MC for Coca-Cola’s National Kick Off Event
February 27, 2026David Meade, serves as MC and host for Coca-Cola HBC’s all-Ireland National Kick Off Event.
David Meade was delighted to return to work with Coca-Cola HBC, the Hellenic Bottling Company, for their annual all Ireland kickoff event. Coca-Cola HBC is one of the most successful bottling partners in the global Coca-Cola system, serving millions of consumers across multiple markets. The organisation is recognised for its operational excellence, strong culture, and ambitious growth strategy. This year’s kickoff theme was ‘Drive, Disrupt, Deliver‘ and brought colleagues together from across Ireland to celebrate an outstanding year of achievement while also setting bold ambitions for the future.
The event took place in the stunning ICC Belfast, a venue perfectly suited to an occasion of such scale and importance. From the moment delegates arrived, it was clear that this was one of the most meticulously planned events David had ever been part of. The atmosphere was vibrant and optimistic, with teams gathering from across the country to connect, reflect, and prepare for the road ahead.
David served as the MC and host for the entire event, guiding the programme from beginning to end. His role was to energise, engage, and enthuse the audience while ensuring the day flowed seamlessly. As MC, his responsibilities extended far beyond introducing speakers. David worked closely with each internal presenter to help them feel confident on stage and to ensure their messages landed with clarity and impact.
Preparation for the event began months in advance. David collaborated with the leadership team at Coca-Cola HBC to understand their strategic priorities and the narrative they wanted to create for the day. His focus was not only on what the audience needed to hear but also on how they should feel and what actions they should take after the event concluded. This preparation allowed him to shape the rhythm and tone of the programme so that every moment reinforced the organisation’s wider ambitions.
He also partnered closely with Neil, Suzanne, and the team at Plannd – the event planning company responsible for bringing the production to life. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the experience felt polished and purposeful. From the staging to the transitions between sessions, the programme was delivered with precision and creativity.
To complement the event’s theme of Drive, Disrupt, Deliver, David designed a bespoke interactive mentalist illusion that was written specifically around the key messages of the conference. The illusion involved a member of the audience live on stage and was crafted to reinforce the central ideas of the day. The moment captured the attention of the entire room and transformed the messaging into something unforgettable. It demonstrated how creativity and storytelling can elevate a conference from informative to truly memorable.
Throughout the day, the audience experienced a rich programme of content and activities. Immersive breakout sessions encouraged collaboration and conversation, while powerful moments on the main stage showcased the passion and expertise of Coca-Cola HBC’s people. The Red Talks, delivered by members of the team, offered inspiring reflections and practical insight into the organisation’s journey. The partnership with the RNLI also highlighted the company’s commitment to community and social impact.
Post-Event: Community
Reflecting on the event, David said he was genuinely blown away by the quality of the experience from start to finish. What stood out most was the way the event placed people at the very centre of the conversation. It was not simply a conference. It was a genuine opportunity for colleagues to come together as a community, celebrate their achievements, and look ahead with renewed confidence.
Speaking about the experience, David said,
“This was a really unforgettable event for me.
I felt like I was not just brought in as the emcee. I truly felt like a partner with the planning team. I had the chance to experience every part of the day by joining the breakout sessions and activations myself. I had so much fun and honestly wish I could do the whole thing all over again.”
David has worked with Coca-Cola HBC for around a decade, and being invited back to host such an important gathering was a privilege. He expressed heartfelt thanks to Neil and Suzanne for their tireless work in supporting the event and ensuring every detail was delivered to the highest standard.
He also extended his appreciation to the Coca-Cola HBC team, including Sarah, Eimear, Jade, Simon, and the wider leadership group, for their trust and partnership. With such an engaged and ambitious team leading the way, the future for Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland looks exceptionally bright.
Book David Meade
Planning an event and looking for a high-energy MC with a touch of illusion? Get in touch with David’s team today to secure your date.
