Showlite was contracted to deliver full event services for the Booker Catering and Retail Trade Shows which took place in three different venues up and down the country over a two-week period. Showlite Project manager, Levi Evans, discusses the challenges that came with the job and the successful delivery of the project:

What was the brief from the client?

The brief from the Booker Team was to emphasise the prominence of the desserts and chef’s brands range across all three events, whilst also raising the standard for the feature stands at each show which included two additional halls of Silverstone.

Why was Showlite selected for the job?

We have a longstanding successful relationship with the Booker Trade shows having been involved from the event’s inception as the Londis Trade Show in ExCel London in 2015. Whilst being part of the event’s growth forms part of the decision-making process, it’s not the sole reason we were selected. We pride ourselves on the tailored approach we offer across the different products and services we provide, fully address the changing needs of our customers, and this was key to getting the job.

What are the challenges of organising a job like this?

With a total of 583 exhibitors across the shows plus 34 feature areas, this was always going to be a challenge! Especially as the events take place during the busiest time of our year. Time was the most challenging on-site factor of this project and we wouldn’t have completed the project without our fantastic production and build teams that followed the show from the workshop to final build.

How did you approach the project?

As with most feature-based events it is always to a good idea to approach with an open mind!

Do the venues all come with their own specific challenges?

Absolutely! The evolving nature of the shows also bring their fair share of surprises. In Silverstone there were the stairs whilst in Farnborough, the electrical mains were the challenge. In Doncaster however it was how many free donuts or pasties we could eat!

What was your favourite event location?

Whilst it's hard to pick a favourite, if pushed to pick one then it would be Doncaster Racecourse for their friendly staff and overall efficiency of build.

How many miles did you cover?

Somewhere on the lines of 900 miles!

How do you deliver the project as sustainably as possible?

Reduce, Re-use and Recycle as much as we can. Did you know that the Booker Team also donate a lot of their produce to a local charity food bank after the event which is a great initiative!

What was the highlight of the project?

Finally getting to try some of the ice cream from the Dessert’s areas … Delicious! And also the successful delivery of three events which looked fantastic, completed in just over two weeks in three different locations.

What feedback did you get from the client?

We had excellent feedback from the Booker team and are already starting the preparations for the 2020 shows!

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