Locus worked with Fieldays to dream up an area that could serve as a halfway between an exhibition hall and a tradeshow stand, as well as being a media friendly hub. It was to be an opportunity for those companies that have been through the Innovation Centre to showcase their award winning products and, in some cases, launch their product to market.

After some careful design planning, a few quarter scale models (and a lot of stakeholder liaison!) the Fieldays Innovation Accelerator was born.

The Accelerator area was carefully interlinked with a new stairwell leading to the Innovation Centre, keeping the theme of innovation well and truly alive. Each exhibitor stand was customised with furniture that met their specific requirements, and displayed everything from drones to Ginseng. They were given plinths, tables, and posters, as well as space for video footage – everything they needed to create awareness around their products. The furniture was also created to be knockdown, making it easy to be assembled and re-used down the

track.

The success of the Innovation Accelerator, sponsored by Callaghan Innovation, was evident with the huge crowds and the constant media stream throughout the four days. Anthony Clyde, Managing Director of Ubco Ltd, said it was the perfect opportunity for exposure.

"We had news crews interview us multiple times. People enjoyed seeing the bike on television and came along specifically to check it out."

Feeling like an integrated part of Fieldays, the choice to hold Fieldays Innovations closing event in the area, and lots of positive feedback were also testaments to the area’s success.