ExCeL Embraces Digital Wayfinding

ExCeL London, the international exhibition and convention centre, has selected Pixel Inspiration ^[1] to provide it with a digital wayfinding solution.

^[2]ExCel is part of a 100 acre campus, including 3 onsite DLR stations and access to the Jubilee Line and London City Airport.

It’s the host venue for a variety of events from award winning exhibitions and conferences to international association meetings, product launches, banquets, award ceremonies and sporting events – though for many in the UK it is deemed far too far away (being as it is the ‘other’ side of London).

ExCeL selected Pixel’s solution due to its scalability, simplicity of operation, proven reliability and Pixel’s ability to provide a turnkey managed platform.

Content is updated by the events team via a simple web based application, with wayfinding content being pre-scheduled potentially months in advance.

The digital wayfinding project was completed as part of ExCeL’s phase 2 development project. The new £165 million expansion programme now offers London its first ever purpose-built, self-contained international convention centre. ICC London includes the UK’s largest fully-flexible auditorium, with up to 5,000 seats, as well as London’s largest banqueting hall, the ICC Capital Hall, for up to 3,000 guests. It also offers a conference suite, the ICC Capital Suite, with the flexibility to host breakout sessions for 50-1,200 delegates, plus stunning reception and registration areas.

ExCeL London Customer Service Manager, Lee Bryan told us “the digital signage facility is a fantastic addition to the overall venue experience. The screens and their accompanying imagery add further invaluable support and assistance to our visitors in navigating their way around the venue. The behind the scenes design and technical support from pixel has proved important in ensuring we have a flexible, dynamic and quality resource in place”

Live public transport information, including the status of the DLR is made available on the system, which also incorporates emergency messaging that automatically directs user to the nearest exit based on the location of each digital sign.

A combination of screen sizes was employed for the project. Each screen and its respective player device are enclosed in a custom made enclosure, designed to match the aesthetic of the traditional, static wayfinding assets.

The project rollout looks set to continue with further screens due to be added in the coming months into the original part of the ExCeL London building.