Oceanology International Exhibition Tips (From Our Experts)
Insideout Events have been designing and building stands at Oceanology International (or Oi) since 2006 and over the years, our portfolio of stands has grown with new clients and evolved with loyal customers. We want to share our experiences, providing tips & insights into the industry’s biggest exhibition. Lets dive in!
What is the Oceanology International exhibition?
Oceanology International is an annual B2B event that alternates between San Diego and London. Our focus is on the biennial show held each March at ExCeL London.
This exhibition highlights cutting-edge innovations and solutions in ocean technology, offering opportunities to learn from industry leaders, expand technical knowledge, and network with key buyers in the blue economy.
Specialising in marine science and ocean technologies, the show features exhibitors showcasing products such as underwater sonars, acoustic systems, bathymetry tools, CTD instruments, and other advanced equipment for measuring underwater activity.
Our experience designing stands for Oi exhibition's
Insideout Events has been designing and building stands at Oceanology International for the last 18 years and we began with just 2 stands. Since then, we have grown a great reputation as a stand design and build company within the show and at the last event we did 8 mid-size and large stands. All exhibitors tend to stick with booking the same stand space year on year and it is our job to create something innovative every time.
Some companies that we design exhibition stands for include the following.
EdgeTech
EdgeTech were one of the first companies we designed and built for and they come back to us time and time again. They tend to have a fairly similar design each year with some adaptations to suit any new products. Over the last 8 years you can see below the small changes we have made.
The Canadian Pavilion
The Canadian Pavilion was one of our first clients for the show. This 200 sqm space, organised by the Government of Nova Scotia, brings Canadian companies to the UK event, which we divide into up to 24 smaller booths for exhibitors. While the space and layout limit major changes, we strive to make subtle updates for each show, such as altering the hanging banner, counter shapes, or meeting area styles. Additionally, we manage the Canadian Pavilion at Ocean Business in Southampton and at Aquaculture in Aviemore, Scotland, both are bi-annual events.
Valeport
Alongside EdgeTech and the Canadian Pavilion, we picked up on our 2nd or 3rd time doing the show, so we have been a long-standing client. During COVID, when we could not do the Oceanology event, Valeport helped us by asking us to set up a permanent exhibition stand at their headquarters. Valeport is another stand that we look after at Ocean Business.
2018
2022
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Coda Octopus
Coda Octopus has been a valued client since our early years, and we even found an image of a stand we designed for them at the 2010 show. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, Coda managed their own stand at the most recent event.
WaterLinked
we have been working with this company since 2020 when we designed a stand in preparation for Oceanology 2020, this show unfortunately did not take place. Since then we have designed and built WaterLinked stands at many shows that they exhibit such as Ocean Business, Oceanology, UDT and ITEC. Their stands are slowly getting bigger at each event – We love working with companies like this that we can grow with!
2022
2024
Insideout has been our partner for several years, and as our company expands, so do our needs. Throughout this time, we have found Insideout to be consistently easy to collaborate with, regardless of the size of the project. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided and wish Gemma and the team continued success.
ACSM Ships
We have now done 2 of the Oceanology International events with this company and they have already confirmed a 3rd. We continue to be stand partners at the next Ocean Business event. It is fantastic when a customer puts more trust in us over time.
2022
2024
From our experience with clients, opting for comfortable, casual seating like sofas or bar stools is a great way to create a more relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This lounge-style setup fosters informal conversations and has been highly effective in making stands more approachable.
Oi has been a great networking opportunity for us as a company and we have hosted get-togethers with drinks and snacks with the customers on a few occasions, as well as been invited to evening events with the clients.
6 Practical exhibition tips for Oceanology International
When designing your stand it’s important to choose a design that aligns with your brand. It not always about having the biggest exhibition stand at the show, it is about maximising your space and having something unique and well designed to attract visitors. You should focus on:
1. Stand location
High-traffic areas near entrances, theatres, or catering zones are ideal. At this exhibition, stands near the Ocean Social Bar, food trucks, registration, Ocean Futures Lounge and Exhibitor’s areas attract the most footfall.
2. Interactive elements
Incorporate touch screens, games, LED features, or VR experiences to engage visitors. Stands with ocean-themed LED screens have been particularly eye-catching at past shows.
3. Adequate lighting
Ensure your stand is well-lit, especially if displaying products. Lighting varies within the ExCeL hall, so be prepared with additional lighting in case your stand is in a dimmer area.
4. Clear signage
Visitors should instantly recognise who you are and what you offer. Consider using hanging banners, as these are common at the Oi exhibition and help your stand be visible from across the hall.
5. Stand decor
Incorporate unique design elements, such as plants and greenery, to create an inviting atmosphere.
6. Sustainability first
Ask your stand designer about using recyclable or reusable materials. Both modular systems and custom-built timber stands can be sustainable if designed with future use in mind.
When exhibiting at events like Oceanology International, where making a strong impression is key, using a professional stand design and build company is crucial. The right partner will guide you through the design process, recommending features that will attract the right visitors. With extensive experience at Oceanology, Insideout Events can advise on what works best and provide eye-catching stand designs to help you succeed.
If you’re considering exhibiting, we’re here to help! Contact us for more information.