Appointed official platform contractor to Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) in 2014, Walsall-based Expo-Floors supplies the event with more than 19,000sq m of raised flooring. 

Nearly two thirds of that provision, 12,000sq m, is Expo-Floors’ Eco-Elevate, a system developed specifically to become the most flexible and user focused system in the Industry.

Made from 100 per cent recycled polypropylene and used across each of FIA’s six principal indoor exhibition spaces, any of the system’s individual panels can be lifted after the Floor is laid, providing a flexible solution to suppliers and stand contractors cabling requirements which became thousands over the 12,000m2 total area.

With companies coming to the show from all around the world, Eco-Elevate has fast become an integral element of the fluid build process in the halls at FIA.

Working with fellow suppliers including DB Systems, GES, RME Services, Carrier and CEVA Logistics, planning and discussion are crucial elements of the preparation process.

“We coordinate with those contractors daily from start to finish, 19,000m2 of platform requires us to be considerate and conscious of our fellow Official Show Contractors” Ben Crutchley, Owner/Director of Expo-Floors, says.

“On top of that, we’re talking to stand designers and contractors from more than 20 countries, that’s over 3,000 separate pieces of communication in the run up to the show.”

Expo Floors is one of early suppliers to arrive within the exhibition halls on site, putting the Eco-Elevate panels down ready for when the stand contractors arrive some 3-4 weeks later. Once the contractors arrive they’re met by Expo Floors who give a demonstration to how cables can be simply located in any area of the flooring despite the platform already been laid.The flexibility of the system doesn’t compromise its strength, Eco-Elevate can cater for 3 tonne armoured vehicles and other heavy exhibits at Farnborough alongside the traditional exhibition infrastructure.

Expo Floor’s also supplies the show with its interlocking Eco-Floor product; moulded from the same sustainable material as Eco-Elevate it’s a popular alternative to traditional timber based Floors and much faster and easier to install.

Outside, Expo-Floor also provides the event with some raised bespoke walkways from the chalets down to the runway area.

“Farnborough is our biggest flooring project, this show requires the largest amount of our stock and months of planning,” Crutchley says. “The organisers have brought together a brilliant team of show contractors and it’s a real pleasure to be a part of this fantastic event”

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.