When HSBC marked its 160th anniversary, it wanted an event that embodied both its heritage and its forward-looking identity. The Royal Academy of Arts was the perfect setting — prestigious, historic, and open to the public until just one hour before guests were due to arrive. This was not a simple installation. It was a logistical sprint wrapped in creative design. The Brief Create a fully branded environment worthy of HSBC’s global milestone, integrating immersive audio, projection, lighting, and scenic design — all within the operational and heritage constraints of a Grade II-listed venue. RG Jones was responsible for every technical element: from system design and staging logistics to on-site coordination with multiple partner teams. The Challenge The margin for error was zero. With public access until 6pm and guests expected by 6.45pm, the team had a 60-minute window to transform the venue. Every detail was pre-planned, loaded in sequence, and rehearsed off-site. The day’s schedule ran with military precision: Behind that timetable sat weeks of prep: custom fabrication, content testing, and venue liaison to ensure the installation was as respectful as it was ambitious. The Design The creative direction celebrated HSBC’s 160-year story through light, motion, and architectural sensitivity. Custom-built totems, echoing the HSBC hexagon, lined the red-carpet entrance and guided guests through the galleries. Projection mapping animated the story of HSBC’s heritage across the entrance walls. Inside, distributed audio systems ensured even coverage across all spaces, supporting live speeches, a DJ set, and a band performance. Lighting design accentuated the building’s character — warm, immersive, and elegant — complementing the Royal Academy’s art and architecture without overshadowing it. The Delivery As the final visitors left the galleries, the RG Jones crew was already in position. In under an hour, the transformation was complete: audio live, lights focused, content running. The event flowed seamlessly from speeches to celebration — the atmosphere professional, polished, and perfectly on cue. “This was a very special celebration for us and a chance to thank clients and partners for their support of HSBC. I know these events, especially ones of this scale, take huge amounts of work behind the scenes and the level of detail and care did not go unnoticed.” — Ian Stuart, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC UK Bank plc Partners Event design and production: RG JonesCatering: Rocket FoodFloristry: Lavender Green FlowersBars & furniture: Velvet Living Outcome HSBC’s 160th Anniversary Celebration was more than an event — it was a technical and creative showcase, executed in real time under immense pressure. For RG Jones, it reaffirmed what the company is known for: composure under constraint, attention to craft, and the ability to turn bold ideas into flawless delivery. At a Glance  Feature Detail Client / Production: HSBC 160th Anniversary Celebration Challenge: Transform the Royal Academy of Arts—a public gallery open until 6pm—into a private, fully branded corporate event within an hour. Scope of Work: Full technical production including audio, projection, lighting, and custom scenic design. Coordinated multi-gallery coverage, red-carpet arrival, and bespoke totems inspired by HSBC’s iconic hexagon. Result: An elegant, bespoke transformation delivered under time pressure, combining design with experience. Related Projects