I can still picture the excitement of that day in the year 2000 as we prepared for the family trip of a lifetime. We were heading to Florida, Orlando - the land of Disney World, Universal Studios, and all things awesome for a child. But while the thrill of meeting Mickey and riding roller coasters had me bouncing off the walls for weeks, there was one more piece that made the trip extra special: the chance to fly on a jumbo jet, the legendary 747. That flight would leave a lasting impression on me and become a story I often reflect upon - one that ties into my journey with Beluga, our values, and what it means to build a truly memorable brand experience.
As a young kid, everything about the airline we flew on, seemed, well... cool! From the iconic red branding to the energy of the staff, it was clear they were more than just an airline. Boarding the plane felt like entering a world designed for excitement and adventure. I remember feeling like a VIP, even though we were just ordinary passengers on a family holiday.
It wasn't just the thrill of being on a massive aircraft or the novelty of flying; it was the way they had crafted the entire experience. Each child was given a backpack filled with surprises - colouring books, games, and snacks. It was a gesture that seemed small but felt huge. To me, it wasn’t just a bag of goodies; it was an invitation to become part of the family. And that sense of being ‘seen’ as an individual, not just a passenger, was unforgettable.
They had a remarkable ability to make every aspect of the flight an experience. The design, the ambience, everything felt modern, stylish, and fresh. And to an eight-year-old, it felt like stepping into a whole new world.
A few hours into the flight, something truly memorable happened. The captain announced a competition for all the kids on board: Draw what you’re most excited to see when we land in Florida. It felt like such a unique touch - an activity to break up the monotony of the flight and add an element of fun and creativity to the journey.
I remember eagerly picking up my pencil and drawing paper, and the excitement I felt as I sketched out my vision of the Disney castle. The task consumed my attention for a while as I imagined all the fun that lay ahead. Once done, I handed my masterpiece over to the cabin crew, who collected all our drawings like precious treasures.
It was a moment of anticipation and unity - dozens of kids, all bubbling with excitement for what awaited us in Florida. The real magic came when the captain's voice returned to announce the competition winners. He read out name after name, probably every child on board. It was a moment that seemed funny at the time - was it a real competition or just a way to make sure no one was left out? - but it didn't matter. Every single child felt like a winner.
When the cabin crew came down the aisle with the prizes, I was handed a soft Goofy toy. It might have seemed like just a simple giveaway, but to me, it felt like I had won an Oscar. That Goofy was more than just a toy; it was a symbol of the entire flight experience - the feeling of being special, seen, and celebrated. Goofy then went on travels around Florida and made it to the end of my bed for years after that as a staple of my teddy collection, a small treasure that reminds me of that flight, that holiday, and that incredible feeling of joy and connection.
Nearly 25 years later, after spending some time at the parent’s home, I spotted Goofy sitting on a window ledge, and it flooded back those memories from nearly 25 years ago. But it did something even more subtly powerful, it reminded me of that experience. An experience that in reality only last 7 or 8 hours nearly 25 years ago on a plane, but created a memory for life. They created a brand experience that was authentic, human, and deeply memorable. They went beyond simply providing a service; it built a connection.
When I think about that flight now, I see it as a masterclass in what it means to deliver a great brand experience. It wasn’t just about arriving at our destination; it was the experience along the way that had flair, attention to detail, and a sense of fun.
So what made it so impactful as an experience?
At Beluga, we’re driven by similar principles to those I experienced on that flight. We believe in creating experiences that are not only memorable but also impactful. Our approach is grounded in our core values: being Creative, Freeing, Connected, and Evolving. Whether it's through how we engage with our clients or the way we deliver our services, we aim to make every touchpoint an experience to remember.
We draw inspiration from brands like those mentioned, focusing on how we can build genuine connections with those we serve.
It’s about more than just delivering a product or service - it’s about crafting a journey and creating a connection. We want to make our clients feel seen, heard, and valued in every interaction. At the same time, we stay true to our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that as we grow and help others grow, we are making a positive impact on the world.
Our work at Beluga spans a range of services, all united by the belief that great brands are built on great experiences. Whether we're helping a company enhance their digital presence or transforming their team culture, our goal is to create meaningful, unforgettable interactions. And just like that Goofy toy, we hope to leave lasting impressions that our clients, and the community can carry with them long after the project is complete.
It’s funny how one seemingly small moment - like receiving a Goofy toy on a flight - can stay with you for decades. But that’s the power of a thoughtful brand experience. It's these moments of human connection, joy, and recognition that build brand loyalty, create advocates, and develops long-term relationships.
So, if you're thinking about your own business and how you interact with your customers, take a moment to consider the following:
At Beluga, we're on a journey to help you build those experiences, elevate your brand, and leave a lasting impact, through our bespoke (and off-the-shelf) learning experiences, and digital solutions.
So, if you’re interested in finding out more, or even just want to talk about my trip to Florida – then let’s chat (who doesn’t love a good holiday chat?!)
are you ready to be more beluga?