live music event.
CHALLENGE
Ecolab wanted a signature experience at the National Restaurant Association Show that would differentiate the brand while authentically expressing its long-term commitment to education and community (specifically its partnership with ProStart, a nonprofit culinary arts program for high school students).
TOUCHPOINTS
- Event Design
- Motion Graphics
- Graphic Design
- Video Production
- Event Management
SOLUTION
Storylink turned Ecolab's ProStart partnership into "Bites & Beats", a live food-and-music experience built around student storytelling. High school teams pitched original food truck concepts, and two winning teams were flown to Chicago to build full-scale, branded trucks with professional designers. At The Salt Shed, guests tasted the students' food straight from the trucks and voted using guitar picks placed in custom guitar cases, with themed culinary stations leading into a live performance by Shaboozey and a student meet-and-greet.
RESULT
The event turned Ecolab's philanthropic investment into a living brand story. Furthermore, it gave students national exposure and real-world entrepreneurial experience while creating an emotional connection between Ecolab's purpose and its presence at the show. In addition to being an enjoyable, high-energy event, it stood as proof the brand actively shapes the industry's future. Plus, it was honored by The Experiential Design Authority, Event Marketer Magazine, and the American Business Awards.
food trucks
