How Did Bitsight Make the Most of The Mermaid Venue in 2019

In 2019, BitSight selected The Mermaid as the venue for their London event, drawn to its riverside position and the uninterrupted views across the Thames. The venue’s upper and lower river rooms offered generous natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately set the tone for a high level corporate gathering. These spaces also provided the flexibility needed to host a varied agenda, combining discussion led panels with more data focused seminar sessions.

From the outset, BitSight’s objective was clear. They wanted an event environment that felt engaging and personal, without losing the clarity and professionalism required for in depth, data driven conversations. This meant the venue could not simply act as a backdrop. It needed to actively support the way people interacted, listened, and moved throughout the day.

That is where our partnership began.

What Are The Challenges

Every venue brings opportunity, but it also brings limitations. The Mermaid’s river rooms are visually striking, yet their size and layout required careful planning to avoid presentations feeling distant or overly formal. BitSight needed a solution that would allow speakers and panelists to connect closely with attendees, while still accommodating multiple sessions and different presentation styles.

Key challenges included:

• Creating a central focal point without blocking sightlines
• Making panel discussions feel personable in a large room
• Allowing smooth transitions between presentation formats
• Ensuring branding enhanced the space rather than overpowering it
• Maintaining flexibility across main and breakout areas

The goal was not to decorate the venue, but to reshape it in a way that supported the experience BitSight wanted to deliver.

Reimagining the Upper River Room

The upper river room became the heart of the event. Rather than relying on a traditional front facing stage, we completely rethought how the space could be used. A central stage was created using the partition wall that separates this versatile room, effectively anchoring the entire layout around interaction. A round table seating arrangement was introduced, bringing panelists to within just metres of the audience. 

This reduced the physical and psychological distance between speakers and attendees, helping conversations feel more open and inclusive. Panel discussions became more natural, and audience members were encouraged to engage rather than observe passively. This layout allowed BitSight to strike the balance they were looking for. Sessions felt approachable and conversational, while still providing the structure needed for more technical presentations.

Using Branding to Define the Stage Area

Once the layout was established, branding played a crucial role in shaping the environment. In the upper river room, we designed and installed a series of branded elements that worked together to define the stage area clearly, without interrupting the openness of the space. Fabric frames were used as the primary stage backdrop, offering a clean, professional visual behind speakers. 

These frames framed the content without competing with it, ensuring that presentations remained the focal point. Pillar wraps and a branded archway helped create a sense of arrival at the stage, subtly guiding attention towards the centre of the room. Eight pillars were individually wrapped in BitSight’s design, with graphics flowing seamlessly from one side of each pillar to the other. 

This continuity helped the branding feel intentional and cohesive rather than fragmented. To make the most of the natural light, white backed window vinyl was installed. This allowed sunlight to filter through and illuminate the printed designs, creating a striking backlit effect that enhanced colour depth and visibility throughout the room.

Branding That Works With the Space

One of the most effective aspects of this project was how the branding interacted with the venue itself. Instead of covering windows or blocking light, the graphics were designed to work with existing architectural features. The backlit window vinyl is a good example of this approach. Rather than fighting against the brightness of the space, it used natural light as an asset. 

As the light changed throughout the day, the branding remained clear and visually engaging, adding atmosphere without distraction. This approach ensured that the venue’s strengths were preserved, while BitSight’s identity remained present at every stage of the event.

Creating Clear and Engaging Breakout Areas

Moving away from the main stage, the breakout areas required a different strategy. These spaces needed to be functional, informative, and easy to navigate, while still feeling connected to the overall event experience. Freestanding wayfinding boards with wedge feet were introduced to guide attendees around the venue. These boards provided clear direction without being intrusive, helping the event flow smoothly between sessions.

Additional branding elements included wall graphics, hanging banners, and further pillar graphics. These ensured BitSight’s messaging was visible throughout the venue, reinforcing key themes without overwhelming the space.

QR codes were also integrated into selected prints. This allowed attendees to access additional digital content directly from the physical environment, creating a bridge between the live event and deeper online resources.

Adding Value Without Inflating the Budget

Not every impactful element needs to be large or costly. In the breakout spaces, partition walling presented what could easily have become blank, forgettable areas. By adding carefully designed graphics to these surfaces, we were able to elevate the space visually without placing unnecessary strain on the client’s budget.

These subtle touches made the environment feel finished and considered. They also demonstrated how thoughtful placement and design can achieve strong visual results without relying on excess materials or complex installations.

Ensuring a Smooth Event Experience

From planning through to installation, this event ran smoothly. That outcome was not accidental. Successful event branding relies heavily on problem-solving and adaptability, especially when spaces need to serve multiple purposes throughout the day.

For BitSight, this meant ensuring that:

• Panel discussions felt intimate and accessible
• Seminar sessions retained clarity and focus
• Breakout areas encouraged exploration and engagement
• Attendees could move confidently between spaces

Every design decision was made with these outcomes in mind. The result was an experience that felt cohesive, professional, and easy to navigate from start to finish.

Client Feedback and Event Outcomes

We were extremely pleased with the feedback BitSight shared following the event. They highlighted how effective the layout was in encouraging conversation, as well as the visual impact of the branded elements throughout the venue.

Attendees responded positively to the way the space supported interaction, and the seamless transition between different types of sessions was noted as a key strength. For us, this feedback reinforced the value of taking a considered, strategic approach to event branding.

The Role of Problem Solving in Event Branding

Every event presents its own set of challenges, and this project was no exception. From managing natural light to configuring a large room for multiple uses, problem solving was central to the process.

At Hyper Creative, this is where we thrive. Our focus is not just on producing high quality graphics, but on understanding how spaces function and how people use them. By reconfiguring layouts, adapting designs, and working closely with clients, we help turn complex venues into environments that support meaningful experiences.

What This Case Study Shows

The BitSight event at The Mermaid demonstrates the impact of thoughtful, bespoke event branding. When design decisions are guided by how people interact, listen, and move through a space, branding becomes more than decoration.

This project shows that:

• Layout plays a critical role in engagement
• Branding should enhance, not overpower, the venue
• Natural light can be an asset when used creatively
• Small design choices can deliver strong results
• Flexibility is essential in multi purpose event spaces

By aligning branding, layout, and functionality, BitSight was able to deliver an event that felt both professional and personable. To see more of what we have done, browse the Bitsight Project Gallery.

Turning Event Spaces Into Brand Experiences

Bitsight’s event at The Mermaid shows that impactful events come from intention, not excess. Thoughtful layouts, considered branding, and smart use of space can quietly guide interaction, support content, and strengthen connection. When design solves real challenges rather than simply decorating a venue, branding becomes part of the experience and helps people engage naturally with the message.

If you’re looking to create a truly unique and memorable event, Hyper Creative can bring your vision to life. Our Event Branding service cover everything from bespoke stage backdrops and pillar wraps to wall graphics and interactive elements, helping you engage your audience and showcase your brand in style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bitsight’s Event

How do I make my event more engaging for attendees?

Focus on layouts that encourage interaction, integrate interactive elements like QR codes, and ensure branding is clear and visually appealing.

What types of venues work best for bespoke event branding?

Any venue can work, but spaces with natural light, versatile layouts, and prominent areas for signage offer more opportunities to showcase your brand.

How can I stay within budget while still making an impact?

Small, well-placed branding elements, like pillar wraps, hanging banners, or partition graphics—can create a big visual impact without overspending.

Why is it important to customise branding instead of using off-the-shelf solutions?

Customised branding ensures your event reflects your unique identity, engages attendees, and creates a cohesive, memorable experience.