Post-Show Success: How To Extend Your CES Activation Through Digital Channels

The lights on the Las Vegas Strip have dimmed. The booth is packed away. For many companies, the story of their CES presence ends here: a successful but fleeting moment in time.  But at Highway 85 Creative, we believe your investment shouldn’t be confined to four days in a convention center. The real ROI begins […]

5 Recent Brand Activations and Pop-Ups We Love

1. Delta Lounge at SXSW Delta reimagined the chaotic energy of SXSW into a sophisticated brand oasis, converting a downtown Austin restaurant into a retro-futuristic airport lounge that felt custom, high end, and media-worthy.  Why It Worked for Delta How Highway 85 Can Recreate It We’d design a modular lounge system with custom airline-themed furniture […]

8 Fresh Trends Redefining Experiential Marketing in 2025

Horton booth showcasing 8 Trends redefining experiential marketing designed by Highway 85 creative

In a world obsessed with AI, virtual reality, and digital engagement, some brands are returning to basics: creating real, tangible experiences that captivate audiences without relying on screens or algorithms.  As we get closer to 2026, experiential marketing is seeing a resurgence of human-centric, tactile, and unexpected interactions.  Here are 8 trends bringing brand marketing […]

The Secret Sauce to Shareable Brand Activations

How We Design & Fabricate Instagram-Worthy Activations That Go Viral  Welcome to the Attention Economy  Let’s cut the fluff: brands live and die by the share button.  In a world where attention spans are shorter than a TikTok trend, your activation better be so damn magnetic people can’t help but stop, stare, and smash that […]

From Wall to WOW:  How Grand Format Graphics Can Transform Any Space

From Retail Stores to Office Spaces & Beyond Let’s be real: your walls are silent salespeople.  Blank, boring, and begging for attention. But slap on some grand format graphics, and suddenly, those same walls are screaming your brand’s story in 4K glory.  We’re not talking about weak-ass posters or pixelated decals. This is large-scale, high-impact […]

5 Examples of Transformative Trade Show Booth Lighting

Disney Studiolab custom trade show booth lighting

Grab Attention. Drive Traffic. Reinforce Your Brand. In the chaotic jungle of trade shows, where everyone’s fighting for attention, lighting isn’t just a tool—it’s your secret weapon. Forget basic illumination; we’re talking about lighting that transforms your booth into a high-impact, head-turning experience. Whether it’s dramatic spotlights, dynamic LED displays, or a subtle glow that […]

Top Trade Show Booth Trends of 2025

wood veneer hub bold minimalist trade show booth design

From Sleek Aesthetics To High Tech Integrations Trade shows have always been a badass way to connect with buyers and partners face-to-face, and as we barrel into 2025, they’re evolving faster than ever. Forget boring booths and forgettable experiences—this year is all about creating moments that stick. In this blog, we’re breaking down the top […]

The Ultimate Trade Show Checklist: Everything You Need for a Standout Exhibit

to do list made of letter tiles and a sticky note

Trade shows are a massive opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with potential customers, and drive business growth. But let’s be real—a successful trade show presence doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, strategy, and execution to stand out in a sea of exhibitors. At Highway 85 Creative, we know what it takes to create […]

The Real Price of Standing Out: Our Take on Trade Show Budgets

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Trade shows are golden opportunities to connect with your target audience, showcase your products, and generate leads. But let’s face it – figuring out the true cost of participating in a trade show can be overwhelming. At Highway 85 Creative, we’ve mastered the trade show scene, and we’re here to share some no-nonsense insights to […]