The year of roadshows kicked off in February with a spectacular solution to a major logistical challenge – getting 24 traders under one roof to be transported across the UK, Germany, France and Belgium.

DWT provided Dream Marketing International, which organises industry-specific roadshows for component manufacturers, with a ‘mobile exhibition hall’ by converting a super-sized Prestige II.

Inside, each of Dream Marketing’s clients could present their products directly to their customers, during a four-week tour of 17 manufacturers.

Two dedicated DWT staff went on the road with the tour to make sure all aspects behind the scenes were taken care of – from driving the trailer to setting up for the shows.

From four-wheeled transport to the two-wheeled kind – DWT’s next two roadshow projects came in the form of two major national cycle racing events – the Tour of Ireland and the Tour of Britain.

The Tour of Ireland needed support at the finishing line of the race, so a trailer was despatched from DWT’s Colsterworth operating centre to meet up with the race organisers, and took its place as the podium for the winners at the end of the race.

For Britain’s biggest live sporting event - the nine-day Tour of Britain cycle race -four trailers were provided, with five operators to co-ordinate support. Each morning and evening the two trailers were packed away and moved to their new positions and then set up again for the next day’s racing – a support service DWT is proud to offer.

“We manage and supply the trailers to meet legislative requirements – for example drivers are allowed to drive 48 hours a week. It is something we take care of, so organisers can concentrate on the other aspects of their event,” said Company Director Pip Wilson.

During the summer, we took to the road again with international video games publisher Ubisoft, which exhibited at O₂-sponsored music festivals at Hyde Park.  In an all-encompassing support package, DWT fitted out and supplied a unit for the company, took it to the site, set it up, brought it back again and carried out stock handling.

“The trailer management service we offer means the client can just walk into an event, unlock the door and begin greeting customers. We do all the behind-the-scenes work, which means the client is fresh for the event and has not had to get their hands dirty preparing,” said Pip.

Japanese vehicle and engine manufacturer Kubota owns its own trailer, but DWT provides an invaluable service ensuring it is in pristine condition when required and in the right place at the right time. This year, DWT provided support for Kubota Live! 2008 – a series of exhibition and demonstration events stretching from Devon in southern England as far north as Edinburgh in Scotland.

And don’t forget, if your budget is not in the league of buying or having a trailer management contract, you can always hire a unit, pick it up yourself and bring it back afterwards. As an alternative to a marquee or gazebo a lockable trailer provides a secure base where goods can be left overnight at shows.