Designing a custom trade show booth is like fishing—you need the right bait (design), gear (build team) and creativity in order to land something that will get people talking!
When Safe Catch asked us to help them hook attention at Natural Products Expo West, we dove right in. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the design process of their 10×30 burger shack that told their story and stopped traffic!
Step 1: Casting the Vision
First meetings begin with goals, needs, product promotion and the story the client is wanting to tell. From there we can dream up a space that will showcase all of those needs. We discussed:
- Debut their new Tuna Burgers
- Sample new products
- Show their staple products
- Drive home their passion for being ultra-clean and the lowest-mercury tuna
- Make the booth like like a burger shack or a beach shack that incorporates serving areas and a seating area
We dreamt up a space that would feel like we were at the ocean eating a burger. From there we put together a vision board that showcased our call and what direction we were going.
Step 2: Renders & Reels
Next came 3D renderings—our digital look of how the booth would actually look on the show floor at Expo West. We worked with our expert designers to come up with two different renders that showcased the clients needs, but looked different. From there we tweaked the booth multiple times before we came up with an approved design.
Great booth design doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, thoughtful planning, and plenty of collaboration to bring a new custom trade show booth concept to life. The process is always full of feedback, revisions, and fine-tuning—until the final design checks every box and feels just right. The space needs to be both functional and practical. The most important thing for client is that the space executes their show needs and their brand. For Safe Catch we needed to make sure their space still told their story and values as well as created a space to showcase their new products. This meant creating a functional flow, counter space, cooking space, sampling areas and a space to connect.
After multiple rounds of revisions, collaboration, and fine-tuning, we arrived at the final design for Safe Catch’s Expo West booth—and it delivered on every level. This custom trade show booth checked all the boxes and brought Safe Catch’s brand story to life in a fresh, engaging way.
Step 3: Production & Staging
Our fabrication team went to town building this 10×30 burger shack. Every detail was on-brand, down to the fishing boat on the front counter. Before anything hit the road, we staged the entire booth in our shop, just like it would appear on the show floor and cross-checked every element.
- Lighting was tested
- Graphics were inspected for fit
- Counters, shelving and signage aligned and secured
- All electronics were tested
Once everything was checked, it was time to break it down, pack it up in custom crates and pack instructions and manuals—because when install day comes, there’s no room for surprises.
Everything was ready to hit to the road!
Step 4: Showtime at Natural Products Expo West
The booth looked even better in real life! From the custom graphics to the order window to the lightbox and displays, the booth was a showstopper. When people walked by they had to stop and look, and of course sample the new tuna burgers (again and again). The final booth checked every box—designed with Safe Catch’s core values, products, and mission at the heart of it. It not only highlighted their trusted staples and told the story behind the brand, but also created space to spotlight exciting new product launches.
The Catch of the Show
From start to finish, this booth was all about bringing Safe Catch’s story and new products to life in a fun, fresh and engaging way. It shows off their products, captured their mission and was a fun and engaging space to be in. It was a win in our book!
Whether you’re heading to Natural Products Expo West or any show on your calendar, a custom trade show booth can make all the difference in how people connect with your brand.
Starting to brainstorm your next booth concept? We can help you dream and turn your concept into reality. Our team handles everything from concept and renderings to build, logistics, and on-site execution—so you can focus on connecting with your audience and showing off your brand. Contact us today!
Looking for other tips on preparing for Expo West, check out our blog—Prepare for Expo West 2025 with These Essential Tips.
