Elsevier Global Sales Conferences 2026
Aligning 1,200+ sales professionals around growth, AI and the future
Impact
For Elsevier, the 2026 Global Sales Conferences were more than annual meetings. They helped bring strategy to life, unite global teams and create the confidence needed to drive the next phase of growth.
INDUSTRY
Science and healthcare
Problem space
Employee Engagement
Sales Team Motivation
Services
Events Management
Events Production
Events Content and Creative
When Elsevier prepared for its 2026 global sales conferences, the business was navigating a major rebrand, evolving commercial priorities and a stronger focus on AI-enabled solutions. The challenge was to align global teams around a clear strategy while equipping them with the confidence and skills to drive future growth.
Partnering with BI WORLDWIDE EMEA, Elsevier delivered two back-to-back conferences across Copenhagen and London, bringing together more than 1,200 delegates from around the world.
Moments of Inspiration
1,214
delegates
99%
attendance rate
4.2/5
overall event experience (World Sales Conference)
9.1/10
motivation to work for Elsevier Health reached post event
Bringing strategy to life
The two conferences served different audiences but shared a common purpose: helping employees understand Elsevier’s direction, their role in delivering it and the opportunities ahead.
The World Sales Conference focused on growth strategy, portfolio-led selling and commercial priorities for Corporate, Academic and Government teams. Meanwhile, the One Health Global Sales Conference centred on bringing people together following organisational change, rebuilding confidence and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Two audiences. One connected story.
BI WORLDWIDE developed a unified event strategy, tailoring each conference to its audience while maintaining a consistent message around Elsevier’s future.
In Copenhagen, the theme Destination: Growth shaped a four-day programme focused on performance, capability building and commercial success. More than 645 delegates took part in plenary sessions, workshops and collaborative learning experiences.
In London, the focus shifted towards connection, recognition and motivation. Inspired by the host city, the event featured London-themed creative touches throughout, alongside memorable experiences including travel on iconic Routemaster buses and an exclusive dinner at the Natural History Museum.
“People were blown away that we really leaned into our theme and had this experience for them that most wouldn’t have experienced before.”
Colleen Stilwill, Senior Exhibits Manager.
Engagement by design
Both conferences were designed to maximise participation rather than rely on traditional presentations.
The SpotMe platform became the hub of the delegate experience, supporting agendas, communications, polling, gamification and content sharing. App adoption reached 97%.
Interactive elements included LEGO® Serious Play workshops, live polling, audience Q&A sessions and collaborative activities designed to encourage discussion and practical application.
A partnership built on trust
Having worked together for more than a decade, Elsevier and BI WORLDWIDE share a highly collaborative relationship focused on achieving measurable business outcomes.
“I don’t see BI WORLDWIDE as a separate events agency. I see BI WORLDWIDE as the partner we want to work with to deliver our events and make sure that, at the end of the day, we are successful.”
Jagdesh Kaur Georgiou, Director of Regional Events and Strategic Initiatives
The partnership was particularly evident when adapting to challenges, including severe weather disruption in Copenhagen and last-minute increases in delegate numbers in London.
Results
1,214 delegates attended across both conferences, delivering strong engagement and positive audience feedback.
- 99% attendance rate at the World Sales Conference
- 97% event app adoption
- NPS of 41
- 14% reduction in emissions per attendee
- 4.2/5 overall event experience score
- 4.3/5 motivation to achieve 2026 targets
- 4.2/5 confidence in applying the go-to-market strategy
‘One Health’ delegates also rated the opening plenary 9.1/10 for leaving them feeling energised and optimistic, while motivation to work for Elsevier Health reached 9.1/10.
Beyond the numbers, delegates reported greater confidence – discussing AI, a stronger understanding of leadership priorities and clearer alignment to business goals.
“It felt very, very special…we couldn’t have asked for a better time.”
Delegate feedback
