Event Overview
The #DesignPopUp Exhibition was a two-day gathering that brought together top brands and over 500 architecture and design professionals from across the UK and Ireland. The event was all about discovering new products, learning from insightful workshops, and catching up with familiar faces. For the past three years, Platform has proudly hosted the #DesignPopUp Exhibition, so it was an honour to also host their 10-year anniversary, topped off with the much-anticipated Parmesan & Prosecco Party!
Objectives
The event aimed to provide industry professionals with the opportunity to explore high-quality, design-led furniture while connecting with both well-established and emerging brands. It also focused on offering a variety of workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, covering topics like mental health in the building industry, the importance of flame-retardant materials, and more creative pursuits like a hands-on bag-making workshop. In addition, the event was designed to foster meaningful networking by creating a relaxed and interactive space for attendees to connect with suppliers and peers. Finally, the event celebrated 10 years of #DesignPopUp with a fun and memorable networking evening, centred around the renowned Parmesan & Prosecco Party.
Challenges
One of the primary challenges of hosting the exhibition within a single arch at Platform was carefully planning the space to balance exhibitor booths, attendee flow, and breakout activities. A standout task was setting up the live charcuterie board for the evening's Parmesan & Prosecco Party, ensuring it was an impressive focal point without disrupting the overall event flow.
In addition, accommodating the diverse range of workshops and panel talks required effective time and space management. Notable highlights from the sessions included panel discussions addressing critical mental health challenges within the industry, educational talks led by Panaz & Bespoke Atelier, and a creative bag-making workshop, also led by Bespoke Atelier.
Solutions
To tackle the space management challenge, the team worked closely with both the organisers and exhibitors to carefully allocate areas for product showcases, workshops, and attendee circulation. Breakout activities were strategically placed throughout the venue to maintain an engaging flow for attendees.
In terms of the live charcuterie setup, meticulous coordination between our in-house catering team, event planners, and operations ensured the station became a visually striking centrepiece. This careful planning allowed for ample space for networking while avoiding any disruption to the event’s flow, making the charcuterie board both functional and eye-catching.
Results
The event attracted over 500 attendees, who praised the venue’s layout and the balance between exhibition, education, and networking. The successful setup of workshops, product displays, and celebratory events contributed to an energetic and productive atmosphere.
"A HUGE thank you from Emma and I for all your help and amazing work. As usual, we truly enjoyed working with you and your team, and you make our lives so much easier." – Sara Seravalli.
Conclusion
The #DesignPopUp Exhibition was a tremendous success, offering a dynamic blend of knowledge sharing, product discovery, and networking. Platform, provided the perfect space for an inspiring and enjoyable event, contributing to the continued success of the company’s mission to bring the architecture and design communities together in Glasgow.
With seven years of experience hosting dynamic and experiential gatherings in Glasgow, Platform has become the city’s most flexible venue. With central transport links right on its doorstep, the location boasts beautiful industrial architecture and six red brick archway rooms that offer a blank canvas, making it ideal for a wide variety of occasions.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale occasion, Platform is the perfect space to suit your needs. Our iconic venue speaks for itself, so let's dive in and explore some of the high-profile gatherings we've hosted over the last month at Platform:
Inverarity Morton EVOLUTION ‘24
Scotland’s largest immersive trade event, hosted by Inverarity Morton at Platform Glasgow, was one to remember. This large-scale brand experience for the Scottish licensed on-trade saw brands including Madri, Patron, Kraken, Staropramen, Jose Cuervo, Thatcher’s, and many more showcase product portfolios to the hospitality industry!
Our arches provided a setting for Industry professionals to network with peers, brand representatives, and thought leaders. The day also offered the opportunity for attendees to explore innovative, premium brands that are making waves in the drinks industry, and learn about market trends. The annual event saw a full venue takeover of 1,900 attendees with expansive production in each archway providing immersive activations for the licensed trade to enjoy. These included 360 cameras, in depth presentations, interactive guest sessions with drinks ambassadors, tastings, games, and even live performances, resulting in a truly memorable event for all attendees.
