B2B Online Chicago
Project
Conference, 3 artists
Service
Visual Notes + Event Activation
Worldwide Business Research Engages Audiences and Captures Testimonials–With a Twist
“I did a lot of research between a few different companies, but I always kept coming back to Ink Factory”
Angelica Cieslak, Marketing Manager, Worldwide Business Research
Challenge
Help busy marketers retain conference learning and refresh testimonial gathering strategy.
The Big Picture: From TikTok discovery to must-have event experience
With a record-setting 700 digital marketers headed to B2B Online Chicago, events company Worldwide Business Research (WBR) Marketing Manager Angelica Cieslak knew she needed something special as she was searching for new ways to engage audiences and capture testimonials at conferences. Visual notes had been on her wish list for years, and when the budget finally allowed, she wasn’t taking no for an answer.
After extensive research comparing visual note-taking partners, WBR chose Ink Factory after discovering us on TikTok—and the results exceeded expectations.
“They spent extra time on our calls explaining everything. I really felt like they cared about the event and why I wanted to do this. I didn’t get that same warm feeling from other companies,” said Cieslak.
Cieslak had two specific goals: help busy marketers retain what they learn during speaker sessions, and solve a long-standing challenge with gathering testimonials. Traditional on-camera testimonials intimidated attendees, so she needed a fresh approach.
Solution
1-day conference with 700 digital marketers, supported by 3 artists.
Translating complex digital marketing concepts into simple, memorable visuals
Ink Factory’s solution combined visual notes with an event activation perfectly. During the event, artists drew visual notes of speaker sessions in real-time, translating complex digital marketing concepts into simple, memorable visuals. The boards came together to create a mural that attendees could walk through and photograph.
“At conferences, it’s easy to lose focus on what the speaker is saying—even when it’s pertinent to your job. Visual notes give you something to look at and simplify what the speaker is saying so you can make connections more easily,” said Cieslak.
In the well-trafficked Exhibit Hall, Ink Factory installed their event activation boards asking attendees to share their biggest takeaway and favorite part of the event on sticky notes. Artists then illustrated each response on large poster boards—creating authentic testimonials without the camera intimidation.
“People would see the artists and comment it was so cool and take pictures. Everyone was so impressed. Every single person I heard talking about it thought it was the coolest thing.”
Result
Combine visual notes and event activation boards into an impressive living mural while creating lasting assets used for marketing, social media, and next year’s promotion.
A must-have event add-on
The visual notes continue working long after the event ends. WBR sent the notes to all 700 attendees and individual session visuals to speakers. The assets are now featured on the website, social media, promotional brochures, and marketing materials for next year’s event.
Cieslak has become an active advocate within WBR, telling fellow marketers at the company: “You need to be doing this at your events. If you have the budget for it, do it. It’s a must-have for sure.”
She credits Ink Factory’s seamless experience—from responsive email communication to personable on-site artists—for making the partnership effortless.
“I feel like I’m not just another customer. I really feel like you want to help my event and you’re working with me. I’m definitely going to be using Ink Factory for future events.”
“B2B Online was the perfect event for visual notes. The audience is digital marketers who appreciate this type of engagement tool.”
Angelica Cieslak, Marketing Manager, Worldwide Business Research
Meet the TEAM
No, we’re not tattoo artists. We’re really big visual note-taking nerds. The kind of people who get genuinely excited about the perfect marker color and debate the best way to draw a lightbulb. Sure, we take our work seriously—but we refuse to take ourselves too seriously.
Anastasia Nesbeth
Artist
Ariana Wallis Essian
Artist
Teresa Rawlings
Chief of Staff & Operations
See it for YOURSELF
Finding the next step is harder when your wires are crossed. Drawing can help you get everyone on the same page—without all the sticky notes.
You won’t regret it
