A Handy Exhibition Venue Guide to… Old Billingsgate

There are a few things that most people already know about Old Billingsgate.  For example, that the building was originally home to a bustling fish market – the world’s largest fish market, in fact – back in the 19^th century. 

Fast-forward to the 21^st century, and this stunning Grade II Victorian building steeped in historic heritage holds more than a few contemporary surprises! 

No longer a fresh fish empire, these days Old Billingsgate regularly hosts the cream of royalty, celebrity and enterprise in over 70,000 sq ft of adaptable, purpose-built event space that boasts some of the very best transport links around. 

Not only that, but Old Billingsgate’s Thames-fronting terrace is hard to beat for exceptional views of London at its cultural best, with London Bridge, The Shard and HMS Belfast displayed in all their dazzling glory. 

So come with us – and don’t forget your camera – as we take you on a tour of this truly magnificent venue!

©Old Billingsgate

A brief history

Old Billingsgate Market was once, famously, the only place to go for fresh fish. The largest market of its kind, the bewitching building became and still remains a true landmark that forms a crucial part of London’s heritage.

It was in 1982 that the fish market was relocated to a new site on the Isle of Dogs, and the intended purpose of the original building was for office accommodation.  However, the huge potential to showcase events in one of the most imposing and well-connected spaces in London was soon spotted, and there began Old Billingsgate’s dramatic transformation.

Now one of the most prestigious and versatile venues for conferences, events, parties and shows, Old Billingsgate encompasses three stunning spaces with facilities to suit any event, not to mention a terrace featuring unrivalled London views.

The venue’s three event spaces are The Grand Hall, with its triple-height ceiling, feature mezzanine and sky-lit ceiling, The Vault, featuring vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork, and the sleek, modern Gallery.  The spaces can be hired separately or together, so no matter how large or small your event, you can be sure it will be perfectly accommodated.

Notable events

With its unique atmosphere steeped in history and style, Old Billingsgate has earned its reputation as one of the quirkiest and most flexible event spaces around.  Intimate musical performances are regularly staged here, as are cutting-edge conferences such as FinTech, and recent events such as Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution cook-off, featuring Britain’s top chefs joining Britain’s top CEOs in a kitchen-based battle!

Getting there

Old Billingsgate couldn’t be more conveniently situated, with an iconic position right in the heart of the City, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the Thames.  The nearest mainline station is Fenchurch Street, and the nearest Tubes Monument and Bank – and you can also easily reach the venue by air and river!

There are a selection of easily accessible car, van, coach and lorry parks near the venue, for easy loading and unloading of equipment and yourselves.

Facilities

Old Billingsgate comes extremely well-equipped with everything an event could possibly need, with a dedicated on-site team to take control of technical issues, sound, lighting, and security.  Catering is also on hand for large and small groups of every description.

The venue is an extremely popular location for filming too, and offers its own dedicated brochure for any would-be Steven Spielbergs!

What else is available for exhibitors?

Flexibility is the buzzword at Old Billingsgate, with its spaces not only equipped with everything an exhibitor could need, but with so much exceptional versatility in where and how you can exhibit.  Three distinct spaces offer individual atmosphere, whilst throughout the building there is a fusion of historic character and contemporary charm that is genuinely unique.

©Old Billingsgate

 Can we help you with any questions about Old Billingsgate?  Here at Guardian Exhibition and Display, we’re old hands at helping our clients showcase their brands with display materials to rival the showiest of show spaces – and we’d love to talk about how we can do exactly the same for you.  Simply contact us to start a conversation.

Our Top 10 Do's and Don'ts for Designing your Exhibition Stand!

Last week, we told you all about how business-beneficial it is to include exhibitions in your 2017 marketing plans, including the importance of a well-designed stand. 

All very well, you might be thinking, but how do you get started on designing that fabulous stand?  What should you think about, and crucially, what should you avoid?  If only you could find a team of experts who can help…that would be really fantastic, wouldn’t it?

Well, you’re in luck…because we’re that very team!  Read on for ten essential stand-design dos and don’ts, brought to you direct from our many years of hard-earned experience.  You’re welcome.

1. DO…keep information at eye level

The best stands work because they make it easy to absorb information, even as people hurry past. Don’t spend time crafting the perfect blend of punchy words and colourful graphics, only for it to end up hidden behind someone’s legs on exhibition day!

