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Elevation3D and UL Solutions—Scaling Exhibit Excellence

A Customer Success Case Study

When UL Solutions first partnered with Elevation3D in 2015, they needed reliable rental exhibits for three annual trade shows: National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo (NSC), American Association of Occupational Health Nurses 2019 (AAOHN), and American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSE). These events utilized 10×20 and 20×20 in-line exhibits. 

Over time, UL’s requirements expanded significantly, growing from a handful of rentals to over 60 events annually by 2024 – including both rental trade show exhibits and fulfillment services for their portable exhibits. In 2023 UL transitioned their entire portable and fulfillment inventory to Elevation3D and we found new ways to successfully manage shows happening across the country simultaneously.

UL’s increasing scope and the need for consistent branding across multiple Customer Operating Units (COUs) presented logistical challenges. Furthermore, their team sought a more efficient way to manage exhibit options and share them with internal stakeholders.

UL Solutions and Elevation3D Scalable Exhibit Design and Program Management Example

To address UL Solutions’ evolving exhibit needs, we developed a scalable, multi-faceted program management approach. It was important for us to provide the UL teams with direct access to their inventory and all parts of the process in order to avoid bottlenecks. We created the tools and processes necessary to ensure the UL team could manage multiple booths simultaneously, providing an efficient process that upholds a high standard of quality assurance and efficiency. 

With the solutions tailored to their specific needs, we were able to empower the UL teams to personally set up projects, select designs, and manage their inventory. 

Custom LookBook Development

To streamline exhibit selection and ensure consistent branding, we created a custom designed “LookBook” featuring branded 10×10, 10×20, and 20×20 rental designs specifically for UL Solutions. The LookBook allows UL’s individual stakeholders to view trade show booth design options, approximate budgets, and customization capabilities without needing regular involvement from Regional Managers. 

Updates to the LookBook in subsequent years included UL’s rebranding and the addition of new designs to meet their evolving needs.

UL Solutions and Elevation3D Scalable Exhibit Design and Program Management Example

Exhibit Fulfillment Portal

Our internal team developed a custom online portal to manage UL’s rental and portable exhibit inventory, as well as fulfillment needs. This valuable tool provides a centralized system and simplified process for inventory tracking, property reservations, and shipping exhibit materials. 

The unique management system is fine-tuned to allocate inventory by COU at UL, making it even more intuitive for UL’s team. We’re always considering the user experience – both for our clients’ teams and their customers. 

Our warehouse teams created a dedicated storage space for UL properties that is updated regularly, adjusting inventory to ensure quantities and availability are accurate in the portal.

Logistical Mastery

Exhibit properties, event branding, and inventory fulfillment are now seamlessly managed through systems tailored to UL Solutions’ exhibit needs, which allowed our team to take a closer look at how we could enhance trade show logistics including show site set-up, international and shipping, as well as print needs. 

    • Quick-turn Shipping: For UL’s growing presence at Canadian trade shows, we completed FedEx International training to prevent customs delays and handle same-day or urgent shipment requests without disruption. 
    • Efficient Show-site Set-up: On-site supervisors work with our team to virtually review booth setups for approval within strict time parameters – even on nights and weekends, helping adhere to timelines and avoid unnecessary costs for labor or supervision.
    • Cost-Saving, Top Tier Printing: We partnered with a local high-quality printer to manage event collateral, reducing production costs while maintaining quality. 

Our dedicated Account Manager personally oversees all logistics and approvals, ensuring every detail is handled swiftly and effectively.

Long-Term Partnership and Program Scalability

From three trade shows a year to now supporting over 60 events annually, our relationship with UL Solutions showcases a seamless ramp-up in services. This includes transitioning UL’s portable inventory to our bi-coastal warehouses to further enhance efficiency and consistency across their global trade show presence.

    • 60+ Events Managed Annually: Elevation3D’s team now supports a wide range of events with rental trade show exhibit properties, event fulfillment services, and portable exhibit stands.  
    • Brand Consistency Across COUs: The LookBook and streamlined fulfillment system have ensured a cohesive brand presence across all UL events.
    • Operational Agility: Real-time quality checks, urgent shipments, and collateral printing have enhanced UL’s ability to execute flawless events under tight timelines. 

UL Solutions and Elevation3D Scalable Exhibit Design and Program Management Example

By anticipating UL Solutions’ needs and delivering scalable solutions, we have cemented a role as a trusted partner in trade show excellence. Together, we’ve built a system to grow with UL, ensuring their brand shines on every stage.

 

Discover how Elevation3D can support your trade show and event program with. Let’s get started.

