THE 2017 FAB 50

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Houston
US Work: 98%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 49%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 11%
Fabrication Space: 255k
Storage Space: 325k
Rental: Yes
Clients: BMC, Century Link, Daikin, Maverik, NOV
RFP Contact: Jeannette Sanders, [email protected]

Owns and operates eight offices, five with fabrication facilities. Recently expanded its Global Events team under a new director to handle proprietary events, sales conferences, internal and customer meetings, award shows, trade show activations and product launches. Also experts in corporate interiors, and its Signage Group is a leader in environmental consulting and design. Recent work includes an award-winning “Under the Sea—An Epic Celebration” private event and activations for the Touchdown Tour and Houston Super Bowl LI committee.

Website: 2020exhibits.com 

3D EXHIBITS

Opened: 1995 
HQ: Schaumburg, IL
US Work: 97%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 67%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 29%; Bigger than 50x50s: 4%
Fabrication Space: 65k
Storage Space: 225k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Elkay, Libbey, Merge, Thomson Reuters
RFP Contact: Nicole Genarella, [email protected]

Experts at image updates and upgrades for mid-sized exhibitors, 3D is a master of fresh design and technology. Has deepened its measurement expertise and as a result, doubled the measurement services for clients. Its exhibit for Hill’s Pet Nutrition at NAVC 2017 was an effortless mix of sleek and sophisticated while still being warm and inviting, and offering attendees a customized experience. And the hundreds of faces at Merge’s RSNA 2016 exhibit created a human connection for the medical supplier.

Website: 3dexhibits.com 

ACCESS TCA

Opened: 1985
HQ: Whitinsville, MA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 52.1k
Storage Space:  278.8k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Elgato, Foundation Medicine, Nordic Naturals, Shire, Think Surgical
RFP Contact: Scott Williams, [email protected]

While its focus is on healthcare, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and technology and animal health, forays outside the industry have been successful. An exhibit for app-powered lifestyle accessories maker Elgado was cost-effective and stunning, delivering on the brand promise of the connected home. Its West Coast presence is becoming formidable with increased personnel in San Francisco and a full-service facility in Las Vegas, and investments in extruded aluminum systems offer more flexibility in creating environments.

Website: accesstca.com

ACER EXHIBITS

Opened: 2003 
HQ: Havre De Grace, MD
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 11.6k
Storage Space: 142.4k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Hikvision, Honeywell XTRATUF, Lockheed Martin, Plank Industries, Stabilio International BV
RFP Contact: Michael Dunne, [email protected]

Specializes in custom exhibit solutions with cutting-edge, economical designs to meet clients’ marketing needs. Has integrated Exhibit Force trade show management software system into daily operations, enabling internal personnel and clients to manage and track projects in real time and a 10-step quality control process keeps it all in check. All that and—they’re quick: Designed and fabricated in three weeks an exhibit for Port Covington at ICSC 2016 with a combo of modular and custom solutions.

Website: acerexhibits.com

ADEX INTERNATIONAL

Opened: 1978 
HQ: Cincinnati
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 30%; Bigger than 50x50s: 30%
Fabrication Space: 220k
Storage Space: 105k
Rental: Yes
Clients: GE Aviation, Cook Medical, MaZak, Procter & Gamble, Whirlpool
RFP Contact: Timothy Murphy, [email protected]

With an expanded focus on new tech such as LED signage, AR and rental inventory, there’s a lot going on at ADEX. Its in-house IT department designed a web tool to manage inventories, track master show schedules, monitor budgets and more. Has hired a senior exec to expand in-house environment growth and continues expansion of its in-house graphics department with a 7,000-square-foot custom studio. Overall employment levels are up by 10 percent. For more perspective, click here.

Website: adex-intl.com

BACKGROUND:
The new 20’x30’ island booth for St. Renatus was the debut of
Kovanaze Nasal Spray – a new product that delivers needle-free
anesthesia. It is the first ever nasal spray that provides regional,
pulpal anesthesia in teeth no’s 5 – 12.

CHALLENGE:
The main goal was to provide information and to create a buzz, so the
audience learned that an exciting new product launch is happening.
The idea was to create an environment that would capture everyone’s
attention. They wanted the experience to be hands on and informative,
while at the same time making doctors feel comfortable and relaxed.

SOLUTION:
The key solution to attract people to the booth was to incorporate a
spray-like movement, using LED lighting. The structure’s focal point is
a circular fabric branded sign with chasing LED lighting moving up and
out from a large mock-up of the spray applicator, symbolizing the spray
technique. The color palette was made up of cool soothing blues. The
shapes were curved and rounded. At the heart of the booth was a circular
station with four iPads to provide more detailed information about the
science behind the product. An open theatre attracted 10 to 15 doctors at
a time to listen to a presentation given by an expert dentist. Many people
were enthralled with the presentation and picked up their stools to move
closer to the presenter. The booth had four rep stations utilizing head-like
silhouettes with openings at the nasal cavity, so that the doctors could
practice spraying a placebo mist into the silhouette nostrils. There was
also a clear dome-covered display on the station tops with product and
packaging inside, allowing the doctors to see what the product would
look like when it arrived at their practice.

RESULT:
The traffic was amazing and the buzz was huge. The exhibit was a big
hit with attendees and the client. The media was very intrigued and
many doctors immediately placed orders. All participants enjoyed the
experience while learning about all the applications and benefits of
Kovanaze Nasal Spray.

ASTOUND GROUP

Opened: 2001 
HQ: Las Vegas
US Work: 74%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 200K
Storage Space: 40K
Rental: Yes
Clients: Coca-Cola, GoPro, MasterCard, Nike, NVIDIA
RFP Contact: Alyssa Hill, [email protected]

Continues to impress with custom trade show booths and modular rental units for traveling museum exhibits, retail store installations, experiential environments and permanent installations in more than 30 countries and counting. Has forged new strategic partnerships with agencies and architects to keep the projects coming. Its model—being a global provider by industry rather than region—is the basis for establishing and maintaining new business for household names like GoPro, Coca-Cola, Nike and the Pan-American Games.

