NEC launches exhibition app with BBC Gardeners' World Live and BBC Good Food Show Summer
17th Jun 2011
A brand new App for exhibitions – developed by the UK’s largest exhibition venue The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and software experts Black Pepper – is being launched at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show Summer, 15-19 June.
Haymarket, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show summer, is the first NEC client to embrace this new interactive show guide that’s initially available on iPhone and iPad, where visitors can navigate and source the latest exhibition information. At the same time, it provides invaluable ‘live’ intelligence and communication channels for organisers and exhibitors, enabling them to interact more efficiently.
Sue Horrigan, Account Director at The NEC said: “The App means visitors will literally have a live event guide in their pocket that gives real time data of what they are looking at and where they are going.”
Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Divisional Director, Haymarket Exhibitions said: “There’s so much to take in across both shows that we wanted to make sure that our visitors didn’t miss out on the things they wanted to see; be it their favourite chef, a live demonstration or a specific exhibitor. With all the event information at their fingertips, visitors can now really make the most of the show.
“We’re also aware how important it is to keep up-to-date with the digital audience and we’re really excited to see how this App will transform the customer experience.”
The App, which will initially be free to smartphone users, gives visitors to The NEC’s diverse 620 acre site a range of useful information and services – they’ll be able to use the App to: navigate from the moment they arrive – from the railway station, airport or car park through to the halls and exhibition stands; plan their visit; view an on screen layout guide; read exhibitors information and access live show updates on the move.
Sue added: “We are continually looking at ways to further engage with our customers. This App offers organisers and exhibitors unrivalled insight into their visitors’ behaviours and movements, allowing them to connect with their visitors and respond to their needs before, during and after the show, while communicating their brands more effectively.
“Following the launch at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show we plan to take the App out to other organisers and look forward to introducing the benefits of this new technology to visitors and exhibitors across the wide variety of shows at The NEC.”
The App is powered by Companion, software developed by Leamington Spa based technology company Black Pepper. It has been developed on the same robust enterprise IT frameworks that were used, for example, to create the Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange mobile platform. Following the launch at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show Summer, the App will be available for widespread adoption by exhibition organisers.
Adam Wright, Head of Solutions at Black Pepper said: “Companion offers great benefits for everyone involved in events in the smartphone age and will enable the exhibition community to manage the interaction in a way that will improve service and generate additional revenue.
“The Application heralds a new era of exhibition management based on live understanding and interaction with participants’ behaviours and interests.”