Trade Shows provide the opportunity for a business to showcase their latest innovations, while generating new customers and networking with suppliers

Assignment Brief

BBS013-1 Assignment 001 – Project Management Theme

Practice Week Task: “Trade Shows provide the opportunity for a business to showcase their latest innovations, while generating new customers and networking with suppliers.”

Prepare an academic poster to present to a panel on the following topic:

Using an example of an IT Company based in Milton Keynes, UK, which provides software and technological solutions for warehouse automation and logistics, prepare a project proposal for the company to attend the London Technology and AI Trade Show in six months during the last week of August 2020.

You are a team of consultants preparing a proposal to pitch to the IT company for the right to run the project for them.

To be successful, you will need to consider all aspects of the event-management project and produce your poster in order to demonstrate the following:

An outline of your proposal

• Why exhibit at the trade show
• Demonstration of your understanding of managing an event
• Provisions for demonstrating their technology innovations, which could be:
  • Software simulation for warehouse management
  • Demonstration of Warehouse Robots
  • Software simulations of tracking and routing solutions
• How they will purchase space at the trade show
• How they will get there
• What materials will they need
• Staffing requirements – typical stands can accommodate 2 people per day
• An analysis of the benefits for the business of participating at a trade show
• Financial analysis, such as costs, potential ROI (return on investment)
• Stands start at £1500 per day (basic space for desk/electrics included)
• Stands including space to demo simulations are £3000 per day
• Please use researched and reasonable assumptions where appropriate

A project plan developed using project management principles:

• Project Plan Milestones – what needs to be considered and how would a company prepare for exhibiting and a suggested budget
• Define clear and achievable objectives (SMART)
• Analysis of types of investment needed
• Identify potential project stakeholders
• Example WBS - Work breakdown structure
• Gantt chart of the process a business would use to plan participation in a trade show

Sample Answer

PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE LONDON TECHNOLOGY & AI TRADE SHOW

Client: AutoWareTech Ltd. – Milton Keynes, UK

Specialists in software and robotics for warehouse automation

1. WHY EXHIBIT AT THE TRADE SHOW?

• Opportunity to demonstrate cutting-edge warehouse robotics and software.

• Expand customer base through direct engagement with logistics firms and retailers.

• Network with suppliers and explore potential partnerships.

• Stay up to date with market trends in AI and automation.

2. UNDERSTANDING EVENT MANAGEMENT

• Trade show held at ExCeL London – final week of August 2020.

• Exhibition space must be booked 4 months in advance.

• All logistics (transport, tech setup, accommodation) to be scheduled precisely using a project plan and Gantt chart.

3. TECH DEMONSTRATION STRATEGY

AutoWareTech will showcase:

• Live simulation of warehouse management software.

• Demonstration of autonomous warehouse robots.

• Smart tracking and routing solutions for supply chains.

Stand Type Required: Simulation Demo – £3,000 per day
Total Exhibition Days: 3
Total Space Cost: £9,000

4. TRAVEL & MATERIALS

• Staff from HQ will travel via train (Milton Keynes to London).

• Materials: banners, demo kits, leaflets, portable displays, and robot prototypes.

• Equipment transported using company van.

5. STAFFING NEEDS

• 2 staff members per day for 3 days = 6 staff-days total.

• Roles include tech demo lead and client engagement officer.

6. BUSINESS BENEFITS

• Boost brand visibility within the AI logistics sector.

• Generate qualified leads and potential contracts.

• Demonstrate innovations directly to industry leaders.

• Estimated ROI: £30,000–£50,000 in potential client deals.

7. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS