Exhibition Design & Build / Logistics / Exhibitor Management

When Highlands and Islands Enterprise needed a team to refurbish, build and manage the Scottish Pavilion at one of aquaculture’s flagship global events, Speakeasy delivered from concept to close. Taking on an existing stand design, we refurbished and rebuilt the structure – a striking curvilinear form with a curved overhead pelmet and elegant double pillars that felt open and welcoming while clearly defining the pavilion’s presence on the show floor. Every component was pre-built in our workshop, then packed and transported to Trondheim in close collaboration with our trusted local haulage partner, with all shipping, insurance and regulatory requirements carefully managed throughout.

Supporting 20 SMEs across the three-day event, our team went well beyond the build. A bespoke branded Exhibitor Portal allowed each company to manage AV requirements, upload artwork and access key documentation – all in one place. Pre-show webinars walked exhibitors through 3D renders of their individual pods, logistics and presentation schedules. We also consolidated and shipped each company’s collateral and merchandise directly to their pod, removing a significant logistical burden from the exhibitors themselves. On-site, we co-ordinated a full live presentation programme, managed digital content across all screens, and provided real-time AI-powered translation between English and Spanish via wireless headsets, ensuring the pavilion was accessible to audiences across the show floor.

Exhibition Design & Build / International Logistics / Exhibitor Management

Speakeasy designed and built the Scottish Enterprise pavilion at WindEurope 2025 in Copenhagen – one of the most influential renewable energy events in the world. The stand showcased Scotland’s credentials as a hub for wind energy innovation through prominent Team Scotland branding, lightbox walls, large-format graphics and a centrally positioned display screen drawing visitors in with video and animation content. A blend of open-plan seating and semi-private meeting rooms gave exhibiting companies the flexibility to host everything from casual conversations to focused business meetings, all within a modern, dynamic space built with eco-friendly materials.

Delivering the stand to Copenhagen presented a distinct set of post-Brexit challenges around work permits, labour restrictions and Danish regulatory compliance. Our project management team tackled these head-on – liaising early with the venue, event organisers and Danish authorities to secure all necessary registrations and permits, and building a carefully planned transport strategy with contingency measures in place. Speakeasy was among the few contractors to successfully navigate these hurdles, getting the stand completed on time and fully compliant.

Exhibition Design & Build / International Logistics / On-Site Management

When global education events specialist ICEF needed a standout presence at one of the world’s largest education exhibitions, they turned to Speakeasy. Positioned at the main entrance to the show, the stand needed immediate visual impact — and we delivered it through a 5-metre central tower structure built from our modular aluminium framing system, replacing the expensive rigging solutions ICEF had previously relied on and achieving greater height and visibility at significantly better value. The stand was completed by a clearly defined networking and meeting area, custom-built desks, branded balustrades, a premium carpet finish and an integrated reception screen – a polished, professional environment designed to draw people in and keep them there.

All components were manufactured in Scotland and shipped to San Diego in two consolidated crates, with installation completed over two days using a combination of our own team and local labour in compliance with venue and union regulations. A Speakeasy project manager was present throughout build, event and de-rig – maintaining quality, managing on-site contractors and ensuring the stand looked its best every day of the show. The client was delighted, and the project led directly to repeat business for subsequent events.

Exhibition Design & Build / Interactive Content / Event Management

Standing out at The Open means competing against global brands with enormous budgets – so when VisitScotland asked Speakeasy to create their presence at St Andrews, we knew it had to be something genuinely memorable. Our answer was ‘The Home of Golf’: a fully interactive stand built around a bespoke 6-hole crazy golf course recreating iconic Scottish landmarks, set within a gallery of full-height large-format prints showcasing Scotland’s most celebrated courses. A large interactive touchscreen – loaded with archive footage, Open Golf history and a visitor quiz – invited people to linger and explore, while the crazy golf drew in families and enthusiasts alike. Visitor numbers far exceeded previous years, with leads and favourable contacts increasing fivefold compared to earlier stands.

Designed, built and fully managed by our team from our Scottish workshop, the stand ran smoothly across all 10 days of the event – navigating the strict accreditation processes, tight access windows and limited on-site facilities that come with major temporary venues. All structural elements were either recycled or returned to our 15,000 sq ft storage facility for future use.

Exhibition Design & Build / International Logistics / Ongoing Partnership

When Study in Scotland first approached Speakeasy at NAFSA 2023, they were spending a significant portion of their budget on rigging high-level banners and getting limited return from expensive show contractors. We redesigned their stand around a 4-metre high modular tower structure – achieving the same visual height and impact without a single rigging cost – and paired it with striking graphics, networking desks and a branded reception area that gave Scotland a presence worthy of the brand. The entire stand packs down into just two compact crates, stored in Scotland between shows, refurbished annually and shipped back out to the US each year.

We handle everything: international logistics, show services ordering, local labour coordination in compliance with US union regulations, and an on-site Speakeasy project manager throughout build and event days – so the Study in Scotland team arrive to a stand that’s ready to go. Built on a modular aluminium system, the stand is also adaptable for different venues and show formats around the world, making it a long-term asset rather than a one-off investment. We’re now Study in Scotland’s trusted exhibition partner wherever their events take them.