When we first partnered with Udemy’s EMEA team in early 2024, we had a bold idea: create an unforgettable customer engagement event using the iconic setting of the McLaren Thought Leadership Centre. That gem of an idea became PowerUp — a new kind of experience designed to bring together C-suite learning and development professionals, thought leaders, and innovators for a day of connection, insight, and possibility.
Fast-forward to March 2025, and PowerUp has grown from a single pilot event to a key fixture in the Udemy calendar. PowerUp 2.0 was designed with one goal in mind: to go bigger, bolder, and deliver even more value for Udemy, their guests, and the business.
A Bigger Vision, A Stronger Partnership
For PowerUp 2.0, Udemy’s sales and customer success teams built a curated guest list of senior leaders from across EMEA, focusing on top-tier decision-makers in learning and development. Our role at 1440Sports, with the EMEA Marketing Team, was to turn that ambition into an unforgettable, flawlessly executed day — from the big-picture strategy through to the smallest detail.
The team managed everything from event branding and show flow to speaker programming, guest engagement, staging, hospitality, and interactive moments throughout the day.
The Day Unfolded
At 9am sharp, 146 of the 150 confirmed guests had arrived and were checked in — a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Guests began their experience with an hour of relaxed networking over breakfast before the day’s content officially kicked off with a powerful look at Udemy’s journey. Co-founder Eren Bali set the tone, sharing the origin story of the platform and how it continues to evolve.
Just three weeks into his new role, Udemy’s CEO Hugo Sarrazin then joined Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, on stage for a memorable discussion about leadership, transformation, and the intersection of sport, innovation, and learning.
The morning continued with a high-energy customer panel hosted by Caoimhe Carlos, where Udemy clients shared stories, challenges, and successes. That was followed by guided tours through the McLaren Technology Centre — a behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s most iconic motorsport organisations — and a delicious lunch break to fuel the afternoon ahead.
Innovation in Every Detail
The afternoon programme took place in the spectacular 360 auditorium, with sessions led by Udemy instructors, digital learning leaders, and guest speakers. The vibe was energetic and participatory, with live quizzes, competitions, and audience polls keeping everyone engaged.
As the day came to a close, guests transitioned into an elegant networking reception with champagne, canapés, and the smooth sounds of a live saxophonist. The final touch? An exclusive VIP dinner on the McLaren Boulevard, surrounded by the team’s latest trophies from the Melbourne and China Grand Prix races — a moment of celebration and connection to round off an extraordinary day.
Real Business Impact
While we can’t share specific commercial results due to client confidentiality, the feedback from Udemy’s team has been overwhelmingly positive. PowerUp 2.0 didn’t just build brand love — it unlocked significant renewal and new business opportunities, with pipeline development already underway for the quarter ahead.
More than that, the event deepened relationships with key customers and further cemented Udemy’s position as a leading voice in learning transformation.
What’s Next
PowerUp is no longer just an event — it’s a movement. It’s an experience that inspires decision-makers, creates meaningful connections, and drives real results. We’re proud to have helped shape it, and we’re already looking forward to what comes next.
At 1440Sports, we believe in the power of partnership, precision, and creative thinking. PowerUp 2.0 was all of that — and more.
