A New Era for a Flagship Event
Motability Scheme Live marked a bold new chapter for Motability Operations. Formerly known as One Big Day and The Big Event, the rebranded show debuted at the NEC Birmingham with a fresh identity, a new name, and a revitalised visitor experience. Rapiergroup was appointed to lead the transformation, delivering a fully integrated solution across physical and digital touchpoints.
Strategic Oversight and Exhibition Management
Rapiergroup oversaw the full exhibition lifecycle from build-up to breakdown. This included managing logistics, health and safety compliance, and live event elements such as test drive booking, scooter hire, and digital elements including the attendee app and event website. A comprehensive exhibitor management platform was also deployed to streamline communications, task assignment, and data collection, ensuring a seamless experience for over 150 exhibitors.
Designing the Visitor Experience
The visitor journey was reimagined from the ground up. Rapiergroup led the design of the attendee experience from digital to live event. This included wayfinding, signage, and spatial planning across Halls 17–19. Key zones included the Adaptation & WAV Showcase, Electric Vehicle Hub, and Scheme Partner Area. Accessibility was a priority, with all halls on one level and fully navigable by scooters and wheelchairs.
Digital Integration: Microsite, App, and Booking Platform
To support the new brand and enhance engagement, Rapiergroup delivered a suite of digital tools:
– Event Microsite: A central hub for event information, planning tools, and exhibitor listings
– Visitor App: Featuring an interactive map, exhibitor details, and real-time updates
– Test Drive Booking Platform: A custom-built system enabling attendees to pre-book adapted and standard vehicles, including EVs
All digital elements were unified through a centralised content management system, ensuring consistency and ease of updates across platforms.
Results and Reflections
The Birmingham event welcomed over 7,000 visitors and received positive feedback from both attendees and stakeholders. The success of the event has set a new benchmark for future shows in Harrogate and Northern Ireland.
