Clean Air Task Force’s biannual All Hands retreat brought together some of the leading minds in climate change from around the globe. But to make the most of this rare in-person gathering, the event needed a unifying theme—one that would inspire connection and reinforce the impact of individual actions.

We developed Denizens, a concept that personified animals through whimsical illustrations, encouraging attendees to see themselves not just as global citizens, but as part of a shared ecosystem. The theme grounded the retreat, shaping communications, keynotes, and activities.

Beyond theme development, we also helped craft the retreat agenda, designing opportunities for teams—usually spread across continents—to meaningfully reconnect. Keynote speakers were also assisted in shaping their presentations and crafting compelling narratives that reinforced the event’s theme and engaged their audience.

A key part of this agenda was a custom 90-minute storytelling workshop designed to help scientifically minded experts transform their work into compelling narratives. By exploring different storytelling techniques, participants learned how to frame their research and initiatives in ways that engage and inspire action.

Creative Director: Courtney Abud
Art Director: Matt Wahlquist

Process Involvement:

1. Concepts, research, and story direction

2. Experience design

3. Creative direction

4. Copywriting

5. Workshop creation and facilitation

6. Keynote assistance