Storylink Creative Honored with Four ExSys Awards for Exhibit Design Innovation

Storylink Creative is proud to announce it has been recognized with four ExSys Awards, celebrating innovation in system-based exhibit design. Among the honors were standout recognitions for the experiential agency’s work with ITG Brands and the U.S. Africa Trade Desk, along with two additional awards tied to design collaborations with Red Bull North America. 

The ExSys Awards are presented by The Experiential Design Authority and honor excellence in system-based exhibit design, adaptability, and innovation.

The inaugural ExSys Awards, hosted by Exhibit City News and The Experiential Design Authority at Moss Headquarters in Chicago, brought together more than 100 exhibit and event professionals and drew more than 130 entries from the U.S., Europe, and Australia. The competition highlighted a noteworthy shift in how brands approach experiential design, prioritizing immersive environments, modular systems, and creative storytelling. 

GOLD - Best Design Proposal: ITG Brands 

Storylink’s design for ITG Brands was awarded Gold in the category of Best Design Proposal. Though the concept was never executed, the design showcased the power of creativity to inspire. The 3,500-square-foot space centered around a symbolic tree of growth, paired with a dramatic 20-foot-diameter display highlighting ITG’s diverse offerings. Interactive brand-themed screens, virtual gaming, and educational quizzes were designed to foster meaningful engagement. As one judge remarked, “This exhibit is elegant, appealing, and one I wish I could have experienced in person.” 

Casey Baron, Storylink’s Director of Creative, said this about the design: “The project was truly special because it embodied everything we believe about design at Storylink. We didn’t just create an exhibit; we crafted a story. Before a single line was drawn or a 3-D model was built, our team came together to imagine how ITG’s story could be told in a way that would resonate deeply with the audience. The 25-foot illuminated tree became more than a centerpiece; it was a living metaphor for ITG’s growth, with its roots grounded in the products and partnerships that help their customers thrive. Winning recognition for this design, even though it remained a concept, reminds us that the power of storytelling and creativity can inspire well beyond the show floor.” 

 

BRONZE – Best Design Proposal: U.S. Africa Trade Desk 

Storylink's design for the U.S. Africa Trade Desk was honored with the Bronze Award for Best Design Proposal, reflecting our shared vision for creating a platform that connects global markets through bold, dynamic storytelling. The proposal emphasized scalability, adaptability, and visual richness, echoing key trends identified during the ExSys industry panel discussion. 

As panelist Debbie Parrott, President of Highmark Techsystems (who coincidentally earned the ExSys Lifetime Achievement Award later that evening), noted: “The old days of simply showcasing a product or service are gone. Something meaningful needs to happen at the event.” The U.S. Africa Trade Desk design embodied this philosophy, positioning the exhibit as more than a booth, but rather a bridge for economic opportunity and cultural exchange. 

According to Hannah Fenstermacher, the Creative Lead on the design, “This project went beyond the typical trade show booth, as the space was designed so every element told a story, integrating technology, engagement, and multiple divisions to invite exploration and connection.” 

GOLD & SILVER – Best Fabric Exhibit / Best Medium Island Exhibit:

Red Bull North America 

Storylink also received two awards in partnership with Red Bull North America, including a Gold Award for Best Fabric Exhibit and a Silver Award for Best Medium Island Exhibit. 

Red Bull’s presence at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) was nothing short of high-energy. Their 50-by-50-foot exhibit transformed familiar brand elements into a fully immersive environment that pulsed with activity. Through the use of BeMatrix frames, bold fabric graphics, and repurposed digital posters, the booth balanced sustainability with striking visual impact. Visitors were drawn in by a DJ, live dance battles, and interactive sampling stations, which together created a true brand-world experience that reflected Red Bull’s unmistakable identity. 

“The Red Bull NACS project was an exciting journey where bold brand energy met immersive design,” Says Kaleb Oemig, the Senior Exhibit Designer responsible for Red Bull's NACS 2024 space. “I had the opportunity to lead the design process from concept to execution, focusing on how every element — from dynamic visuals to interactive touchpoints — could bring Red Bull’s lifestyle-driven identity to life. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to blend creativity, strategy, and detail into an environment that captured attention, encouraged participation, and delivered an unforgettable brand moment.” 

Looking to turn your company’s next booth into an award-winning, results-driven exhibit? Visit www.storylinkcreative.com or contact us at rfp@storylinkcreative.com. 

About Storylink Creative 

At Storylink, we specialize in crafting engaging brand narratives across various platforms, from exhibits and events to digital experiences. We go beyond brand narratives and promise our valued partners transparent pricing, proactive support, and strategic solutions. Since 2004, we've created custom environments, live experiences, digital solutions, and everything in between, driving brand engagement and generating measurable results. www.storylinkcreative.com