Arena Seating helps anchor London International Boat Show

National Boat Shows and its feature consultant Johnstone Events drew on the expertise of Arena Seating Special Structures division to provide bespoke structures for several spectacular attractions at the London International Boat Show this month.

From temporary harbours, to canoeing and miniature sail-boat pools, the division supplied the vital supporting structures which allowed nautical clients to let their imaginations run wild.

Working with Johnstone Events’ Andy Johnstone, Arena Seating helped implement a new concept, the Suzuki Indoor Harbour, for Suzuki GB. This consisted of an indoor harbour built at London’s ExCel to exhibit a range of motor launches and outboard engines. Arena Seating provided the substructure on which the exhibitors mounted their own branding and display. Special features added by the company included a ramp and several staircases, handrails plus the main, square viewing platform into which the “harbour” pool was set.

With Johnstone Events and Standby Exhibitions, Arena Seating Special Structures installed a supporting structure for a “Deck Games” area, which hosted two pools for children’s canoeing and model boat displays. Stairways, platforms and display supports provided by the company created a stimulating, safe environment for exhibitors and viewers alike.

The company also provided an access structure to several of the luxury yachts on display. With many of the vessels standing several metres above ground level, a significant scaffolding construction was required to allow visitors to reach the yachts’ entrances, and to host small welcome areas.

“Exhibition support is one of the areas we excel at,” says Martin Clark, Commercial Director of Arena Seating’s Special Structures division. “Our specialist carpentry and scaffolding teams are able to provide the bespoke feature areas needed to create exciting and comfortable experiences for visitors and exhibitors alike. These include staircases, handrails, ramps and display structures, as well as high quality finishing. We are used to working to the tight deadlines required by exhibition clients.”

“This was the first time Johnstone Events has used Arena Seating Special Structures,” says Andy Johnstone. “The decking and handrail system they used integrated well with the 280,000 litre pool which Johnstone Events used to produce the Indoor Harbour. We were very impressed by their service and the way they met our demanding schedule and budget. We are looking forward to producing other projects with the team in the future.”