Keeping busy at Earls Court

20th December 2009

September 2010 was a busy month for the Unusual Rigging team based at Earls Court, with exhibitions covering a range of business sectors, from jewellery to entertainment technology to IT.

The beginning of September saw International Jewellery London taking place in Earls Court 2, followed by PLASA in both halls. Unusual’s Earls Court Contract Manager Andy Sweet says: “The Jewellery show is very high profile but stands tend to be compact – the exhibits are small, so generally the only rigging required is for the organiser’s features. This year we rigged the truss for the central bar, plus hung large pendant lamps in the central aisles.

“It does, though, enable us to do some pre-rigging for PLASA and 100% Design, which is just as well because orders for these shows come through fast and late! PLASA is our own industry, so most clients understand the process well. We can’t always rig something instantly for them but, like all our projects, we handle everything in order of priority.”

PLASA is a big show in all respects. Using both halls, it is one of largest trade-only shows to take place at Earls Court, and many of the stands themselves are also large, with heavy duty rigs, video walls and large LED displays. The whole show is a testament to Unusual’s work - this year’s PLASA required a total of over 400 points and used over 600 metres of truss.

Immediately after PLASA comes 100% Design and 360° IT. Service Manager for Unusual at Earls Court, Ruthie Buchanan, explains: “The Design show is a completely different look – we have to clear out all of our equipment after PLASA. At 100% Design we’re dealing with individual designers and the reality of the aesthetics doesn’t always match the original brief. It’s a lot more detailed than PLASA and more finesse is needed – for example, we have to try and replicate what looks good in a small workshop/showroom when it is rigged in the vastness that is Earls Court 2.”

“Like everything, the volume of rigging has been affected by the economic downturn and we do suffer, because rigging is seen as a bit of a luxury by some clients. However, things are looking up as events seem to be coming in fast and corporate event enquiries are increasing after a long drought.”