Website: astoundgroup.com

ASV

Opened: 1988 
HQ: Torrance, CA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 75%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 45k
Storage Space:  30k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Dish Network, Hyundai/Advantage International, IMG Live, Intersport, Team One,
RFP Contact: Sammy Bliss, [email protected]

With mostly automotive clients, ASV activations drive brand recognition and awareness. Worked with Oculus to develop the first VR driving experience for the then-new Lexus RC, and created a touch LED display case where US Open golf fans could interact with Johnny Miller artifacts safely behind a panel of glass. Is focused on growth with a second office in Dallas, an expanded in-house print shop and a new UV LED Flatbed printer for speed and variety. For more perspective, click here.

Website: asv1.com

IMAGINE:
Advantage International turned to ASV to collaborate
on the design, fabrication and onsite coordination of
three distinctive NFL events for their client Hyundai
Motor America (HMA). Under their guidance, ASV produced
unique footprints that were tailored to HMA’s objectives and
the distinctive characteristics of the specific program. Whether
it was at the Draft, the Season Kickoff Game or the Super Bowl,
the overarching theme was consistent, “Celebrate the fan’s
passion for their Teams while showcasing Hyundai’s premium
vehicle line”.

CREATE:
Our first outdoor space was for the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago’s
iconic Grant Park. A 21’ high tent structure was transformed into
an immersive brand experience spanning a 50’x50’ footprint.
From a distance the football enthusiast was greeted with a large
LED video wall and Hyundai branding that drew them into the
space. Once in the structure, guests were met by two Hyundai
vehicles displayed on pristine hardwood flooring. The space was
decorated with branded team banners and an engaging mini
football field enticed attendees to participate in three Combine
activity zones.

Transitioning from Chicago’s cool spring weather to Denver’s
more humid summer heat, ASV designed and fabricated a
dynamic 50’x50’ outdoor experience for Hyundai’s 2016 NFL
Kickoff Game activation at Denver’s Civic Center Park. Center
stage was a 30’x50’ ‘football field’ platform featuring a vehicle
display positioned on the 50-yard line. Two custom-built
pergolas, showcasing all 32 NFL teams, invited fans to escape
the sun while participating in complimentary NFL legend
autograph sessions and a green screen photo opportunity.
Behind the 50-yard line vehicle display, a 17’x 20’ LED video wall
tower served as a focal point, broadcasting Hyundai’s presence
to every vantage point in Kickoff Village. Two vehicle displays
positioned on custom football-shaped green turf were staged
off the platform, reinforcing Hyundai’s shared interest with NFL
fans.

Our third activation was at Super Bowl Live in downtown
Houston. For this famous event ASV created a custom structure
that had a 20’x50’ exterior deck engaging guests with two
prominent vehicle displays and an inviting 30’x50’ interior area
surrounded with large-profile graphics. These visuals served as
a backdrop sharing the brand’s story of innovation while further
highlighting Hyundai’s partnership with the NFL and their fans.
Backlit dimensional logos positioned above the entrance doors
and the structure’s exterior side walls promoted the space far
and wide, night and day.

GO LIVE:
ASV’s design and execution approach strove to further
drive the brand’s connection with consumers through their
shared passion for the sport. Building on the success of these
activations, Hyundai and Advantage International re-engaged
ASV for the 2017 NFL Draft experience – kicking off the new
football season with a bang.

CATALYST EXHIBITS

Opened: 1998 
HQ: Pleasant Prairie, WI
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 23.56%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 41.91%; Bigger than 50x50s: 34.53%
Fabrication Space: 40k
Storage Space: 80k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Carestream, CDW, Dell EMC, Mitsubishi, Siemens
RFP Contact: Jenny Lynn Walding, [email protected]

They do it all at Catalyst, where there’s a 1:1 ratio between designers and account execs, and every element of the booth is conceived and manufactured in-house. Has made a significant investment in printing equipment to expand capabilities, and places a strong emphasis on interactive technologies like HoloLens, Oculus Rift, projection mapping, projection glass and HTC Vive to engage leads and drive ROI. Recently launched a new event and meeting management division called Exposition.

Website: catalystexhibit.com

CREATACOR

Opened: 1987
HQ: Clifton Park, NY
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 54%; Bigger than 50x50s: 21%
Fabrication Space: 30k
Storage Space: 50k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Callaway Golf, Central Garden and Pet, DSM Nutritional Products, LEDVANCE, LEGO
RFP Contact: William Farmer, [email protected]

Have an idea you think is a little crazy? Creatacor is up to the challenge, especially with recent investments in the newest CimTech CNC software for productivity and increased speed in the fabrication area. Its designers are experts in software apps such as Vectorworks, Renderworks, FormZ and Strada Vision. And that hand-crafted, foam AR-sculpted fish propped above the Omega-3 fish oil pills at DSM’s booth at the 2016 Supply Side West Show? Yeah, they did it. And attendees loved it.

Website: creatacor.com

CZARNOWSKI

Opened: 1947 
HQ: Chicago
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 15%; Bigger than 50x50s: 70%
Fabrication Space: 1.6 million-plus
Storage Space: 2 million-plus
Rental: Yes
Clients: Coca-Cola, General Motors, Panasonic, Philips Consumer Lifestyles, USPS
RFP Contact: Dillon Nagle, [email protected]

An industry giant with decades of experience in fabrication, turnkey solutions and in-house resources, it launched two brands in 2016: Public School, a brand communications agency focused on strategy, brand positioning, digital engagements and social marketing; and Assembly, a temporary tented/tension structure company for modular environments. Created a splash at G2E, the gaming industry’s largest trade event, for IGT with a 25,000-square-foot environment loaded with interactives and a 300-foot-long screen that grabbed attention and started conversations.

