We have just launched the new website for The British Leisure Show, a brand new outdoor leisure show hosted next year at the Royal Windsor Racecourse.

We had a large amount of crucial information that needed to be presented to users in a clear and concise, yet fun way.

These type of Exhibition websites are aimed at three main user groups, all with different requirements:

• Visitors to the show, especially families, who need to be persuaded into buying tickets by the quality of events, exhibitors, highlights or celebrities attending


• Potential exhibitors, who need to be attracted into buying stand space by the quality of the show, the other exhibitors, sponsors, venue and packages on offer


• The media or press who need to be convinced to promote the show through their media channels.

Designing a website for three different user groups will always be a difficult task.

We split up the website's navigation into these unique user areas, so users know exactly where to look for the information they require. Although some information (such as travel directions) is repeated, users do not have to leave their "area" to find any extra details.

The design, which utilises a colourful palette but with a basic white background, appeals to all users and ages without being too childish or too corporate.

It is also essential these days to market a show website via Web 2.0 technologies such as social networking sites, bookmarking sites and forums. We have offered all users direct links to some of these channels on every page. There will also be a Community area launched soon promoting the Blog, Facebook Group and Newsletters.

As many exhibitions or expos are fully accessible to disabled visitors, it is very important that websites are accessible and follow the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure the website complies with the Disability Discrimintaion Act. We made The British Leisure Show site follow all of Level A, and a large number of Level AA guidelines.

View the British Leisure Show website at www.britishleisureshow.com

Labels: build, web design