2. DO…hire a graphic designer who understands your business

People will notice images before they pay attention to words, so it’s really worth getting this one right.  Ask plenty of questions beforehand to make sure your designer can properly translate your business needs into striking images.

3. DO…understand that image quality counts

The quality of your images will reflect the quality of your customer. Blurry, offset images will impress nobody, except maybe the type of customer who doesn’t pay any attention whatsoever to detail – and as you probably already know, they’re often the hardest to deal with!

4. DON’T…think of your display as a brochure

People tend to concentrate on reading a brochure, so you can take time crafting stories they’ll relate to.  You won’t have that luxury with a stand – it needs to grab attention immediately, then move people on to their next encounter with you, whether that’s a chat during the exhibition or a follow-up afterwards.  Be short, simple and snappy.

5. DO…keep as generic as possible

Being too specific with your stand means people will have to concentrate to understand it.  Many won’t bother, so explain what you do in a quick, simple and easily-understood message that will speak to as many people as possible.

6. DON’T…allow anything to be printed without checking the proof

We mean anything.  Even if you can prove the printer messed up your perfect stand design, it’s your responsibility if you agreed the proof beforehand – so you carry the cost.  More importantly, you’ll be left with a stand you can’t use…and nobody wants that!

7. DO…understand that colour is important

Colour creates powerful associations.  Could you think about Coke without automatically picturing red and white, for example?  Ensure your stand incorporates bright, bold colours associated with your brand, and people will be more likely to remember you later on.

8. DO…know that scale is everything

What looks fantastic on a computer screen can end up cluttered or lost when transferred onto your stand…so make sure you check everything properly beforehand!

9. DON’T…font it up

In other words, don’t try to impress your audience with too many words!  Be clear, and let your bold colours and striking images do most of the talking.

10. DO…think of future uses for your stand

Of course, you’ll probably be able to make use of your stand at plenty of other events…but how about mounting it to the wall, or displaying it in your reception area when it’s not in use?

If you’d rather not go it alone at your next event, why not have a chat with our friendly team?  We’ll take all the pain out of designing your stand, so you can exhibit your business with confidence!  Simply contact us here.

How to Deliver a Memorable Experience at your next Exhibition

Exhibitions are about engagement and connecting with people. For most people it’s a great way to do business, you will always get those who are just there to get out the office and try and collect as many freebies as possible, but for a large percentage they attend because they have a particular need that needs to be fulfilled.

Exhibitions can be an overwhelming place with hundreds of stands and thousands of people, which is why it’s important that after the aisles have been walked and stand’s visited, it’s your stand that sticks in people's mind.

Maya Angelou the poet and author once said “people will forget the things you say, they will forget the things you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. This is never truer as in relation to exhibitions.  Being attractive to the eye is key, the use of large images and bright colours are a must. The use of technology on stands is now becoming very important when in engaging with visitors, using large-scale screens to run movies or showreels is a good way to communicate your message, humans are naturally drawn towards moving images.

The use of games is a fun way to interact with people, along with a way to retain people on the stand and create a real buzz at the show. These interactive games, in turn, will then make your stand stick in people’s minds when they are back at the office wading through mountains of bags and brochures.

Utilising items like tablet’s and tablet holders can be a simple way for people to fill out surveys and capture people’s data. Getting your message across to people in an easy, quick and concise way is key to etching your company into people’s memory.

Making sure that staff manning the stand are smart, attentive and friendly is of utmost importance, they are representatives of your brand and its key for them to build a connection.

Most of all exhibitions should be fun! If you portray a real human side to your business through your exhibition stand, it’ll be you that people remember.

5 reasons why you should go modular

 

Below is a list of 5 reasons why you should choose to go modular –

Zero Wastage

All of our custom modular stand solutions are 100% completely re-usable. This makes modular stands very green and great for the environment. After recently building a stand our client asked us what materials she needed to put on her wastage breakdown form, we replied with "Zero".

Flexible

Our range of custom modular exhibition systems can be shaped and re-shaped so they fit into any stand space you book.

Stylish

Gone are the days where modular equals boring square shapes, with our custom modular solution we can create beautiful eye catching curves, that will fool anyone into thinking that your stand is in fact a purpose built stand.

