Exhibiting for Industry and Public

CATEGORY: Events & Exhibitions

The brief

The Yeovilton Airshow is an opportunity for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and its partners to showcase their helicopter squadrons and exciting array of guest aircraft at HMS Heron. As well as the well-known public event, there is also a preceding ‘Industry Day’ which allows for the Royal Navy to meet its partners and explore latest capabilities or technologies. Engage was briefed by Lockheed Martin to create a modular exhibition stand which could cater for both audiences with an overnight repurposing.

Formation of planes in the sky
Three lined up Merlin helicopters

The work

We designed a lightweight truss structure with printed canvas walls which could be easily assembled and repurposed, but was also robust enough to withstand usage in an open aircraft hanger. On day one, we arranged comfortable furniture and exhibits including an F-35 ‘simulator’ for the industry and Royal Navy audience. Overnight, the furniture was removed and replaced with STEM video games and interactive public exhibits. On our advice, Lockheed Martin purchased and stored all exhibition materials to reduce the exhibition build budget, requiring Engage only to update new panels as needed. Otherwise, we handled all logistics, installation, on-site management and creative production.

Group of people at Yeovilton exhibition stand

The outcome

We supported Lockheed Martin for many years at the event, before Covid brought Yeovilton Airshow to a premature end. Throughout, we were able to refresh content and utilise budget to deliver maximum engagement with the public and industry.