of a vital aspect of Google’s thought leadership – the innovations that have made the internet an effective advertising platform.

With conference participants being primarily C-level customers, the team was aware of the importance of executing the project with maximum attention to detail, and a thoroughly developed low-risk approach.

One major part of the team’s major effort was building the VPN Network for the booth within experience area, including its settings and programming. The Pico team was also responsible for developing – from concept to execution – two of the event’s most memorable highlights. First was a show-opening demonstration of Tilt Brush by Yang Yongliang, one of China’s young generation of artists. Throughout the event, a big impression was also made by the use of Google Tango AR technology to build a massive ‘domino effect’ activation display.

Results
Among the most important signifiers of the conference’s success:
• Attendance of 800 marketing and advertising executives
• Local and international media coverage