Budgeting for your 2026 Event Schedule
Planning your 2026 events? Don’t just pencil in numbers, own your strategy. Budgeting isn’t about shrinking your vision; it’s about unleashing it. With the right tools, mindset, and tips, you can make your events deliver insane ROI without losing your edge. Why Trade Show Budgeting Isn’t a Buzzkill Let’s get real. Most companies talk about […]
Why KBIS + IBS Are Blowing Up (and What That Means for You)
Something’s shifted on the trade show floor, and it’s not just the foot traffic. KBIS and IBS aren’t just growing..they’re exploding. These two shows have become the premier arena for brands who know that the future of home innovation isn’t about categories, it’s about convergence. At Highway 85 Creative, we’ve been in the thick of […]
6 Reason Why CES Is THE Trade Show
If your booth at CES isn’t making people stop in their tracks, you’re basically wallpaper. CES is the global launchpad for innovation, influence, and ideas that shape what’s next. This is where the world’s biggest brands, boldest startups, and smartest minds collide to set the tone for the entire year. And at Highway 85 Creative, […]
The 4-Month Journey of Creating a Badass KBIS & IBS Booth
The KBIS Booth Design Process: Turning Concepts into Experiences The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders’ Show (IBS) aren’t just trade shows, they’re battlegrounds for innovation. The best designers, builders, and brands all show up to flex their creativity, push boundaries, and steal attention. To stand out here, you can’t just show […]
Beyond Vinyl: 5 High-Impact Materials for Trade Show Backdrops
In the fast-scrolling world of event marketing, your trade show booth has less than three seconds to make an impression. While vinyl banners have their place, they often blend into a sea of sameness. To truly stop attendees in their tracks, you need to engage more than just the eyes: you need to engage the […]
Why Your Booth is Getting Skipped and How to Fix It In 2026
After 20+ years designing for events across the nation, we’ve seen booth strategies evolve. But the post-pandemic shift has been seismic. Attendees are more selective and digitally saturated than ever. If your traffic is dwindling, the problem isn’t the crowd, it’s the experience you’re offering. Relying on a pop-up banner, a branded table throw, and […]
The 3-Second Rule: How to Design a Booth That Grabs Attention in a Crowded Expo
In a sea of flashing lights, bold branding, and overcrowded aisles, your trade show booth has a job: stop people fast. You don’t have minutes. You don’t even have 10 seconds. You’ve got 3 – tops – to grab attention, spark curiosity, and pull your audience in. Whether you’re building your SuperBowl show booth (think […]
The 4-Month Journey of Creating a Badass CES Booth
CES isn’t just a trade show; it’s the global stage where tech titans and scrappy startups alike vie for the world’s attention. The spotlight is blinding, the competition is fierce, and the audience is the most discerning on the planet. To stand out here, you don’t just need a booth. You need an experience. You […]
Post-Show Success: How To Extend Your CES Activation Through Digital Channels
The lights on the Las Vegas Strip have dimmed. The booth is packed away. For many companies, the story of their CES presence ends here: a successful but fleeting moment in time. But at Highway 85 Creative, we believe your investment shouldn’t be confined to four days in a convention center. The real ROI begins […]
6 Booth Design Lessons from CES 2025
CES is the ultimate playground for innovation, and every year, brands push the boundaries of booth design to stand out. CES 2025 was no exception: with mind-blowing tech, immersive experiences, and next-level engagement strategies. After walking the show floor and analyzing the most successful booths, we’ve distilled six key design lessons that any brand (big […]