Gap asessment of signage for Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre

GAP ASSESSMENT STUDY OF THE WAY-FINDING SIGNAGE SYSTEM BANGALORE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE December 2018

Report by:

PROJECT BY: BANGALORE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE 30 DEC 2018 REPORT BY: Sensing Local, Bengaluru sensinglocal@gmail.com www.sensinglocal.in 2 | BIEC Signage Gap Assessment Report

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

4. SIGNAGE FOR LOGISTICS

1.1 Brief & Scope

4.1 Vehicular Flows for cargo trucks in the campus

1.2 Approach & Methodology

4.2 Model of Signage System required

1.3 Existing Signage Types

4.3 Gap analysis for existing signage system

1.4 User Needs

4.4 Proposed signage

2. SIGNAGE FOR VISITORS 2.1 Spatial Analysis of BIEC Campus 2.2 Model of Signage System required 2.3 Gap analysis for existing signage system

5. ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURE OF EXISTING SIGNAGE 6. ANALYSIS OF NEEDS OF EXHIBITION ORGANIZERS

2.4 Gap in Design and content of existing signage types

6.1 Analysis of Signage Card

2.5 Existing vs Proposed Signage

6.2 Proposed Card

2.5 Summary of Gaps & Actions

6.3 Case Study: Suntec

3. SIGNAGE FOR INTERIOR HALLS & FOOD COURT 3.1 Gap analysis for existing signage system

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1 INTRODUCTION - Brief & Scope - Approach & Methodology - Existing Signage Types - User Needs

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1.1 Brief & Scope

The brief of the project was to do a gap analysis of the current signage system at BIEC. The insights are expected to feed into a strategic and systemic upgradation of the signage in order to improve the overall experience of the campus and exhibitions for all the users of BIEC The scope of the project: • Identify and map needs of different user groups across the exhibition planning process and the events (Logistics, Exhibitors, Visitors, Event Organizers and Management ) • Document information regarding vehicular flow (logistics, service entry/exit, visitor and VIP parking) • Assess visibility, readability and accessibility of information • Document permanent & temporary signage; need for information versus availability.

• Feasibility of retrofitting the existing signage from a structural design stand point.

• Research into relevant case studies

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4 KEY QUESTIONS • What types of information are different stakeholders looking for?

• Where are people looking for this information/guidance?

• What is the signage system in place? How does it measure up?

• What are the key changes needed in the signage system to improve navigation and way-finding at BIEC?

1.2 Approach & Methodology

The BIEC signage system has been evaluated on the basis on 3 criteria: 1) Needs of different user groups Visitors, Logistical handlers, Exhibition organizers, Exhibitors and BIEC Staff

2) Need for signage based on spatial analysis of the campus The spatial organization of the facilities in BIEC influences how visitors use and move through the campus. The flows of the visitors through the spaces help determine where the decision making, pause and confusion points are created as well as what type of information one is seeking at these points.

3) Evaluation of individual signage pieces based on 4 aspects: • PREDICTABILITY - Signage should be located so • • •

that signage is available where a user is expected to need it and its understanding is intuitive.

VISIBILITY - Signage should be in the line of sight with clear visibility against the background.

CONTENT - The information on the signage should be relevant, easy to understand and enable the user make a quick decision.

READABILITY - Clear and crisp representation of information in the language understandable by the user.

Activities undertaken MAPPING: Four site visits were conducted during the set-up and the event days to document the flows of users and logistics, usage of temporary and permanent signage and the experience of user groups.

• • • •

Acetech Exhibition (Hall 1, 2, 3) Target Annual Day (Hall 2, Conference Centre) Expodent Exhibition (Hall 3) Smart Asia Conference (Conference Centre)

CASE STUDIES: • Excel London • Suntech Singapore • National Centre for Exhibition & Convention, Shanghai • Adelaide Convention Centre

INTERVIEWS: Around 30 interviews with various stakeholders of BIEC were conducted to capture the needs, challenges and issues that the users faced in navigating or managing crowds within the campus.

The stakeholders interviewed included -

• • • • • •

Visitors Exhibitors Event Organizers Security Management Drivers

MEETINGS : Meeting with the fabricator to understand the structural design of the existing signage. This was essential to be able to do examine the feasibility of retrofitting the signage.

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1.3 Existing Signage System 6 Typologies The existing signage system consists of 6 typologies of signage which have been implemented incrementally over the past 10 years.

