In celebration of its remarkable 250-year anniversary, Veuve Clicquot unveiled the Solaire Culture exhibition, paying homage to the legacy of Madame Clicquot, the trailblazer who revolutionised the champagne industry. With a contemporary twist, the exhibition showcased commissioned artworks by modern artists, engaging visitors and forging emotional connections beyond the wine and spirits industry.
But Veuve Clicquot's vision extended far beyond selling champagne; it embraced the power of experience marketing to create lasting impacts. Before the exhibition's grand launch in London, a mission was set in motion – to create a sustainable event that would leave a positive mark beyond its run.
With a strategic approach and conscious effort to minimise waste, Veuve Clicquot partnered with the creative team (ARTER), production agencies (True Staging, Polar Black Events), and asset dissolution specialist (Event Cycle) to ensure a considerate derig and repurposing of materials. The guiding principles emphasised collaboration, sustainability, and maximising material lifespan.
The results were impressive with 54 pieces of furniture, 210m2 of carpet and 50 plinths among the items that found new homes with community groups, charities and social enterprises, saving nearly 10 tonnes of CO2-equivalent (tCO2e) from items not being purchased new and nearly 10 tCO2e from landfill. The exhibition's social impact reached £89,200, benefitting 17 charities and supporting 10 of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the organisation's causes.
The power of positive change lies not just in progress but in preserving timeless ideals of reduce, reuse and repurpose.
Holme Farm, a shining example of this philosophy, recently embarked on an inspiring journey to build a community facility with a mission to improve the mental and physical health of local residents. Planning to transform a derelict farm on the outskirts of Woking borough, the team of volunteers have been leased the eight-acre site by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The volunteers have received assistance from surrounding companies, homeschooling families, Surrey Choices charity and now from the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Exhibition too.
Their vision for the farm includes the establishment of a community workshop equipped with woodworking tools, along with extensions housing a café, meeting room, and toilets. And with the materials donated by Veuve Clicquot they will be able to refurbish, build and furnish some of these areas without using up their valuable funds, which could be better used on their services for their community. A portion of the wood will also be reserved for the woodwork classes!
Meanwhile, Bemix, a Social Enterprise, exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity and support. With a mission to empower individuals with learning difficulties and/or autism, they embarked on a unique project—a record store run by people with disabilities. Located in Dover's Charlton Shopping Centre, this store not only sells music but also fosters creativity through a recording studio and creative sessions.
The vibrant furniture donated by the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Exhibition added a splash of color to the shop, aligning perfectly with Bemix's style and logo. Lis at Bemix expressed sheer delight, acknowledging how the donations would make their project shine even brighter.
“We are over the moon with the deliveries….The bright colours suit our style and logo and will add a real zing to our project. Our record shop and session areas are going to be brilliant”
Lis at Bemix
Beyond music, the impact of event material donations reached Trinity Homeless Projects. Housing over 240 residents across Hillingdon and Slough, this charity provides more than just shelter. They offer hot meals, work placements, and outreach services, supporting people at risk of or suffering from homelessness. With a triple bottom line—social, environmental, and financial—they strive to make a lasting difference.
Thanks to the exhibition's donations, Trinity Homeless Projects equipped both first homes and emergency housing with essential items. From clothes rails to coffee machines, their support transformed lives and made daily living a little easier for those in need. Fitted carpets brought warmth and comfort to a household that hadn't experienced such luxury in over a year.
These heartwarming success stories remind us of the incredible impact that donating event materials can have. Beyond the lights and glamour of events, lies an opportunity to change lives, build communities, and promote sustainable practices. Veuve Clicquot's commitment to sustainability and positive social change is an inspiring model for the events industry. By repurposing the entire exhibition, they turned a momentous celebration into a catalyst for a brighter, greener, and more inclusive future. As the industry embraces conscious practices and mindful partnerships, events become transformative experiences, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and impact for generations to come.