From Concept to Show Floor: Redgate at SQLBits 2026

Bringing a Jetsons-inspired exhibition stand to life through creative thinking, practical design and seamless production.

36m² bespoke exhibition stand | Platinum sponsor | One point of contact

The brief

As one of three Platinum sponsors at SQLBits 2026, Redgate wanted an exhibition stand that reflected its brand, engaged delegates and embraced the event’s cartoon theme.

The creative direction was already established. Redgate had developed a Jetsons-inspired concept, complete with retro-futuristic graphics and a playful approach to engaging visitors.

SOMOS Collective was brought in to turn that vision into a fully realised exhibition stand.

Working from Redgate’s original sketch, we developed the technical and production requirements for the 6m × 6m space, coordinating everything from fabrication and graphics to installation and on-site delivery.

Our role was to preserve Redgate’s creative vision while making sure every element worked in practice.

From concept to construction

An exhibition stand needs to do more than look good. It has to function as a working environment for the people staffing it and create an inviting space for delegates.

As we developed the production plans, we identified several practical improvements that would help make the most of Redgate’s footprint.

Creating a defined space

The original concept didn’t include flooring.

We recommended adding a raised floor to give the stand a clear boundary within the wider exhibition, creating a more defined branded environment.

It was a relatively simple addition that helped distinguish the space from the surrounding show floor.

Making storage work harder

Every exhibition stand needs somewhere to keep the everyday essentials: bags, equipment, promotional materials and the things that inevitably accumulate over a busy event.

Rather than treating storage as an afterthought, we incorporated a central unit that served several purposes.

It provided concealed storage for the stand team, supported two LED screens and allowed cabling to be hidden within the structure.

One practical design decision solved several problems while keeping the stand looking clean and uncluttered.

Bringing the theme to life

One of the most distinctive features was a bespoke CNC-cut Jetsons-inspired spaceship.

Created as an interactive photo opportunity, it allowed delegates to step behind the spaceship and become part of the scene.

The feature connected Redgate’s stand to the wider SQLBits cartoon theme while providing a playful opportunity for visitor engagement.

It was a small detail with a big personality, helping bring the original creative concept to life.

The Collective in action

Delivering the stand brought together creative development, technical production, specialist fabrication and event management.

SOMOS coordinated the project, working with our trusted specialist build partner, Wentwood, who manufactured and installed the physical stand.

Our responsibilities included:

  • Client liaison and overall project management
  • Costing and production planning
  • Technical drawing and design coordination
  • Bespoke fabrication, print and graphics coordination
  • Integration of two LED screens
  • Venue liaison and compliance requirements
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Installation and on-site management
  • Breakdown and removal

 

Throughout the project, Redgate had one point of contact, with SOMOS managing the different suppliers and production requirements.

That meant Redgate could concentrate on preparing for the exhibition, confident that the stand delivery was being coordinated.

It’s how we believe the Collective should work: bringing together the right specialist expertise while keeping the experience straightforward for the client.

The result

Redgate’s finished Platinum sponsor stand brought together its original creative concept and the practical details needed for a successful exhibition presence.

The bold red graphics, retro-futuristic design and bespoke spaceship gave the stand a distinctive identity.

Behind the visual impact were the less obvious details: integrated screens, concealed storage, defined flooring and a layout designed to work for both the stand team and visiting delegates.

The result was a branded environment that looked the part, supported Redgate’s exhibition objectives and was ready for the team to make the most of SQLBits 2026.

More than a stand build

For us, successful exhibition production isn’t simply about taking a drawing and building what’s on the page.

It’s about understanding how a space will actually be used.

Where will people gather? How will the team interact with visitors? Where does equipment go? How can the design work harder without compromising the creative idea?

These are the details that turn a good concept into a practical exhibition experience.

And they’re the details that make the difference between simply supplying a stand and taking responsibility for its delivery.

Planning your next exhibition stand?

Whether you’ve already developed your creative concept or need help bringing an idea together, SOMOS Collective can assemble the right team to make it happen.

From technical development and specialist fabrication to supplier coordination, installation and on-site management, we bring the experience and expertise together under one point of contact.

You focus on your audience. We’ll take care of the details.

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