How We Supported Ship Insight’s Annual Event

Events in the maritime and shipping world are often known for technical sessions, expert discussions, and industry networking. But behind the scenes, a huge amount of planning goes into making the experience feel cohesive, modern, and visually engaging for attendees. Over the past three years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Ship Insight on their annual conference, supporting their lean and highly capable team as they bring this flagship industry gathering to life.

From the first meeting, it was clear that the Ship Insight team wanted more than a typical conference setup. They wanted an environment that would reflect the forward-thinking nature of the shipping sector while providing sponsors with sufficient exposure to justify their investment. Our role was to elevate every detail of the event atmosphere, from venue branding to merchandise and sponsorship placement strategy.

How Did Our Partnership with Ship Insight Grow Over Three Years?

Working with the Ship Insight team has always been smooth and collaborative. Their internal team is purposely small, which means everything has to run efficiently and strategically. Because of this, our support goes far beyond simply printing materials or supplying merchandise. We’re involved from the early planning stages, helping them identify branding gaps, sponsorship opportunities, and design ideas that will make an impact during the conference.

What started as a partnership built around design support quickly evolved into a full end-to-end event branding service. Every year, the event brings new challenges—new venue layouts, new sponsors, new content themes, and new audience expectations—but it also opens new opportunities for creative solutions. That ongoing progression has allowed us to deepen our understanding of what Ship Insight aims to achieve at each conference and tailor our approach accordingly.

What Steps Did We Take to Enhance Sponsor Presence Across the Venue?

One of the biggest areas of focus for the Ship Insight event is sponsorship. Like most conferences, sponsorship packages contribute significantly to revenue, so the organisers need to make sure sponsors feel seen, appreciated, and well-positioned across the venue.

Rather than simply placing logos on banners or booklets, we work with the team to explore bold, high-impact opportunities that give sponsored brands maximum exposure without overwhelming the venue’s aesthetic. This includes strategic placement, layered branding formats, and varied print applications so every sponsor gets the attention they expect.

Some of the branding elements we created included:

Full Wrap Pillar Branding

Pillar wraps are always a standout piece—large, vibrant, and impossible to miss. For this event, we produced full wrap pillar branding that displayed sponsor logos cleanly and prominently. In high-traffic areas, pillar branding is one of the most effective ways to increase visibility for multiple sponsors at once.

Screen Surround Branding for the Main Stage

The main stage is where most attention naturally gathers, so we treated it as a premium branding opportunity. The screen surround featured sponsor logos presented in a clean, bold format, giving these brands the exposure they deserve every time a speaker stepped onto the stage.

Hanging Banners on Both Sides of the Auditorium

To reinforce visibility across different sightlines, we added hanging banners that showcased multiple sponsor logos in a single space. These banners contributed to the conference’s visual identity and created a consistent brand throughout the venue.

Digital Holding Slides During Breakout Times

This was one of the most profitable additions for the organisers. During breaks, networking sessions, and transitions, we designed holding slides that rotated sponsor messages, giving each brand additional screen time. Because the slides were digital, Ship Insight could sell these placements as valuable add-ons for new or existing sponsors—a simple but highly effective revenue booster.

Through these elements, we helped Ship Insight maximise both brand visibility and income opportunities, giving them more to offer in future sponsorship packages. If you’re planning an event and want the same level of impact, you can browse our Event Branding UK Product Collections to see the full range of options available.

What Merchandise Did We Design to Support the Event Experience?

For the February 2020 conference, we produced a comprehensive set of merch and branded materials. Everything was designed to feel cohesive, high-quality, and aligned with the event's visual identity. Our goal wasn’t just to print items—it was to create a unified experience that attendees and sponsors would remember long after the conference ended.

Branded Booklets

The event booklet remains one of the most important touchpoints for attendees. We ensured the design was clean, readable, and fully aligned with the conference branding. Sponsors also gained additional placement opportunities inside the booklet.

Lanyards and Name Badges

Lanyards and badges might seem simple, but they’re carried everywhere during the event, making them prime real estate for subtle but consistent branding. We designed and printed high-quality lanyards and professional name badges for all attendees, speakers, and staff.

