We were approached by NMIS after winning the Manufacturing and Industrial Award at the C&IT Awards.
After a vigorous tender process, we were awarded the contract with 3-weeks to turn the event around.
We love a challenge!
A major sustainability conference uniting industry leaders to drive net-zero manufacturing
The one-day NMIS exhibition & conference was being held as part of the organisation’s wider COP26 communications campaign.
Almost 300 delegates representing global manufacturers, world-leading research and technology organisations and innovative market disruptors joined academic researchers and government representatives to discuss the challenges and aspirations for sustainable manufacturing. ‘Manufacturing a Net-Zero Future’ was designed to ensure key players in the industry collaborate to drive efficiencies, reduce waste and lead the way in the fight against the climate emergency.
The speed with which XSEM responded to the many and varied logistical challenges of creating a stand-out event in such a tight timeframe and in an industrial workshop space was quite remarkable. It was a huge ask but the team was more than up for the challenge, delivering an unforgettable experience for delegates and helping raise the profile of sustainable manufacturing across the globe.
As part of our trade show management, we embraced the theme of COP26, using recyclable or reusable graphics, shell schemes and event structures, encouraging delegates to use public or shared transport, provided water refill stations, partnered with food redistribution companies, energy efficient equipment and implemented ‘power-off policies’ for all equipment when not in use. The event also featured a social media campaign, online delegate registration, an event website and conference app.
To bring the event to life, we had to overcame a broad range of logistical issues presented by the venue – an industrial warehouse space. Meticulous trade show management ensured access, heating, lighting and audio-visual challenges were overcome to transform the building into an inspiring venue. With audience interaction a top priority, we created an ’in-the-round’ stage complete with 360-degree screens. Delegates were given headsets, enabling keynote speakers and panelists to interact with visitors throughout the building.
A dedicated exhibition space featured 25 trade stands including a selection of electric vehicles including a double-decker bus, excavator, and sports car chassis alongside demonstrations of novel manufacturing technologies to highlight the importance of resource efficient manufacturing.
The success of the event led to early-stage plans regarding a further conference in 2022.
Deborah Findlay, NMIS head of communications, said:
“The buzz around the event even led to a visit from the official Sri Lankan Government COP26 delegation who heard about the conference while attending the nearby summit in Glasgow and decided to find out more about the novel work being done by manufacturers to combat the climate emergency. It was the icing on the cake of an outstanding conference, one I believe will be a line in the sand for the Scottish manufacturing community.”
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