When you think of shipping containers, you think of large steel boxes used to haul large materials across the world. While that was once their sole purpose, that's no longer the case. Shipping container conversions are taking the events industry by storm, with customised containers used for a wide range of applications.
Essentially a blank canvas, shipping container conversions are versatile event structures that can be completely customised to fit your brand's aesthetics through colour, graphic, fabrication and overall purpose. The sky's the limit when it comes to event creativity when using customised containers.
As well as being aesthetically appealing, shipping container conversions are incredibly practical as they're durable, secure, weatherproof and easy to set-up. Whether you're looking for a pop-up container bar, temporary shop unit or outdoor hospitality area, customised containers are adaptable for all events and help your brand stand out.
At The Events Structure, we are all about getting creative with customised containers at events. Here are some of the most creative ways we've used shipping container conversions at events:
1. Football Barbershop Shipping Container Conversion
In 2016, for the UEFA Champions' League Final in Milan, Italy, long-term supporters of the prestigious football competition Mastercard utilised our Statement shipping container conversion for their 'Madness or Priceless' experiential fan zone and pop-up barbershop.
The activation asked fans to share their craziest football stories and experiences while offering visitors to 'try a football hairstyle' and score a 'priceless' haircut or 'madness' scalp art inspired by their favourite footballer or team.
With the customised container activation, Mastercard successfully engaged football fans ahead of the highly anticipated game final and the pop-up barbershop resulted in some brilliant football-inspired looks.
2. Customised Container Music Stage and Tote Bag Print Shop
In 2019, long-standing client Dr Martens took their DM Boot Room stage and immersive brand experience on tour, hitting up UK festivals, including Field Day. The DM Boot Room consisted of two Gallery and one Impact shipping container conversions.
A Gallery shipping container conversion was used for the stage, allowing bands to perform wearing Dr Martens footwear. A Gallery and Impact customised container housed two immersive brand experiences for fans to partake in, including a free tote bag print shop.
The activation proved incredibly popular, as fans learned about the brand's rich music heritage in a fun and engaging way while attending their favourite festival.
3. Tattoo Parlour Shipping Container Conversion
To announce their new free ink for life service, HP set-up a pop-up tattoo studio on Brick Lane in London using a Champions customised container, offering passers-by the chance to play 'Ink Roulette'.
The roulette game gave individuals the chance to win either an HP printer and a lifetime supply or cartridges or a free tattoo done on the spot in the pop-up tattoo studio shipping container conversion - also free ink for life.
The experiential campaign was a success, by disrupting a busy high street, HP was successfully able to target millennials with this unique subscription service, raise awareness and go viral.
4. Customised Container Escape Room
As part of their Unblocktober October campaign, Yorkshire Water toured York with their custom-build "Unblock Against the Clock" shipping container conversion in a bid to reduce the number of blockages in sewers.
Teams had only five minutes to quickly solve the clues, 'bin the blockers' and escape the activation through the built-in sewer slide to be in with a chance of winning some incredible prizes including an iPad, shopping vouchers and anti-blockage kits.
The customised container escape room raised awareness on unsuitable items being flushed or rinsed down toilets and sinks in a fun and engaging way.
If you’re looking to use a shipping container conversion at an event, call The Events Structure on 0161 821 1010 to discuss your project. Our range of customised containers are completely customisable to meet your exact requirements.