What was the event?
The homemaker's haven that is Grand Designs Live, the consumer exhibition based on Channel 4's popular TV series, presented by design guru Kevin McCloud. Organised by Media 10, this year's London outing took place at Excel from 25 April to 4 May.
How was the brief met? Sponsored by British Gas, the exhibition was split into six different mini shows - Grand Interiors, Grand Build, Grand Kitchens & Bathrooms, Grand Gardens, Grand Village and the Design Arcade - incorporating more than 500 exhibitors overall.
Visitors entered through a branded tunnel that was filled with the familiar sound of the programme's theme tune. At the end of the tunnel was the show's central hub, where - like the heart of a spider's web - each of the entrances to the mini shows met.
This year's event was specifically focused on sustainable living, and how consumers are now investing in their homes for the long term, rather than moving. Various interactive features, such as The House of the Future and Grand Theatre, helped address these trends.
Through the use of live cookery demonstrations, the Grand Food Market gave foodies the opportunity to kit out their kitchens and pick up tips on how to make the most of their purchases, while celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli's restaurant provided a welcome retreat from the bustle of the show.
What was good?
The spider's web layout made the event easy to navigate, which was impressive given its size.
What was bad?
The lack of places to sit back and soak up the atmosphere of the show. The central hub was filled with people sat about on the floor eating sandwiches from the bar that had no seats, and the prices at Jean Christophe Novelli's restaurant will have excluded most of the audience.
ON THE SPOT - Rob Nathan, group marketing manager, Media 10
What was the biggest challenge?
To put on an event that befitted the brand in the toughest of economic climates, without any live TV support, and at a time when other home shows are suffering.
What would you do differently next year?
The challenge is always to improve your event. However successful the event was, our philosophy is to give the visitor a better experience next year. Naturally, we have to look at the visitor experience, and one thing we overlooked was the effect that the London Marathon registration would have on the venue facilities and DLR. Fortunately, we won't be clashing with them next year.
What did the event achieve?
It was a great success. Overcoming the obstacles mentioned was one challenge and to increase our gate was a tremendous achievement - unconfirmed figures put the gate at 105,000, up 5,000 on last year. Our rebook was the highest we have ever achieved and our sponsorship levels superseded any previous event. This was all down to the Media 10 team and agencies working harder than ever.
SUPPLIER FILE
Blake Exhibitions
www.blakex.co.uk
(01926) 865000
Gainsborough
www.gainsuk.net
0844 858 4444
Media 10
www.media-ten.com
(01992) 570030
Stanco Exhibitions
www.stanco.co.uk
(01495) 273600