Exhibiting challenge
Business France, the national agency supporting French businesses in global markets, aimed to elevate its presence at CES 2025 with a pavilion showcasing 96 innovative French startups. The challenge was twofold: ensuring seamless coordination across a diverse group of exhibitors while maintaining a high-quality, cohesive experience within a massive 8,990-square-foot exhibit space. With constant design and exhibitor updates from September to December, the project required agile management, efficient logistics, and a clear communication structure to meet deadlines and avoid rush costs.
Vision for their custom exhibit
Business France envisioned a streamlined yet impactful pavilion that positioned French startups as leaders in technology and innovation. Key objectives included:
- Providing a well-organized, visually appealing space that allowed each exhibitor to stand out while maintaining a unified French image.
- Ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience for exhibitors through clear communication, organized logistics, and strategic planning.
- Delivering an efficient setup within a tight schedule, minimizing costs, and maximizing exhibitor satisfaction.
STAR custom exhibit solution
STAR Exhibits took on the role of a “mini general contractor,” managing the complexity of coordinating 96 exhibitors within a cohesive 40’x40’ space. The solution involved:
- Efficient Pavilion Design: A modular framework using 650+ beMatrix frames and 500+ SEG graphics allowed for adaptability while maintaining a polished aesthetic.
- Comprehensive Project Management: A dedicated online project management system accessible to Business France ensured real-time updates, keeping both STAR and Business France aligned on exhibitor needs and deadlines.
- Turnkey Exhibitor Experience: STAR facilitated seamless booth setup, providing exhibitors with customizable options, including 101 cabinets, monitors, tables, chairs, and various display configurations.
- Logistical Precision: Despite setup access being restricted until January 5th, STAR’s team successfully completed the 8,990-square-foot installation on schedule, ensuring exhibitors were ready for showtime. The effort required 950+ linear feet of walls, 8,000 square feet of flooring, and five semi-trucks—with a few additional supply runs—to bring the pavilion to life.
Impact of the CES Exhibit
Business France’s pavilion at CES 2025 was a resounding success, reinforcing the agency’s role as a premier advocate for French innovation on the global stage. Key outcomes included:
- Positive Exhibitor Experience: Businesses praised the well-coordinated process and high-quality setup, noting a smooth and efficient execution that allowed them to focus on making valuable connections.
- Efficient Cost & Timeline Management: STAR’s meticulous planning eliminated rush fees and kept the project within budget, allowing Business France to allocate resources effectively.
- Enhanced Future Collaboration: Business France expressed confidence in STAR’s ability to scale even larger projects in the future, with plans to expand exhibitor space and rental opportunities.
And of course, every successful event needs the right fuel—10 gallons of coffee and 10 pounds of dark chocolate kept the team energized throughout the process.
Conclusion
STAR Exhibits’ expertise in large-scale event execution and exhibitor coordination played a crucial role in Business France’s CES 2025 success. By managing complexity with precision and flexibility, STAR provided a seamless and impactful trade show experience, reinforcing the global presence of French innovation at one of the world’s most prestigious technology events.