Website: czarnowski.com

DERSE

Opened: 1948 
HQ: Milwaukee
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 56%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 36%; Bigger than 50x50s: 8%
Fabrication Space: 230k
Storage Space: 390k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AmerisourceBergen Fiserv, Gildan, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Vitamix
RFP Contact: Susan Riese, [email protected]

A suite of proprietary, in-house resources at its LEED-certified headquarters, vast storage space and a commitment to creating purposeful, engagement-driven exhibits is the name of Derse’s game. New Enterprise Resource Planning technology gives cross-functional teams a holistic view of every customer program, and a robust measurement strategy helps maximize engagement potential and minimize costs that aren’t directly tied to sales. Thorough research on attendee demographics offers the team a clear understanding of each target audience’s needs and objectives.

Website: derse.com

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Opened: 1949 
HQ: Lorton, VA
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s to 50x50s: 10%; Bigger than 50x50s: 90%
Fabrication Space: 150k
Storage Space: 40k
Rental: No
Clients: Bell Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the United States Army, Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, Tennessee State Museum, The Adirondack Experience
RFP Contact: Duncan Millar, [email protected]

If you’re looking for large-scale, gallery-worthy exhibits, these are your peeps. Dominates the museum market and has a reputation as the producer of some of the largest museum-based projects in the U.S. Like producing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture, an 85,000-square-foot space featuring 12 exhibitions, 183 A/V treatments over 15,000 gallery and casework light fixtures and nearly 10,000 individual graphic panels. Experience working on exhibits for the original Rock & Roll Hall of Fame adds some serious street cred, too.

Website: d-and-p.com

ECHELON DESIGN

Opened: 1986 
HQ: Chicago
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 15k
Storage Space: 50k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Abbott Electrophysiology, Accenture, Jones Lang LaSalle, Martin Guitar, TIBCO
RFP Contact: Steve Schulte, [email protected]

Storytelling is at the heart of Echelon’s approach to its core offerings, which include exhibit design, event production and digital media. With its sights set on engaging millennials, the exhibit house delivers targeted content and understands how to draw the coveted demo by offering opportunities for connection and self-expression. Its 45,000-square-foot Innovation Lab for Procore still has attendees talking. And the addition of a content creator and social strategist will guide its new social media storytelling initiative.

Website: echelondesigninc.com

EDE

Opened: 1979 
HQ: Chicago
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 100k
Storage Space: 50k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Doosan, Ferrara Candy Company, Herman Miller, Intelerad, Interface
RFP Contact: Greg Tivadar, [email protected]

Collaborations with renowned architects and designers give EDE a dedicated “less is more” design style that is nuanced and clean. Several new hires will allow the exhibit house to diversify its portfolio by expanding into brand new markets this year. A 20,000-square-foot exhibit for Doosan at the 2016 IMTS Show featured a 2,500-square-foot double deck with a unique viewing window that offered unobstructed views of the brand’s 22 machines, delivered from around the world specifically for the show.

Website: edecorp.com

EEI GLOBAL

Opened: 1981 
HQ: Rochester Hills, MI
US Work: 97%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 93k
Storage Space: 196k
Rental: Yes
Clients: ABB Group, Denso, FCA Group, Jack Morton Worldwide, Magna International
RFP Contact: Braden Graham, [email protected]

This 35-year-old veteran boasts some of the top mechanical cutaway and metal display fabrication in the world. Customer experience research that inspires attendees to take action and immersive digital offerings are at the core of EEI’s approach. And the culture is as solid as the exhibit designs with a promotion rate of more than triple the turnover rate. An extensive inventory of portable, modular and custom rentals features everything from wall systems and flooring to cutting-edge interactive tables.

Website: eeiglobal.com

EXHIBIT CONCEPTS

Opened: 1978
HQ: Vandalia, OH
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 51k
Storage Space: 131k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Abbott, Emerson, Kellogg’s, Regal Beloit, UTC Aerospace Systems
RFP Contact: Jeff Korchinski, [email protected]

As one client puts it, “They keep a level head, can react quickly to changes and make it their priority to not only get the orders to shows on time, but to deliver a quality product.” Recently purchased a new direct printer, a more efficient CRM, a website platform and two additional CNC machines, allowing the exhibit house to improve efficiency and to accommodate the ever-growing speed of the industry. To boot, its simplified lead measurement tools capture content and report results in real time. For more perspective, click here.

Website: exhibitconcepts.com

17,000 SQUARE FEET OF TECHNOLOGY, AUTOMATION, AND
INNOVATION
Mazak had a clear direction and vision for their presence
at the International Manufacturing Technology Show
(IMTS). It was important to reiterate that Mazak is
a global leader in the machine tool industry by demonstrating
their new technology, while also using their machine tools to
showcase their new automation technology as a focal point.
Namely, it was crucial for all tools and machines to actively run
inside the booth for the duration of the show while interfacing
with each other. Mazak also wanted the aesthetic of their trade
show booth to be more “Apple-esque”; meaning it needed
to be visually impactful, with a clean, crisp, technologically
driven design. From strategy to look and feel, messaging, and
engagement, Mazak needed a complete solution.

With over 2,400 exhibitors, 115,000+ attendees, and nearly 1.5
million sq. ft. of space, making a splash at IMTS was no easy
feat—but Mazak did just that! Starting with their large space,
Mazak’s 17,000 square foot booth made an impact. Large
canopies captured visitor’s attention, as did the successful use
of Mazak’s orange color palette and strategic and prominent
placement of their brand name.

