Profile
SUPPLIER FOCUS
Shocklogic
ALTERNATIVE VENUE
Royal Horticultural Halls
Johnny Martinez, head of
marketing and business
development, on
sustainability, working with
family and managing an
international team
What’s one thing you would change about the
events industry?
I’d love to see a real dramatic change in the
sustainability of our industry, especially as we
develop better technologies that don’t require the
use of resources like paper and plastic. Various
shows have even gone as far as to create initiatives
like bringing your own reusable coffee cups to use
throughout the event.
What issue most affects your working life?
Managing an international team comes with a
few difficulties, difference in time zone being the
main one. As many members of my team are based
in South America, they start work later in the day
compared to the UK’s 9am and our meeting times
have to be decided with this in mind. I like working
with my father each day. This can come with the
risk of strain on our relationship, but we’re pretty
good at keeping family and work life separate.
How has your business changed over the past
five years?
The Shocklogic family has grown massively. The
London office is ever-growing, with apprentices,
managers and technical staff. The Venezuelan team
is constantly welcoming new people. We’ve seen
a growth in our clientele, expanding over most
corners of the world. We don’t always attend these
events, but our tech has gone completely global!
They’ve hosted everything from suffragette meetings
to medical conferences, and the 115-year-old Royal
Horticultural Halls also have a strong exhibition
offering, says venue sales manager Lorraine Thorne
Tell us about the history of the venue
King Edward VII suggested the Royal Horticultural
Society should have an exhibition hall for its shows, and
The Lindley Hall was constructed in 1904. The natural light
remains a key character of the building as is its versatility.
The Lawrence Hall has an award-winning Art Deco interior
and is one Westminster’s largest spaces with 1,600sqm.
What kinds of events does the venue host?
The Halls have hosted a huge variety of events over the
last 115 years, witnessing important changes in 20th century
life such as: suffragette meetings, political events, nursing
conferences and soldiers waiting to go to war. More recently
it has been the Sea Creatures exhibition, prestigious car and
watch launches, fashion shows, charity fundraisers, antique
sales and election-counting among others.
What is the offering for exhibition organisers?
Plentiful! The Lindley Hall can host up to 98 shell scheme
stands, though more organic layouts have been popular
recently. We have a three-tonne lift which can hold cars and
a cherry picker for height. In-house production includes an
integrated sound system and intelligent lighting.
Why do you enjoy working in events?
My days are always very different, new and
exciting. Our main clientele is scientific associations
whose work includes research for HIV, cancer and
organ transplantation. Knowing that our services
enable their research to be shared with such a large
number of people in the field is an amazing feeling.
We play a major part in sharing new and exciting
findings that save lives all over the world. EN
76 — March
What support can you offer event organisers?
Unlike many event venues in Westminster we have a huge
fully kitted kitchen below ground, so food comes quickly to
tables piping hot. We have a broad range of caterers on the
list from Afro-Caribbean to highly inventive and kosher.
Production wise we can offer the full gamut of suppliers
insuring every effect is catered for artistically.