When the Saskatoon Airport Authority needed a 20 x 30-foot booth for the World Routes 2014 show in Chicago, they decided to trust the experts at Nexus Exhibits. Over an eight week period, we researched, brainstormed, designed, fabricated, tested, and prepared an amazing interactive display. Here’s how we did it:
WEEK 1
After meeting with our client, we agreed on an interactive space and serving area with versatile components that could also be used for smaller displays in the future. Over the span of the first week, we:
- Met with and got to know the Saskatoon Airport Authority
- Researched other tourism organisations and markets
- Brainstormed a concept and made some preliminary sketches.
WEEK 2
With our client’s functional requirements and direction in mind, we proceeded with the design phase. Once we came up with two solid concepts, we modelled them with our three-dimensional drafting software. This display was designed to travel, so we paid special attention to what materials and hardware we would use when we put a concept together. During week 2, we:
- Modeled the three-dimensional structure
- Created renderings for the concepts
- Produced the concept proofs
- Touched base with the client; discussing any feedback or changes they had for us
- Implemented our client’s requested changes
WEEK 3
Once the structure was modelled in our CAD program, we started adding some graphic details like branding. Tourism Saskatchewan had plenty of spectacular high-resolution photos in their library. We were able to use their files to make actual working graphics. Over week 3, we:
- Obtained approval of the booth structure
- Talked with the client about the tone of the photos they wanted to use
- Evaluated the quality of the client-supplied photos for large format printing
WEEK 4
Once we were given structure approval, we moved on to the fabrication stage. Our design centred around custom arches made of a push-click aluminium system covered with tensioned printed fabric. This type of hardware is simple to install, so the client could set up their structure themselves if they ever needed to.
The fabrication stage also includes a flat layout of the graphic files. Once we had client approval on those, we sent them into production. Our work for week 4 included:
- Submitting construction drawings to our production team
- Starting work on construction and fabrication drawings for the in-house components
- Creating a flat layout of graphic files for production
- Producing graphic proofs
WEEK 5
This particular concept involved using a functional bar as a central structure in the booth design. At this point in the process, we created a bar area with modular kitchen cabinetry and shelving which were appropriate for shipping. During week 5, we accomplished these tasks:
- Started building the custom cabinetry and countertops
- Got approval on the production drawings for the client’s custom tensioned fabric structure
WEEK 6 & 7
Over the next two weeks, we carried on interacting with our client, seeking their approval for every step and looking into solutions to get their booth structure where it needed to go. Throughout weeks 6 and 7, we:
- Had the client approve our graphic proofs
- Sent the graphics to production
- Looked into crating options for shipping
- Reviewed and approved the graphic proof from our production partner
WEEK 8
Week eight was all about double and triple checking that everything was perfect. Once we received the completed fabric structures, we checked for production quality and fit. We set up the booth in our production areas to make sure the layout was accurate and correct.
Next, we gathered up all the media and structural components for shipping. Typically we use custom wooden crates for booths this size. Having packed the crate, our Tradeshow Coordinator arranged shipping.
When the booth arrived at the event floor, our installers (who had experience with the booth at the pre-show stage) used our installation guides to efficiently set up and tear down the booth.
In eight short weeks, we took an idea and turned it into a custom functional eye catching display. Would you like Nexus to put our genius to work for you? Contact us and we can start turning your ideas into reality.
