Avalara CRUSH 2024

The Ask

Avalara approached 82 South with an ambitious vision for their CRUSH 2024 event. As a landmark celebration of Avalara’s 20 years as a market leader in tax automation, the event needed to reflect the brand’s innovations, showcase its core products, and foster meaningful connections among key customers and partners. Avalara sought a dynamic, immersive experience built around their strategic pillars—ELEVATE, DISCOVER, CONNECT, PLAY—and designed to inspire and energize attendees.

The Mission : Avalara CRUSH – a dynamic blend of innovation, meaningful connections, and unlimited growth—all while having fun. Avalara CRUSH places global tax compliance at the forefront of every business agenda, delivering game-changing insights that inspire action, enhance proficiency, accelerate time-to-value, and solidify Avalara’s position as the trusted partner for tackling future challenges.

The Pitch

Customized 360-Degree Gamified Platform

82 South crafted a compelling pitch that brought Avalara’s vision to life through creativity, precision, and innovation. We proposed an end-to-end event strategy designed to amplify the CRUSH 2024 experience, including:

• CRUSH Overall: Transforming the Fairmont Austin’s multi-level event space into a vibrant and inviting setting with interactive activations tied to Avalara’s innovations and brand story. Each zone aligned with a strategic pillar to create a cohesive attendee journey.
• Mainstage Reimagined: Transform the general session space with dynamic visuals and seamless transitions between quick-start morning sessions, business-focused midday keynotes, and forward-thinking inspiration.
• Memorable Evening Events:
  • Night 1: A stylish welcome “Moonbeam Mixer” reception fostered immediate connections. An entire floor transformed into a variety of nightclub/bar experiences playing off the “moon beam” vibe. Karaoke with a live band, a nightclub lounge, and a DJ dance club were just a few of the highlights.
  • Night 2: A curated offsite experience at Austin’s Fair Market highlighted by a “community night” concert that captured Austin’s vibrant culture through local food, beverages and talent. The stage wasn’t the only
    
• Keynote Excellence: Securing Eugene Amo-Dadzie, the “World’s Fastest Accountant,” as the inspirational closing keynote speaker, delivering a message of determination and achievement.

The Results

Achieved extraordinary success across all metrics

Highlights included:

• Engagement and Connection: We captivated attendees, elevating their experience and reinforcing Avalara’s brand leadership.
• Content Impact: The track-based learning system received outstanding feedback, with tailored sessions driving high levels of satisfaction and actionable takeaways.
• Evening Experiences: The welcome reception and Fair Market concert featuring the Josh Abbot Band became standout moments, fostering community and leaving lasting impressions. The night blended entertainment with Avalara’s celebratory theme.
• Keynote Excellence: Eugene Amo-Dadzie’s inspirational story resonated deeply, leaving attendees motivated and energized.
• Post-Event Metrics: The event surpassed industry benchmarks, achieving top scores across all strategic categories. Avalara’s milestones were not just met but exceeded, solidifying CRUSH 2024 as a landmark event.