Client: Road Transport Media

Event: Commercial Motor Live 2012

Group Size: 700 delegates

Agency: Venues Event Management

Date: 3rd/4th October 2012

Venue: Millbrook Proving Ground

EXHIBITIONS

caseS

TU

DY

The Concept 

Commercial Motor Live, a new event from Road Transport Media Ltd, owners of Commercial Motor magazine, has been given the thumbs up by the commercial vehicle industry. The event held on 3rd and 4th October at Millbrook, one of Europe’s leading locations for the development of vehicles, gave commercial vehicle operators to try the latest new trucks around the tracks in a working environment. Over 40 exhibitors showed off their new products and services to an audience of high quality delegates, all drawn from the road freight transport sector. As well as driving the latest trucks and seeing the new products and services demonstrated, visitors also had the opportunity to attend an informative seminar line-up covering all the industry big issues.  Road Transport Media commissioned Venues Event Management with the project management of Commercial Motor Live in January 2012 including delegate management and onsite event management with the coordination of all onsite exhibitors and liaising directly between Road Transport Media, suppliers and the venue.

EXHIBITIONS

EXHIBITIONS

ExecutionThe Exhibition area was divided into 4 key areas; Concept 1, Concept 2, the Steering Pad and the Quiet Delivery Depot.

Concept 2 was set up for all delegates to collect their information packs, including their passports for the day from the Registration Desk. Following registration all delegates were asked to attend the safety seminar from which entitled them to test drive the vehicles available on site.

The Help Desk was set up in Concept 1for all delegates and exhibitors to use as a main point of enquiry.

This is where delegates were able to book the 4X4 experience.

ExecutionIn Concept 1, Exhibition Hall A, over 40 exhibitors demonstrated their goods and services over the two days to delegates.

EXHIBITIONS

Volvo took this opportunity of the exhibition to launch their latest product – The Globetrotter.

ExecutionThe Steering Pad was set up for the largest exhibitors with truck displays, hospitality trailers and delegates were given the opportunity to meet directly with manufacturers and discuss the product. Within these exhibits delegates were able to book ride and drive sessions to experience the vehicles first hand.

EXHIBITIONS

The Quiet Delivery Depot was set up at the back of the Steering Pad as an extension with further demonstration areas for exhibitors.

ExecutionThe concept behind the seminars was to ensure people felt part of the discussion whilst receiving information in a visual way. The seminars were set up in the Dome adjacent to Concept 1. Venues Event Management worked with AV Network on the set up of the seminars.

EXHIBITIONS

Various sessions held throughout the day include:- Road Transport Legislation and Compliance- Drivers: Managing your best assets- Out of Hours Deliveries – Unlocking the Night- Operational Update- Efficiency update – Saving every drop- Enforcement issues and responsibilities- Road Transport Legislation and Compliance- Protecting your Assets

ChallengesWithout a PA System throughout the exhibition halls, it was difficult to announce any changes to the schedules. A PA system would have been useful both on set up days and event days to make any necessary announcements and direct people to different areas of the site. It was arranged the use of Volvo's PA system inside to attract delegates to the area. Something else required for next event to attract delegates to the quiet delivery depot.

It was difficult at times to contact the 4X4 team to arrange drives. To overcome this, the team were provided with both a contact mobile and radio as additional communication.

The Bendy Buses used to transport delegates from the car park to the showground broke down on two separate occasions. The engineers and 24 hour breakdown service were contacted. The team at Milbrook were very supportive and lent out their “follow me” vehicles for additional pick ups during busy times. It also took a long time between coaches with so many drop off points – it would be suggested for future exhibits that coach drivers do 4 - 5 stops max on Mile Straight not drop off at every persons car.

EXHIBITIONS

Verdict“This was a really exciting project for the team to work on as it consisted of so many elements to ensure its success. Millbrook was an excellent location for the event with the indoor facilities for stand alone exhibitors and outdoor facilities allowing test drives of vehicles.

It was an absolute pleasure to work so closely with Road Transport Media and we look forward to future projects together.”

Jason CardyProject ManagerVenues Event Management

EXHIBITIONS

Testimonial"Good to talk to the horses mouth so to speak. 8/10.” Mandy Wanerton

"Just wanted to say thank you for getting the Driver CPC show on the road in pod despite the logistical challenges! It has gone very well and our customer is happy which is the main thing.”Steve Hobson, Editor, Motor Transport

“This was the first year we decided to run with this event and we are already planning for 2013 on the back of the success of this year. Exhibitors to the event were pleased with the quality of delegates attending and found it more than worthwhile attending. We have already received requests from delegates who attended this year to exhibit next year which only demonstrates its success.

Just a quick note to say thanks for all your hard work in helping us to get Commercial Motor Live to the starting line. The market reaction to the event has been broadly positive and I'm hopeful the review process will give us the confidence to push forward on this event. We couldn't have done it without you guys and really appreciate your hard work, dedication and professionalism. A job well done! I Look forward to getting a review in the diary and discussing lessons learned and next steps with you all.”

Andy SalterManaging Director Road Transport Media

EXHIBITIONS