Housing 2021

Venue

Manchester Central Convention Complex

About the event

The award winning Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference and Europe’s leading housing festival. Over 6000 attendees, 350+ speakers and 350+ sponsors and exhibitors visited over the three days – made it the biggest meeting place for the whole housing sector in Great Britain.

Brief

Showcase was briefed to design and build various stages and theatres which involved creating design visuals and CADS as well as project management. They took responsibility for supporting the technical elements of the event such as managing the digital signage. The brief also included taking charge of the live streaming for the hybrid element, which included preparing and managing the speakers.

Finally they were tasked with supplying equipment for exhibition stands.

The client was also keen to have all stages being as sustainable as possible. This involved using recycled materials for the build and using existing furniture from Showcase’s own collection.

Solution

Showcase worked with the client to create and build a number of stages and theatres including: Keynote, Masterclass, Best Practice, Future of Living, Knowledge Theatre, Insight Theatre, Fringe, Net Zero and Digital Futures. For these they designed, produced and supplied: graphics, video screens, sound systems and furniture.

To make life easier for the delegates to order their stand furniture, Showcase created and built a pre-exhibition order form, with support, on- line. However thanks to Showcase’s experience in this type of event, they were able to assist delegates with last minute orders when items had been forgotten.

Delivery

In total Showcase worked on Housing 2021 with a team of 40 for three days build, the three days of the show itself and a six-hours derig.

The event was deemed a success and Showcase demonstrated their ability to work under pressure. When it was time to stream the now ex Secretary Of State For Housing Robert Jenrick from London, they needed to remain calm and draw on their technical skills, as unfortunately he was late and the team had only minutes to spare before he went live.

Project Service Summary

• Creative design
• Visual rendering
• Live streaming for hybrid element
• Signage
• Exhibition furniture
• Project Management and advice