Information signage

11

Directional signage

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10

Small Directional signage

6

Exhibition signage

4

Identification signage

6

Amenities and emergency signage in/around the Halls

34

Signage pieces in the public areas outside the halls Information Directional Small TYPOLOGY

AL

VIP PARKING

directional No. n n Identification 6 tioataiotino signage Identification Information a m m r m r r l o f nal anl a al al o fIonInformation Inf InDirectional n tnioanl 11 teioceticotnio signage o i c t c icretico rDeDirectional irDir iresignage DiSmall i dldirectional lrde n n 10 d l l l l a aa tiotcisignage oantio 6 a SmSm Sm Small directional i c a i f cif Identification netnidteifni t e IdId I signage Exhibition 4

Information Directional Small directional Identification

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1.4 User Needs 4 Key Stakeholders What information do different Stakeholders need?

Which other halls is the exhibition on?

Where is the stall XYZ? Where are the toilets / food court?

How do I see what all stalls are here today. How big is this place? I have 2 hours to spend?

Which hall and gate do I need to go to? What time are trucks allowed to enter?

LOGISTICAL HANDLER 10 | BIEC Signage Gap Assessment Report

Is this road to be used to go to Hall 4,5?

VISITOR

What’s the layout of the campus?

Where are the access points and gates?

Where should information and branding about the exhibition be placed in the campus?

Do people know where my exhibition stall is?

Stall 56

Exhibition XYZ Hall 2,3

i Entrance of Hall 3

EXHIBITION ORGANIZER

i

Info. Point at Reception

EXHIBITOR

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2 SIGNAGE GAP ANALYSIS

VISITORS

- Spatial Analysis of BIEC Campus - Model of Signage System required - Gap analysis for existing signage system - Gap in Design and content of existing signage types - Existing vs Proposed Signage - Summary of Gaps sensinglocal | 13

Spatial Analysis of BIEC Campus Influence of spatial design of BIEC campus on way-finding for visitors This spatial analysis shows that the real experience of BIEC from a visitor’s perspective needs to be understood by examining movement spine (public space) that directs flows of people and visibility for information as a consequence.

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Spatial considerations for information positioning a

Zones and Landmarks

b

Movement spine for visitors

c

Decision making points

(movement spine)

(Lines of sight)

4 Districts 1. Entrance plaza 2. Hall 1,2,3, auditorium, food court 3. Hall 4,5 4. Remaining BIEC facilities

8 Major landmarks • Hall 1,2,3,4,5, auditorium, food court, entrance plaza

3 Minor landmarks • Art gallery, coffee day, protocol room

Single, expanding and contracting curvilinear movement pathway

• The angled buildings and geometry of the landscape elements create edges that define the pathway • The curvilinear pathway constantly expands and contracts meandering between destinations often creating blind corners. This limits viewing distance and creates points of confusion for visitors.

• Lines of sight play a key role in defining visibility of the destinations.

11 Key nodes The primary path from the entrance plaza to the landmarks has several decision making points marked by entrances of halls, food court, auditorium and other amenities like cafe and food court that flang on either side.

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Model of Signage System required Ha ll 3

Typical situation at the BIEC campus.

Hall 5

Food Court

Threshold space

Hall 1

Hall 3

ll 2 Ha

Hall 2 Hall 4

ent spine ovem m n Mai

Conference Centre

Demonstrating the information required to mediate the space and visibility angles between the main walkway and various destinations tangential to it

Entrance Plaza

SIGNAGE TYPES Hall Identification Announcement of the landmark at the entrance

i

i

Exhibition Information Overview of exhibition stalls & amenities Hall Directional Directions to a specific landmark

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Information for Planning (BIEC + Exhibition signage) Info. about BIEC campus and on-going expositions at main campus entrances to help visitors plan their experience.

Hall Identification Signage

Exhibition Signage

Directional (BIEC) Directions to landmarks while on the movement spine

i

Information (BIEC) Map of BIEC at the major decision making points to find the next destination

i

Hall Directional Signage

i

Hall Threshold space

Entrance Area for Destinations

Movement Spine

i

i

Information Signage

Planning Signage

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Evaluating current signage at BIEC

HALL 1

4th BIEC map in the pathway. It is too late for decision making space in the lobby. Seems difficult to read due to the tree shade

District 1

(Entrance Plaza)

Cafe

3rd BIEC map. Faces the road, irrelevant for pedestrians

Purpose

Art Gallery

Entrance plaza is the first level encounter of BIEC, therefore a critical point for orientation for visitors.