Economical

All our custom modular solutions are re-useable and without requiring you to purchase any new graphics. This makes the on-going costs really stack up against you old school purpose built MDF solutions.

Practical

We pre-build all our custom modular exhibition stand solutions at our show room in Leigh On Sea. This gives all our clients complete piece of mind before show day that their stand will be 100% ready on time. Seeing your stand in its full glory before show day, also allows for some pre-show marketing, showing visitors what they can expect to see, when they visit your stand.

If you would like more information on how our custom modular exhibition system can help your exhibition campaign, then please either visit our website - www.gdisplay.co.uk or call us on 01702 662111

British Antarctic Survey unveil their new Versaform Lite

BAS approached us as they were looking for a modular exhibition stand that was easy to transport and simple to set up. The required portable display stand needed to have the functionality to be able to swap over panels at ease, allowing them to display different messages for different events. They also wanted to be able to hang a LED screen from the exhibition stand.

BAS went with our Versaform lite system as it ticked all the boxes they required for an exhibition stand. This unique exhibition display stand showed BAS that not only would they be able to build the stand with no tools, it would fit into the boot of a car.

The first outing it was required for was New Scientist Live. This is an event that takes placed at Excel and is billed as a "festival of discovery" the show attracts some big names in the world of technology and science. The show contains 4 mesmerising zones that cover everything from the brain and body, to the earth and cosmos.

We always like to hear from our clients after the shows and we were very gratefully to receive the below feedback.

"Our first exhibition with the new material went really well and everyone was delighted with the stand so many thanks again. We had to adapt the layout slightly as both sides were open on the booth but it worked out better than before and the Versaform setup proved its versatility" Jamie Oliver BAS

   

The Restaurant Show 2016

Now in it's 29th year this renowned, unique trade event is designed to provide ideas and networking opportunities to those owning, operating and working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, cafes and leisure establishments across the UK.

Over 450 exhibitors were in attendance showing everything from food and drink through to EPOS and furniture. We had 2 clients this year using our Versaform Flex system.

 

 

Bookatable

 

 

Bookatable provides real-time reservation services for 13,000 restaurants across 12 countries. Diners can also make bookings via Bookatable’s consumer-facing websites.

 

The flexibility of this modular display stand, gives the client great scope to be able to use it at a variety of exhibition space and trade show events.

 

 Givex 

 

 

Givex proven platform is providing the tools that drive customer engagement and accelerate operational efficiency for our clients, while generating the valuable and actionable data that is crucial to maintain a competitive advantage in today's fast moving economy.

 

This is Givex second outing with their portable exhibition stand and the second exhibition space the system has adapted to.

 

If you have a busy event schedule and you would like to know how Versaform Flex could help, then please contact us on 01702 662111.

Standing out from the crowd

We were recently on the other side of the fence attending a show ourselves. It was a smallish local show, for local companies, helping to promote business and trade within the Essex area. Being held at Chelmsford city racecourse the venue was perfect for holding such an event, as the open plan feel, created a nice flow for people attending.

Each exhibitor were only allocated a space of 2m x 2m, which proves difficult to make a real statement, and hard for us as an exhibition company to show off our full capabilities.

Most companies chose to use roller banners as their way to brand their stand, when looking around the event everyone just seem to blend together, with the stands being so close, as you were moving around the show, it was difficult to differentiate between companies.

To help our small space stand out from others, we used an LED lit shelving unit, TV screen and Ipad holders. Many other exhibitors complemented our stand saying that it really set us apart from other exhibitors.

Along with our striking stand we were giving out Gdisplay branded cupcakes (who doesn’t love free cake) word soon got around the venue about how good our cupcakes were (supplied by ‘Cupcakes by MrsB’) Competition was fierce as others had chosen the cupcake route. A few exhibitors and visitors kindly commented they were the best in show, high praise indeed.

Just making yourself that bit different, thinking outside the box, can really make a difference when going to exhibitions. A fellow exhibitor Rossi’s Ice Cream were at the show promoting their luxury ice cream and giving all the visitors a free tub of their sumptuous vanilla flavoured dairy produce. Needless to say they were a very busy stand throughout the day. The ripples of that were felt by the stand next door, who was able to pitch to some the waiting visitors, promoting his company.

The day was a resounded success, with us speaking to many visitors throughout the day along with networking with many of the other exhibitors.