Gary
Rapiscan Systems is the world’s leading security screening provider, with a client list that includes NATO, Manchester Airport Group, UK Customs, Hong Kong International Airport and US Department of Homeland Security amongst many others.
Operating on a global level, the company has regional offices throughout the world and an extensive distribution network that is very much rooted in local knowledge. Keeping everyone up to date with developments is essential and the head office for Europe, CIS, Middle East and Africa, which is based in Surrey, organises an annual symposium for its global distributors.
The symposium was hosted at Wotton House, an historic country house venue that specialises in conferences, weddings and events. With all arrangements in place well in advance, it was suddenly announced – just two weeks before the symposium was due to begin – that a new product would be available and ready to be showcased. Unfortunately, this created a major logistical challenge: where to locate eight tonnes of security scanning equipment and have enough space to demonstrate it to an audience of 30-40 people at any one time.
Turning problems into solutions
The only practical solution was to use the grounds of Wotton House. Rapiscan approached Lifestyle marquees to provide and install a large marquee and we immediately arranged a site visit. The sheer weight of the equipment meant that grassed areas were unsuitable so we had to look at the car park as the only solution – even then, footings would be required to provide sufficient stability. Other considerations included the constraints of working within a very confined area – the selected marquee was a ‘snug’ fit in the available space – and time was of the essence.
Given access to the grounds on Monday 5 October, the team had to have the marquee up and ready for the following day when the equipment was due to arrive, plus ensure there would be access for the forklift required to transport the product. It’s at times like this that teamwork and good liaison with both client and venue really counts, along with the ability to be resourceful and flexible in our approach.
With the marquee erected in time, we were able to ensure that Rapiscan’s engineers had enough time to fine tune and test the product ahead of guests arriving on the Sunday. We continued to help out – from providing a different set of doors that would let in more natural light to installing heating and supplying power adaptors when it was discovered that the product was wired for US electrical sockets.
Lifestyle marquees makes sure product launch marquee events run smoothly
Product demonstrations were given on the Thursday of the 
symposiumand were a great success, with plenty of space for guests to see the equipment in action. And once the event had finished on the Friday, Lifestyle marquees was back to take down the marquee and return the car park to its normal state by 6pm that evening. Needless to say, Wotton House was hosting another event that weekend and the site had to be cleared quickly.
Emma Frame, Market Development Manager of Rapiscan, said: “Lifestyle marquees was amazing. Given very short notice, the team was able to work around the difficulties and supply the perfect marquee within a very tight deadline. The team was professional, friendly and always helpful – they essentially managed to make the seemingly impossible possible.”
Interested in a product launch marquee?
Interested in discussing hiring a product launch marquee? Call and speak to our team. We offer no obligation advice, estimates and quotations. We have a vast amount of experience in planning and producing product launch marquees. Call 01483 322070 or email enquiries@lifestylemarquees.co.uk to find out more.
