Wiser helped Barclays shake things up and bring their culture off the pages and into real life with a series of festival events. Their mission? To show off their unique workplaces, boost their reputation as a top employer and as a pioneer of tech in the finance industry. From initial event ideation, where four event concepts were pitched, Barclays Festival was chosen as the method to spread the magic for future Barclays eagles. Picture this: a chain of seven festivals across Radbroke, Glasgow, and Northampton, packed with everything from interactive business area quizzes and a host of immersive experiences allowing students to make their own merch to take home. This festival buzz was promoted all over social media and recruitment networks, reaching schools and universities across the UK. 

Upon arrival, attendees received their very own festival wristband and a ‘loyalty’ stamp card lanyard (they also signed a photo release form because filming took place in order to capture a digital memory of the splendor). The challenge for attendees? Collecting stamps at each business area by completing interactive quizzes on iPads – full stamp cards meant a shot at winning an exclusive lunch with a senior Barclays MD.

Perceptions of attendees were captured before and after every event, providing great insight into the success of the events to spread positive messaging about Barclays as an employer.  Mini interviews with attendees gave real-time reactions. Each event lasted three hours, kicked off by an into talk by a Barclays MD (with a throwable microphone), followed by mingling, learning, and enjoying all the immersive experiences.

The final score? The event series was a huge success, with results from the event series showing a 20% increase in attendees now considering a career at one of the campuses*, a combined 18% increase in attendees seeing themselves enjoying the company culture at Barclays*, and a combined 21% increase in attendees feeling that there is a role for them on one of the Barclays campuses*.