How Total Management Group Powers its Global Business from Convene

Total Management Group, a leading provider of event and travel solutions, has trusted Convene as its flexible office solution to support its operations since 2020. In this interview, Managing Director of Total Management Group Adam Suellentrop shares insights into the company’s unique approach to workplace culture, the advantages of working with Convene, and how a thoughtfully designed workspace contributes to their success in delivering exceptional experiences for clients around the globe.

Can you tell us about Total Management Group?

Total Management Group is a global event and travel agency, that produces events globally through our teams that are split between our offices in London and New York. Through our core divisions of Events, Studio, and Travel we deliver end-to-end event management services on every scale, including on-site delivery and all planning logistics. Content strategy, branding, scenic design, and development—which includes 3D renderings—are part of our offering as well as group and corporate travel services, which through our bespoke technology allows us to integrate all event attendee travel requirements seamlessly.

What sets your company apart from others in your industry?

Total Management Group is uniquely positioned as both a full-scale event agency and a travel agency. This combination allows us to provide exceptional value to our clients. We integrate everything from flights, travel, and hotels to the event experience, ensuring a seamless process. Plus, our in-house creative studio allows us to bring a wide range of imaginative ideas to life, which sets us apart in terms of creativity and convenience.

How long has Total Management Group been a Convene WorkPlace client? 

We have been a Convene WorkPlace client since 2020, initially starting with a community membership at Convene One Liberty Plaza in Downtown Manhattan. In 2021, we opted to move to a WorkSuite at Convene 101 Greenwich that could accommodate our New York-based team. As our team grew, so did our space; we have expanded twice within the building, most recently upgrading to a larger suite last year.

What is your workplace strategy? How does Convene play into it?

Our workplace strategy sets us apart from many similar-sized agencies in our industry. While others are experimenting with various workplace models, including going completely office-less, we have taken a different approach. As an events company, we strongly believe in the power of bringing people together. We are convinced that for a growing team eager to learn and excel in their craft, in-person collaboration works best.

Currently, we require our team to be in the office four days a week, with ad hoc and flexible remote days, and we recently updated our approach so that everyone is in the office on the same days. This strategy has been working well for us and our company culture.

How does the Convene space support your team’s day-to-day operations?

Convene serves as the place where our team gathers and collaborates. It offers us all the benefits of having our own office without the burden of managing the associated responsibilities. Our newest WorkSuite at Convene 101 Greenwich offers flexible desk setups that allows for growth within our private space and includes a private phone booth, storage area, and dedicated conference room.

The real advantage of a Convene WorkSuite lies in the access to amenities we don't have to manage ourselves, such as morning coffee, food and beverage options, technology to communicate with London, and all additional lounge spaces. We also have the flexibility to use a beautiful executive boardroom when needed, which is perfect for hosting top clients or important meetings. This versatility allows us to operate seamlessly without having to maintain spaces that we only need occasionally.

What made Convene stand out when choosing a flexible office provider for your company?

The central location of Convene was a significant factor—it is very accessible from various places, including New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York City. This accessibility is beneficial for both our team and our clients, several of whom are located nearby.

The overall quality of the facilities that Convene offers stood out to us. We felt that the high standard of their offerings aligned well with our brand image. While the overall package and pricing were certainly considerations, the quality of the space was a primary factor in our decision. 

Ultimately, it was the combination of prime location, high-quality facilities, and a good fit with our brand that made Convene stand out among flexible office providers.

How has having a dedicated workspace at Convene impacted your team’s productivity?

As event and travel professionals, our team is on the road a lot. However, we often need to handle physical items and manage complex logistics so having a dedicated space where we can gather, prepare, and regroup before and after our travels is crucial. Our team leverages the space for learning and coaching which has become instrumental in how we transfer expertise and build a stronger, more capable team.

Additionally, the Convene WorkSuite provides us with the flexibility to scale our operations as needed. For instance, when our UK team visits, we can comfortably accommodate a larger group. Once they depart, we can easily adjust back to our regular size. This adaptability allows us to efficiently manage our space according to our business needs. 

In essence, our dedicated workspace at Convene significantly enhances our productivity by providing a central hub for collaboration, learning, and flexible operations.

What has been the most memorable experience you have had while working from Convene?

Personally, I love the view from our office window, which overlooks the Trinity Church. I often joke with everyone that I get to see Alexander Hamilton every day.

As for memorable experiences, I feel a sense of pride every time I walk into our office. The facility is beautiful and exceptionally well-maintained. Convene has proven to be an excellent partner for us because we share a similar understanding of events. We both recognize and appreciate the small details that contribute to creating exceptional experiences for our clients and guests. This shared perspective has made our time at Convene particularly rewarding and effective.