Freshers Festival 2024
Freshers Festival returned once again to Platform for their annual exhibition, where our industrial venue’s high capacity was well utilised as over 6,000 attendees were welcomed throughout the day to the largest student event and digital community in the UK.
Platform’s expansive and versatile space allowed the city’s newest batch of students to engage with their favourite high street brands and local businesses, which will define the next few years of their studies in Glasgow.
Brand activations included Pure Gym fitness, Barrhead Travel, restaurant group Bar Burrito, soft drink Irn Bru, Skiddle, Oh Polly, and Royal Mail. All these household brands flocked to Platform to offer students a taste of food and drink, big competitions, games, and unbeatable discounts all tailored to students on their products and services.
With queues out the door, this busy event with Glasgow’s next student cohort allowed brands to capture the attention and gain brand loyalty with activations that will stay in students’ minds for years to come.
George Leslie 60th Anniversary Event
Glasgow-born business, George Leslie, celebrated its 60th anniversary at Platform with a celebration for all stakeholders and employees. The multi-million-pound civil engineering company marked their milestone by using the world-class audiovisuals and contemporary lighting setups Platform offered to transform their event into a celebration fit for the occasion.
The party boasted arcade games, top-tier food and drink, dancing, and, as is always guaranteed at Platform, a truly great time.
Equator Summer Staff Party
Office parties don’t need to be boring and the Equator Summer Staff get together proved just that! Our venue was transformed into a high energy carnival party, complete with a saxophone player, glitter bar, drag acts and live performances. The creative agency invited staff to let their hair down in our unique urban setting, which was transformed from a blank canvas to a summer party bedecked with decor and activities galore.
Office parties don’t need to be boring and the Equator Summer Staff get together proved just that! Our venue was transformed into a high energy carnival party, complete with a saxophone player, glitter bar, drag acts and live performances. The creative agency invited staff to let their hair down in our unique urban setting, which was transformed from a blank canvas to a summer party bedecked with decor and activities galore.
The modern amenities in our venue allowed the party to achieve its full potential, offering an evening the staff will never forget.
Looking to host your next event in Glasgow?
With superior transport links to any venue in Glasgow, an in-house catering team, free WIFI, and flexible multi-room capacities, Platform can host any event, whether it’s a corporate function, a grand wedding, or a cultural festival. Our space is ready to provide a dramatic backdrop to your event, with your needs and expectations at the forefront.
Discover the magic of Platform for your next event. Contact our sales team today to learn how we can help make your vision a reality. Visit Platform Venue Hire for enquiry now.
#PeopleMakePlatform
Since our launch in 2018, Platform has been the go-to spot for music lovers, with our iconic red brick walls steeped in musical history. Our local programming adds to our eclectic atmosphere, with incredible homegrown talent like buskers, DJs, live singers and performers playing under our arches Thursday through to Sunday.
MEETING PLACE
With a central location, Platform has often been hailed as a meeting place for our guests to begin a day or night out on the town, and concerts are no exception.
Platform’s proximity to Glasgow Central railway station means that The OVO Hydro and The SEC Centre are just two quick train stops away on the lower-level train to The Exhibition Centre. For those gigs closer to the city centre, Platform is only a 13-minute walk away from King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, and 20 minutes away from the iconic O2 Academy.
We’re all about celebrating Glasgow’s music scene, and our own connection to music, and the incredible talent which graces Glasgow stages on a weekly basis. To keep the good vibes rolling Platform is offering an exclusive discount for gig-goers. Flash your concert ticket and you’ll enjoy 20% off your bill. Leaving you more money for merch, right?
