The Event De-Rig That Furnished Sensory Studios: The London Blockchain Conference Legacy

Chantal Kerr-Sheppard
1 day ago
2 min read

Every major conference likes to dress the venue to create a comforting environment for the day's activities and talks. But this becomes a problem when hire options aren’t possible. It means making purchases that might not have a home to go to once the event is over. From floor lamps, to rugs, cushions, plants, books, tables, chairs and drapes, these items so often end up in skips or storage when they don’t see the light of day again and end up costing you more than you thought.

For the organisers of the London Blockchain Conference, whose mission is driving "measurable progress" and "Impact & Sustainability," that outcome wasn't an option. They understood that to build a trusted digital economy, their actions had to align with their rhetoric. Working closely with production partner Bopper, they committed to ensuring every asset used at the event had a planned, productive second life.

Having been in the live industry for over 30 years, sustainability is of utmost importance to me. Everything used at London Blockchain Conference 2025 was either alive (grass, shrubs, foliage), hire items, recyclable materials or destined for a productive onward use. We are very happy to partner with Event Cycle, who make the whole process a breeze in the rush of derig, safe in the knowledge that our items are going to local good causes and also produce a post event report. Win / Win!

Sue Pardoe, Head of Events, Bopper

Their challenge was turning the post-event cleanup, which is usually just a logistical cost, into a lasting social statement. They partnered with Event Cycle,the reuse and donation specialists, to ensure their event assets didn't become a liability, but instead became a genuine Proof of Purpose. We audited the furniture, fixtures, and props from their Evolution Battersea setup and strategically directed them to six different non-profits across London and Surrey.

PhoenixPlace (Specialist School): Received light cubes and cream boucle cushions to create a critical sensory space and counselling studio for their vulnerable female students.

All Saints Primary School: Put the colourful rugs straight into reading corners and dedicated light boxes to be used as sensory toys for SEN children.

Elmbridge Community Eco Hub: Received parasols and floor lamps to enhance their community garden and equip their skill-share events.

St Cuthbert's Centre: Used plant pots and vases for their plant care workshops and to support daily service at Refettorio Felix, which combats food poverty.

Friends of Poplar Primary School: Received lanterns and chairs to equip and run their essential school events and fundraising fairs.

Sutton Community Champions: Used cushions and folding chairs for comfort at their pop-up community events, directly supporting elderly attendees.

This decision turned the conference de-rig into a story of responsibility, one that delivered real results to the community instead of adding to the commercial waste stream.