From studio to summit: HSBC Global Investment Summit 2025

Big ideas, big stage, even bigger jet lag

Picture stepping into a room where the future of finance, innovation and sustainability are forging fresh connections in real-time. That was the fizzing energy in the air at this year’s HSBC Global Investment Summit (GIS) in Hong Kong, held between 25 and 27 March. Far from just another diary date for the world’s money movers, this was a powerhouse gathering of over 3,000 delegates and 70 distinguished speakers that will help shape investment and the global economy for years to come. 

For us at Ride Shotgun, it was a proud moment seeing so much of our creative, strategic and production work, crafted hand-in-hand with HSBC’s brilliant marketing, events, comms and business teams, take centre stage in such a thrilling, high-profile arena. 

As Ride Shotgun’s founder and Chief Client Officer, Andy Weir put it: 

Not just a logo on a lanyard 

Our teams across client services, creative, strategy, content and production had all been tirelessly working behind the scenes for months, building a seamless campaign ecosystem to power a premium summit experience. 

 Here’s just a flavour of what we brought to the party: 

• Full event creative identity
• Hero films for the main event and private wealth sessions including bespoke music composition
• Motion assets for on-site and digital screens
• Social-first video content
• Print design, event signage, and OOH across Hong Kong

From the first teaser to the final thank-you, we helped HSBC connect with audiences across every moment that mattered. (Watch this space for the full case study – coming soon!) 

Behind the scenes in Hong Kong

But it wasn’t all decks and deadlines. Being on the ground at the Summit in Hong Kong gave Cole Procter, Senior Account Director at Ride Shotgun, a front-row seat to something truly electric. From standing ovations during keynotes to quiet strategy chats over coffee, the atmosphere was buzzing with optimism, ambition and energy. 

We caught up with Cole after he’d caught a little sleep (and eaten his own bodyweight in dim sum) to hear all about it. 

Hey Cole – welcome back! First things first, why were you at the summit, how was the journey and what were your first impressions of Hong Kong? 

What about the venue – what was it like walking in? 

Honestly, no joke, it felt like walking into a movie set. I arrived right at golden hour. The front of the Conrad Hotel was gleaming in the sunset and a massive red HSBC hexagon outside was refracting the light into these psychedelic rainbows. I can only describe it as a totally surreal, beautiful moment. 

Walking down into the event space was emotional, too. Months of long days, late nights and meticulous planning and suddenly, here it all was. Event teams were putting the last touches to the booths and event branding. It was the culmination of everything, coming together in one place. Calm, beautiful and absolutely ready. I even had a moment of quiet to just breathe it in before the summit really kicked off.

Be honest – what was the absolute standout moment of the summit for you? 

Without a doubt, seeing the Hero film play during the pre-test run! There was a small group of key HSBC folks there, and although we hoped it would be a good scene setter, nobody really knew how it would land. When the film finished… you could literally feel the buzz in the room. It captured everything we wanted: the ambition, the journey we were all about to go on over the next 3 days, the energy. It gave everyone that adrenaline shot of “Right, let’s do this.” Totally unforgettable. 

Did you manage to squeeze in any non-summit adventures? 

A bit, yes! One highlight: I got to visit the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium on the Kowloon Peninsula. Even better, my little sister who recently moved to Hong Kong, was working at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, so I got to see her absolutely smashing it in a professional capacity. Family pride moment, for sure. 

Essential packing advice for your next global gig? 

Plane snacks. Way better plane snacks. I wildly underestimated the snack situation this time and it was a dark, hungry 13 hours.  

Finally, can you sum up your GIS 2025 experience in just three emojis? 

 🙌 🤯 🤩

Pretty much says it all! 

Telling global stories, the right way 

Global events like GIS aren’t just about big stages and bold brands, they’re about stories, strategy and genuine impact. When you get all those ingredients right, brands like HSBC don’t just show up, they connect, inspire and lead. 

For us, GIS 2025 proved just how powerful it can be when creative clarity meets collaborative firepower. We’re proud to have played a part in it and we’re even more excited for what’s next. 

Let’s talk 

Do you have a global vision that you’re ready to bring to life? We’re ready when you are.