2022 Year in Review

2022 bought events back with a bang. We entered this year with some promise of growth in show numbers compared to 2021, but we never expected to deliver 114 projects, across 60 shows, in 6 continents across the globe. Along the way, we recruited new team members, developed new technologies and forged partnerships with new clients all whilst creating experiences that push the boundaries of normality. So, let’s take a look back at a successful 2022.

A busy year, a busy office.

The team has grown this year with 4 new recruits in the design and operations departments. Since 2012, we have rolled out our successful apprenticeship programme in all departments and 2022 is no different. Recruiting two new apprentices: Abigail France, our Graphic Design and Dylan Johns, Project Manager. Briony Burns also joins us as Creative Designer and new Project Manager Matt Funge rounds off our operations department.

We are thrilled to have received 4 awards at this year’s World Exhibition Stand Awards 2022. So, this week we’re celebrating our experiential, architectural and sustainable achievements over the past 2 years shining a spotlight on our award-winning projects. Have a read of our road to victory here.

Highlights

Winter

We kicked off our year in Washington for Surface Navy with Ultra group and within just two months completed 6 shows including Singapore Airshow 2022 with 7 projects on the roster. Singapore Airshow was the last major event we attended before the lockdown of 2020; 2 years later, we were back with 6 clients in toe. From Chalet’s to stands, the event acted as a major turning point for events especially in Asia- showcasing that once again safe events still take place.

Spring:

As we moved from February into March, defence shows seemed to be all the rage as we attended World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia and DSA in Malaysia before rounding off the month with a trip to Heli Expo. Our American team were kept busy in April, with 10 projects across the nation. Starting at AAAA in Tennessee and finishing with 5 of our long-term clients attended MRO America, turning out to be a huge success as one of the largest, most well-attended aviation events since pre-pandemic.

Following several new client wins in the financial services and insurance sectors, including Investec, RSA and Davies Group with we were off up north to Manchester for BIBA 2022. Our development into these sectors is part of our strategic expansion into new markets, with more partnerships with other new clients throughout the rest of the year.

“A Fantastic event and the stand was in my opinion the best ever, thanks Cook + Associates, it’s a pleasure working with you” –  Scott Flynn, Marketing Manager @ RSA.

Rounding off our Spring period was “Manic May” as we delivered 17 projects in one month, including our first partnership with Qatar Airways since the pandemic as they returned to the Arabian Travel Market for the first time in 5 years. A uniquely different experiential concept reflecting their QA’s luxurious 5-star service- you can find out more here.

Summer

We kicked off our summer with long-term client Textron Aviation to support the delivery of their Textron Aviation Airlift at the Special Olympics USA Games 2022. “It was a great privilege to partner with Textron Aviation to deliver their Special Olympics Airlift and underlines our long-standing relationship with TA to create something uniquely special. The event is a celebration of diversity and inclusion and we’re proud to be a part of that movement”- Kim Bradbury, Managing Director. Read the full article here.

Embedded World is a summer highlight for the electronics sector, and the innovative design we have been working on with Future Electronics was finally unveiled as the show came back to life after its 2-year pause.  The 250 sq metre stand catered for a mix of demonstration booths, hospitality and engagement in a spacious inviting environment, making a high-impact statement on the show floor.

With temperatures rising, we returned to two of the world’s biggest international airshows in July – the Farnborough International Airshow and EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.

After a 4 years wait we were back down south in the UK for the 52nd Farnborough International Airshow (FIA). With 10 clients to support and record-breaking summer temperatures to contend with, the C+A team worked flat out to create an unforgettable and successful event on every level. For an in-depth look at FIA, take a read here.

Fall

As we made the most of the last summer sun, we headed over to Monaco with Jetcraft and G-YACHTS for an elegant experience orientated around opulent hospitality at Monaco Yacht Show. Whilst we were there we checked in on our delivery for Jetcrafts permanent brand space in the FBO at Nice Cote d’Azur Airport as a further extension of their ‘boots on the ground structure, an autonomous technology-orientated space inviting travellers into the world of Jetcraft brand – read more here. 

Aviation was the word on the street for October as we finished the final show in the MRO circuit in Excel, London. We’ve had a fantastically successful show run with our clients this year from Dallas to Singapore and it was great to complete our final show with 7 clients.

Rounding off our year was Jetcraft’s 60-year celebration on the Burj Khalifa, Dubai. An epic moment and an epic evening as a showstopping 3-minute brand video was projected on the tallest building in the world.

We also want to say thank you for all the support you have given us throughout the year. We look forward to what the future holds for Cook + Associates and what promise 2023 will bring.

Thank You.

Team Cook.