Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Sustainable Exhibit Design: Novonesis SSW 2024 Custom Booth - 20x40

Following the historic merger of Chr. Hansen and Novozymes, the newly formed "Novonesis" needed a debut that signaled a fresh, sustainable future. We transformed their 20x40 space into a biophilic sanctuary, utilizing open pergola structures and preserved moss to physically embody their mission of "Better biosolutions for better lives."

Following the historic merger of Chr. Hansen and Novozymes, the newly formed "Novonesis" needed a debut that signaled a fresh, sustainable future. We transformed their 20x40 space into a biophilic sanctuary, utilizing open pergola structures and preserved moss to physically embody their mission of "Better biosolutions for better lives."

Following the historic merger of Chr. Hansen and Novozymes, the newly formed "Novonesis" needed a debut that signaled a fresh, sustainable future. We transformed their 20x40 space into a biophilic sanctuary, utilizing open pergola structures and preserved moss to physically embody their mission of "Better biosolutions for better lives."

Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.

Project
Specs

Project Specs

💼

Client:

Novonesis

Novonesis

📅

Year/Exhibition:

SSW 2024 (SupplySide West)

SSW 2024 (SupplySide West)

📍

Location:

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV

📐

Size:

20' x 40' (800 sq. ft.)

20' x 40' (800 sq. ft.)

🏢

Industry:

Biosolutions & Probiotics

Biosolutions & Probiotics

The Chanllenges

The Challenge: Introducing a New Identity Naturally

The Challenge: Introducing a New Identity Naturally

Novonesis, formed by the merger of industry giants Chr. Hansen and Novozymes, needed a debut space that reflected their core mission: "Better biosolutions for better lives." In a hall dominated by glossy plastic and cold LED screens, the challenge was to create a warm, organic sanctuary that signaled sustainability and grounded science, while effectively managing traffic for their popular coffee hospitality service.

Design VS Reality

From Concept to Reality: The "Pergola" Structure

From Concept to Reality: The "Pergola" Structure

We moved away from traditional "walls" and embraced an architectural wooden pergola structure. This open-beam ceiling design defined the space without closing it off, allowing light and air to flow freely. The use of premium wood-grain laminates, combined with real preserved moss branding elements, perfectly materialized the client's "Rooted in Nature" philosophy.

Interactive Zones & Design Highlights

Interactive Zones & Design Highlights

Close-up of custom Novonesis logo made from preserved moss integrated into wood slats.
Close-up of custom Novonesis logo made from preserved moss integrated into wood slats.
Close-up of custom Novonesis logo made from preserved moss integrated into wood slats.

The Living Brand Wall

The "Novonesis" logo wasn't just printed; it was grown. We integrated a custom-shaped preserved moss logo into the vertical wood slats, creating a tactile 3D focal point that visitors couldn't help but touch.

Hospitality & Coffee Bar

Positioned under the pergola beams, the full-service coffee bar served as the social heart of the booth. The warm wood tones and modern pendant lighting created a café-like atmosphere that encouraged longer conversations.

Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar.
Double-sided backlit fabric lightboxes displaying ProbioBrain solutions.
Double-sided backlit fabric lightboxes displaying ProbioBrain solutions.
Double-sided backlit fabric lightboxes displaying ProbioBrain solutions.

Educational Lightboxes

To deliver complex scientific data without clutter, we used sleek, freestanding backlit fabric lightboxes. These double-sided units acted as "beacons" on the aisle corners, attracting attendees interested in specific solutions like "ProbioBrain."

Immersive Forest Meeting Suite

Inside the private meeting room, a wall-to-wall forest graphic mural transported VIP clients out of the noisy convention hall and into a calm Nordic forest, setting a relaxed tone for high-stakes negotiations.

Private meeting room interior with forest mural wallpaper.
Private meeting room interior with forest mural wallpaper.
Private meeting room interior with forest mural wallpaper.

