Client Background

Hewlett-Packard (HP) is one of the largest technology companies in the world. Founded in 1939, HP employs nearly 88,000 worldwide, supports 540 sales and administrative offices, and distributes to more than 120 countries. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, this well-known computer and imaging giant continues to value the entrepreneurial spirit that created it.

The Challenge

Hewlett Packard's initial announcement to merge with Compaq Corporation, another entrepreneurial mainstay in the computer industry, was viewed as a positive expansion. Slated to create an $80 billion company with a large customer and product base in a variety of technology markets, the merger appeared to be a very studied response to the downturn taking place in the computer software, hardware and internet industries. However, in recent months, a significant HP board member and a large percentage of the company's shareholders publicly began questioning the benefits of the merger.

In spite of the turmoil surrounding the merger, the annual celebration of Hewlett-Packard's high performers was fast approaching. Executives wanted to recognize the achievements of the best and brightest in HP's sales force as they had in years passed, but they knew they couldn't ignore the historic events that were taking place in the company. In fact, the merger was just weeks away from the voting process and attendees were very much aware that their future and that of HP, Compaq, and the possibly merged company was far from decided.

With this as the challenge, Hewlett-Packard executives went searching for entertainment appropriate to the upcoming event, seeking to create an atmosphere of celebration and recognition that would not ignore the current state of company affairs.

The Brave New Workshop's Role

After reviewing a number of options, the smart and suave executives of Hewlett Packard selected the Brave New Workshop (BNW) to provide entertainment under these unusual circumstances. Two days before the scheduled performance, HP invited the Brave New Workshop team out to mingle with the employees. Given full access to interact with the attendees in a variety of situations, the BNW team was able to gain insight into how these top-level sales associates were viewing themselves, the company, and the proposed merger. Implementing the gathered information into their own brand of unique comedy and improvisation, the BNW team was able to create an entirely custom show within those 48 hours. The result was a 30-minute improvisational performance that brought the entire audience together, roaring in laughter, while shedding insight on both sides of the merger issue. Best of all, it was a true reflection of the attitudes and comments the audience had shared between themselves and with the BNW team. The smart and suave executives of Hewlett Packard were very pleased. Equally pleased was musical guest Kenny Loggins who immediately followed BNW's outstanding performance with one of his own.