There are plenty of chances to make use of our pre-dining gig offer in our split dining venue, with OVO Hydro boasting acts such as Keane (18th Oct), Scooter (31st Oct), Kasabian (9th Nov), Childish Gambino (29th Nov), The Snuts (6th Dec) & Slipknot (15th Dec) this side of Christmas. Meanwhile, the soulful Rag'n'Bone Man will play the O2 Academy on 22nd Nov, and The SEC welcomes Ayrshire rockers Biffy Clyro the following night 23rd Nov. If you’re looking to catch rising talent in a more intimate gig, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut has got you covered with bands like Dead Pony (20th Oct), Krooked Tongue (28th Oct), and Serotones (1st Dec).
With comfortable Chesterfield sofas, tall tables, spacious booths, and button-backed leather armchairs, our space allows for intimate or group dining for those proper catch ups pre-concert.
The magic of Platform lies in our food and drink offering. With delicious sharing plates inspired from global flavours and refined classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our menu makes use of seasonal and local ingredients with fan favourites including melt in your mouth bao buns, morish tacos, and our legendary Korean fried chicken, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
To help you get in the pre-concert spirit, our bar is stocked with premium cocktails, craft beer, wine, and spirits, all served by our expert team who are notorious for their service with a smile, and who ring true to the statement that People Make Platform.
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, we’ve upped the ante with the exciting introduction of casual games including foosball, pool tables, and shuffleboards. An added layer of fun to make your pre gig hangout one to remember. What are you waiting for? Book Platform before your next concert and grab that 20% off. Book now https://platformgla.co.uk/platform-one/.
As we gear up for a busy summer of sports and events at Platform in Scotland, we caught up with Heather Bedford, our event curator, to chat about all things event-related and how Scotland is innovating in the industry. Read on to learn how to create the perfect event at Platform in Glasgow, what’s important, and why Platform does things differently in the sector.
Q: Heather, can you share a bit about what makes Platform unique in the events industry?
Heather: Absolutely. At Platform, we pride ourselves on our ability to transform our space to match any vision. Our venue, with its series of interconnected Victorian arches, provides a versatile backdrop for everything from wine tastings in complete darkness to vibrant trade shows. For instance, the Chateaux Noir event by Lidl transformed our venue with a 'palate cleansing tunnel' and a blackout tasting room, offering guests an unforgettable sensory experience.
Q: What do you believe is crucial for creating the perfect event?
Heather: The key to a successful event lies in meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the client's vision. At Platform, we focus on personalisation and flexibility—every event is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients. From the initial concept to the final execution, ensuring each element resonates with the intended audience is crucial. During a Lush Retail Management Conference earlier this year, we adapted our spaces from plenary sessions to hosting a dance floor, demo rooms, bubble machines and product displays showcasing our venue’s dynamic capabilities.
Q: What have been some standout events at Platform, and why?
Heather: One standout event was the Design Pop Up, which returns to Platform year on year. This event always transforms our space into a vibrant showroom for designers and includes engaging informative seminars. Alongside product discovery, its much-loved Parmesan & Prosecco Party always leaves guests wanting more. Another memorable event was the Bike & Art Collective during the UCI Cycle Championships, where we combined exhibition spaces with a food and viewing area, creating a festival-like atmosphere that celebrated cycling culture in the city.
Q: From your extensive experience, what aspects of event management do you find most fulfilling?
Heather: What I find most rewarding is seeing the direct impact of our work. When you watch guests moving through a mirrored tunnel or enjoying a presentation in a space you’ve helped transform, it really brings home the value of what we do. The positive feedback, whether it's about the flow of the space or the attentiveness of our staff, also reinforces the importance of every detail in creating an unforgettable guest experience.
Q: Finally, how does Platform maintain its edge in such a competitive industry?
Heather: We continually strive to innovate and adapt. Our team is deeply committed to exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what an event space can be. This approach not only keeps us competitive but also ensures that our clients and their guests always have unique and engaging experiences. Whether it's accommodating a high-energy trade show or a festive Christmas event, we’re always ready to bring our client’s vision to life in exciting new ways.
