What was the event?

The UK's biggest consumer exhibition, the British International Motor Show 2008, which took place at Excel London from 23 July to 3 August. Sponsored by Zurich Connect, the high-profile show featured more than 23 global debuts and 50 UK first appearances, and attracted 472,300 guests. There was a total of 60 manufacturers on display and in excess of 600 cars, worth an estimated £37.4m. Among the models to make their debut in Docklands were the Vauxhall Insignia, Ford Focus RS and Lotus Evora.

How was the event structured?

The show took over the majority of the venue, including the halls, conference centre and outdoor spaces at the west and east entrances. The halls were filled with various feature areas and displays from major brands including Vauxhall, Mini and Bentley, while the outdoor spaces were utilised for the interactive features such as Land Rover's Ultimate Experience, Mazda's Zoom-Zoom Challenge and Dreamscape: Honda's Live Action Arena, where four action stunt shows took place each day. Even the Thames was put to good use for The Marine Experience, a showcase of boats ranging from million-pound super-yachts and motor cruisers to ribs and sailing dinghies.

Other feature areas included The Heritage Enclosure and Parade - a driving display of high-performance super cars - The Co-operative Insurance Greener Driving Pavilion and the Zurich Connect dodgems.

In addition to the daytime attractions, a series of stand-alone concerts titled the Motor Show Music Festival saw stars such as UB40, Meatloaf and Jools Holland take to the stage of the 3,500-capacity, purpose-built arena.

Who was behind the event?

International Motor Industry Events organised the show under licence from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. There were 18 full-time, office-based show organiser staff assigned to the event, and an estimated 23,500 exhibitor personnel, contractors, security, catering staff and stand staff on-site. Fitch Live was the agency responsible for designing and producing the Vauxhall stand, CMW was behind the Lotus launch, while the THA Group put together the Honda live show.

What were the highlights?

Vauxhall and Ford had two of the most visually interesting stands at the show. Vauxhall's 3,200sqm display incorporated a shop and private Vauxhall drivers' lounge, while Ford's vivid blue stand featured a live performance from singer and Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon on press day.

SUPPLIER FILE

IMIE - www.britishmotorshow.co.uk (020) 7654 0600

Fitch Live - www.fitchlive.com (020) 7544 7500

CMW - www.cmwlondon.com (020) 7927 3600

THA Group - www.tha.co.uk (020) 8398 7700