Exhibit Concepts delivered on these objectives by strategically
placing tools and machines that were operational throughout
the show along the booth perimeter and high traffic aisles. This
captivated the attention of attendees and brought in many high
quality prospects. The space made an impactful statement to
those who saw the sophisticated automation in action. Signage
throughout the booth was bold but clean. The double-decker
meeting capability allowed for maximum use of the space with
the canopies adding visual dimension to make their booth stand
out from the crowd.

“Exhibit Concepts did an excellent job translating the Mazak
brand, the innovative nature of our company, and the unique
design of our machines into a dynamic, effective booth that
differentiated us from our competition. Tradeshows represent a
significant investment and an important opportunity to interact
with our customers and prospects, so it’s critical that we make
the most of the experience and Exhibit Concepts helps us do
that.” – Brian Papke, Mazak Corporation n

EXHIBITUS

Opened: 1994 
HQ: Tucker, GA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 55%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 34%; Bigger than 50x50s: 11%
Fabrication Space: 35k
Storage Space: 90k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Agco, Deloitte, Kawneer/Alcoa, Sandvik, Wells Fargo
RFP Contact: Heidi Leon, [email protected]

You’ll hear it over and over at Exhibitus: “Design matters.” Its approach to exhibit design is based on the principles of collaboration, empathy and human behavior, ensuring clients effectively interact with customers. Proprietary Client Portal and Exhibitus’ Management System tools offer inventory management featuring photos, reporting capabilities and a real-time calendar. An exhibit for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions at NRF 2017 featured conductive ink technologies, creating a live circuitry that triggered sound and visual reactions with a simple touch.

Website: exhibitus.com

FREDDIE GEORGES PRODUCTION GROUP

Opened: 2001 
HQ: Huntington Beach, CA
US Work: 60%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 25%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 81k
Storage Space: 50k
Rental: Yes
Clients: 2K, Carbon, Facebook, KWA, Oculus
RFP Contact: Freddie Georges, [email protected]

Experts in the red-hot gaming space, the exhibit house boasts a full portfolio of long-term gaming clients, while its technical chops deliver bleeding edge displays and demos. Helped Pokémon reach two audiences—consumers and store managers—at the GameStop Expo 2016 with museum-style displays featuring new releases and historical artifacts, while Plexiglas side windows with Pokémon graphics controlled traffic flow, and a green screen photo engagement drew attendees in hordes. Fun fact: the business is wholly owned by women and led by female executives.

Website: fgpg.com

FREEMAN

Opened: 1927 
HQ: Dallas
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 313k
Storage Space: 1 million
Rental: Yes
Clients: Brocade, LAV, neatfreak!, Spectrum Brands, SumUp
RFP Contact: Neil Bufkin, [email protected]

Uses that family owned status and those roots in fabrication and show services to offer one of the most competitive rate cards. With 90 locations and 7,000 employees, we dare you to find a location they can’t build/ship/install/deliver/whatever around. Continues its aggressive hiring tear and keeps making beefier investments in equipment—those seven Zund digital cutters that slice and dice acrylics, aluminum, wood, vinyl, paper and mesh are just a few examples.

Website: freeman.com

GEORGE P. JOHNSON

Opened: 1914 
HQ: Auburn Hills, MI
US Work: 75%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 20%; Bigger than 50x50s: 70%
Fabrication Space: 700k
Storage Space: 475k
Rental: Yes
Clients: IBM, Google, Salesforce, Toyota, Under Armour
RFP Contact: Scott Kellner, [email protected]

Global scale. The ability to be anywhere, anytime, for anybody. Fact is, GPJ best flexes its muscles on big-budget fabrication programs—look no further than the G Doggie’s total clear and present dominance of those Tier 1 auto show experiences that have commanded the trade show world’s biggest budgets for decades. Offers an internal SCORE program that enables cost reductions and process improvement by identifying and tracking cost savings on an event-by-event basis.

Website: gpj.com

GES

Opened: 1939 
HQ: Las Vegas
US Work: 69%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 370k
Storage Space: 485k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Bell Helicopter, Komatsu, Merck & Co., Pfizer, Verizon
RFP Contact: Sally McComic, [email protected]

One of the world’s largest fabricators operates one of the world’s largest networks of wholly owned build hubs, design studios and warehousing operations. Offers a string of online project-management tools and maintains an eye-popping rental inventory all monitored using TRACE, its in-house bar-coded inventory tracking platform. GES’ longtime MarketWorks strategy and measurement team continues to beef up, offered externally as a consulting group for clients looking to add some brand strategy to their builds.

Website: ges.com

GILBERT DISPLAYS

Opened: 1986
HQ: Melville, NY
US Work: 98%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 120k
Storage Space: 150k
Rental: Yes
Clients: CAA-GBG, CBS, Luxottica, Marchon Eyewear, Nikon
RFP Contact: Desireé Olivera-Medina, [email protected]

Celebrating 30 years as the largest privately held exhibit-manufacturing firm in New York with a new director of manufacturing and an expanded sales team, Gilbert has also expanded its manufacturing capabilities with an additional automated CNC router, a second laser cutter and spray booth. Rolling out this third quarter a custom, trade show exhibition-optimized inventory management system with a client-facing portal to follow. The in-house, 24/7 behind-the-scenes event services team means all clients need to do is show up.

Website: gilbertdisplays.com 

GROUP DELPHI

Opened: 1989 
HQ: Alameda, CA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 300k
Storage Space: 175k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Medtronic, Prestone, Slack, VMware, T.E. Connectivity
RFP Contact: Miguel Sedano, [email protected]

Group Delphi believes in imagination and practical rigor in equal measure, bringing a “content is king” and a storytelling flair to every activation, whether an exhibit (like a live acrobat climbing wall for SAP SuccessFactors) or museum installation. A robust range of digital services includes expertise in multi-player games to gesture-based interactives to cross-platform software, to HD video presentations, projection mapping and video walls. Relishes in taking a concept from a day one napkin-sketch phase to full fruition.

