The brief
Rebrand and re-design the Northumbrian County Show website that will serve as a portal for what’s on at the show on the day. Our objective was to provide a solution that was easily navigable for users and readily updatable by the organisers. The new website should reflect the history, scale and diverse range of attractions that the event offers on the day.
In line with our design and development process our first aim was to understand the goals of what this site needed to achieve and map out the architecture of the site to ensure that the primary areas were clearly signposted from the homepage. The design aesthetic needed to appeal to the audience but also remain appropriate to the core values of the show i.e. and agricultural event rather than a summer festival.
With 26,000 visitors expected on the day comprehensive information detailing how to get there, where to park, facilites available etc is an essential area of the site as is the event schedule both of which are quickly updatable via the full content management system (CMS) that was developed for the site.
Komodo implemented a Twitter feed and links to Facebook taking advantage of social media channels to expand the reach of the show online which has driven higher levels of traffic to the site that has more than doubled online ticket sales.
Show secretary Gaynor Shotton commented: “It was launched at this particular time for exhibitors, particularly new ones, to be able to download schedules, for us to be able to communicate with a wider audience and post up-to-the- minute news, like trade stands being fully booked or clarification of ear- tagging issues for lambs.”
She believes the new-look website is behind the surge in online ticket bookings, which give a 10% discount against buying on the day.
“You can’t help but feel that the site’s visual impact has been influential. People like what they see online and want to come,” said Gaynor.
“Online ticket sales have become increasingly important to our event. We have been using the same cash on the gate system since the show began over 30 years ago but, if people have had a long journey, the last thing they want to do is queue.”
Show chairman David Carr said the new-look site has been positively received. He said: “Much of the farming community is surprisingly savvy and computer literate these days, many with their own home pages, so we know that, for them, going online for show information presents no problems, and we’ve had very positive feedback from the committee and the wider agricultural community.”
Komodo Director Andy Greener adds: “We were happy to support this event, it’s a great day out and raises a lot money for great causes. We are already looking at further enhancements that will increase the sites impact for the 2011 show”.
Looks..
Like a great day out
Says..
The North County Show is a leading agricultural event that has a wide appeal
Does..
Allows visitors to quickly find out whats on when at the show and purchase tickets. Allows exhibitors to download entry forms and schedules for competitions.
Our Role...
Brand Development
Content Management
Website Design
Sectors...
Events
Not For Profit