A Conversation with Will Griffiths, Project Manager at Taylex Group

Will Griffiths, Project Manager at Taylex Group, has been with the company for over 10 years, rising from graphic design in the Graphics and Conceptual Design Department to leading high-profile projects for global clients. Throughout his tenure, Will has played a pivotal role in delivering complex exhibition stand designs and builds, live events, and immersive brand experiences across the UK and Europe. We sat down with Will to discuss his most notable projects, how the industry has evolved, and how Taylex Group’s expert project management team delivers exceptional results in exhibition design and live event production.

Q: Will, you’ve been involved in many high-profile exhibition and live event projects. What are some of the most impactful projects you’ve worked on at Taylex Group?

Will Griffiths: It’s been a rewarding decade, and there are a few projects that really stand out. One that immediately comes to mind is the Champions League activation for OPPO at Tower Bridge in London. We collaborated with Pico Group to create a stunning activation experience for the final, leveraging our expertise in live event production to bring the event to life in one of London’s most iconic locations. The scale and high visibility of the activation were impressive, and it was great to see the level of engagement from visitors.

Another project that I’m particularly proud of is our work with FRIEZE London, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs. Since 2022, we’ve partnered with FRIEZE to design and build exhibition stands and hospitality areas. This project required cutting-edge exhibition stand design and build solutions to create sustainable, flexible spaces for dining and interaction, allowing visitors to connect over art while enjoying fine dining experiences from Michelin-starred restaurants. It was an excellent example of how exhibition stand design can create dynamic environments that enhance brand experiences.

Q: You’ve mentioned adapting to complex projects. How does Taylex Group’s project management team approach the challenges of evolving client needs, especially with the fast pace of live events and exhibition projects?

Will Griffiths: Adaptability is key, especially in the world of live events and exhibition stand builds. Clients’ needs are constantly changing, and we pride ourselves on our ability to pivot quickly while ensuring that the core vision is preserved. For example, in our work with NEOM at WTM London, we were tasked with creating an exhibition stand that would embody NEOM’s innovative and sustainable vision for global tourism. The project required integrating interactive elements and sustainable design practices into the exhibition space, and we used technology to engage visitors in an immersive way.

Being able to deliver high-quality results on tight timelines is where our expertise in live event production really shines. Our team works closely with clients from concept through to build and execution, ensuring that everything from exhibition stand design to on-site logistics is handled with precision and flexibility.

Q: The Adidas Store Twenty-Two pop-up for Jude Bellingham was a high-profile, fast-paced activation. How did the Taylex Group team manage the fast turnaround and ensure the success of this one-day pop-up?

Will Griffiths: The Adidas Store Twenty-Two project was an incredible challenge. We had just 24 hours to build and launch a pop-up store celebrating Jude Bellingham’s football career in Birmingham. From the exhibition stand design to the production of branded signage and display areas, we worked with M&C Saatchi to ensure that the store reflected both Jude and Adidas’ brands seamlessly. The project was built and installed in just seven days, and despite the tight timeline, we received amazing feedback. The pop-up store drew hundreds of visitors and generated extensive regional and national press coverage, showcasing our ability to deliver impactful, short-term brand experiences under pressure.

Q: In terms of exhibition stand design and build, your work with Royal Enfield at EICMA 2024 is another standout project. How did you balance creativity with the technical demands of such a large-scale exhibition?

Will Griffiths: EICMA is a huge event in the motorcycle industry, and for Royal Enfield, we were tasked with creating an exhibition stand that conveyed both the brand’s heritage and its future-focused vision. The stand featured a custom-built parachute canopy that spanned across the space, creating a bold visual identity for the brand. We also included a mezzanine floor with a VIP lounge and interactive product launch areas for Royal Enfield’s latest bikes, including their new electric vehicle range.

The challenge was to balance creative, eye-catching design with the technical aspects of the stand’s build, which needed to accommodate large crowds while maintaining a clean, functional flow. The result was a fully customized, immersive exhibition stand that captured the brand’s spirit and showcased their latest innovations to visitors at one of the most important trade shows in the motorcycle industry.

Q: From your perspective, how have client expectations shifted over the years, especially in terms of exhibition stand design and brand experiences?

Will Griffiths: Clients are increasingly focused on creating memorable, immersive experiences that engage visitors in a more meaningful way. It’s no longer just about showcasing a product or service; it’s about creating a complete brand experience. This shift has impacted exhibition stand design, with clients now demanding more interactive, sustainable, and technology-driven solutions. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability, which has led us to explore eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions for our exhibition builds.

The rise of digital technology in live events and exhibitions has also changed the game. Visitors now expect interactive displays, augmented reality, and other immersive features that make their experience more engaging. At Taylex Group, we’ve embraced these trends, using cutting-edge technology and innovative design techniques to deliver on these expectations.

Q: What are your future goals, and what’s next for Taylex Group in the world of exhibition and live event production?

Will Griffiths: Moving forward, I’m excited to continue leading high-profile projects and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in exhibition stand design and live event production. As the industry continues to evolve, so will the experiences we create. Taylex Group is committed to staying at the forefront of trends in sustainable design, digital integration, and immersive brand experiences. I look forward to continuing to deliver creative, impactful solutions that make a lasting impression on clients and their audiences.