Website: groupdelphi.com

HARGROVE

Opened: 1946 
HQ: Lanham, MD
US Work: 94%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 75%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 20%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 5%
Fabrication Space: 85k
Storage Space: 135k
Rental: Yes
Clients: eBay, Hilton, Mosaic, National Geographic Society, U.S. Department of State
RFP Contact: Ron Nicynski, [email protected]

Hargrove’s “can do” attitude is reflective of its range, whether it’s building for a trade show floor, in the middle of Times Square, at the Super Bowl or an intimate art gallery. Or at SXSW, where last year its Budweiser Garage build earned national press (and an Ex Award). Added a new director of creative services and is undertaking a campus-wide project to redesign and upgrade areas including building a new innovation lab with a free-form employee lounge.

Website: hargroveinc.com

HOLMAN EXHIBITS

Opened: 1964 
HQ: Toronto
US Work: 10%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 30%
Fabrication Space: None in U.S.
Storage Space: None in U.S.
Rental: Yes
Clients: Hockey Hall of Fame, Oberfeld Snowcap, Philips HealthCare, Prince Albert National Park, Royal Ontario Museum
RFP Contact: Sakina Khawaja, [email protected]

We think the “lasting experiences” over “disposable marketing pieces” motto no doubt inspired Holman’s built-to-last, climate-tested educational experience in chilly Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, complete with interactive sets for kids. On top of museum and interior projects, continues to offer turnkey capabilities in POP displays, digital kiosks, retail and trade shows. Has invested in technology for its marketing, design and IT departments, focusing on current trends like augmented and virtual reality, and 3D walk-throughs.

Website: holmanexhibits.com

HOOD BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS

Opened: 1991 
HQ: Richmond, CA
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 35k
Storage Space: 20k
Rental: No
Clients: AAA, California State Water, GMR Marketing, Trina Solar, YETI Coolers
RFP Contact: Carissa Stugard, [email protected]

Hood Branded Environments operates from its Northern California location, but supports clients globally with a national network of installers and international fabricators and fulfillment centers. Prides itself on unusual projects requiring design and engineering solutions. We’re thinking the replica Florida salt marsh for YETI coolers, designed down to the sand color, fish and sea life, fit this bill. Speaking of sand, the PG&E interactive sandbox had participants digging to understand the importance of avoiding underground pipes and lines. We dig it.

Website: hoodbe.com

ID3 GROUP

Opened: 2008 
HQ: Atlanta
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 20%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 60%
Fabrication Space: 245k
Storage Space: 45k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Agency 808, Hamilton, Hargrove, Imagine, Pop2Life
RFP Contact: Steve Bruha, [email protected]

The behind-the-scenes, full-service partner of experiential and exhibit agencies, ID3 specializes in theme parks, museums, destination attractions and retail projects. Supports the next generation of fabricators through its Dreambuilders tour for high school and college students interested in CAD, engineering, metal work and more. Partnered on the HGTV Presents Santa HQ activation that transformed the traditional Santa visit into an interactive, immersive experience at malls across the country. Did we mention Santa’s Sleigh had twin turbo engines?

Website: id3group.com

IMAGE 4

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Manchester, NH
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s 40%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 24k
Storage Space: 60k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Advanced Instruments, Coca-Cola, ECCO Shoe, Health Dialog, VXI/Parrot–Jabra
RFP Contact: Jeff Baker, [email protected]

Consistency is key for Image 4, and it passed the ISO 9001 audit ensuring it follows international standard of production methodology and quality control. Offers a private web-based asset inventory system that allows event teams to request items to be kitted and shipped by location to meet specific in-hand dates. Its clever “runways” for ECCO shoe performance testing in malls had consumers strutting their stuff on cobblestones, grass and other textured surfaces.

Website: image4.com

IMAGICORPS

Opened: 1989 
HQ: Redmond, WA
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s 60%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 35k
Rental: Yes
Clients: CBRE, Fluke, Microsoft, Momentum, PACCAR
RFP Contact: Thomas Hutchinson, [email protected]

With two high-profile projects under its belt, it has been a good year for ImagiCorps. First, with the Ex Award-winning Pokémon World Champions consumer event in San Francisco. Then, with client Momentum, for the 1,300-square-foot Centurion Lounge inside LAX’s international terminal, which offered all consumers access to an “exclusive, members-only”-style lounge for the holidays. ‘Tis the season. Rounded out the year acquiring new vp-business development Gary Marcus, formerly of Elite Marketing Group.

Website: imagicorps.com

IMPACT XM

Opened: 1973 
HQ: Dayton, NJ
US Work: 68%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s 45%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 165k
Storage Space: 200k
Rental: Yes
Clients: BASF, Pfizer, Ricoh Americas Corporation, Sony PlayStation, Under Armour
RFP Contact: Sandie Stransky, [email protected]

Impact XM delivers globally from its headquarters in Toronto (moving August 2017), and offices in Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Zurich, on top of staff that speaks 15 languages. The company is multicurrency, too. Specializes in healthcare marketing and has more than 30 years of global healthcare convention expertise. Clients love its annual Rethink conference that includes hands-on demos of cutting edge event technologies—and this year, it’s going on the road as Rethink Unplugged.

Website: impact-xm.com

INTERGLOBAL EXHIBITS

Opened: 1996 
HQ: Denver
US Work: 75%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s 40%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 60k
Storage Space: 60k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Dish, Gates Corporation, Procter & Gamble, Whirlpool, Trimble
RFP Contact: Mike Larson, [email protected]

Laid-back IGE, which prides itself on a design-focused mentality rather than a corporate culture, has a revamped graphics department and a fresh investment in 3D lamination. Offers full design, blueprinting, graphics design and fabrication (exhibit, custom and furniture), on top of turnkey show services, on-site supervision and dedicated account teams with 24/7 availability. Its proprietary VOS database software features an inventory, international work order production, schedule tracking, global portfolio and production estimates for internal use and for clients.

