Specsavers & Newmedica
at 100% Optical
The Clients
Specsavers is one of the UK’s most recognisable high-street brands. It’s been a family-run business for more than 35 years, working with retail partners to provide the best value optometry, audiology and other healthcare services to customers across the globe.
Newmedica is a leading provider of NHS-funded and private ophthalmology services. It operates a network of eye clinics and surgical centres across England and is dedicated to helping people protect their sight, so they can get back to doing what they love. Everything Newmedica does is driven by a commitment to deliver personalised patient care.
The Project
We were tasked with designing and building creative exhibition stands to help Specsavers and Newmedica make an impact at 100% Optical 2023.
The event, which took place at the ExCeL, in London, in February, is the UK’s only annual optical event. Organised in partnership with the Association of Optometrists, the show provides a platform for eyecare professionals to:
- Source the latest eyewear, contact lenses, technology and solutions
- Gain invaluable knowledge and insight with a world-leading education programme
- Network with industry peers through one-to-one meetings and informal events.
Each brand had unique requirements for this event. Specsavers sought a bespoke stand that could be reused at events throughout 2023 and 2024, while Newmedica wanted a sustainable system stand with bespoke elements. Both clients wanted interactive components to draw in the crowds.
The Solution - Specsavers
Our creative solution for Specsavers was a huge, bespoke open stand space with interactive elements, including the custom-branded head shape we created for Big Bang 2022. The stand’s centrepiece was a presentation zone featuring a seating area with furniture matching Specsavers’ distinctive green and white brand colours and a giant branded LED wall playing video content and presentations throughout the day.
Silent disco headsets were linked to the LED wall so delegates could listen to the audio content. We also integrated interactive touchscreen units with content created by us, along with bespoke video content playing on screens around the stand.
A custom-made ‘buzz wire’ game with leaderboard, and a popcorn machine, were also incorporated to bring extra interactivity.
The Solution - Newmedica
For Newmedica, we created an open space with a custom-branded feature wall and storage area. Its main feature was a virtual reality desk with three VR headsets, where visitors could take an immersive tour to see the inner workings of an eye care clinic and a hospital consultant’s theatre.
There was also a ‘silent disco’ area, where visitors could use headphones to hear life-sized videos of various healthcare professionals giving talks throughout the day.
The sustainable modular stand included biodegradable banners and reusable furniture. iPads showing the locations of all Newmedica’s clinics across the UK were integrated around the stand. We also helped source branded cupcakes for the stand’s hospitality area.
The Impact
The show was a huge success for both Specsavers and Newmedica. Our stand designs and interactive elements helped draw in the crowds to engage with their staff, view the presentations, and participate in the fun activities.
Both stands allowed the clients to share their expertise, showcase their brands and bring their distinct products and solutions to visitors’ attention in very different ways.
Our detailed project planning helped ensure a stress-free event for both clients, without them having to worry about any aspect of their exhibition stands. We took care of all the hardware, technology, digital content and programming on both stands to ensure things ran smoothly.
And we handled everything, from pre-build and installation to on-site support during the event and takedown. All their teams had to do was turn up, enjoy the event and engage with their visitors.
Testimonials
“Specsavers is all about changing lives through better sight and hearing. It was vital that our stand showcased our purpose and our expert care.
“Of course, it needed to look amazing, and we wanted it to be as sustainable as possible. The team at Ei delivered on all counts. Chris and the team understood our brief, came up with a creative concept that hit the mark and then executed it perfectly.
“It meant we could give our visitors a fun and engaging experience while maximising our presence at the event with a visually stunning stand space.”
Philippa Simkiss, Senior Engagement Manager, Specsavers
“After deciding to exhibit at 100% Optical, the UK’s biggest for opticians, for the first time, we wanted to make sure we had a strong presence, one that would stand out and have a positive impact.
“The solution Exhibit Interactive created for us delivered exactly what we asked for. It offered the perfect blend of creativity and interactivity, meaning that it not only looked great in a crowded exhibition hall but meant we could give our visitors an engaging and immersive experience.
“Chris and the team also took care of everything, meaning we didn’t have to worry about any tech or logistics on the day. It helped us achieve great visibility at this important event for our business.”
Neil Wilkins, Head of Marketing, Newmedica