Eventology & TeamBonding Deliver Orchestrate for 400 in Chicago

The objective

On 4 April, 400 attendees—veterans and newcomers alike from across the U.S. and beyond, descended on the Loews Hotel in Chicago for a high-energy corporate team building programme. The goal was to foster deeper connections and teamwork within a leading financial-sector client.

The logistics hurdle

What was meant to be a straightforward, instrument-based collaborative activity quickly turned into a race against time and trade restrictions. Unable to secure instrument rentals locally in the U.S., the team arranged to ship the musical kits from Canada. But unexpected tariff changes caused major delays at the border, with some shipments stuck and others failing to arrive, despite planning well ahead.

In response, the Eventology and TeamBonding teams, two longstanding partners of the Catalyst Global Team Building Network, pulled together rapidly, switching to backup plans on the fly.

They used Home Depot nails to replicate triangle strikers, and the team rallied around to put replacements in place for drums and clarinets. Thanks to their quick thinking and seamless collaboration, most instruments finally arrived just two hours before the corporate team building event began.

Teamwork in action

Faced with missing triangles, music scores, stands, and more, Eventology and TeamBonding sprang into action:

• Plan B & C improvisations: The team sourced Home Depot nails as makeshift triangle strikers, called in for all musicians to bring their own stand,s and reprinted all music at Staples.
• Seamless coordination: Cross-company huddles and on-the-fly problem-solving ensured every guest could play along.
• Last-minute arrivals: When the original instruments finally cleared customs, they were immediately integrated, just seconds before the event started.

The result

The room came alive with music, laughter, and energy. What started as a logistical challenge transformed into a powerful shared experience that left a lasting impression.

Weeks later, participants were still talking about it, reflecting on the activity's creativity and the strong connection it sparked. The buzz was so strong that Eventology in Canada received two new enquiries from word-of-mouth alone.

Why it mattered

This event showcased the real power of the Catalyst Global Network: local expertise, global reach, and relentless adaptability. When unexpected challenges arise, our partners collaborate seamlessly, turning potential setbacks into memorable, purpose-driven moments.

By combining global expertise with local delivery, Catalyst Global partners offer consistent, high-quality experiences—anywhere in the world.

Looking to orchestrate a team-building experience that hits every note? Contact your local Catalyst Representative, and let’s make magic happen—together, anywhere.