Website: igegroup.com

JACK MORTON EXHIBITS

Opened: 1939 
HQ: Boston
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 65%; 20x20s to 50x50s 35%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 5%
Fabrication Space: 40k
Storage Space: 92k
Rental: Yes
Clients: HERE, Empire State Development, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe’s, TD Ameritrade
RFP Contact: Jim Cavanaugh, [email protected]

Yes, this full-service exhibit fabrication unit—we’re talking 150,000 square feet of total fabrication space with 92,000 square feet of oh-so-sweet client controlled storage—continues to be overshadowed by its global experiential marketing agency big brother. But that doesn’t detract from the services, the offerings and people backing one of The Fab’s most, well, fab partners. Has deep ties to its environmental design group, offers an online Exhibits Central program management platform and a slew of other project client tools.

Website: jackmorton.com

K2

Opened: 2002 
HQ: Corona, CA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 41k
Storage Space: 60k
Rental: Yes
Clients: James Hardie, Mad Systems, NETSCOUT, Toro, Quantum
RFP Contact: Claudia King, [email protected]

On top of increasing its wood shop production area by 25 percent and making a fresh investment in its graphics capabilities with new equipment and technicians, K2 underwent a rebranding that has placed a focus on design and fabrication, instead of fabrication and then design. For X-Doria at CES, translated mobile technology into a warm, approachable environment complete with wall finishes, a 16-foot-tall living wall, retail vignettes, a social media wall and angel wings fabricated from neon tube lighting.

Website: k2fabrication.com

KUBIK

Opened: 1983
HQ: Toronto
US Work: 60%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s 45%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 240k
Storage Space: 300k
Rental: Yes
Clients: HP, Hyundai Auto Canada and Genesis Motors, Nissan Canada, Effem Foods/Mars Chocolate North America, Samsung Electronics Canada
RFP Contact: Elliot Kohn, [email protected]

Toronto-based Kubik remains on a path for growth, having added a Kuwait City office to its global footprint and increased staff count by 15 percent. Kubik Creative Services now offers the latest technologies in digital and interactive media, from VR to real-time to 3D motion graphics, rounding out its full-service experiential capabilities. Clients enjoy having 24/7 access to the secure E-Force online inventory management portal, too, as well as Kubik’s 3D printer investment for prototypes.

Website: thinkubik.com 

MATREX

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Addison, IL
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 31%; 20x20s to 50x50s 34%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 30k
Storage Space: 105k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Astellas, Ferring, Joy Global, New Holland, Novartis
RFP Contact: Shana Liberman, [email protected]

Founded by ceo Jill Hebert 30 years ago, Matrex is one of the largest woman-owned WBENC-certified exhibit agencies in the U.S. With a reputation for working with large instrumentation, handling two-story plastic extruder machines and earth-moving equipment is just another day on the job. As such, you’ll catch its work at shows like MINExpo, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and Farm Progress. Is flexing its digital chops in the Performance Science Innovation Lab where it most recently invested in “wallpaper” OLED displays.

Website: matrexexhibits.com

MC2

Opened: 1999
HQ: Chestnut Ridge, NY
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 34%; 20x20s to 50x50s 57%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 9%
Fabrication Space: 55k
Storage Space: 270k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Canon, John Deere, Nokia Bell Labs, Toyota, Samsung
RFP Contact: Rob Murphy, [email protected]

Now operating under the umbrella of Switzerland-based MCH Group after a May 2017 acquisition, MC2 continues to grow with 15 locations across the U.S., one in Germany, and more than 12 languages spoken fluently among its 350 employees. Created one of its signature “You Had to Be There” experiences for Toyota at the Environment Media Awards, transforming a gas station into a lush, hybrid-vehicle oasis that resulted in 150 vehicle interactions and five VIP program prospects.

Website: mc-2.com 

MG

Opened: 1959 
HQ: Pleasant Prairie, WI
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 29K
Storage Space: 227K
Rental: Yes
Clients: Gilead, Mondelez, PlyGem, Stella & Chewy’s, Topcon
RFP Contact: Nancy Johnson, [email protected]

This outfit, with facilities in Wisconsin, Las Vegas and Orlando takes a “magnifying” approach to its projects driven by artisan staff, offering beyond-the-booth services like campaign elements, talent and staffing and tech integrations. Speaking of technology, mg has enhanced digital capabilities with energy- and budget-friendly efficiencies through, among solutions, its mediaGO compact media players that allow show content to be driven from any smart device. Has amped up its permanent environment work, to boot. Longevity? We think so.

Website: simplymg.com

MIRROR SHOW MANAGEMENT

Opened: 1993 
HQ: Webster, NY
US Work: 75%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 4%; 20x20s to 50x50s 45%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 51%
Fabrication Space: 42k
Storage Space: 84k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Capital One, Cisco Systems, PepsiCo/Gatorade, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson
RFP Contact: Donna Shultz, [email protected]

Mirror Show beat out more than 1,600 stands at the International Broadcasting Convention for Best Larger Free Design for Cisco with LED tubing added to a second-floor deck that extended out “into thin air.” This year invested in ERP Performance Dashboards for employees that show a range of intelligent project metrics. Added ArtiosCad structural packaging design software for direct mail pieces with flair. We love its company wellness initiatives including stand-up desks and healthy choice vending machines for employees.

Website: mirrorshow.com

NPARALLEL

Opened: 2003
HQ: Plymouth, MN
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s 60%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 15k
Storage Space: 70k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, Bridgestone, General Mills, New Era Cap, Wolters Kluwer
RFP Contact: Don Gonse, [email protected]

Boasts KEEN, CROCS and Bates Footwear among its retail sporting goods and footwear clients. Specializes in retail spaces and large-scale exhibits, from healthcare to food and beverage to manufacturing industries; its 13,000-pound tire display for Bridgestone at MinExpo we think provided positive traction. To boot, rolled out a trade show social media advising program, and added three new business executives and additional account team members to support the growth of its business, which now has a presence in Chicago.

