The Why? Forum by Fitch Ratings

Building on the success of the inaugural Fitch Ratings Why? Forum, presented at the New York Public Library in October of 2013, Fitch Ratings held the second installment of this thought leadership event in London. In keeping with Fitch’s exploration of the ‘reasons behind the rating,’ The London Why? Forum focused specifically on Europe’s return to growth and the opportunities and threats that are most likely to impact that trajectory.

The London Why? Forum event took place at the historic Tower of London whereEmpire and Fitch’s design firm, Addison Branding, were tasked with transforming a 12th Century venue into a contemporary and innovative event space. The centuries-old wood columns and ceilings beams were juxtaposed with black leather and chrome and an enormous LED wall, was constructed to serve as a backdrop for the stage.

The program began with welcoming remarks from Fitch Group CEO, Paul Taylor, who laid the groundwork for the evening’s discussion and introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord Mervyn King. Lord King spoke to an audience comprised of some of the most influential institutional investors, senior officers, bankers and European market participants.

Following an audience Q&A with Lord King, a panel discussion began featuring economist Nouriel Roubini, Managing Director of JP Morgan Asset Management and former Economics Editor of the BBC, Stephanie Flanders and Hearst Corporation’s President and CEO, Steve Swartz. The panel discussion was ably moderated by Fitch Rating’s James McCormack and covered topics ranging from Europe’s recovery, the validity of the Eurozone model, Russia, the Ukraine and the “Pivot to China,” and the growth opportunity in Africa.

At the conclusion of the stage program, the New Armouries courtyard and café were transformed into a reception where guests mingled with program participants and further discussed the evening’s topics.

For this unique program, Empire served as overall producer, helping to secure the keynote speaker and contracting the panelists, handling all technical production, scenic and staging, catering, and guest logistics.

To learn more about this innovative new series, check out the Why? Forum website at www.whyforum.com

Empire is a leading producer of thought leadership forums that provide insight to business decision-makers worldwide.