The Midwest
Aquatic
Recreation Show
"What if we held a boat show like it was a fan convention?"
That was the central question of the Midwest Aquatic Recreation Show, a challenge to change up how we designed trade shows to use some of the techniques of fan conventions.
From the outset this project was designed to breathe life and fun into the oftentimes static and utilitarian trade shows that happen in multiple industries. To that end we wanted to create a vibrant and fun-filled atmosphere with exciting websites, mobile apps, and merchandise that would tell the story of this one of a kind convention.
To better do that we stepped away from the simple greens, blues and greys that most boat shows employed and created a style and brand for the show that was fun, whimsical, and called back to the feeling of actually being out on the lakes and rivers of the Midwest.
From there we developed the website and companion app designs.
From there we developed the website and companion app designs.
Keeping the interfaces clean and simple was essential in making the show friendly and easy to approach.
This philosophy extended to wayfinding and signage as well, to help create a seamless experience from App to Convention Center floor.
Shows like this always have a need for merch, and in keeping with the themes we wanted to design a line of rugged merchandise that attendees could use when they were out on the water. This lead to canvas bags and polos as our first major design options, with the logo taking center stage.
