Showlite were contracted to design and build a 158m2 stand for Booker Wholesale at the recent ScotHot 2019, SEC, Glasgow. With 200 exhibitors and 7000 visitors, Booker Wholesale wanted a presence that would really make them stand out from the crowd. We caught up with Levi Evans, Project Manager at Showlite to find out how it went ...

What was the brief from the client? 
The stand is a mixed composition of Booker’s premium own brands which were the highlights of their catering show in Silverstone. The stand had to feature a cooking demonstration theatre as the main focal point to attract visitors to experience the fine flavours of their 28-day matured steaks and Wagyu burgers. This was complimented by a nearby Butchery Skills area where the meats were prepared by the Booker butchers. The stand also featured the Booker Bar where visitors could taste the drinks range and also sample the paper drinking straws from the Eco Stand which focuses on the sustainable approach that Booker is expanding into. Any mess made could then be cleaned up by the wide range of products showcased in their CleanPro area, even coffee stains that may have come from the Lichfields stand!

Why was Showlite selected? 
Showlite were selected for their creativity in applying new ideas into their designs to suit the specific needs of the Booker own brand stands in a professional manner, focusing on quality of service and customer experience. 

158m2 is a big space to fill – was this the biggest stand project you have been involved in? 
It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to design and project manage a stand of this size. It is the largest free-build stand of my career to date. 

What was the biggest challenge with the project? How did you approach it and were you able to resolve it successfully?
In a design aspect, the irregular shape of the stand space was challenging at first until I located the booker presentations area in the top right corner and made it the focal point. Everything else flowed from there, including the two large Booker branded pillars that acted as signposts to the Booker experience. In a project management point of view, it would have been ensuring that all the staff were briefed correctly pre-site due to the distance of Glasgow to our offices.

What was the highlight of the project for you?
The project as whole was a highlight and also a learning experience. I would say that seeing the project turn from idea into reality with the clients smiling on opening morning was the most rewarding part.

How many team members were involved in the project from start to finish?
Pre-site: 4, On-site: 5

Did you have time to enjoy the legendary Scottish hospitality?
I was well treated and politely greeted for the short duration I was there.  I was also to discover that the legend was true, everyone loved Irn Bru!

What feedback did you get from the client?
We have received a fantastic testimonial from Booker which makes all the hard work worthwhile!

"Booker worked with Showlite to deliver an exciting and lively stand at the recent ScotHot 19 Show in Glasgow. Levi and the team helped us design a functional but eye-catching stand, to a pre-agreed budget, and made the whole process, from initial brief to installation, and eventual break-down as smooth and easy as possible." Freddie Brisbane, Booker

ScotHot, Scotland’s premier showcase for food, drink, hospitality and tourism, took place at SEC Glasgow on 13 & 14 March 2019. The show offers an unmissable opportunity to meet with suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from across the industry.