CASE STUDY: SA Catapult
WHO are SA Catapult?
SA Catapult accelerates the invention and adoption of space data and technology. Established in 2013 as a not-for-profit organisation, the Catapult is part of the government’s network of nine catapults and aims to grow the UK economy by supporting companies to adopt space technology and harness its potential.
SA Catapult has three missions; Sustainable Earth, Autonomous and Connected Earth and Beyond Earth, each of which aligns with the UK government’s priority space capability areas.
WHAT is their exhibition mission?
The brief was to create visually striking and functional exhibition stands that align with the Catapult’s brand identity.
The Catapult’s primary goal was to showcase its product in the most impactful manner, enhancing brand recognition and attracting a more diverse audience at trade shows. We were tasked with creating an immersive experience for visitors; one that effectively communicates the brand’s unique value propositions and fosters meaningful interactions with potential clients and industry stakeholders.
In line with the Catapult’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, it was imperative that the stand designer adhered to environmentally friendly practices and materials.
WHERE do they exhibit?
We first started working with SA Catapult in 2023, installing the brand’s stand at the London ExCeL for Dronex. Since then, our journey has seen us install in Milan, Farnborough, London and Manchester, re-using what we can every time in line with the Catapult’s mission towards a Sustainable Earth.
HOW is the impact delivered?
LED-edge lighting, an animated lightbox and a bespoke acrylic heat map are just some of the features that raise the SA Catapult stand design above those of its competitors. We rose to the challenge of showcasing the Catapult’s satellite locations in a unique way with our unique heat map, and the client loves it so much it’s already been installed within three stand builds over the past two years.
Our animated lightbox meanwhile added an immersive effect to the stand. This eye-catching feature has proved to be a real talking point and, complemented by LED-edge lighting and our bespoke red LED rods, the overall aesthetic has launched the Catapult into a new era of design.
WHY Smart Display?
SA Catapult was looking to secure the services of a reputable stand designer – with a proven track record of delivering successful projects – to effectively represent its brand identity while adhering to environmentally friendly practices. We’ve designed and installed seven stands for the brand now, each one building on the identity of its predecessor bleding re-used components and fresh new elements for an impact fitting for a leader in its field.
Our client says;
The stand received an incredible amount of positive feedback from both our team and visitors throughout the UK Space Conference. From the outset, our brief was to create a space that felt open, functional, and engaging – with clear areas for networking, private meetings, and showcasing our expertise through interactive features. The final design absolutely delivered on all of these fronts.
Our staff highlighted how unique the design was and how it stood out against neighbouring stands. The height of the stand, coupled with the striking contrast of the red LED rods, dark blue backdrop, and illuminated map, gave us a bold and unmissable presence on the show floor. The split carpet colours worked particularly well in guiding people between the more open networking zone and the quieter, more focused meeting space, ensuring both areas could be used simultaneously without feeling crowded or cluttered.
From a visitor perspective, the stand was a clear draw. Many commented that they “had to come say hi” because of its eye-catching design, with the animated lightbox and LED lighting features proving a real talking point. The interactivity not only attracted attention but also provided a natural entry point into conversations about our work, helping us to communicate our areas of expertise in a more engaging way.
Overall, the stand achieved exactly what we set out to do – creating a strong, approachable presence that supported meaningful conversations, highlighted our brand, and showcased our innovation and sustainability values. We’re very proud of how it came together, and these design features were consistently praised for making our presence at the show both impactful and memorable.
Ashleigh John, marketing manager
Intrigued to see what we can do for you? Take a look at our other projects and get in touch today to build an impactful and sustainable brand environment this 2026.
