UCAS Modular Exhibition System | Education Events UK
Reconfigurable System for Education Conventions Nationwide
Project Scope
Design and manufacture of a self-build modular exhibition system for UCAS, the UK's university admissions service. The project required developing a reconfigurable stand solution for their nationwide programme of education conventions, including events in London, Birmingham, Manchester and their Cheltenham headquarters. The brief called for rapid assembly without specialist contractors, flexibility to adapt to varying booth sizes and professional presentation quality that would replace dated shell schemes while controlling logistics costs.
System Components
The HIVE System® modular architecture comprises lightweight interlocking panels creating versatile configurations from 3x2m to larger island stands. Integrated elements include rear-illuminated branding panels showcasing the UCAS logo, built-in AV mounting for iPad displays and digital screens, cable management systems, adjustable LED lighting, and storage compartments. All components pack flat for efficient transportation between venues across the UK's education event circuit.
Design Approach
Create fast-build exhibition infrastructure that UCAS in-house staff could assemble without external contractors, eliminating shell scheme limitations while maintaining professional visual impact. The modular concept prioritises simple hand tool assembly, durable construction for multi-year use across dozens of events and adaptable architecture that responds to different venue constraints encountered at convention centres nationwide.
Challenge: Replacing Shell Schemes for Nationwide Education Events.
UCAS organizes dozens of higher education conventions annually across the UK, connecting universities with prospective students at venues from London's Olympia to regional centres. Their previous exhibition presence relied on basic shell schemes that lacked impact and failed to represent their role as the central hub for UK university applications. With an experienced events team capable of self-installation, UCAS sought a professional exhibition solution they could assemble independently, reconfigure for varying booth allocations, and reuse across their extensive events calendar without recurring contractor costs.
Developing the HIVE System® Solution
This requirement led to the development of HIVE System® - our proprietary modular exhibition architecture designed for rapid deployment. The plug-and-play system allows two people to assemble a complete stand in a few hours without power tools or specialist knowledge. Lightweight FSC framing and interlocking panels create solid architecture that adapts to different footprints: UCAS reconfigures the same system components for 6m², 9m² and 12m² spaces depending on venue allocations. The rear-lit branding panels, integrated iPad mounts and professional lighting elevate UCAS's presence beyond standard shell schemes while the flat-pack design minimises transportation costs between their Cheltenham headquarters and event locations nationwide.
Impact: Professional Presence with Operational Efficiency
The modular system has transformed UCAS's exhibition capability, providing consistent professional branding across their UK-wide education convention programme. The investment in reusable infrastructure replaced recurring shell scheme rental costs while giving their team greater control over stand presentation. The HIVE System demonstrates how organizations with regular exhibition schedules benefit from self-build modular solutions: professional impact comparable to custom builds, flexibility for multiple venues and logistics efficiency that reduces carbon footprint and operational costs. UCAS now presents a cohesive brand experience whether exhibiting at major London venues or regional education fairs across England, Scotland and Wales.
