EN editor Saul Leese discusses the changing face of Showlite, and how creativity and partnerships, sets them apart from the competition

Showlite has been through a significant transformation over the past five years, going from an electrics business to a full-service contractor. The company now works closely with more than 50 organisers across the UKand more recently has launched Evolve (shortlisted for Innovation Award at the AEOs) which offers bespoke exhibition stands, high impact features and innovative stand packages. Showlite, whose clients include Nineteen Event Group, Fresh Group, William Reed, Mark Allen and UKI Media, are not afraid of a challenge.

They recently completed an unusual 158sqm stand for wholesaler Booker at Scothot 2019. Jo Mayer head of marketing explained: “From a design aspect, the irregular shape of the stand space was challenging at first until we located the booker presentation 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.” The stand was a success, and Booker wrote a glowing testimonial, highlighting the company’s creativity and how easy it was to work with them from fruition to break-down.

Mayer adds: “We pride ourselves on personal relationships, our customer service is second to none and we get fantastic feedback year after year. We’re winning new business as well as cementing relationships and growing our body of work with existing clients. We pride ourselves on our strong people culture - we celebrate our team with a monthly #showlitehero as well as recognising people in the industry through our series of Spotlight interviews.”

Showlite has earned a solid reputation for being one of the most trustworthy and professional contractors in the industry. They manage events in every major venue across the UK, including ExCeL, Westfield, the NEC, Old Trafford, Olympia and Sandown Racecourse. They were the official contractors on Nineteen Events’ rapidly growing International Security Expo, working through the night due to a tight turnaround between events at the venue.

Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen, said: “The show was an amazing success and a large part of that was down to the professionalism and dedication from the whole Showlite team. They are a true partner and have been by our side supporting us as the show has grown and developed. We really value the knowledge they bring in terms of their understanding of venues, floorplan design, account management and exhibitor customer service.”
Creating strong brand experiences and maximum ROI for their clients is not the only thing they are investing energy in. Sustainability is top of the agenda; exploring ways to save energy by investing in LED lighting technology, using 100% recyclable carpets, recycling or reusing shell schemes and sharing transport with contractors. They also work with local schools, providing offcuts for DT projects.

Partnership is at Showlite’s core. They work in every situation, delivering a full-service build overnight, working with high end designers to create stand out features and developing a strong brand identity for a well-established brand. Showlite relish a challenge and pride themselves on understanding their clients’ businesses, demonstrating creative solutions, delivering professional results and striving to grow any business they work for.

ENDS