The Client

Khoja Business Leaders’ Summit, Davos, Switzerland

Lesley Hussell headed up communications at the inaugural Khoja Business Leaders’ Summit in Davos, Switzerland.

The summit was born out of the idea of connecting the global entrepreneurs, philanthropists and highest achievers worldwide from the Khoja community of Shia Muslims.

This was a very high-profile event as the net worth of the attendees is estimated at $15 billion.

www.khojabusinessleaders.org

davos summit

The Problem

Heading up communications for the summit was a full-on commission, with weeks of intense activity in the lead-up to the event crowned by three even more intense days in the sumptuous surroundings of the Davos Intercontinental Hotel from 7 to 9 September 2017.

The Answer

Lesley’s role covered every facet of communication at the summit:

  • Before it began, writing the content for the 72-page event magazine, including profiles of VIPs, stories about the charity work carried out by attendees, welcome messages from dignitaries and punchy fact files.
  • Speechwriting for the Chair and his deputy, composing powerful, emotive and inspiring messages befitting the occasion – at 1am, as their thinking evolved in the light of conversations at Friday and Saturday’s gala dinners!
  • Reporting on every session, compiling a twice-daily news sheet summarising events for delegates. Preparing blogs and press releases for UK and international media before and after the summit.
  • And to cap it all, writing the Khoja Davos Accord – the historic document that encapsulated the summit’s decisions and priorities for the future.

The Result

The summit concluded with millions being pledged in strategic giving to humanitarian causes. Priorities will be poverty relief, education and disaster aid.

Streamlined communications were pivotal to this outcome – making sure delegates were informed and enthused, crafting speeches that inspired them to give, and honing the Accord and press releases that will keep the momentum going so the summit does make a real difference.

We appreciate your great efforts! Often called upon with little notice and high demands ­– you worked superbly! A big thank you from us all!

Shan Hassam, Secretary General, The World Federation of Khoja Communities.

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Portfolio themes: communications, press release