Roadmap for change
With "Progress," Messe Frankfurt is embarking on a far-reaching transformation in which processes, systems, and working methods are being rethought. The big picture visualizes this journey of change and shows how the company is evolving. It serves as a shared guide and helps employees understand and embrace the change.
topic
Change & Transformation
industry
Trade fair and event industry
format
• Big Picture (transformation image) • Click Picture (interactive version) • Large print for events
area of application
• Management conference • Employee communication • "Progress" transformation
Target group
• Managers • Employees • Project teams • Stakeholders undergoing change
special features
• International deployment • Deployment at large events • Visualization of a multi-year transformation program
Initial situation & challenge:
A transformation with far-reaching consequences
Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's leading trade fair, congress, and event organizers, combining trade fairs, venues, and services in an international network. In this environment, the company launched "Progress," a comprehensive transformation initiative designed to fundamentally renew processes, systems, and working methods. The challenge was to make this complex change understandable for all employees: why the change is necessary, how modern technologies and global standards interact, and what contribution each individual makes on this journey.
The solution: A visual story for "Progress"
The big picture reveals the "Progress" transformation approach as a coherent journey: new technologies, standardized processes, modern working methods, and a clear customer focus. This creates a shared vision that provides orientation and makes complex changes understandable.
Individual scenes
The need for change arises from comprehensive technical system renewal and the end of the life cycle of existing systems. These developments require strategic realignment and the implementation of future-proof solutions.
In addition to the technical challenges involved in managing large amounts of data, it is clear that the way humans handle data is often suboptimal. This is symbolically represented by unstructured balls, which indicate a lack of organization and inefficient use of information.
In the future, the conscious handling of data will create a significantly improved basis for the development and operation of new systems. This data-driven approach will also be favored above all by the mindset of those involved.
This is how the big picture came about
We developed the big picture together with the Messe Frankfurt project group in an iterative process. Step by step, workshops, feedback rounds, and intensive analyses gave rise to scenes and contexts that were ultimately translated into a visual structure. Finally, the result was presented at a management conference and finalized based on direct feedback.
1. Workshop & Analysis
In joint workshops with specialists and managers, processes, systems, and stakeholder structures were collected and visualized—the basis for the initial image structure.
2. Prototyping & Iteration
Based on the analysis, an initial draft of the big picture was created. The image was adjusted, supplemented, and optimized in several rounds of iteration—with a focus on comprehensibility and completeness.
3. Feedback & Finalization
The final version was presented at an executive conference. Direct feedback from all areas ensured that the image promotes understanding of change among all participants and is accepted.
Effect & Results
The Big Picture quickly became a central component of internal communication in the "Progress" project. It facilitates cross-departmental coordination, creates a common basis for discussion, and helps managers communicate complex content accurately and consistently.
"A key instrument for transformation"
“The big picture of Messe Frankfurt’s transformation is a key instrument for our change process. It helps us to make complex changes understandable and tangible, and creates a positive attitude towards innovation. The visualization shows the improvements that the transformation will bring for each individual and how our company will develop. It provides orientation and supports us in shaping the path together and actively shaping the future.”
Michaela Hofmann, Human Resources Management, Learning & Development, Messe Frankfurt
Additional formats & options
A click picture with zoom-ins and info boxes was created as an accompanying medium. It allows recipients to click through the content independently and familiarize themselves with it. The click picture is available in several languages and complements the personal communication formats.
Get started today—schedule your free initial consultation!
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how a big picture can simplify and strengthen your communication in a 30-minute conversation. We look forward to hearing about your challenges.
Frequently asked questions about
Big Pictures
What exactly is a "Big Picture"?
A Big Picture is a visual representation of complex topics such as corporate strategies, processes, or visions. It summarizes all the important information in a single, easy-to-understand graphic that clearly shows connections and processes.
For what purposes can I use a Big Picture?
Big Pictures are versatile: for internal communication (employee onboarding, strategy workshops), external communication (customer presentations, marketing), training, change management, and for visualizing complex projects.
In what formats is the Big Picture delivered?
We deliver your Big Picture in various formats: as a file for use in all digital channels, as a high-quality large print for your premises, as an animated video for presentations or online channels, and as an interactive Click Picture with info boxes for digital applications.
How long does it take to develop a Big Picture?
The duration depends on the complexity of the topic and the desired scope. After an initial consultation, we will create a detailed schedule and a transparent cost overview.
How is the Big Picture adapted to our company?
Every Big Picture is unique. We work closely with you to accurately reflect your specific content, corporate design, and corporate world. The process involves several coordination steps.
Do you also offer a free initial concept?
Yes, gladly. As part of a free initial consultation, we can also discuss the possibility of developing a non-binding initial concept for your specific topic so that you can get an idea of the possibilities.
Contact
Big Pictury GmbH
Gerhofstrasse 1-3
20354 Hamburg, Germany
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