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Desk Jobs
In our screen-obsessed society, it's no wonder that many marketers are incorporating multimedia elements into their exhibits. More often than not, your booth's reception desk is central to attendees' ever-important first impression of your brand. But designing this key element regularly takes a back seat to crafting product-centered components, theaters, demo stations, and more. So here are six standout reception desks that prove a bright pop of color or unique material choice is sometimes all you need to elevate even the simplest desk from lackluster to lovely. By Linda Armstrong
Pink Power
Exhibitor: FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG
Show: EuroShop
Design: FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG, Rees, Germany, 49-2851-9673-590, www.form-factory.de
For interior-design firm FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG, pink was a power color. Utterly pure in form, this desk solely relied on its dramatic fuchsia hue and a subtle combination of matte and glossy finishes to lend a sense of drama and can't-help-but-look flair.
Exhibitor: FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG
Show: EuroShop
Design: FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG, Rees, Germany, 49-2851-9673-590, www.form-factory.de
For interior-design firm FormFactory GmbH & Co. KG, pink was a power color. Utterly pure in form, this desk solely relied on its dramatic fuchsia hue and a subtle combination of matte and glossy finishes to lend a sense of drama and can't-help-but-look flair.
Square Deal
Exhibitor: Creatacor Inc.
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Creatacor Inc., Clifton Park, NY, 800-611-0431, www.creatacor.com
A study in simplicity, this sophisticated option from Creatacor Inc. paired industrial elements – e.g., metal wheels, a rough-hewn-wood aesthetic, and a glass top – with a fresh pop of color in the form of its logo. Small but sweet, this wheeled wonder got conversations rolling.
Exhibitor: Creatacor Inc.
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Creatacor Inc., Clifton Park, NY, 800-611-0431, www.creatacor.com
A study in simplicity, this sophisticated option from Creatacor Inc. paired industrial elements – e.g., metal wheels, a rough-hewn-wood aesthetic, and a glass top – with a fresh pop of color in the form of its logo. Small but sweet, this wheeled wonder got conversations rolling.
See-Worthy Design
Exhibitor: Fricke Inszeniert GmbH
Show: EuroShop
Design: Fricke Inszeniert GmbH, Bornum, Germany, 49-5337-926-32-0, www.frickeinszeniert.de
It's hard to stand out in the veritable sea of creativity that is EuroShop. Nevertheless, Fricke Inszeniert GmbH did just that with this humble reception desk. Comprising nothing more than unfinished wood branded with a mermaid image, the structure still managed to make a statement.
Exhibitor: Fricke Inszeniert GmbH
Show: EuroShop
Design: Fricke Inszeniert GmbH, Bornum, Germany, 49-5337-926-32-0, www.frickeinszeniert.de
It's hard to stand out in the veritable sea of creativity that is EuroShop. Nevertheless, Fricke Inszeniert GmbH did just that with this humble reception desk. Comprising nothing more than unfinished wood branded with a mermaid image, the structure still managed to make a statement.
PHOTO: Milton Exhibits Group
Clean and Clear
Exhibitor: Studio Cima
Show: Hong Kong International Lighting Fair
Design: Studio Cima, HuiZhou City, China, 86-752-332-3018, www.cimadesignstudio.com
The ultimate in minimalism, this unpretentious offering from lighting provider Studio Cima comprised modest unfinished wood and white laminate. However, its angular form and elevated countertop advanced the design, raising it from bare bones to beautiful and urbane.
Exhibitor: Studio Cima
Show: Hong Kong International Lighting Fair
Design: Studio Cima, HuiZhou City, China, 86-752-332-3018, www.cimadesignstudio.com
The ultimate in minimalism, this unpretentious offering from lighting provider Studio Cima comprised modest unfinished wood and white laminate. However, its angular form and elevated countertop advanced the design, raising it from bare bones to beautiful and urbane.
Natural-Born Winner
Exhibitor: Nature's Bakery
Show: Interbike
Design: Greenspace Group, Hillsboro, OR, 503-533-0500, www.greenspacegroup.net
With a company name like Nature's Bakery, a primarily plastic information desk just won't do. Featuring real cuts of tree limbs positioned within a wooden frame, this rustic beauty used a front-and-center logo and countertop product displays to complete its au natural theme.
Exhibitor: Nature's Bakery
Show: Interbike
Design: Greenspace Group, Hillsboro, OR, 503-533-0500, www.greenspacegroup.net
With a company name like Nature's Bakery, a primarily plastic information desk just won't do. Featuring real cuts of tree limbs positioned within a wooden frame, this rustic beauty used a front-and-center logo and countertop product displays to complete its au natural theme.
Red Alert
Exhibitor: Germany Pavilion
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Gtp2 Architekten, Düsseldorf, Germany, 49-211-550-299-10, www.gtp2-architekten.de
A focal point of the Germany pavilion at EXHIBITORLIVE, this rad red desk was uber streamlined. Nevertheless, the flat, moveable element protruding off the front added visual interest, not to mention a secondary surface around which to hold aisle-side discussions.
Exhibitor: Germany Pavilion
Show: EXHIBITORLIVE
Design: Gtp2 Architekten, Düsseldorf, Germany, 49-211-550-299-10, www.gtp2-architekten.de
A focal point of the Germany pavilion at EXHIBITORLIVE, this rad red desk was uber streamlined. Nevertheless, the flat, moveable element protruding off the front added visual interest, not to mention a secondary surface around which to hold aisle-side discussions.
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eTrak Online Sessions
Feb. 5, 2026
3048R Sales and Marketing Alignment: How to Get ‑ and Stay ‑ on the Same Page
Feb. 10, 2026
3011R How to Grow Your Brand: Incorporating Brand Marketing into Your Exhibit Program
Feb. 19, 2026
4101R Boost Up: Promote Yourself from Service Provider to Strategic Business Partner
Mar. 3, 2026
6020R The @show Experience: Understand the Essentials of Exhibit Design
Mar. 10, 2026
7058R Authors Executive Series: Thrive Under Deadlines: Strategies for Success
All Sessions >>
3048R Sales and Marketing Alignment: How to Get ‑ and Stay ‑ on the Same Page
Feb. 10, 2026
3011R How to Grow Your Brand: Incorporating Brand Marketing into Your Exhibit Program
Feb. 19, 2026
4101R Boost Up: Promote Yourself from Service Provider to Strategic Business Partner
Mar. 3, 2026
6020R The @show Experience: Understand the Essentials of Exhibit Design
Mar. 10, 2026
7058R Authors Executive Series: Thrive Under Deadlines: Strategies for Success
All Sessions >>