10 Essentials of Every Trade Show Exhibit

Creating a trade show exhibit that truly stands out goes beyond impressive exhibit design that draws a crowd. Thinking about how you will convey your brand story is just scratching the surface.

 
To be successful, you have to consider how you will engage potential clients and deliver a memorable brand experience, while also managing logistics, developing a comprehensive marketing plan, and much more.

What are the ten essential elements for every successful trade show booth?

1. Define Clear, Actionable Goals

Why are you exhibiting at this trade show? Knowing your “why” sharpens your strategy. It could be as simple as expanding brand awareness, or focused specifically on scheduling meetings with clients and prospects. Share actionable goals with your experiential marketing partner to create a powerful exhibit tailored for success.

2. Choose a Strategic Partner for Design and Production

Collaborate with an experienced design and fabrication partner who understands the importance of both form and function of exhibit design. A strategic partner will bring your brand to life with a design that captures attention from all angles of the trade show floor, a thoughtful layout, and an in-booth experience that aligns with your goals.

3. Encourage Pre-show Marketing

The exhibit experience starts long before the show opens. Use pre-show marketing to build anticipation—set appointments at the show, promote events, and drive buzz that draws attendees to your space right from the start.

4. Include Bold Branding & Interactive Elements

Capture attention from a distance with bold, high-quality signage that showcases your brand’s message and draws visitors in. Within the booth, interactive technology like touch screens, virtual reality, and immersive video walls bring your message to life, turning casual visitors into active participants.

Consider adding live demos, games, or contests to make the experience memorable and engaging.

Vesa at CES
Cognex Boxetball Game at MODEX
Interactive Touchscreen Element

5. Design a Thoughtful Visitor Journey

Map out a purposeful traffic flow to enhance engagement. Create a welcoming experience that invites exploration without confusion, considering clear pathways, designated areas for product displays and demos, as well as space for staff interactions. You only have a few moments to capture your attendees’ attention – make the most of it!

6. Create Comfortable Seating and Meeting Spaces

Providing comfortable seating areas within your booth can foster meaningful conversations with potential clients or partners. Lounge-style seating or private meeting rooms create a welcoming environment for discussions and networking.

7. Lead with a Well-Trained and Approachable Staff

Your booth staff is the face of your brand. They play a crucial role in engaging visitors and building personal connections. Equip them with product knowledge to answer questions and the tools necessary to capture leads and turn each interaction into a genuine connection. They’re the key to your exhibit’s success.

Expert Staff Engaging with a Prospect at Trade Show
Stunning Lexmark Booth at NRF
Knowledgable Staff Lead a Product Demo at Dreamforce
Stunning Trade Show Exhibit at NRF

8. Trust a Service Expert

Trade show logistics come with a maze of rules, forms, and deadlines. Partner with a service guru who knows the ins and outs of each venue to keep every detail on track and on budget. A skilled partner can offer a seamless experience from setup to teardown by providing regular communication, clear timelines, and multiple checkpoints between creative development and exhibit production.

9. Include Seamless Storage Solutions

Keep your booth organized and clutter-free by integrating smart storage options. During the design process, make sure you include a dedicated space for product materials, giveaways, and personal items to keep them out of sight, but easily accessible. Visitors should focus on the brand experience without distractions.

10. Plan for Post-Show Follow-Up

An effective follow-up plan is crucial for converting leads into sales. Prepare follow-up materials in advance and have a system in place to track and respond to leads promptly after the show. This demonstrates your commitment and helps in building long-term relationships with attendees.

 

By incorporating these essentials, you can deliver a trade show experience that drives meaningful engagement, creates business opportunities, and achieves positive results that turn every interaction into an opportunity.

How do you find a trusted brand marketing partner to help you succeed?

Choosing a full-service partner doesn’t have to be an overwhelming search. You will want to make sure you work with a strategic partner that can work with you, organizing your timelines, adhering to trade show guidelines, and communicating with you regularly.

Their in-house services should include 3D design, graphic design, fabrication, technology and media, as well as a well-structured account management team.

Ask potential experiential marketing partners to do more than just show you impressive exhibit designs when you first engage with them. You will want answers to important questions, such as:

  • How many full-service locations do you own and operate? Where are they?

  • Do you provide on-site supervision?

  • Who do I contact if I run into any issues on show site after regular business hours?

  • Can I do a preview of the trade show booth before it ships to show site?

  • What is your experience at this specific trade show? In my industry?

  • Do you have warehouse storage options for my properties after the event?