Since opening its doors in 2018, Platform has quickly ascended as Glasgow's premier multi-room venue for all types of unforgettable events. Situated beneath the bustling arches of Glasgow Central railway station, our industrial six-arch space beautifully merges its historical architecture with modern amenities. An 1800 capacity venue, characterised by its exposed brick and vaulted ceilings, Platform Glasgow is a versatile space ideally suited for weddings, corporate gatherings, brand showcases, conferences and more.
Our unique urban setting, characterised by a contemporary edge and world-class audiovisuals, is enhanced by sophisticated lighting setups that can transform any event in a heartbeat. From the warm glow of intimate gatherings, moody stage and wall visuals to the vibrant colours of a bustling celebration, our dynamic ambiance has played a pivotal role in tailoring experiences that resonate deeply with our clients.
Let’s recap some of the events held at Platform:
Guinness Pro 14 Event
Highlighting the intersection of sports and culture right in the heart of Glasgow—a city renowned for its passionate football fans—this event was memorable for many.
Our venue’s historic arches were accentuated with tailored branding solutions along the walls, ensuring that the Guinness brand was not only visible but part of the overall experience, enhancing the prestige of the Player of the Year awards.
LUSH
An unforgettable affair with Lush Cosmetics brought together 400 regional managers in a vibrant display of networking and live product education. Platform’s multi-arch setup facilitated a mix of activities from product demos, discussions to even a dance floor, supported by colourful uplighting and our extensive audiovisual capabilities. This event was a testament to Platform’s ability to morph into a lively, engaging environment perfect for both business and pleasure.
BBC
The energy was electric when Platform hosted the ‘BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year’ awards. The iconic arches provided a dramatic canvas for the celebration of Scottish musical talent, where emerging artists like Bee Asha and Bottle Rockets took centre stage, supported by our top-notch sound and visual technology, showcasing Platform’s perfect fit for live music events.
People make Platform and having a packed audience celebrating a shared love of music and Scottish talent was a perfect fit for the venue.
With the best transport links of any venue in town, on-site catering, free wifi, and a venue capacity of up to 1,800, Platform is equipped to host virtually any event. Whether it’s a corporate function, a grand wedding, or a cultural festival, our space is ready to accommodate your needs.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF PLATFORM FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
Contact our sales team today to learn how we can help make your vision a reality.
#PeopleMakePlatform
This month, we proudly brought together over 600 event professionals, suppliers and friends to join us for an immersive People Make Platform showcase. Recognising our iconic venue as one of Scotland’s top venues for creativity and innovation and the versatility as an events venue.
A Dynamic Fusion of Culture and Creativity
Located in the heart of Glasgow city centre, under the iconic Argyle Street Bridge, the air was electric with anticipation, a space once familiar, now transformed, buzzed with the creative spirit of Scotland’s most innovative minds.
Each arch, meticulously curated to reveal its own thematic splendour and bring to life the theme of People, offered a journey from one spectacular scene to another. As guests snaked through Platform, each arch was revealed in sequence, showcasing the endless possibilities of our versatile venue.
The magical decor was a masterful blend of traditional Scottish elements with a twist of modern flair. Fleurtations had outdone themselves, with a lush floral installation that framed the entrance, whilst Thrill Events transformed the space with giant silver spheres and vibrant backdrops to set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Experiential Magical Moments
Event highlights included homegrown local talent with artistic collaborations from renowned artist Ross Muir, sculptor Council Baby, and energetic musical performances from Glasgow’s iconic DJ duo, Pretty Ugly, and local band The Lines. Together, they created a tapestry of memorable moments and unique artistic expressions, set to the backdrop of a giant disco ball and mood lighting provided by SLS Scotland.
A taste of modern Scotland
The culinary experience was a standout, featuring delicious street food, canapés, and tapas. From traditional beer-battered fish and chips to innovative 'Platform Pieces' like strawberry ice cream sandwiches and freshly shucked oysters, there was something for everyone.