On-site Highlights

On-site Highlights

Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Front view of Novonesis 20x40 trade show booth featuring a wooden pergola structure and moss logo reception counter.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Exterior view of the meeting room showing visibility through the wooden slats into the private space.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Exterior booth wall featuring a massive "Our experience secures your success" forest graphic.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.
Open hospitality area under a wooden pergola structure featuring a coffee bar and modern seating.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Wide shot of the 20x40 island booth layout showing the flow between hospitality and meeting zones.
Underneath view of the wooden slat ceiling beams creating a cozy meeting atmosphere.
Underneath view of the wooden slat ceiling beams creating a cozy meeting atmosphere.
Underneath view of the wooden slat ceiling beams creating a cozy meeting atmosphere.
Key Design Features & Show Floor Presence

Biophilic Design

Extensive use of preserved moss, wood textures, and plant graphics reduced cognitive load and attracted attendees seeking a mental break.

Extensive use of preserved moss, wood textures, and plant graphics reduced cognitive load and attracted attendees seeking a mental break.

Architectural Permeability

The slat walls and pergola beams provided structure and privacy while maintaining sightlines through the booth, making the 20x40 space feel open and inviting.

The slat walls and pergola beams provided structure and privacy while maintaining sightlines through the booth, making the 20x40 space feel open and inviting.

Sensory Branding

Beyond sight, the booth engaged touch (moss textures) and smell/taste (fresh coffee), creating a multi-sensory brand memory.

Beyond sight, the booth engaged touch (moss textures) and smell/taste (fresh coffee), creating a multi-sensory brand memory.

Sustainable Messaging

The use of reusable modular frames clad in eco-friendly finishes reinforced Novonesis's commitment to sustainability without saying a word.

The use of reusable modular frames clad in eco-friendly finishes reinforced Novonesis's commitment to sustainability without saying a word.

Strategic Zoning

The layout distinctively separated the "High Energy" aisle interactions (lightboxes) from the "Slow Flow" hospitality and meeting areas.

The layout distinctively separated the "High Energy" aisle interactions (lightboxes) from the "Slow Flow" hospitality and meeting areas.

The layout distinctively separated the "High Energy" aisle interactions (lightboxes) from the "Slow Flow" hospitality and meeting areas.

The layout distinctively separated the "High Energy" aisle interactions (lightboxes) from the "Slow Flow" hospitality and meeting areas.

The Impact

Measurable Success

Measurable Success

Successful

Successful

Successful

Launch of New Identity

500+

500+

500+

Coffees Served

High

High

High

Retention in Lounge Area

Fully

Fully

Fully

Booked Private Suite

Insights & Designer's Note

Insights & Designer's Note

From the Lead Designer

"For Novonesis, the goal was 'Nordic Zen'. We wanted to prove that a biotech booth doesn't have to look like a clinic. By using vertical wood slats, we created a sense of height and rhythm that mimicked trees in a forest. The moss logo was the finishing touch—it's not just signage; it's a statement that their science is alive."、

FAQ: Design Strategy & Execution :

  • Q1: Why use a pergola structure indoors?

    • A: It defines a "room" without walls. In a 20x40 space, solid walls can make the booth feel small and enclosed. A pergola implies a ceiling, creating a cozy psychological space while keeping the footprint open and accessible from all aisles.


  • Q2: Is the moss logo real?

    • A: Yes, it is preserved moss. It provides the texture and biophilic benefits of living plants but has been treated to maintain its color and softness without needing water or maintenance during the show. It's a perfect metaphor for "sustainable science."


  • Q3: How do you handle lighting in a "forest" theme?

    • A: We avoided harsh fluorescent floodlights. Instead, we used warm temperature (3000K) pendant lights over the coffee bar and focused spot-lighting on the moss walls. This creates intimate pools of light, mimicking sunlight filtering through a canopy, rather than the flat lighting of a typical trade show.


  • Q4: Is this booth layout reusable for future shows?

    • A: Absolutely. The modular aluminum framing hidden inside the wood-clad columns allows the structure to be reconfigured. For a smaller 20x20 show, Novonesis can simply use the central pergola section and the coffee bar, reducing future build costs and waste.

This project is part of Circle Exhibit's Case Study Library, showcasing real-world trade show booth design and build projects delivered across major U.S. exhibitions.

Explore more exhibition booth case studies.

Ready to Bring Nature to the Show Floor?

Ready to Bring Nature to the Show Floor?

Ready to Bring Nature to the Show Floor?

We specialize in sustainable, biophilic trade show designs that stand out naturally.

We specialize in sustainable, biophilic trade show designs that stand out naturally.

We specialize in sustainable, biophilic trade show designs that stand out naturally.