product design

Envoy Exhibit System “The Envoy Exhibit System offers the perfect combination of modern aesthetics and high-level functionality,” judges said. Used as a single kiosk or configured into an entire exhibit, the modular Envoy features fabric graphics and elegant curved corners that provide a soft, clean look. Envoy’s lightweight, 4-inch-deep aluminum frame provides room for interior wire management and supports a variety of accessories, such as shelves, counters, and merchandising options. Envoy kiosks can arrive pre-assembled, which saves on installation-and-dismantle costs, or the system can be broken down into smaller, individual pieces, which can cut costs on shipping. Envoy includes a proprietary fabric-connection system, the FlexLock, which allows fabric graphics to be inserted quickly and easily into the groove on the aluminum extrusion — making the fabric graphics easy to install and update. The system also comes with a choice of panel treatments including fabrics suitable for opaque and backlit panels. Contact: Skyline Exhibits, St. Paul, MN, 800-328-2725, www.skyline.com EZ Fabric Wall System Touted by judges as “lightweight, contemporary, and customizable,” the EZ Fabric Wall System is an anodized-aluminum wall framework that accepts both pliable, tensioned-fabric graphics and rigid panel displays. Available in standard sizes of 39-by-93 inches, 32.5-by-93 inches, and 19.5-by-93 inches, the modular system can be configured to form towers, conference rooms, storage spaces, back walls, and complete island or in-line booths. “We love the contemporary look of this system,” judges said. “The myriad configurations and applications make it a good solution for just about any exhibitor.” It includes a curved wall and an adjustable corner-angle option, which adjusts to angles ranging from 45 to 180 degrees, to accommodate numerous designs. The EZ Fabric Wall System is available in welded walls, which are shipped whole, or locked walls, which can be broken down for economical shipping. Plus, it’s compatible with a variety of accessories, such as internal- and stem-lighting options, shelves, and a light- and sound-blocking layer. Contact: Moss Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL, 800-341-1557, www.mossinc.com Sophora Vertical Curve Simple yet sleek and sophisticated, the Sophora Vertical Curve tensioned-fabric structure is an ideal display tool for shows, events, corporate presentations, and meetings. Full-color graphics are printed on EcoKnit fabric and slipped over the aluminum frame like a slipcover placed over an armchair. Thus, the product can be used as a one-sided or two-sided display, offering 360-degree visibility. Plus, the lightweight 100-percent recyclable structure — which judges lauded as “modern and organic” — conceals unsightly electrical wires. Quick, tool-free setup is a snap given the Sophora’s auto-locking joint design, which adds strength and stability. “The form itself is eye-catching, and something we haven’t seen before,” judges said. “And the fact that it’s a freestanding, potentially two-sided element extends its use to multiple environments.” Optional accessories include a padded nylon bag, with an upgrade option to a Pelican Protector Case, and halogen or LED accent lighting. Contact: PosterGarden, Portland, OR, 800-707-0204, www.postergarden.com

Occasions Custom Modular Table A far cry from a typical folding table, the Occasions Custom Modular Table system is a single lectern-sized table measuring 40 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 16 inches deep. It folds down and packs neatly into a case weighing less than 25 pounds when fully loaded. Comprising a combination of plastic, fabric, and substrate or paper materials, the tabletop, front, and side panels can be customized with solid-color or custom graphics. “The versatility and flexibility of this product goes way beyond what you’d expect of a typical table,” judges said. Two or more tables may be linked together to create a long counter, perfect for exhibits, events, and retail locations. Contact: Skyline Exhibits, St. Paul, MN, 800-328-2725, www.skyline.com Vertical Exhibit Garden Used to replace or supplement various communication mediums at trade shows and events, the Vertical Exhibit Garden (VEG) is an entirely organic, flora-display technology. The VEG is designed around a soilless growth medium that allows a variety of living plants to cover vertical surfaces, three-dimensional objects, ceilings, curves, etc. The VEG offers a wide variety of plant-based color palettes that can be specifically grown to accurately match your company’s branding, color schemes, font styles, and logo in lively detail. This new communication medium allows exhibitors to display messaging in a way that demands attention. “This is a break-the-mold kind of product,” judges said. “It not only provides vivid color and helps an exhibit stand out from the crowd, but you can actually sense the oxygen emitting from the structure. It’s an ‘ooh, ahh’ effect like we’ve never seen before.” Contact: NatureXhibits, Laguna Beach, CA, 949-419-6530, www.naturexhibits.com

Twin Vision The Twin Vision is an innovative wall-frame system for large-format, double-sided light boxes. At a depth of less than 5 inches, it uses the latest low-energy LED technology and printed fabrics, which are fully and evenly back lit on both sides. However, the Twin Vision’s unique design means that unlike almost all other fabric light-box systems, there aren’t any trims to cast a shadow across the fabric image — a benefit judges couldn’t resist. “While the distinction is subtle, the lack of shadows represents a big advancement in the design — and a wonderful benefit for exhibitors,” judges said. “We really haven’t seen this shadowing effect mastered by any other light-box system.” Comprising light-weight aluminium, the Twin Vision is durable and 100-percent recyclable, and it can be dismantled with a single Allen wrench, minimizing installation-and-dismantle costs. The system’s aluminium extrusions come in 20-foot lengths, which can be cut to any size, ensuring short lead times for production. Contact: Aluvision, Deinze, Belgium, 213-985-3117, www.aluvision.com Enter the 2011 Product Design Awards Do you have a new product for the exhibit or event industry that can stack up to these design heavyweights? Then enter it in the 2011 competition. Exhibit- and event-related products launched between March 1, 2009, and March 1, 2011, are eligible. Products must be three-dimensional in nature (services, books, and standalone software are ineligible), and line extensions (such as new sizes or colors of an existing product) are not eligible. Entries must be displayed in an exhibit at EXHIBITOR2011 and available for immediate sale. Winners of the 2011 competition will receive a trophy, and will be featured in EXHIBITOR’s July 2011 issue. Visit www.ExhibitorOnline.com/awards/pda for additional entry information.