Website: nparallel.com 

PINNACLE

Opened: 1998 
HQ: Hillsboro, OR
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s 40%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 222k
Storage Space: 145k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Amazon, Capcom, NetApp, Sony Interactive Entertainment America, Toshiba Medical Systems
RFP Contact: Brad Hogan, [email protected]

This hip outfit outside Portland is a 225-person, well-traveled (3 million miles clocked last year) agency of enthusiasts from beards to motorcycles to gardeners. Launched a new Midwest division in December 2016 and secured and opened a 42,000-square-foot office and facility. Boasts a large inventory of double-deck installations and cost-conscious project analysis. Racked up “Best of” awards for its Faraday Future concept vehicle booth at CES with slick concrete-, mirrored- and living-wall facades.

Website: pinnacle-exhibits.com

PROEXHIBITS

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Fremont, CA
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s 45%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 40%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Cisco, Coherent, Intuit, Rally Health, Walmart
RFP Contact: Matt Rulis, [email protected]

Clients credit ProExhibits’ multi-million-dollar rental inventory with shaving up to 50 percent off freight, drayage and I&D costs. The comprehensive worldwide trade show calendar of upcoming events offers an added layer of efficiency. Named one of the biggest women-owned businesses in Silicon Valley. At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, used the client Stikwood’s reclaimed wood strips on every surface of the rustic exhibit structure, elevating the “factory in the forest” theme with 24-foot-high tree-like logo structures.

Website: proexhibits.com

RAVEN

Opened: 2009 
HQ: New Orleans
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 33%; 20x20s to 50x50s 33%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 34%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Legacy Marketing, Live Nation Sponsorship Division, Mirrorball Agency, Motive Creative Agency, Winter Circle Productions
RFP Contact: Chris Berends, [email protected]

This young team of “mad scientists,” including graffiti artists and filmmakers, is up for a challenge. Tripled its staff and more than doubled sales in 2016. Moved into a 36-acre final solution facility and added a touring arena sound system and 1,000 square feet of touring video panels. With expertise in music events, created a hands-on zone for Acuvue at Music Midtown Music Festival and has produced for Buku Music and Art Project for six years.

Website: ravenpmg.com

RES EXHIBIT SERVICES

Opened: 1995 
HQ: Rochester, NY; Las Vegas
US Work: 77%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 27%; 20x20s to 50x50s 38%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 230k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Ainsworth, Huntington Ingalls, NCR, Lockheed Martin, Oshkosh Defense
RFP Contact: Don Johnson, [email protected]

This family-owned business maintains a major focus in the aerospace, defense and gaming industries. Experienced 25 percent growth within the last year. Offers multi-use rental arrangements and incentives for transitioning programs and maintains a full A/V and lighting inventory as well as in-house video services, on top of VR and motion activated interactive capabilities. Turned heads with a 16-foot-tall stone water wall and custom metal work that matched client Oshkosh’s tire tread patterns. For more perspective, click here.

Website: res-exhibits.com

For more than 130 years, NCR has helped companies
better connect and interact with customers through
everyday transactions. With its software, hardware,
and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 550 million
transactions daily.

CHALLENGE:
NCR was looking to update their look and visitor experience
of their tradeshow program, starting with NRF. With so many
solutions for different segments of retail, as well as various
stages of the supply chain, NCR needed a strategic approach
to showcase the diversity of their solution offerings while
highlighting how it all works together to provide omni-channel
retail solutions to stores and shoppers alike.

SOLUTION:
RES designed a custom exhibit to address NCR’s biggest
show (70’ x 70’), as well as their smaller spaces throughout
the year. The largest booth at NRF, NCR’s exhibit featured a
1,000-square-foot deck for casual meeting space and private
conference areas. Themed vignette areas, representing major
vertical markets, included custom window display units; fabric
graphic towers; and market specific demo solutions. The focal
point of the exhibit featured a 32’ wide LED video tower, as well
as “Connected City”, an Augmented Reality experience at the
center of the exhibit.

RESULT:
Through the augmented reality experience, attendees
were able to explore a virtual city and discover the benefits
and insights of the full range of NCR solutions. Over 5,000
impressions were made over the three day show, and it
provided NCR staff an engaging tool to communicate the
interconnectivity of NCR’s hardware and software offerings.
For a video case study of NCR’s Connected City, visit
www.res-exhibits.com/ncr-connectedcity

SACKS EXHIBITS

Opened: 1978 
HQ: Andover, MA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s 35%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 40%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 125k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Cylance, Fidelity, Navihealth, iRobot, Omni Life Science
RFP Contact: Bob Mitchell, [email protected]

This Emmy-award winning agency has experience in television studio work, which means multimedia, lighting and set design are among its specialties. On a path for growth, Sacks has added new account management and project management teams to keep pace with new clients. An “employee-first” company, work-life balance and dogs are part of the everyday routine. Employees love the Sumo suit wrestling tournaments and annual New England clambake, too.

Website: sacksexhibits.com

SPARKS

Opened: 1919
HQ: Philadelphia
US Work: 70%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 200k
Storage Space: 650k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Boston Scientific, Google, Peleton, Olympus America, Salesforce
RFP Contact: Kristy Elisano, [email protected]

If volume rebates, exhibit refurbishment and $6 million worth of rental inventory gets you hot, then break out the bottle of Asti Spumante. Few fabricators have been doing it as long as, or as well as, this independent—which is why Sparks has one of the most fine-tuned exhibit arsenals in the biz, babe. Small displays to Tier 1 mega-experiences, rental to custom to hybrid rental/custom… all backed by some of the category’s biggest design, estimating and build benches. For more perspective, click here.

