Corporate Events, Incentives, Conference Management | First Event

Elevating The Annual Construction Industry Event

Client

Overview

Our client, a major player in the construction industry, has trusted First Event to deliver their renowned annual conference, exhibition, and gala awards dinner since 2011. With 600+ delegates at Celtic Manor, Cardiff, this event serves as a cornerstone in the industry calendar—showcasing innovation, recognising achievement, and fostering connections among key decision-makers, suppliers, and partners. This long-standing collaboration meant First Event was well-positioned to elevate the experience, blending creativity, seamless delivery, and strategic event management to ensure continued growth, relevance, and engagement.

A large, colorful indoor conference & exhibition with many people socializing at long red tables, under hanging beach balls and festive lighting, creates a lively party atmosphere. Three people stand together laughing and talking at a lively indoor conference & exhibition decorated with colorful balloons and string lights; each holds a drink, and tables with drinks and snacks are visible in the background. moulin rouge themed event with audience Performers are dancing and singing on a brightly lit stage with a Moulin Rouge sign in the background, while an audience at tables enjoys the show. Red curtains and spotlights create a vibrant, theatrical atmosphere reminiscent of a conference & exhibition event.

The Challenge

For 2024, the challenge was to raise the event’s profile even further, creating an immersive, memorable experience that added value for all attendees while managing the largest exhibition in its history.

Year after year, the client aims to:

  • Showcase industry-leading topics and speakers.

  • Highlight supplier products through dedicated exhibition spaces.

  • Foster networking and strengthen partnerships among attendees and suppliers.

  • Celebrate achievements with a Gala Dinner featuring awards and entertainment.

  • Ensure the event remains a key driver of business growth and industry influence.

Event Success

173

Exhibition stands made it the largest expo in event history.

31.9%

Growth rate in attendance from the previous year.

55.9%

Delegate retention rate.

Our

Solution

By combining strategic planning, creative design, and flawless execution, First Event ensured the experience was engaging, immersive, and professionally delivered.

First Event approached this with a strategy centred on creativity, sustainability, and meticulous attention to detail:

  • Immersive Welcome Dinner: A sea-inspired evening with branded décor, entertainment, and surprise elements encouraged relaxed networking and set the tone for the conference.
  • Unified Vision: The creative team ran multiple alignment sessions to ensure a “Golden Thread” tied together messaging, branding, touchpoints, and experiences across the event.
  • Largest Exhibition to Date: 173 stands showcased top suppliers, with careful layout planning to encourage meaningful connections and long-term partnerships.
  • Design Excellence with Sustainability: From banners and screens to exhibition stands, eco-friendly materials were used to reduce waste without compromising on visual impact.
  • Dazzling Gala Celebration: The Moulin Rouge-themed gala dinner celebrated industry achievements with glamour, entertainment, and a memorable evening for all attendees.
Attendees networking and visiting booths at a busy indoor conference & exhibition, featuring displays, banners, and informational stands focused on the building and construction industries. A large group of people in formal attire sit at round tables during an indoor gala, conference & exhibition or awards ceremony, with stage lights, a red curtain backdrop, and a presenter visible on stage.

Why

It Worked

 

The event’s success was reflected in both numbers and feedback:

  • Attendance: 530 at the welcome dinner, 500 at conference sessions, 541 at the gala dinner, and 600+ at the expo.
  • Exhibition Impact: 173 stands made it the largest expo in event history, achieving a 31.9% growth rate in attendance and a 55.9% retention rate.
  • Engagement & Value: Attendees, suppliers, and partners all experienced increased value, with more opportunities for networking and exposure to high-quality content.
  • Seamless Delivery: Feedback praised the smooth execution and collaboration, with the Chairman noting the event team “felt like part of the family.”

By combining strategic content, immersive experiences, and flawless logistics, First Event created an event that not only delivered outstanding results in 2024 but also reinforced its reputation as the leading annual construction industry gathering.

A lively indoor conference & exhibition event with people socializing under colorful beach balls and lights. A large screen displays “Welcome Dinner NBG by the sea.” The atmosphere is festive and vibrant. A busy conference & exhibition with many booths, displays, and people networking or exploring products in a large, brightly lit hall. Some attendees are seated at tables, while others walk between exhibits.

Explore More

Want to see how we create an unmissable event? Explore our conference services or get in touch with our expert event team.