We are celebrating a high-impact event that captivated audiences and set a new standard for corporate engagement, after the successful delivery of the inaugural Defence Engagement Programme at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE).

Designed as a strategic pivot in response to the cancellation of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the Defence Engagement Programme was conceived, organised, and executed within a challenging six-week timeframe. Despite the condensed schedule, the two-day event, which ran from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, proved to be a resounding success, facilitating high-level industry discourse.

The introduction of the ‘Insight Stage’ was a brand-new concept housed within one of our striking, custom-branded inflatable structures. By transforming what was previously the ‘Inspire Stage’ into a vibrant hub of expert discourse, the team successfully created a unique space for attendees.

For the ‘Insight Stage’, the structure’s exterior featured bespoke branding for the charity and sponsor Lockheed Martin for the first time. The visual impact of the fully branded dome was immediate, creating a professional and immersive environment that resonated with both corporate sponsors and attendees.

Katherine Whinney, Techno Zone and Sponsorship Manager at RAFCTE, said: “When we were tasked with setting up a brand-new event in just six weeks, reliability was key. Working with Ash and the team at Evolution Dome makes this incredibly straightforward. They understand our requirements perfectly, and having a structure that goes up quickly while delivering such a strong visual impact allowed us to focus entirely on curating a brilliant programme of speakers.”

The Insight Stage attracted impressive attendance, with audiences frequently exceeding 150–160 people, creating an energetic atmosphere of standing-room-only engagement. The diverse lineup of speakers included Sir Clive Woodward and renowned explorer Simon Reeve, all of whom delivered sessions that were exceptionally well-received by the audience.

Ash Austin added: “We are incredibly proud to have delivered the infrastructure for this year’s Insight Stage. Working with Katherine and the team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises is always a highlight. The addition of the fully branded exterior created a visually striking, high-impact focal point that really set the tone for the event and showcased the versatility of our temporary inflatable structures.”

The Defence Engagement Programme has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the RAFCTE team, with plans already being considered for how this successful format, and the innovative Insight Stage, can be utilised in our future events.