Elevation3D is here to help you – whether this is your first trade show or you are an experienced marketer in need of a change. From striking trade show design to content creation and experiential technology, Elevation3D will partner with you to create the most effective solutions for your exhibit or event. Contact Us today to get started.

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Maximizing Impact with East and West Locations

In the fast-paced world of experiential marketing, having an impactful partner sets you up for seamless execution and next-level results. 

What should you look for when selecting your trade show and event partner? There’s one factor that at first appears to be a logistical advantage, but at a closer look, delivers on many levels.

At Elevation3D our full-service facilities in Las Vegas and Greater Boston offer unparalleled advantages to our clients. 

From executing hundreds of trade shows across the United States and abroad each year to delivering seamless experiences in the trade show capital of the world, Las Vegas, our strategic locations empower us to elevate your brand like never before. 

Why should you look for a partner with full-service offerings on both the East and West Coast?

Cost-Effective Logistics

Our dual presence in both Las Vegas and Boston ensures that we are always close to major trade show hubs, reducing logistics costs and increasing efficiency. Transportation and shipping are significant considerations in trade show planning. By having facilities in Las Vegas and Greater Boston, we can significantly cut down on transit times and shipping costs. This not only saves you money but also reduces the risk of delays, ensuring that your exhibit materials arrive on time and in perfect condition.

Comprehensive Coverage

Whether your event is in New York, San Francisco, or anywhere in between, our full-service East and West Coast facilities allow us to provide comprehensive coverage across the United States. This geographic flexibility means we can easily handle multiple events simultaneously, providing consistent quality and service regardless of location.

Our team provides resources to innovate and adapt quickly. Whether you need last-minute changes, custom solutions, or advanced technologies, we are ready to deliver. This flexibility allows us to meet your unique needs and ensure your exhibits are always cutting-edge and compelling.

In the Heart of It All

Las Vegas is known as the trade show capital of the world, hosting some of the largest and most prestigious events. Our facility in Las Vegas is not just a strategic advantage but a testament to our commitment to excellence in the heart of the industry. Our local knowledge and experience in this vibrant market allow us to execute world-class exhibits that stand out in the most competitive environments during the busiest times.

In the Heart of it All in Las Vegas

Expanded Inventory and Storage Options

Our two 90,000 sq. ft. facilities give our clients access to an extensive rental inventory, providing a wide range of options to suit any event. Additionally, this setup allows for more flexible and convenient storage solutions between shows, ensuring that your materials are safely stored and readily available for your next event.

The Elevation3D Advantage – A Powerful Resource

Choosing Elevation3D as your experiential marketing partner means leveraging the power of both facilities to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance your brand’s impact. Our strategic locations in Las Vegas and Greater Boston, combined with our extensive industry experience, make us the ideal partner to help you achieve your trade show goals. 

Let us show you how we can elevate your brand to new heights.

Contact Us today to get started.

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4 Tips to Drive Engagement and Stand Out at BlackHat

As exhibitors gear up for BlackHat, the pressure is on to create memorable experiences that capture the attention of cybersecurity professionals. This trade show is not only an opportunity to showcase products and services but is also a crucial networking platform in the industry. 

 

How can your brand stand out on the show floor beyond having a show-stopping exhibit design? 

 

Taking notes from what we observed at RSA and other successful events this year, we’ve highlighted the most successful strategies to draw people in. 

 

Here are four tips to help you capture the crowd’s attention drive attendee engagement at this highly anticipated event.

Gamify Your Exhibit Experience.

Gamification is a powerful tool to make your booth interactive and engaging across all industries. Consider incorporating gamified elements such as quizzes, challenges, or scavenger hunts related to cybersecurity themes.

Offer rewards or incentives for participation, such as exclusive swag or entry into a prize drawing. Gamification not only attracts attendees but also educates them about your offerings in a fun and memorable way.

Our client, Cognex, attracted a crowd this February with a fun BOXetball game, timed perfectly with the start of the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament. This engaging activation tied in perfectly with their precision warehouse and production operations technology.

2. Hospitality with a Twist.

Elevate the traditional hospitality experience by offering a build-your-own smoothie bar or other customizable food and beverage options. This not only provides refreshment but also creates a relaxed atmosphere for networking and conversations. 

Tap into local cuisine. At a New York based event, Zipline brought in freshly made New York bagels to serve at their coffee bar. Who can resist the aroma of a warm, freshly baked, authentic New York bagel?

Similarly, Lexmark paid homage to their Kentucky roots with a private whiskey tasting event in their exhibit. 

If you can’t pinpoint a signature food related to the city or your brand, consider themed refreshments that tie into cybersecurity concepts or industry trends to add a unique touch to your booth. When in doubt, offer fun customizations that allow the audience to get creative.

