Called in to mastermind the New Age of Isuzu, a partnership between Isuzu Motors in Japan and Isuzu Motors South Africa, 360 Degrees created a live launch for 800 people in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

This launch heralded the re-opening of Isuzu’s Port Elizabeth manufacturing plant, which is an important investment into the country’s economy and a significant employment opportunity. We pulled off a stadium event, plus gala dinners and awards ceremonies at three other venues, with only four weeks of production.

The event required highly specialised technicians, engineers, designers, set construction, musical composers and arrangers. We also worked hard to put the right people in the right places so that there was sufficient staff to cover the stadium and other venues.

To maximise the availability of the Japanese delegation, we had to do everything very quickly – while delivering a world-class show that blended African and Japanese cultures. We also had to consider VIP expectations, diplomatic protocols, and global brand approvals.

We learned that stadiums are built for sports events in which activities are carried out on grass – and grass management is real. We had a grass logistics manager on site to get the cranes in, on and off the pitch. We also learned that you have to work with the locals on jobs like these; they know everything about their own locality.

This successful event made our client extremely proud, because it showcased both Isuzu and South Africa as world players in the automotive space.