ICHIBAN 2025 : Toyota Motor Europe’s top retailers awards

When Toyota Motor Europe entrusted Folks with the organization of its ICHIBAN 2025 Awards in Bologna, our mission was crystal clear: deliver an unforgettable, Omotenashi-driven experience for over 210 of Toyota’s top retailers, executives, and country presidents from across 37 European markets.

From 24 to 27 June 2025, Bologna became the stage for a unique three-day journey celebrating excellence, customer centricity, and the spirit of “Number One” – all orchestrated by Folks.

From Concept to Execution: A 360° Folks Production

At Folks, we don’t just manage events; we create experiences. For Toyota’s flagship event, our team Folks heroes handled every detail from A to Z:

  • Venue sourcing: the iconic Palazzo di Varignana, a symbol of Italian elegance.

  • Hotel & travel logistics: seamless airport transfers and accommodations for 210 international guests.

  • Event branding: from signage to digital communication, all aligned with Toyota’s “Number One” and Omotenashi values.

  • Premium activities: Italian cooking classes, wine tastings in the hills of Bologna, and a spectacular hot air balloon ride.

  • Gala dinner production: world-class scenography, entertainment, and attention to every detail.

The result? A seamless, high-touch experience that turned a corporate event into an emotional highlight for every guest.

The Journey: Three Days of Unforgettable Moments

The event flow was designed to keep every moment engaging, inspiring, and true to Toyota’s values:

  • Day 1: Airport pick-up, smooth transfers, and a warm welcome at the venue. After the Ichiban Summit, the evening opened with a walking dinner in the villa’s gardens – an enchanting setting that immediately set the tone for the days to come.

  • Day 2: Guests enjoyed curated personalized activities – from hands-on Italian cooking classes to wine tastings in the Bolognese hills, or even breathtaking hot air balloon rides. The day concluded with a gala dinner, elevated by a “wow moment” that left the room speechless: aerial silk dancers performing above the dining tables, merging art, elegance, and surprise in a way no one could forget.

  • Day 3: After two days of inspiration and connection, we ensured a smooth departure for all participants, complete with personalized farewell touches.

Measurable Success: Numbers and Emotions

Events are only as good as the memories they create. For ICHIBAN 2025, the results spoke for themselves:

  • 210 participants from 37 countries

  • 9.8/10 satisfaction rating from post-event surveys

  • Exceptional guest feedback and social media buzz from Toyota’s network

  • A fully branded experience aligned with Toyota’s culture of excellence and Omotenashi

We delivered an experience designed to inspire loyalty, drive motivation, and set the standard for future Ichiban editions.

Looking for an event agency in Belgium or Europe to deliver your next high-end corporate event, incentive, or awards ceremony?

Partner with Folks. We transform ideas into premium, tailor-made experiences that your guests will remember forever.

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