3. Get Hands-On With Your Message.


Don’t just tell them – let them experience it. With cybersecurity solutions, sometimes you need to be more show than tell.  

Bring innovation to life by allowing attendees to get hands-on with your products or services – or simply your overarching message. For example, host a live demo station where visitors can interact with your software or hardware solutions. 


Get even more creative and appeal to simpler interests. It’s not often you see an exhibit filled with puppies at a trade show. At RSA, Kiteworks drew in crowds with their adorable rescue dog pen. Not only did attendees get to play with puppies, Kiteworks sweetened the deal by donating money to the rescue for every product demo done on the show floor. A win-win for everyone – even the dogs.


Hands-on experiences like this create lasting impressions and increase attendee interest in your brand.

4. Invite a Notable Guest or Partnership In

 

Broaden your reach with a meaningful partnership or popular guest. Bringing in a guest speaker, a celebrity appearance, or a relevant cause or charity is a unique way to create buzz and highlight your investment in the industry beyond your own brand. 

Deloitte partnered with The Female Quotient in 2024 to highlight women in cyber, leading up to a series of events and conversations during Cyber Awareness Month in October. They utilized their platform at RSA to spotlight The Female Quotient and significant contributions by women in cyber. These women were featured on the eye-catching LED sphere hanging at the center of their RSA exhibit.

Not only did this unique structure capture attention from the crowd, but their strong partnership and messaging raising visibility for leading women in the industry kept attendees in their exhibit longer.

How Can You Implement Engagement Tactics?

You can build effective audience pleasers into your brand experience even in a time crunch. We can help.

From striking design to content creation and experiential elements, Elevation3D can partner with you to create the most effective solution for your exhibit or event. Contact Us today to get started.

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Staying Ahead of the Curve: Trends and Innovations in Exhibit Design

In the dynamic world of trade show and event marketing, staying ahead of trends and innovations in exhibit design is key to creating unique and impactful experiences for attendees. Our design team took a deep dive into the show floor experience across a variety of industries early on in 2024, keeping their finger on the pulse of 3D design. 

Which design styles are on the rise? 

What creative elements will you see more of at upcoming shows and events? 

How can you pivot your experiential marketing plans this year to increase engagement? 

Let’s explore the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the future of trade show booth design.

LED Architecture

One of the standout trends we’ve observed and embraced is the use of LED screens as 3D architecture. Our recent collaboration with Adobe showcased this trend beautifully, where we utilized a 90-degree angle to create a seamless corner LED display. 

This innovative approach not only adds a dynamic visual element but also opens up new possibilities for creating immersive video content that takes full advantage of the dimensionality of the screen.

Curved LED tiles are going to give this trend momentum to stick around well into 2025 and beyond. This new technology provides more flexibility to incorporate the tiles in unique ways, and designers and marketers everywhere are very excited about the potential.

Get your main message not only in front of your visitors, but elevate it to draw attention from across the floor.

Cohesive Theme Development

Themed environments are gaining popularity as they offer a unique opportunity to create hyper-immersive experiences. Take, for example, our partnership with Lexmark, where we tapped into their foundation in Lexington, Kentucky for the design and overall theming. 

From a life-size horse mannequin for a Kentucky Derby “Winner’s Circle” photo op to a top-shelf bourbon tasting experience, The Lexmark exhibit was eye-catching, engaging, and memorable. 

Brands can tell a story and engage visitors on a deeper level through themed experiences. The key to success is strategically weaving your brand’s visual identity and core message into the user experience. Make the experience meaningful, so visitors walk away informed and entertained.

Illuminated Spaces

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall ambiance and visual impact of booth designs. Whether it’s using design-centric pendant lighting elements or incorporating LED lighting effects to guide attendees through a pathway, we understand that light itself is a material that can be leveraged creatively to craft memorable experiences.

Many of our clients opted for more powerful, standout lighting accents and effects to accentuate their exhibit space. Lighting is also a creative solution to illuminate traffic flow. 

In the world of lighting, LED accent edges on walls and tracing structural shapes are a trend on the rise that we expect to see more of later in 2024 and into 2025.

The emphasis on tasteful lighting details, from LED strip accents to pendant and chandelier-style fixtures, was a rising theme at recent shows. This attention to detail adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to booth designs, elevating the overall experience for attendees.