Jules McGuire, the mastermind behind Platform’s bespoke food stations, gave guests a nostalgic taste of tradition with proper Glaswegian scran. A giant cheese wheel from Jules McGuire’s Gallus Pasta was a crowd-pleaser, with guests marvelling as hand cut Tagliarini pasta was twirled inside, and served fresh onto plates.
The local flavours continued to impress at the Twisted Scots Bar, where traditional Scottish ingredients met innovative mixology. A range of expertly made cocktails, mocktails and craft beer served by local specialists Brewhub were on offer at four different bars, ensuring the evening was as tasty as it was entertaining.
The night was dotted with experimental magical moments, particularly at the SIPS IN THE CITY bar. Inspired by iconic scenes from "Sex in the City," cosmos and bellinis flowed freely, each drink a nod to the show's chic legacy, reimagined in Glasgow’s gritty, artistic context. Cheers to that!
Don’t miss out on our summer offers! Contact our wonderful sales team today to find out more.
Nestled beneath Glasgow’s iconic Victorian railway arches, Camm & Hooper unveils plans to showcase the legendary Platform and set the standard for unique events in the city.
Premier events management company, Camm & Hooper, has unveiled plans to redefine the event experience for one of Scotland’s most creative venues, Platform, through its official launch taking place next month.
In an ambitious nod to Scotland's rich tapestry of culture and innovation, Camm & Hooper is inviting the who's who of the event industry to explore its expansive multi-room setup through an experiential event showcase titled 'People Make Platform’ on April 18th, from 6:30pm to 11pm.
Nestled in the heart of Glasgow city centre, under the iconic Hielanman’s umbrella, the legendary multi-faceted space is setting the standard for unique events in the city. By unlocking the full potential of Platform, they promise a night of 'wow' experiences for guests.
The immersive launch event will encapsulate the essence of Glasgow’s vibrant community and celebrate local suppliers and friends of Platform. Featuring urban art installations by contemporary artist Ross Muir Art — famed for his unique use of Adidas tracksuits and paintings inspired by art history — alongside up-and-coming Glasgow-based sculptor, Council Baby.
Event professionals attending will have the opportunity to witness Platform's adaptability firsthand, with live music performances throughout the evening. Renowned party curators We Should Hang Out More, poptastic indie disco DJs Pretty Ugly Club, and local band The Lines will be lighting up Platform, all complemented with a mouthwatering selection of street food and signature drinks.
The official launch of Platform comes just two months following the success of its latest London-based venue, 26 Leake Street. Having grown by triple digits in 2023 alone, the company is focused on acquiring additional venues in Scotland, Manchester, and Leeds throughout 2024.
Event professionals eager to witness the future of event hosting in Glasgow are invited to secure their attendance by contacting: tickets@camm-hooper.co.uk
For more information and to explore Platform, visit: https://platformgla.co.uk/venue-hire/
About Camm & Hooper:
Camm & Hooper is a leading company in the events industry, known for delivering extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. From the elegance of historic halls and the charm of Victorian settings to the boldness of industrial chic, vibrant urban spaces, and contemporary designs, its portfolio, including Platform in Glasgow, offers a diverse backdrop for any occasion.
The essence of Camm & Hooper lies in transforming every event into an unforgettable experience. Its team of creative curators, expert culinary teams, and innovative beverage specialists work closely with each client, turning visions into immersive journeys. The culinary adventure is a cornerstone of its offerings, where traditional flavours meet innovative touches, and unique drink selections add an extra layer of personalisation.
Camm & Hooper is committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all operations. This commitment extends to the strategic location of its venues near major public transportation lines, encouraging the use of more sustainable travel options and minimising its carbon footprint. Through sustainable sourcing and zero-waste efforts, Camm & Hooper aims to not only deliver exceptional experiences but also contribute positively to the planet.
LONDON, 15 NOVEMBER 2023: Premier events management company, Camm & Hooper, is delighted to announce the addition of Platform Glasgow to its growing and iconic portfolio of venues.
