Brief

Freshwater was tasked with designing and delivering a multi-zoned exhibition, combining functionality with wellbeing-led design. Key areas included a high-impact NASUWT National Stand and “Organise to Win” hub, exhibitor stands, registration and app support desks, a crèche area, and a wide range of wellbeing, networking, and experiential zones.

The scope included:

• Creation of innovative, engaging zones to drive footfall and interaction.
• Full shell scheme design and build across the exhibition space.
• Design and production of floorplan and 3D flythrough to support planning.
• Large format graphic production
• Integration of accessibility and inclusivity features across all areas.
• Onsite event management, managing all contractor and supplier relations.
• Post-event evaluation to inform future conferences.

Delivery

Central exhibition experience

At the heart of the space, the NASUWT National Stand and ‘Organise to Win’ hub acted as the focal point of the exhibition hall. Designed to drive footfall and engagement with the NASUWT team, the stand combined a strong visual presence with interactive elements and a more informal “fireside” area to encourage relaxed conversations.

Surrounding this were 20 exhibitor stands, made with high-quality shell scheme, designed to create a more cohesive, hub-style experience and improve visitor flow.

Wellbeing elements

The NASUWT team emphasised the importance of creating an environment where delegates felt supported, valued and able to fully engage with one another. Recognising that conferences can often be fast-paced and demanding, the exhibition was carefully designed to include dedicated spaces for wellbeing, connection and recharging. This was achieved through:

• ‘Chill and charge’ stations, enabling delegates to recharge both themselves and their devices.
• A large wellbeing zone within a bespoke tipi, hosting a programme of mindful activities.
• A ‘neurodivergent café’ designed as an accessible, welcoming meeting space for quiet networking or downtime.
• Relaxed seating areas accompanied with books, puzzles, colouring and mindfulness activities.
• A dedicated sensory calm area delivered in partnership with EventWell.
• Multiple ‘nooks’ providing quieter spaces within the exhibition, some with sensory features, enabling one-to-one meetings or moments of calm.

Social impact

The exhibition also incorporated purpose-driven elements, including a food bank donation zone and a period poverty stall, encouraging delegates to contribute to wider social initiatives.

A particularly meaningful highlight was our collaboration with the Splashes of Hope team, who offer a paint by numbers creative outlet for delegate, and then facilitate the art being donated to local communities.

Results

The exhibition proved to be a standout element of the 2026 Annual Conference, attracting strong engagement across all zones and leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Members fully embraced the thoughtfully designed spaces, taking time to pause, recharge and connect in ways that supported both personal wellbeing and professional growth.

The integration of accessibility, inclusivity, and mindfulness initiatives reinforced NASUWT’s commitment to wellbeing, setting a new benchmark for future conferences.