A
s previously stated, exhibitions are the best platform to engage with
clients and suppliers using your exhibition stand as your marketing
tool. Electra Mining Africa draws big mining players who are keen to
showcase what they have to offer using double story stands, outdoor
pavilions and custom built exhibition spaces.
All exhibition stands require a lot of planning and work, from the conception of
an idea to the physical presence of a stand.
A brief is sent to us describing the space as well as the objectives that the
client wants to achieve with their stand. From this information, a design is
conceptualised and presented. Often, a design will be revised two or three
times in order to ensure that the client’s vision is perfectly represented. Once
a design is approved, technical specification drawings are done in order for
the design to be given a monetary value and the proposal is
quoted accordingly.
When the quote and the design are signed off, production begins! The drawings
are sent to the carpenter who builds the structure in his factory and breaks it
down to transport to site. Artwork is designed and sent for print and all other
contractors are contacted and instructed to be ready for build-up.
Typically the build-up of a stand can take up to two or three days (often
longer than the show itself); in the case of Electra Mining Africa, we were
building for over a week due to the size of the show and stands. Before any
construction begins, the wires for electrics need to be run through ducts and
placed accordingly on the stand. The floor is then placed with a protective
covering to ensure no damage occurs. Once the floor is down, clients’ products,
such as heavy machinery, are placed. The structure is then built around these
products which can involve the use of rigging points, steel structure as well as a
wood substrate construction. As soon as the structure is up, painting begins and
fixtures such balustrades and windows are fitted. Graphics are then applied and
furniture is brought in and placed according to the space and specifications of the
client. Audio Visual equipment, such as TVs and sound equipment, are installed,
as well as any special requests like air conditioning units or refrigerators. We
then send in a cleaning team to ensure that the stand and all its fittings are
spotless for the show. The client is then invited to inspect their stand, and
handover is done either the day before or on the day of the show.
For the duration of the show, we are on standby if at any point the client needs
assistance on the stand. Once the show is over, breakdown begins. Our team is
there before the doors close just to ensure the client has all the assistance they
require. Once all the clients’ goods and products are removed, the furniture and
AV is packed up and taken back the warehouse.
The structure is then broken down. In some cases, elements are able to be
re-used, adding to our focus of being a ‘Green company’. Where components
can’t be re-used by us, they are donated to be used as cabinets and desks at
underprivileged schools as part of our ‘Stand-By Initiative’.
We are thrilled with the amount of work we have had the privilege to do this year
thus far! Our team has been working hard and smart, in order to provide the best
possible service that we can. Every job, whether it is simple furniture rental or the
construction of a large custom-built stand, is performed with the integrity
and dedication it requires.
Nex Media •
Vol 2 Issue 3
47