Part of its national growth strategy, this latest acquisition will enable Camm & Hooper to attract a wider national and international client base, while providing new employment and partnership opportunities for members of the Glasgow community as it has plans to grow across the region.
Located in the heart of Glasgow city centre, under the iconic Argyle Street Bridge, also known as the Glasgow landmark "The Hielanman's umbrella". Platform is a unique venue steeped in local history and community spirit.
With every Glaswegian familiar with Platform, it is the first venue outside of London that Camm & Hooper have incorporated into its portfolio, with plans firmly in place for the disruptive events management company to expand its footprint across the UK.
A native Scot, Derick Martin, CEO of Camm & Hooper, expressed immense enthusiasm about this latest acquisition, affirming: "We're thrilled to incorporate such an iconic and versatile venue into our portfolio. This feels like a homecoming, and we're excited to infuse our unique touch into the wide array of events at Platform. Scott has built an incredible brand and venue and I know we will become a real events disrupter in Glasgow and beyond.
“At Camm & Hooper, we are always on the lookout for unique and distinctive venues that offer guests an unforgettable experience," added Derick. "Platform is a perfect fit with our portfolio, as it is steeped in history and has its own unique story to tell. We are excited to add this iconic Glasgow venue to our line-up and look forward to continuing its success under the leadership of Scott McCormick and his dedicated team."
Scott McCormick, the Managing Director of Platform, will continue to oversee operations. Sharing positive sentiment, Scott said: "We are excited to embark on this new chapter with Camm & Hooper. Their reputation for excellence and commitment to creating unique experiences aligns with our vision for Platform to establish itself as a leading venue delivering unique events for our blue-chip client base.
Platform looks forward to hosting an even wider range of diverse and memorable events in the heart of Glasgow, and it is our intention to grow the portfolio in Scotland over the next 3 years, and I am delighted to support Derick in his plans for the growth of the Camm & Hooper Brand."
Featuring six beautifully restored arches across 35,000 st ft, Platform provides a flexible capacity for up to 600 seated guests across three arches or 1800 standing guests. It has served as the backdrop for a variety of events, from intimate private gatherings to large-scale events, cementing itself as a crucial part of Glasgow's community.
In adding new venues to its portfolio, Camm & Hooper always set out to protect the heart and soul of the establishment and its core team. As such Platform will remain untouched, where its distinctive character and deep-rooted connection to the community will continue to thrive as always.
Committed to making event dreams a reality, Camm & Hooper will now implement valuable resource into Platform to support both clients and the Platform team, while showcasing its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences curated by extraordinary people.
One of the fastest growing premier events and hospitality companies in the UK, Camm & Hooper has grown by triple digits during 2023 alone, and is now focused on acquiring additional venues in Scotland, Manchester and Leeds within the coming months.
See Venue: Platform Glasgow
About Camm & Hooper:
Camm & Hooper is a leading events company that specialises in creating extraordinary experiences. With an impressive collection of stunning venues, including the grandeur Banking Hall, the opulent Victorian Bath House, the beautifully restored and urban chic venue 26 Leake Street, and the contemporary OXO2, they offer the perfect setting for any occasion.
Their team of experts ensures a seamless and magical event from start to finish. With meticulous attention to detail, Camm & Hooper’s curators, food and liquid chefs work closely with clients, bringing their vision to life and crafting immersive experiences.
Camm & Hooper take pride in its culinary expertise, delivering exceptional dining experiences using only the finest ingredients. Its culinary chefs create exquisite menus, blending classic flavours with innovative twists. The dedicated liquid chef crafts unique and imaginative infusions, offering a bespoke beverage selection that perfectly complements the event.
Driven by a commitment to sustainability, Camm & Hooper implement eco-conscious practices, including sustainable sourcing and zero food waste initiatives. They strive to minimise their environmental impact while surpassing guests’ expectations.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Qamile Zejnullahi
T: +44(0)203 763 7429
E: qamile.zejnullahi@camm-hooper.co.uk