Important facets

The plaza is expansive and acts as a natural funnel directing movement of people towards the halls

Function of signage

Signage here is required to provide an overview of the place, in order to help visitors do the following:

• Provide a holistic sense of the place for ease of • •

Security 2nd BIEC map in the line of sight but is hidden behind the stall installations Toilet signboard, not in the line of sight

orientation and intuitive decision making along the route Information of exhibitions under way Identification of main landmarks and destinations

GAPS There are far too many pieces of signage in the area but most of them are hidden or are located too late in the visitor route to aid decision making. The content also needs to be more prominent in case of information signage maps since it is the first point of interaction with the BIEC campus for many.

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D

ENTRANCE PLAZA

Security Control Room

REGISTRATION Toilets

This directional signage needs to be earlier in the journey to guide decision to take the gate 1 or 2

TOWARDS GATE 2

A

B

Security Office

GATE 1

C

Directional signage too early in the journey, Also too high, so not visible in the chaos of the exhibition signage 1st BIEC map (Identification signage). The location is in the pause space, but perpendicular to the line of sight. It is also too small to draw attention Location of Directional Signage is correct. However, the content can be made easier to read Information Directional Small Exhibition (temporary) Directional Identification

Location A

Location B

Location C

Location D sensinglocal | 19

District 2

(Hall 1,2,3, Auditorium, Food Court)

Not visible from all directions

Too many directional signage with the same information

Purpose

All the signage to the destinations resides in the movement spine and the transition area between the spine and halls.

HALL 3

HALL 2

Important facets

FOOD COURT

The movement spine is a 300m long curvilinear pathway between hall 1 -3. The geometry of the halls intersected along the length of the pathway creates blind-spots for visitors.

Function of signage

To provide guidance to move towards the chosen destination and communicate of what’s ahead: • To announce the destinations on either side of the spine along the path of movement • Give assurance for what’s ahead/behind/around • Stand out against the backdrop of many objects and colours • Maintain a similar language so recognition of different signage types is intuitive for a visitor

GAPS The signage meant to announce and assure the visitor of the right location of destinations often tends to get lost behind the landscape, colours & due to blind spots.

It is useful that information in large public areas is placed strategically so as to be easily visible from all directions.

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HALL 1

A

B

C

TOWARDS HALL 3-5, GATE 2

Information Directional Small Exhibition (temporary) Directional Identification

AUDITORIUM

Cafe

Art Gallery

Identification signage for food court and Hall 2 is not always fully visible due to the trees in front.

Food court follows the older signage font and colour scheme (blue and gold)

ENTRANCE PLAZA

Hall identification signage not visible. It is covered by the landscape. It is also not center aligned to the building.

Location A

Location B

Location C sensinglocal | 21

District 3 (Hall 3,4,5)

HALL 5 New Hall - needs Identification & Exhibition signage

Purpose

The Hall 4 & 5 are new additions to BIEC. While they are accessible from Gate 1, there is another additional Gate provided (gate 2) in case the exhibitions only happen there. In this case the visitors don’t need to pass through the entire campus to reach Hall 4,5.

Important facets

Gate no. 2 is essentially equivalent to the Entrance Plaza, in terms of being a first landing area. Hence, similar information requirements for visitors need to be met.

Function of signage

Provide a sense of place (general layout of BIEC), orientation to where visitors are and directions to destinations hall 4,5 and amenities in the area. Also provide general directions to other places in the campus.

GAPS The signage system for this district has not been implemented as it has been completed recently. The aspect of Gate no. 2 being a second entrance to BIEC should be considered while designing the system. In addition, there is a sharp blind corner at Hall 3, which need to be addressed so people coming from Hall 1,2,3 know that hall 4,5 are also ahead.

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Exhibition signage is missing

HALL 4

Information Directional Small Exhibition (temporary) Directional Identification

Not visible, covered by the landscape

This is the landing area for Hall 4 & 5 visitors.

The spot lacks information for visitors.

Identification & Exhibition signage is missing.

HALL 3

Visible only from one side.

B

TOWARDS HALL 3-5, GATE 2

A

TOWARDS HALL 1-2, GATE 1

Directional signage does not give enough information

Location A

Location B sensinglocal | 23

Gap in Design and content of existing signage types PROPOSED SIGNAGE TYPOLOGY

Hall Identification

Announcement of the landmarks at the entrance

i Exhibition Information

Overview of exhibition stalls & amenities in the Hall

Hall Directional

Directions to landmarks from the main movement spine

EXISTING SIGNAGE (Permanent signage by BIEC & Temporary signage by Exhibition Organizers) BIEC Signage

By BIEC and Exhibition Organizer

BIEC Signage

By Exhibition Organizers

Gaps in Readability and Content in Existing Signage + Inconsistency of signage across halls and amenities.

