In the bustling world of trade shows, standing out takes more than just a table and a banner. At Highway 85 Creative, we’ve designed and built numerous booths that stand out on the trade show floor. Here are five exceptional examples that showcase how to achieve bold creativity, immersive experiences, and unforgettable branding.
These five award-winning booths truly stole the show, drawing massive crowds with everything from cutting-edge energy solutions to charming, nostalgic design.
Here’s how they did it.
SPAN’s Immersive Experience at KBIS: Where Innovation Meets Impact
When SPAN, the cutting-edge energy technology company, hit the floor at KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show), they didn’t just set up a booth; they created a fully immersive experience that stopped attendees in their tracks. Designed to showcase their revolutionary smart electrical panels, the booth was a masterclass in modular versatility, where every element could stand strong on its own while contributing to a cohesive, award-winning presence.
Why It Worked:
- Modular & Dynamic: Each piece of the booth was designed to function independently, allowing for flexibility in different trade show environments while maintaining a bold, unified brand identity.
- Tech-Forward Engagement: Interactive displays and live demos put SPAN’s innovation front and center, turning passive observers into engaged participants.
- Award-Winning Aesthetics: Clean lines, strategic lighting, and an open yet inviting layout ensured the booth was both visually striking and highly functional—earning industry recognition.
SPAN’s KBIS booth proved that the best trade show experiences aren’t just seen, they’re felt.
By blending high-impact design with intuitive technology, they didn’t just attract foot traffic; they left a lasting impression that kept attendees talking long after the show ended.
Brkfst.io’s Diner-Themed Oasis at Shoptalk Las Vegas
At Shoptalk in Las Vegas, UGC platform Brkfst.io created an unforgettable experience by eschewing a traditional booth in favor of a full-scale retro diner. This 30×30 space wasn’t just a display; it was a complete sensory escape, transporting attendees from the convention floor into a branded breakfast spot that captured immediate attention.
Why It Stole the Show:
- Total Immersion: From checkerboard floors to vintage-inspired branding, every detail reinforced the diner theme, making visitors feel like they’d stepped into a Brkfst.io-powered restaurant.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Branding: Bold graphics, neon accents, and oversized menu boards ensured maximum visibility, turning the booth into a social media magnet.
- Engagement with a Side of Fun: Attendees didn’t just learn about Brkfst.io’s platform: they experienced it firsthand, with interactive demos and even a coffee bar to fuel conversations.
Brkfst.io’s booth proved that a strong theme, executed flawlessly, doesn’t just draw crowds, it creates an unforgettable brand moment.
By blending nostalgia with cutting-edge tech, we turned their trade show space into a must-visit destination.Brkfst.io’s booth demonstrated that a well-executed, strong theme not only attracts visitors but also crafts a memorable brand experience. We transformed their trade show area into an essential stop by combining classic appeal with innovative technology.
Bonnie Christine’s Pinterest-Perfect Booth at Licensing Expo
When surface pattern designer and artist Bonnie Christine arrived at Licensing Expo, she inhabited a multi-sensory experience as her HQ that felt like stepping into a dreamy, curated Pinterest board.
Staying true to her signature aesthetic of warmth, whimsy, and handcrafted charm, this booth was an irresistible magnet for attendees, effortlessly stealing the show.
Why It Captivated Everyone:
Bonnie’s Breathtaking Booth: A Masterclass in Attraction and Engagement
Bonnie’s booth captivated attendees by creating an experience that was both visually stunning and deeply personal.
- Immediate Appeal: The exterior beckoned with soft textures, inviting floral motifs, and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere, compelling passersby to pause and explore.
- Immersive Comfort: Stepping inside transported visitors into a sunlit, art-filled sanctuary. Plush seating, carefully chosen artwork, and delicate decor encouraged guests to linger and relax.
- Authentic Connection: The booth staff, embodying Bonnie’s warm brand persona, welcomed every visitor as a cherished guest. This genuine hospitality fostered natural conversations, transforming casual browsers into valuable connections.
Bonnie Christine’s booth was a testament to the power of authenticity and atmosphere, proving them to be as effective as flashy technology or bold graphics. The personal yet polished design of her space didn’t just display her art; it made it truly unforgettable.
Black Duck’s Bold Rebrand Reveal at RSA Conference
Stepping onto the RSA Conference floor, Black Duck wasn’t just another cybersecurity company; they were a brand reborn. Our task was to relaunch their new identity, and this 20×30 booth powerfully declared: “We’ve evolved, and you need to see it.”
Why It Grabbed Attention:
- A Captivating Centerpiece: A suspended LED globe, dynamic and radiant, served as both a literal and symbolic beacon. It represented their new direction, global reach, and innovative edge, making it impossible to miss.
- Bold and Confident Aesthetics: Sleek monochrome finishes, impactful graphics, and strategic splashes of their new brand colors shattered old perceptions, clearly demonstrating this was not the Black Duck of the past.
- Designed for Engagement: The booth’s open yet deliberate layout invited attendees in. Interactive demos and clear, bold messaging effectively communicated the “why” behind their rebrand, matching its impressive “look.”
Black Duck didn’t just announce their evolution; they proved it. By combining striking visuals with undeniable confidence, we transformed a trade show presence into a powerful launchpad for their next chapter.
FREEPOWER
After a jaw-dropping debut in 2024, FreePower returned to KBIS with one mission: to raise the bar again. And they didn’t just meet expectations, they shattered them.
This 20×30 booth wasn’t just a display; it was a full-scale immersion into the future of wireless charging, proving why FreePower isn’t just a leader but a visionary in the space.
Why It Owned the Show:
- Product as the Hero: FreePower didn’t just showcase their tech—they elevated it. Sleek, interactive charging stations were seamlessly integrated into the booth’s design, letting attendees experience the magic firsthand.
- Award-Worthy Innovation: With bold, minimalist architecture and dynamic lighting that highlighted their signature aesthetic, the booth was a masterclass in letting the product speak for itself—while still stealing the spotlight.
- Unmatched Energy: The space pulsed with FP’s signature vibe—clean, cutting-edge, and irresistibly cool. Every detail, from the layout to the staff’s energy, reinforced that this wasn’t just another exhibit; it was the destination.
FreePower didn’t just repeat their success; they redefined it. By doubling down on what makes them unique, they turned heads, won awards, and left the competition scrambling to catch up.
Final Thoughts: What These Award-Winning Booths All Have in Common
Trade shows are crowded, noisy, and competitive, but as SPAN, Brkfst.io, Bonnie Christine, Black Duck, and FreePower proved: the right booth doesn’t just stand out… it stays with people.
Our team at Highway 85 Creative transformed their space into an unforgettable brand experience through immersive storytelling, bold rebranding, nostalgic charm, and next-level innovation.
Each booth succeeded because it did three things flawlessly:
- Captured Attention: From SPAN’s modular tech showcase to FreePower’s sleek product hero moment, these designs made sure no one walked past without a second look.
- Delivered an Unforgettable Experience: Attendees didn’t just see a booth—they felt something. Brkfst.io’s diner, Bonnie Christine’s Pinterest-perfect escape, and Black Duck’s glowing rebrand all turned passive viewers into engaged participants.
- Reinforced Brand Identity: Every detail, from lighting to staff energy, was intentional. These weren’t just spaces; they were brand manifestos in physical form.
The lesson? A winning trade show presence isn’t about the biggest budget; it’s about bold creativity, strategic design, and an experience that lingers long after the show ends. Want to recreate their success for your company’s next trade show booth? Schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call here.
