Once Extraordinary Events had the honor of designing and delivering the Stefano Ricci Explorer Symposium, a prestigious cultural and educational gathering held in the iconic Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio. Organized in collaboration with the Stefano Ricci Foundation and the City of Florence, the event centered on the theme “Explore the World to Explore Ourselves” and welcomed 350 guests, including political figures, leading designers, press and media representatives, prominent Florentine personalities, and a diverse group of international and local high school and university students, representing more than ten institutions. Managing an event of this scale within one of Florence’s most historically significant and logistically complex venues demonstrates our team’s expertise in high-level cultural event production. The symposium explored critical global topics including climate change, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue, brought to life by internationally renowned speakers from organizations such as National Geographic Society, The Explorers Club, and Exploration Ventures. Attendees experienced exclusive preview content, striking expedition photography, and firsthand insights from award-winning storytellers and explorers, creating a rich and inspiring program.
The Speakers
The symposium featured a distinguished and internationally diverse lineup of speakers, beginning with opening remarks by Niccolò Ricci, CEO of Stefano Ricci, and Alexander Moen, Chief Explorer Engagement Officer of the National Geographic Society. Guests then heard from leading figures such as Milbry Polk of The Explorers Club, Lucilla Conigliello of Università degli Studi di Firenze, and Massimo Sestini, award-winning photographer. The program included an interview with Zahi Hawass, world-renowned Egyptologist, followed by a conversation with legendary photographer Steve McCurry. Afterward, Terry Garcia took the stage, a leading figure of the National Geographic Society and Executive Chairman of Exploration Ventures. The closing sessions highlighted the SR Explorer Mission Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, featuring photographer Andy Mann, with interviews led by Licia Colò and Gianluca Tenti, Director of Communications at Stefano Ricci.
Once Extraordinary Events oversaw the full planning and execution of the symposium, ensuring cohesive branding, flawless logistics, and a seamless guest experience. Our team collaborated closely with the Stefano Ricci Foundation to maintain the event’s refined identity and deliver an atmosphere that balanced historic grandeur with contemporary vision. Our ability to coordinate international speakers, manage intricate production requirements, and deliver a seamless experience for a high-profile audience underscores our commitment to excellence in event design.
Special thanks to National Geographic, The Explorers Club, Osservatorio for Independent Thinking, Exploration Ventures, The Ricci Family, Gianluca Tenti, Leonardo Messeri and the Comune di Firenze for their collaboration and invaluable contributions to the success of this event.