Tote Bags

Useful, durable, and visually consistent—tote bags remain a favourite across all industries. These bags served not only as attendee giveaways but also as easy places to showcase sponsor logos.

Embossed Notebooks and Pens

These items added a premium touch, and attendees appreciated having well-made stationery for note-taking during sessions. Every notebook and pen reinforced the conference’s brand identity in subtle yet effective ways.

Additional Branded Materials

Throughout the venue, we added smaller branded elements to build consistency. Every piece—big or small—contributed to the polished and cohesive atmosphere that Ship Insight wanted to achieve.

How Did We Turn a Registration Desk into a Powerful Branding Tool?

One of the standout pieces we created for Ship Insight was a fully branded fabric registration desk, designed to be both visually strong and surprisingly practical. The desk consisted of five individual magnetic blocks that could be rearranged or separated based on the venue layout. Once assembled, a single printed fabric sock was stretched over the front.

The back featured zip compartments and internal shelves, giving staff additional storage—ideal for sorting badges, giveaways, booklets, and equipment. This fabric registration setup has become increasingly popular among our clients. It’s lightweight, portable, easy to assemble, and incredibly effective as a branding touchpoint. For Ship Insight, it became a key visual anchor of the event and a talking point among attendees.

A Conference That Keeps Evolving

One thing we’ve always admired about the Ship Insight team is their commitment to continuous improvement. Each year, they look for new ways to elevate the attendee experience and showcase the innovation happening within the shipping industry. This has made the collaboration rewarding for us as well. We’re able to bring forward new ideas, test fresh concepts, and help them push the boundaries of traditional event branding.

Whether it’s experimenting with digital placements, upgrading materials, or identifying new sponsorship-driven revenue opportunities, we continue to work hand in hand to ensure each conference feels stronger than the last.

We’re already looking forward to supporting their 2021 annual conference. Working with Adam and his team has been energising, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable. There’s something inspiring about supporting an event that isn’t afraid to refresh the status quo in an industry that often relies on tradition. To see the full scope of what we’ve created for Ship Insight over the years, you can check our full Ship Insight Project Gallery.

Events That Speak Louder Than Words

Supporting Ship Insight’s annual conference has shown that successful events go beyond logistics. Thoughtful branding, high-quality merchandise, and smart sponsorship placement create memorable experiences while maximising revenue. Practical yet impactful solutions, like the fabric registration desk and digital slides, prove functionality and branding can coexist. Working with a lean, forward-thinking team allows for creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement—lessons any organisation can use to deliver stronger, more engaging, and commercially successful events.

At Hyper Creative, we specialise in event branding that makes a lasting impact. From venue graphics and digital displays to merchandise and customised branded solutions, we help you create experiences that engage attendees and maximise sponsorship opportunities. Get our Event Branding services and see how we can bring your next event to life.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ship Insight’s Annual Event

How can event branding influence attendee engagement?

Effective event branding goes beyond aesthetics—it shapes how attendees perceive the event and interact with the space. Cohesive visuals, strategic signage, and branded touchpoints can guide attendee flow, encourage networking, and reinforce key messages, ultimately making the experience more immersive and memorable.

What are the latest trends in sponsorship activation for conferences?

Modern conferences are moving beyond static banners. Digital displays, interactive touchpoints, and customised merchandise allow sponsors to engage attendees directly. Rotating content on screens, QR-linked experiences, and experiential zones are all effective ways to increase visibility and measurable ROI for sponsors.

How can small teams manage large-scale event branding effectively?

Lean teams can leverage strategic partnerships with experienced vendors to streamline processes. By planning early, using modular solutions like portable branding displays, and focusing on high-impact touchpoints, small internal teams can manage large-scale branding without overwhelming resources or budgets.

What role does merchandise play in long-term brand recall?

Event merchandise isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a tool for extending brand presence after the event. High-quality, useful items like notebooks, tote bags, or pens keep the event top-of-mind for attendees and sponsors alike, fostering ongoing engagement and reinforcing the brand experience beyond the conference.