From Holywood Co. Down to Hollywood, USA for Merck Animal Health’s Event
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January 13, 2023
800 delegates from across the US come together in Miami, for Merck’s annual conference to build life-saving water filters.
Water Works
The team at Merck Animal Health invited David Meade, keynote speaker and Lightbulb Teams, to their annual conference, held at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel in sunny Miami. The session would see David Meade deliver one of his powerful and thought-provoking keynotes, followed by Lightbulb Teams’ Water Works team building activity.
The purpose of the Water Works initiative is to challenge ordinary participants across the world to work together to help build water filters that can save lives of individuals and entire communities in the developing world. Empathy and emotional intelligence are at the heart of this session.
Merck’s Team Build
The room was full of excitement, with over 800 delegates from across the US that had come together in Miami for their annual conference. Through teamwork and personal resolve delegates worked together for approximately 60 minutes to build 215 life changing water filters! A remarkable achievement that will actively change lives once distributed Africa, South America, and Asia.
One group commented they found the Water Works team building experience,
‘Extremely humbling and a great reminder of how fortunate we are and we don’t even realize it.’
After completing the team build, delegates are asked to write a dedication card and design the front of the water filters, which will be given to the recipient. Each box has a unique tracking number, and teams can follow online where the water filter is received along with a photo of the family who have gained one of these life changing water filtration systems, outlining the full evolution of the water filter journey.
Another member of the Merck Animal Health team stated on completion of the programme,
‘We loved the process. It is wonderful to think about the impact these water filters have on the lives of others.’
After the Team Build
The full session takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, which included a compelling keynote from David which we co-authored with Merck, to include their strategic message and future goals.
Commenting on the event David said:
“We’ve been so lucky to work with Merck throughout the years, and the whole Lightbulb Team have enjoyed meeting the Animal Health division and delivering the Water Works Programme. It’s an amazing way to bring teams together, while showing true determination.
“The room was electric as over 800 delegates worked together to build the life changing water filters, and the feedback we have received makes it all worthwhile. To see the guys around the room working together to achieve something extraordinary is incredible. We have had a fantastic time meeting everyone at Merck and I want to thank Scott and Tom for their generosity and hospitality towards my team while we were in Miami”
The Team Build Legacy
Lightbulb Teams have been involved in many team building events – each one is different – but we were all humbled by the spirit of Merck’s delegates. We left the event in great spirits and we’re delighted Merck felt the same way.
This delegate from Merck summed it up perfectly,
‘Super humbling & moving! Teary eyed in our group at moments but we feel fulfilled that we can help folks so much less fortunate than ourselves. I love this initiative that you’ve put together, David. Fantastic.’
While this event was an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, it also allowed for a chance to pause and reflect. And fingers crossed, it will live on in the minds of Merck’s team for many years to come – remembering the day they build lifesaving water systems for people in desperate need on the other side of the world.
Merck's Feedback
Hear from Tom Schad, Director of Communications at Merck, as he comments on their Water Works experience.
Book a Team Build
Planning a team-day and looking to add purpose into the agenda? Get in touch with Lightbulb Teams today to transform your team with our Water Works programme.