The temporary signage by exhibitor demonstrates that it would be useful to create space for changeable signage showing which exhibition is currently on. This way it can be kept consistent with other signage and much easier to set-up . It will also reduce waste.

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+ Exhibition signage - This signage shows the amount of information the Exhibitors need to show and that the size of infrastructure provided for exhibition signage by BIEC is insufficient.

+ Signage is visible but its inconsistent across the campus

i

Information (BIEC)

Map of BIEC at the major decision making points to plan the route or orient for the next destination.

Directional (BIEC)

Directions to different landmarks

BIEC Signage

BIEC Signage

+ Both the types of information signage have similar content.

The taller signage content is out of reach. The maps in both cases are not readable and inadequate for decision making.

+ Too many destinations represented in the directional signage. There is no clustering or hierarchy of information here. This can be optimised for easy and quicker access.

i

Information for Planning (BIEC + Exhibition)

Overview of BIEC exhibition and Campus layout at one spot at the two major entrances (Gate 1,2) in the start of visitors’ journeys to help them plan their experience

Planner’s signage does not exist.

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Existing vs Proposed Signage

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L

Summary of Gaps

J

K

M

I 35

34

25

H

24

33

26

20

21 22

27 23

G

19

15 17

F

D

28 E

13

18 C

14 B 12

11 10 9

16

7

29

6

30 31

A

5

32

8 4

8a 3 2

1a 1 28 | BIEC Signage Gap Assessment Report

(Next to Hall 2 Entrance)

(Next to Hall 4 Entrance)

Replaced

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3 SIGNAGE GAP ANALYSIS

INTERIOR HALLS & FOOD COURT - Gap analysis for existing signage system sensinglocal | 31

Gap analysis for existing signage system Important facets

Halls are 120 -180 m deep with multiple cargo and emergency exits on the side.

SIGNAGE AT HALLS

Function of signage

• Given the length of the Halls, since the toilets are

• •

set at the rear, signage for them either needs to be visible from a long distance or their location has to be notified earlier on.

The halls also have multiple emergency exits. The signage in this case needs to be predictive, readable from a distance and instantly recognizable.

Cargo exits differ in every hall, and need to clearly identified to aid ease of logistical handling.

GAPS It is noticed that throughout the halls and other amenity areas like food courts and toilets, the signage varies in sizes, fonts, symbols, and placement. Given the extensiveness of the spaces, the high number of people that use them, and how spread out the functions are, all stakeholders using BIEC (logistics handlers, stall managers, visitors etc) would benefit from

Emergency Fire Exit Sign (differs in halls)

Only one hall has cargo gate identified from the inside. Rest don’t .

a uniform and predictable system.

Toilet signs need to be made uniform for all areas. In case of the Halls it may be useful to let it be known where the toilets are at the entrance of the halls.

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SIGNAGE AT FOOD COURT

The signage at the food court is far too loud taking over the atmospherics of the place and highly fragmented.

The same information can be conveyed without the huge signage in a much more simplified and easy to read fashion. sensinglocal | 33

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4 SIGNAGE GAP ANALYSIS

LOGISTICS

- Vehicular flows for cargo trucks in the campus - Model of Signage System required - Gap analysis for existing signage system - Proposed signage sensinglocal | 35

Vehicular flows for cargo trucks in the campus Cargo trucks follow 2 key circuits Circuit 1: The first starts at Gate 1, to cover cargo gates 1-14, serving the Hall 1,2,3, food court and the auditorium Circuit 2: The second circuit starts at Gate 2, to cover gates 15 - 38, serving Hall 4,5.

33 34

35

9

32 36 31

29

23

12

38

Hall 5

13

14

28

20

27

24 19

11

37

30

21 22

10

25 18

26 17

8

Hall 4

5

16

3

Hall 2 4

15

Food Court 2

7

Nodal point D

Hall 1 1

Hall 3 6

Conference Center

Security Point B

GATE 2

Security Point C

Security Point A

GATE 1 36 | BIEC Signage Gap Assessment Report

Model of Signage System required System of Directional & Identification Signage 7 - 10 7

8

9

6

Circuit 1

10

5 Cargo gates

Circuit 2

4 3

1 2

4 - 10

At key security points or multidirectional decision making points

SIGNAGE TYPES Directional Signage 1 To be placed at security point B and D which are critical decision making points for which route to take for a specific cargo gate

Directional Signage 2 To be placed in the circuit mid-level at key turning where it is known what is the circuit but reassurance is required of which cargo gates are ahead

Cargo Gate Identification Signage Signage to demarcate the ID number for specific cargo gate

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Gap analysis for existing signage system PROPOSED SIGNAGE TYPOLOGY

Directional Signage A

Signage at Security Points for decision making of which route trucks need to take

Directional Signage B

Mid-route directions to show which destination are head

Cargo Gate Identification Signage

Demarcate the ID number for specific cargo gate

EXISTING SIGNAGE

Gaps in Readability and Content in Existing Signage Directional Signage 1 Not Present 38 | BIEC Signage Gap Assessment Report

+ The size of the directional signage is substantial but this signage in the campus does not assist the trucks in location of the cargo gates

+ Gate signage is inconsistent. It needs to located for clear visibility from the road and easy recognition of the number of the gate.