Website: wearesparks.com 

SPOON

Opened: 1999 
HQ: Macedon, NY
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 153k
Storage Space: 190k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Cisco, Dematic, Kyocera, Mentor (A Siemens Company), Virtustream
RFP Contact: Herb Besaw, [email protected]

With a presence in Macedon, NY, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Detroit, Spoon’s four strategically placed warehouses mean lower freight costs for clients. Its Tech Talk series drives research and experimentation into the latest technologies for clients, including, multi-door kiosks that operate with a barcode cardkey to release prizes to attendees. Built a sparkling experience for Cisco’s Grace Hopper Celebration with a digital prize locker, twinkling beads, custom t-shirt making, custom comic books and a “Cisco Disco.”

Website: spoonevents.com

THE ROGERS CO.

Opened: 1945 
HQ: Mentor, OH
US Work: 96%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s 65%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: ABB, Avery Dennison, Newell Brands, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Steris
RFP Contact: Rick Busby, [email protected]

This family-friendly outfit in business for more than 70 years recently welcomed Rick Busby as new president. Serves as general contractor for several private trade shows occupying 200,000 square feet of space. Created the three-story “Louder than Words” exhibit for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in just four weeks: 34 trapezoid wall cases, 43 Plexiglas and floor showcases, 11 interactive kiosks, 10 presidential markers and 10 monitor shrouds—all of which fit in a passenger elevator. Wow.

Website: therogersco.com

THE TAYLOR GROUP

Opened: 1931 
HQ: Franklin, MA
US Work: 70%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s 35%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 210k
Storage Space: 400k
Rental: Yes
Clients: BMW, Genentech, Intel, Samsung, Weston Foods
RFP Contact: Matt Grant, [email protected]

Owner Dean Marks calls his family-owned company a collection of artists, strategists, craftspeople—and problem solvers. For decades, his independent Taylor has been building some of the biggest exhibits for the biggest brands at the biggest shows across 40 countries. With more than 200 employees, the company has long had a reputation for competitive pricing and its deep customer service regimen. Is investing in digital offers spanning 3D scanning and virtual reality.

Website: taylorinc.com

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

Opened: 1959
HQ: Aston, PA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s 50%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 60k
Storage Space: 202k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Abbott, CertainTeed Corporation, iQmetrix, Samsung, Shire
RFP Contact: Dave Coladonato, [email protected]

Customer service is the backbone at Visual, with a “fast track” system that provides clients with an inexpensive way to access stored components and a core team assigned to each client’s project. Sometimes, it even involves field trips with clients in search of inspiration.  The theme carried through with the “Samsung Hotel” exhibit built for the client at HITEC that attracted record crowds with a lobby, reception desk, business center and bedrooms equipped with the latest hospitality technologies. For more perspective, click here.

Website: visitvisual.com 

This is the story of how a 5-star hotel was built in a 40’ X
50’ space and dismantled three days later.
The annual HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition
and Conference) show attracted record crowds of hospitality
technology professionals in New Orleans last year. They were
there to connect with the brightest minds and hottest products
in the industry.

When you’re talking brightest and hottest…Samsung was, of
course, in on the action.

Visual worked with Samsung to create a one-of-a-kind show
floor experience.

Samsung wanted their new presence at HITEC to stand out
from its competitors. The goal was to create a space that
embodied an actual hotel, which allowed attendees to engage
with their products in situ and provided a complete luxury hotel
experience.

Our design team was very strategic in its use of the 40’ X 50’
space. They were able to integrate the numerous Samsung
technology highlights while creating an immersive experience
that evoked a true premium hotel. We managed this by utilizing
lightweight materials and graphics that blended seamlessly
with the look and feel needed to convey Samsung’s messaging.
These choices helped make the space reminiscent of a
cosmopolitan hotel set in New Orleans.

At the exhibit, attendees found distinct hotel segments that
were easily identifiable but clearly part of the overarching hotel
presence and flow.

Visitors were ‘checked-in’ at the reception desk where they
received a branded key card to use throughout their stay. Guests
explored a total hospitality technology solution while scanning
their hotel key cards at each demo area. Once scanned, they
were entered to win a raffle prize.

The mosaic at the reception area highlighted a variety of colorful
visuals that spoke to the many locations of Samsung Hotels. It
was a unique shape that played beautiful, constantly moving
video which attracted guests from the aisles.

Samsung representatives dressed in branded hotel staff attire
and took attendees on a tour through the space. Stops included
a Concierge Desk, complete with an expert New Orleans- based
concierge and Samsung branded pocket maps, a high tech
Coffee Shop serving Samsung cookies and king cakes, (3)
Hotel Suites, an Elevator Area and Business Center. Each area
highlighted a different Samsung technology that would greatly
improve anyone’s hotel stay.

This open and welcoming aesthetic with a clear path lent itself
to ample branding opportunities throughout the space.
There was nothing like it on the show floor. It was the perfect
environment to highlight Samsung’s innovative technology. This
unique endeavor exceeded everyone’s expectations.

WHITE WALLS

Opened: 2015 
HQ: Santa Clarita, CA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 60%; 20x20s to 50x50s 30%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 19k
Storage Space: 5k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Defy Media, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, PMK•BNC, Warner Bros.
RFP Contact: Gabrielle Kessler, [email protected]

Newbie White Walls builds for entertainment stages, global brands, exhibits, trade shows, retail and kiosks, with a specialization in interiors. New creative director Gabrielle Kessler is paving the way for White Walls’ expansion of digital experience offerings. Its consumer-facing builds stand out, like its classic programming-focused Nickelodeon booth at VidCon complete with a life-sized “Ninja Turtle” sewer and a life-size birdcage, and a spinning wheel carnival game for Perverse Sunglasses at Coachella, amassing 6,000 engagements.

Website: whitewallsfab.com