Edge Lighting for COGNEX BOXetball Game
Tradeshow Exhibit Lighting Accent for Zipline by Elevation3D
Accent Lighting for Badger

Breaking the Mold

Gone are the days of square and neutral booth designs. Clients are increasingly seeking differentiation through architectural shapes and vibrant colors. Clean lines, crisp corners and tone on tone palettes had their moment, but even the most neutral of brand palettes is beginning to branch out. The current trade show booth design landscape has curves and color in high demand.

Our collaboration with Zipline at NRF is a strong example. We created an eye-popping field of saturated color with smooth and inviting edges. 
This shift towards more personalized and unique booth designs is driving innovation and creativity in the industry. We can foresee many more exhibitors looking to add personality to their booth designs and experiences going forward.

Elevation3D Zipline at NRF

Adapting and Improving Designs

This up and coming wave of trends building steam is an exciting opportunity for designers and event professionals. In the new era of trade show booth design, technology isn’t the only element exhibitors are relying on to showcase their knack for innovation. 

Brands are on a quest for new ways to differentiate themselves at in-person events. Immersive, themed experiences are on the rise with bold and vibrant designs. Multi-purpose architecture and impactful lighting

We pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of booth design to deliver wow-factor moments that leave a lasting impression. Stay on trend and even ahead of your competition. We deliver exceptional designs that captivate audiences and push your brand to the forefront of memorable experiences.

Enhance your brand experience this year with the help of the Elevation3D team. Start the conversation today.

Unlocking Event Brilliance: Elevation3D & Own’s Dreamforce Triumph

A Customer Success Case Study

Own (formerly OwnBackup), a trailblazer in the data platform realm, envisioned a grand presence at Dreamforce 2023, including two adjacent exhibits on the show floor, as well as a series of off-site events, featuring a fully branded off-site Executive Briefing Center. Their revolutionary theme, “Data Independence,” aimed to communicate a revolutionary approach to data protection and activation.

Elevation3D faced the challenge of translating this theme into a cohesive, immersive experience that spanned both the trade show floor and the off-site events, making a profound impression on Own’s audience and rallying attendees behind their bold mission.

Capturing Attention at Dreamforce

The featured 30×30 trade show booth, designed with a distinctive capital building/statehouse ambiance and a rotunda structure, featured a Demo Alley fostering interactive engagement. A reception wrap-around desk served multiple functions, including badge scanning and initial client greetings. The American Revolution theme extended to modernized pieces, invoking a call to liberate within design elements. Hanging signs with logos and repeating taglines created visual focal points.

These elements carried over to an adjacent 10×10 inline exhibit for additional client engagement.

Immersive Off-Site Events

Own continued the immersive experience at a series of off-site events, including an Executive Briefing Center that guests were invited to all week, as well as a private one-night event for 1,000 clients and prospects. The events took place at two abutting locations that served as fun, exciting landmarks for guests.

Elevation3D created and managed the theme development for all events, from logistics to in-house graphic design and production. Of the many graphic highlights, the concept and execution of the complete vinyl wrap used on the exterior of the off-site building to achieve the revolutionary look was a standout piece. Additionally, 3D illuminated logos hung on the exterior of the building, and a brightly-lit box truck drove around the city, often parking outside, promoting the exclusive events.

A Liberty Bell replica and vinyl brand graphics on display in the exterior windows continued the theme from the trade show exhibit into the interior of the event space. Throughout the venue Own branding was on display, including the political-style call-to-action posters, meeting spaces, and tapestry.

Own Off-Site Event Liberty Bell Replica - Dreamforce
Elevation3D was an exceptional partner to Own. Their creativity, concept development, and flawless execution exceeded our expectations, and brought our events to life. With an impressive range of in-house services, Elevation3D exhibited professionalism and made the entire experience truly exceptional.
Own Logo

Brooke Glynn

Creative Director

Elevation3D designed distinct areas within the space to distinguish lounge, hospitality, and business conversation spaces. Attendees had opportunities to engage with Own staff more directly about product solutions, as well as to enjoy the ambiance, which included themed menus, uplighting, carefully curated furniture, and live music.

Many of these elements were replicated in the neighboring venue for the premier event with live music, lighting, and themed menus.

Multi-Event Mastery

Elevation3D’s graphic design prowess played a key role in creating a cohesive theme across all locations and events, from the immersive Executive Briefing Center to the unique experiences at the private event, as well as a private VIP yacht experience and two private suites at the New York Giants game.

In successfully addressing Own’s challenge, Elevation3D not only captured the essence of “Data Independence” but left an indelible mark on attendees. The fusion of historical inspiration with modern innovation showcased Own’s commitment to revolutionize data protection and activation.

Discover how Elevation3D can develop a cohesive, memorable event for your brand. Let’s get started.