The countdown is over and heading to Naidex is a fantastic move. I’m not exhibiting, but there for Networking Opportunities—it’s essentially the “home turf” for disability. My target client base, wheelchair users. However, exhibition halls like the NEC are notorious for their massive scale, varying floor surfaces, and dense crowds.
Here is a breakdown of the skills that I’ll be putting into action. To make the day much smoother, energy efficient and safe.
The “Car to Entrance” Trek
The car park at the NEC is huge. There could be possibly a significant distance from the disabled parking bays (or the shuttle drop-off) to the actual hall.
- Long-Distance Pushing: I use a manual wheelchair and will be focusing my pushing technique on long, smooth strokes. To save my shoulders. Making my wheelchair do the work. I have been to the NEC on several different occasions. For gigs, motor exhibits, so I know the surfaces of the paths is/was pretty good for rolling on.
- Threshold Management: I’ll be keeping an eye out for the metal expansion joints and door tracks at the main entrances. A tiny front-caster pop prevents that jarring “stuck” feeling. Not to forget, once inside the halls, to use it at the display stands to approach people. The stands sometimes have a little platform with an angled edge to it.
Navigating the Exhibition Floor
When I get inside, the environment changes. From open tarmac to a mix of polished concrete, tiles and some possible carpet – hopefully low profile.
- The “Carpet Drag” Adjustment: Exhibition stands might have thick carpets that create high rolling resistance. In my manual chair, I’ll need more frequent, forceful pushes. Although, the company using the stand should take into account the profile of the visitors and take their mobility needs into account.
- Precision Steering: Naidex will be crowded. I’ll need to be continues of pivoting in place. To navigate tight turns between popular booths or when someone suddenly stops in front of me to grab a flyer.
- The “Reverse Check”: With so many visitors using different types of mobility devices and space being an issue. I’ll have to be aware to always look over my shoulder before backing up from a stand. It’s easy to accidentally bump into someone’s shins or another person’s wheels. And then there always a risk resulting in flipping all the way over (and looking stupid).
- Slope Awareness: While I know the NEC is generally level, some of car park has slopes. I’ll have to change my pushing technique for ascending and descending. But with being a wheelchair user for 32 years, confident and active, with living in the Chiltern Hills, slopes are something I’m confident at.
A Lot of Confidence
The countdown is over. I know from previous visits to Naidex, there will be a large number of people there with good wheelchair skills and massive amounts of confidence. But there will also be a number of people who will need that little bit of guidance and peer support. With people there that can signpost me to those end users. I am there to make contact with people who will be able to pass on my contact details to people visiting. Sale reps at companies that sell wheelchairs and mobility aids. Might not have the time to pass on much needed vital skills to the end user. That’s where I come in.
The Countdown is Over
Disclaimer: Wheelchair skills are subject to individual abilities.
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