Region

Proposed Vehicular Signage 9

Signage 1

Added

To decide entry from Gate 1 or Gate 2

Signage 2

Added

To guide towards the Cargo gates

Boom barrier

Signage 3

Replaced

Conference centre

Signage 4

Added

To take left for Conference centre cargo gate

Hall 3

Signage 5

Added

To go towards exit or Hall 4 & 5

Hall 4 (From gate 2)

Signage 6

Added

To identify where the Cargo Gate is located

Signage 7

Added

To guide towards the subsequent gates or Exit

Signage 8

Added

Junction with multiple exits

Signage 9

Added

To guide towards the subsequent gates or Exit

Signage 10

Added

To guide towards the subsequent gates or Exit

Hall 1,2,3 (rear) At Gate 2

12

Reason

At Gate 1

11

10

Action

Outside the gate

Hall 4 & 5 (rear)

8

Signage

To identify where the Cargo Gate is located

Signage 11

Replaced

To guide towards the subsequent gates or Exit

Signage 12

Replaced

Junction with multiple exits

Signage 13

Replaced

Signage 14

Added

To guide towards the subsequent gates or Exit To identify where the Cargo Gate is located

13

7

4

6

E NC RE FE RE N T CO CEN

5

D

3

Cargo Gate Identification Signage

14 2

1

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5 ANALYSIS OF

STRUCTURAL DESIGN (OF EXISTING SIGNAGE)

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Structural Analysis: BACK LIT acrylic sheet with vinyl print

Evaluation of what signage can be reused (relocated or retrofitted) The Information signage (that consists of map of BIEC) and directional signage are the two types of signage pieces that have been evaluated for potential re-use in the new signage system to be developed for BIEC. This is due to the high number of pieces spread across the campus and also because their structural design makes them conducive for re-purposing.

ACP panels act as the main surface for the signage

Feasibility for re-location: In both these cases the signage can be dislodged from the foundation by unbolting it from the steel bolt in the concrete foundation to move to another location.

Feasibility for retrofitting: The internal structure is a box section steel frame and the external is ACP panelling on which the information content has been placed directly or inserted as vinyl printed acrylic sheet. The ACP or acrylic can be changed keeping the majority of the structural system in place.

Reinforced concrete foundation with steel bolts to which the signage base plate is anchored

Information Signage (Version 1) Has to be fully replaced as it follows older signage design guidelines

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The box sections that make the vertical support members are welded to the base plate acting as one structural unit

Information Signage (Version 2) This signage may be retrofitted, keeping the base structural frame and only replacing content and

Directional Signage This signage may be retrofitted, keeping the base structure and only replacing content.

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6 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS OF

EXHIBITION ORGANIZER - Analysis of Signage Card - Proposed Card - Case Study: Suntec

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Analysis of Signage Card Key inputs from interviews with Exhibition Organizers • Need for a map in the signage card to indicate existing signage in the campus and where is the space for temporary signage that exhibitor can put up.

• No information for size and location of structure available for exhibition information at halls - that allows the exhibitors to communicate in a map which stall is where in a hall.

• Lack of clear Identification signage at Halls to know which Hall is which.

• Need the exhibition (information) signage for all halls at the Entry Plaza as well

Signage Card provided by BIEC A signage card is provided by BIEC to exhibition organizers to communicate the locations where signage for advertisement, information and directions can be put up by Exhibitors. This is an important document as it is created to help exhibitors take stock of which areas they would like to put up additional information and what will be the size of the print to ensure a good experience for the visitors.

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Proposed Card

District 1 AREA

SIGNAGE # SIZE (in ft) DETAILED LOCATION OF SIGTYPE OF NAGE SURFACE & ORIENTATION STRUCTURE in which signage can be placed

BACKLIT / NOT LIT

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

Proposal based on inputs from the interviews of exhibitors and case studies of other Exhibition centers

Key Map of BIEC

Zoomed in Map of Districts

Photo of locations where exhibitors can put signage

Location 1

Location 2

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Case Study: Suntec

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