Graphic Design:
Show Guide – SmartMTX
SmartMTX is Western Canada’s premier platform for exploring ideas and opportunities that drive manufacturing growth and innovation. They are dedicated to advancing the manufacturing sector in Western Canada. In April 2023, I completed the Post Show Report for SmartMTX, and they were thrilled with my direction. Consequently, in November, they selected me as the sole creative designer for the entire 2024 SmartMTX Tradeshow. This project encompassed the Show Guide, social media graphics, tradeshow signage, sponsorship guide, tradeshow badges, gala advertisements and much more. It was an incredible project to work on with an amazing team.
Conceptualize
When conceptualizing the Show Guide for SmartMTX, my primary goal was to create a cleaner and more modern look compared to previous years. Guided by the comprehensive branding guide provided by Peter and his team, I wanted to seamlessly integrate their brand identity into every aspect of the design. Utilizing striking imagery, I focused on creating a visually engaging experience that immediately captures attention. The layout was meticulously organized to ensure that all information was easy to find and read, making the guide visually appealing and highly functional. This approach was designed to enhance the user experience, allowing attendees to effortlessly navigate through the wealth of information presented.
Create
In creating the Show Guide for SmartMTX, my goal was to bring together elements of modern design and the dynamic energy of the manufacturing industry. I envisioned crafting a guide that not only informed but inspired. To achieve this, I started by finding bold, high-quality stock imagery related to technology and manufacturing. These images were chosen to reflect the cutting-edge nature of SmartMTX and to visually engage readers from the moment they open the guide.
The guide’s structure is designed for maximum clarity and ease of use. Each day’s event schedule is laid out in a clear, concise manner, allowing attendees to quickly find and plan their activities. A full-width tradeshow floorplan map is included, offering a comprehensive view of the exhibition space. An exhibitor directory with booth numbers and company logos ensured that participants could easily locate the businesses they were interested in. This section is vital for fostering connections and networking opportunities, central to the SmartMTX experience.
To support event sponsors and highlight their contributions, I had dedicated space for advertisements. These ads are seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining the guide’s clean and professional look while providing valuable exposure for our partners. Additionally, the guide includes messages from key dignitaries such as the Premier of Alberta, the MEE Cluster Executive Director, and the CEO of Red Deer County. These messages underscore the significance of SmartMTX in advancing the manufacturing sector in Western Canada and add a personal touch to the event.
Overall, the Show Guide for SmartMTX was meant to be more than just a program; it needed to be a reflection of the innovation, collaboration, and progress that defined the event.
Communicate
At its heart, the guide was designed to be a dynamic reflection of the cutting-edge nature of SmartMTX and meticulously crafted to communicate the core message of SmartMTX: “Western Canada’s premier platform to explore ideas and opportunities that fuel smart manufacturing adoption and innovation.” The design and content of the guide worked harmoniously to reflect this mission, ensuring readers were engaged, informed, and inspired.
Graphic Design Skills Used: Photo Editing; Supporting Graphic Creation; Layout Design; Colour Theory; Typography