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Counter Intelligence
In the competitive landscape of trade show exhibits, the reception desk stands as your first — and perhaps most critical — point of contact. See how six innovative companies transformed these functional necessities into architectural statements, using illumination, organic shapes, and strategic positioning to convert casual observers into engaged visitors.  By Linda Armstrong



PHOTO: Atelier 522 GmbH

Mint Condition
Exhibitor: Paul Serafini GmbH & Co. KG
Show: EuroShop
Design: Atelier 522 GmbH, Markdorf, Germany, 49-7544-95-60-522, atelier522.com

Paul Serafini GmbH & Co. KG opted for this delicious desk reminiscent of an Andes mint. Designers elevated a rectangular form via mint and dark-chocolate hues, which not only covered portions of the desk but also the floor and stools.

PHOTO: Inductotherm Group; Johannes Figura

Circular Command Center
Exhibitor: Inductotherm Group
Show: GIFA: The Bright World of Metals
Design: St. John Design Group, Lansing, NY, 888-311-7582, stjohndg.com

This circular reception desk for Inductotherm Group commanded attention with its crisp grey and white palette and signature red-dotted “I” logo. The strategic central placement in front of a mammoth 10-by-44-foot video wall created an impressive first touchpoint for visitors.


Crate Expectations
Exhibitor: Acme Design Inc.
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Acme Design Inc., Elgin, IL, 847-841-7400, acmedesigninc.com

Crafting everything from props to prototypes, the fabrication wizards at Acme Design Inc. reined it in at EXHIBITORLIVE. Made of unfinished-wood and resembling a traditional shipping crate, the info desk offered only a vinyl logo and shipping labels that highlighted Acme's services.


Orange Authority
Exhibitor: JLG Industries Inc.
Show: ConExpo-Con/Agg
Design: Dimensional Communications Inc., Mahwah, NJ, 201-767-1500, dimcom.com

JLG Industry Inc.'s reception desk cut through the construction show's sensory overload with a geometric-inspired reception desk bathed in the company's corporate orange hue. The sculptural piece anchored the space while a panoramic video array showcased the company's aerial platforms.

PHOTO: Astound Group Inc.

Totally Lit Design
Exhibitor: Attentive, a product of Attentive Mobile Inc.
Show: ShopTalk
Design: Astound Group Inc., North Las Vegas, NV, 702-462-9718, astoundgroup.com

With a name like Attentive, generating attention isn't just a nice thing to do; it's a critical directive. This reception desk delivered, anchoring the front corner of the space, capturing the eye with internal lighting, and clearly branding the space as Attentive territory.

PHOTO: Spoon Exhibits Services Inc.

Dual Desk Strategy
Exhibitor: Ellkay LLC
Show: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
Design: Spoon Exhibits Services Inc., Macedon, NY, 585-442-1740, spoonevents.com

Strategic symmetry defined Ellkay LLC's exhibit, where mirrored reception desks — one on the front right aisle, another anchoring the opposite side — created an intuitive flow. The desk's internally illuminated orange accent transformed a functional element into an architectural beacon.

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Portfolio
Counter Intelligence
In the competitive landscape of trade show exhibits, the reception desk stands as your first point of contact.
Awards
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