IFB2016
Design & Web Content Manager
The International Festival for Business 2016 was the second instalment of the Liverpool-based event. Backed by the British Government and the GREAT campaign, the festival attracted over 35,000 international business delegates over three weeks, showcasing the best local and national businesses to a global marketplace.
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My role as Graphic Design and Web Content Manager was to build on the previous festival’s brand, giving it a more dynamic aesthetic across all touchpoints, from lapel badges to the 8100m2 exhibition hall.
The International Festival for Business 2016 was the second instalment of the Liverpool-based event. Backed by the British Government and the GREAT campaign, the festival attracted over 35,000 international business delegates over three weeks, showcasing the best local and national businesses to a global marketplace.
​
My role as Graphic Design and Web Content Manager was to build on the previous festival’s brand, giving it a more dynamic aesthetic across all touchpoints, from lapel badges to the 8100m2 exhibition hall.
In response to the requirements of the Festival Director, I undertook the refinement and development of the existing festival brand guidelines. The initial steps involved subtle modifications to the festival logo to preserve its core identity while effectively integrating the GREAT campaign logo. As a government-funded project, a functional partnership logo is in adherence to the stipulated requirements.
As part of the comprehensive branding strategy for the International Festival for Business 2016, a prominent decorative element was introduced - ribbons. Their inherent qualities and symbolic meaning, effectively communicate the festival's core theme of international movement, connectivity, and collaboration.
Through these meticulous design choices and thoughtful symbolism, the enhanced brand guidelines succeeded in reinforcing the festival's identity while effectively incorporating elements of collaboration and international significance in a visually compelling manner.
Having established the brand guidelines and crafted the promotional brochures, my project entered its subsequent phase, spearheading the development of the festival website, advertisements, events and city dressing. Working with internal stakeholders and partners, we strategically designed to promote the event locally, nationally, and internationally. With meticulous attention to detail, we ensured that every aspect of the promotional materials aligned seamlessly with the festival's overarching vision, creating a unified and impactful representation of the event.
In order to reach international audiences and generate widespread excitement for the festival, a series of events were strategically organised across the globe and within the UK in the run up to the festival. Playing a pivotal role in supporting these events, I provided a comprehensive range of collateral, stage designs, and digital assets, reinforcing the festival's impact and appeal on a global scale.
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Event Space Dressing
The International Festival for Business 2016 was the second instalment of the Liverpool-based event. Backed by the British Government and the GREAT campaign, the festival attracted over 35,000 international business delegates over three weeks, showcasing the best local and national businesses to a global marketplace.
​
My role as Graphic Design and Web Content Manager was to build on the previous festival’s brand, giving it a more dynamic aesthetic across all touchpoints, from lapel badges to the 8100m2 exhibition hall.
Here is a feel for the festival's triumphant three-week journey, visited by diverse and enthusiastic delegates. Notably, the event garnered a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, adding a touch of regal distinction to the festivities. Additionally, we were visited by cabinet members of parliament, who delivered insightful speeches at the festival. The diverse attendance and distinguished guests further enriched the festival's experience, making it a truly memorable and inclusive celebration of excellence and collaboration.
Blue Skies Stage
Branding
At the core of the festival lay the Blue Skies Stage, where a diverse range of events and talks take place featuring prominent figures from politics, business, academia, and culture on a global scale. When tasked with designing the logo for this stage, I was instructed not to incorporate any elements related to the sky, sun, or clouds. In response to this challenge, I conceptualised using an iris as the central motif, symbolising the visionary nature of these trailblazers as they share their insights with us.
To enhance the symbolism further, the iris logo was ingeniously integrated into the floor design, signifying the audience's immersion into the speaker's perspective during their talk. This clever incorporation creates an experiential connection, as attendees feel as though they are stepping into the speaker's mind-eye, gaining a deeper understanding of their ideas and perspectives.
