International Casino Exhibition at ExCeL London

The Project

Nationwide Platforms provided powered access support for installation and breakdown work. The project was located at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE), held at ExCeL London in February 2024. 

ICE is one of the world’s biggest gaming trade shows. The show draws large crowds and exhibitors from around the globe. 

ExCeL London is the city’s largest event venue, with 100,000 square metres of space. Most of the space was used during the three-day event. 

Nationwide Platforms supplied 22 powered access machines, including: 

• GS53 scissor lifts 

• Z45BJ and Z45FE boom lifts 

• And other models 

12 machines were hired by ExCeL directly. The rest were used by subcontractors working on the show setup and takedown. 

ExCeL is London’s largest event venue and renowned as the home of world-leading events, offering 100,000sqm of space – the majority of which was used during the three-day ICE event.

Nationwide Platforms provided 22 machines, including GS53 scissor lifts, Z45BJ and Z45FE booms, and many others. 12 of these machines were hired by ExCeL directly, while the remaining machines were hired out to various subcontractors supporting the installation work.
 

The Challenge

The ICE event was a large-scale operation. In the early stages of setup, the venue had to be prepared with gantry systems. These were used so other teams could later set up lights, rigging, stages, stands, and sound systems. 

As the setup continued, the floor became crowded with equipment, machinery, and workers. This made it hard to use straight-up scissor lifts, especially for work at roof level. This is because access was blocked by floor activity. 

Once the gantries were in place, they created narrow, complex spaces at roof height. These tight areas were difficult for machines to reach and navigate. 

To handle these challenges, Nationwide Platforms had to supply a variety of machines. Each machine was chosen for different stages of the setup. A detailed site assessment was done before the event to identify the best equipment for each phase. 

In early setup, machines with large platforms and high lift capacity were needed to speed up work and improve productivity. 

As the area got busier, the team needed machines that could reach over objects and fit through narrow spaces. This meant using lifts with flexible baskets and outreach arms for precise control. 

Because the work was indoors, all machines also needed to: 

• Avoid marking the floors 

• Run quietly 

• Operate without diesel fumes 

Finally, many tasks took place at heights of up to 20 metres. Keeping operators safe and securely fastened into their machines was the top priority throughout the project. 

The right machines for every stage 

Nationwide Platforms supplied a range of machines to meet the different needs at each stage of the exhibition build. 

At the start of setup, larger machines were used to speed up work. One key model was the GS53 18m scissor lift. Its wide platform and double extending decks allowed two or three people to work at the same time. This helped them reach several parts of the gantry at once and made early setup much faster. 

As the event got closer, the space became more crowded. There were more people, more equipment, and less open floor space. This made it harder to use machines that move straight up. So, Nationwide Platforms switched to lighter, narrower, and cleaner machines. 

They used the Z45FE boom lift. It could fit through narrow spaces on the ground and reach up and over obstacles. Its extending arm helped operators work between the gantries. The basket could move in several directions, making it easier to reach tight roof areas from the right angle. 

Because this work was indoors, the team also used electric machines. These machines had longer battery life, ran without fumes, and made very little noise. They also came with non-marking tyres, which helped keep the venue floors clean for the event. 

Built-in safety with Harness ON™ 

Working at height can be risky - especially in a complex setup like this one. To keep operators safe, every machine was fitted with Harness ON™, Nationwide Platforms’ smart safety system. 

This system connects the worker’s safety harness directly to the machine’s controls. If the harness is not clipped in, the machine won’t turn on. This helps prevent falls and ensures the machine is only used when it’s safe to do so. 

Operators simply clipped in as usual. The system took care of the rest, allowing them to focus fully on the job. 

The Benefits

Nationwide Platforms showed how flexible and useful their fleet is by meeting the changing needs of the project. 

Because the project went so well, ExCeL decided to keep several powered access machines on permanent hire. These will be used for future events at the venue. 

Nigel Winer, Commercial and Technical Rigging Manager at ExCeL, said: 

“Nationwide Platforms demonstrated their adaptability and versatility in their approach to this project. Such a huge event comes with its fair share of challenges. However, the pre- and post-production installations were carried out safely and efficiently. NWP used an impressively diverse range of machines and adapted to the changing needs of the project.

We look forward to a continuing working relationship with the company and to using their machines for the very best in at-height work.” 

Matthew Parfitt, Head of Market Development – Media, Venues & Events at Nationwide Platforms, said:

“At Nationwide Platforms, we are committed to keeping a diverse fleet. This helps us meet a wide range of access needs across different industries. 

The recent ICE project at ExCeL gave us the chance to show how flexible our fleet can be. We were able to adapt quickly as the setup changed. 

It also showed our experience in the Events and Venues sector, which comes with its own unique challenges. We’ve proven we can meet those demands. 

ExCeL’s decision to keep several machines on standby for future projects shows the success of our work. It also shows the trust customers have in our equipment and service.”