Crafting Media Brands’ Forward Conference

When Media Brands first contacted us in 2019, they had already secured The Mermaid as the venue for their internal company conference. Their team chose the event name “Forward,” a theme centred on movement, progression, and collective direction. What they needed was an event identity that captured that energy, while remaining mindful of budget and the practical flow of more than 280 attendees.

As soon as planning began, it became clear that this wasn’t going to follow the venue’s usual layout. Media Brands wanted all staff to stay together for both breakout sessions and lunch, which meant reimagining how the venue worked. This shift guided everything that followed: the circulation pathways, the signage strategy, and the creative solutions that would eventually become signature elements for future clients at The Mermaid.

What resulted was a bold, high-impact branding scheme that not only brought the “Forward” theme to life but also set the stage for a long-term partnership that continues today.

Rethinking the Flow of the Venue

The Mermaid’s typical conference flow involves using its river rooms to divide guests across two floors. Media Brands wanted the opposite and was determined to keep everyone together.

This immediately changed how we approached:

• movement through the venue
• wayfinding clarity
• how branding could support navigation
• how to avoid bottlenecks or visual clutter

It also allowed us to create a more unified look and feel, with all attendees sharing the same spaces, branding moments, and touchpoints. From the first conversation, it was clear that the only way to make this work smoothly was through close collaboration and the willingness to think differently about the venue.

Stretching Creative Boundaries

One of the most exciting parts of this project was Media Brands’ willingness to explore concepts that hadn’t been used at The Mermaid before. Their ideas pushed us creatively, and the solutions we delivered — many developed specifically for this conference — became staple pieces for future event clients.

Together, we shaped a mix of statement pieces, functional signage, and cohesive design elements that transformed every corner of the space. Some items were engineered for reusability, some for maximum impact, and others to guide guests in subtle but effective ways. The result was an environment that not only worked practically but felt vibrant, directional, and unmistakably “Forward”.

Key Branding Highlights

Below are the standout elements that helped define Media Brands’ conference experience.

1. Giant 1.2-Metre Polystyrene Letters

To anchor the theme visually, we created large 1.2-metre-high polystyrene letters spelling out the event name. These not only became immediate focal points but were also built with future-proofing in mind.

Media Brands planned annual conferences, so we designed the structure to be reusable, allowing us to simply replace the year. This gave them longevity and strong value for spend, plus a memorable installation that attendees loved photographing.

2. 3D Hanging Graphics for the Auditorium

Inside the auditorium, we installed 3D hanging graphics on both sides of the main presentation screen. These elevated the stage area, giving the space depth and shape without interfering with sightlines. The effect was bold but clean, framing keynotes, panels, and announcements with a strong visual identity that reinforced the event theme throughout the day. To learn more about how hanging banners can enhance exhibitions, events, and brand visibility, check out our blog on the Benefits of Hanging Banners.

3. Fully Branded Registration Area

The entrance experience matters, especially for internal events where you want immediate excitement and cohesion. We wrapped the entire registration desk with custom branding, setting the tone as soon as guests arrived. This ensured the first touchpoint felt polished, organised, and unmistakably connected to the "Forward" theme.

4. Four-Sided Pillar Wraps

The Mermaid’s pillars provided the perfect canvas for large-scale branding. We wrapped them on all four sides, turning structural elements into powerful visual moments. Not only did they support wayfinding, but they also created continuity between spaces, a practical solution that doubled as impactful design.

5. Hanging Banners Above Stairways

To guide people moving between levels, we added hanging banners over stairways. These brought height into the visual language and created strong vertical lines that echoed the theme of direction and momentum. They also served as natural transitions between zones, signalling movement while maintaining the aesthetic consistency.

6. Stair Riser Graphics

One of the cleverest and most effective features was the stair riser branding. Designed so the graphics aligned perfectly when viewed straight on, they delivered a striking reveal as attendees ascended the staircase. It’s a detail guests often underestimate until they experience it, and at this event, it became a highlight.

7. Smart Stick Wall Coverings: High Impact, No Damage

To deliver full wall treatments without compromising the venue, we used our Smart Stick removable material. This allowed us to create large, vibrant wall coverings that could be safely removed without damaging the surface. This material is ideal for high-traffic, short-term events — and here it played a crucial role in transforming the venue without leaving a trace. For more ideas on how wall graphics can elevate branding and enhance interior spaces, read our blog on wall covering ideas for business branding. 

8. Mesh Banners & Floor Graphics

We added mesh banners to break up open spaces without blocking natural light, and floor graphics to support navigation and reinforce the visual identity. These subtle elements helped guide attendees through the unconventional layout while maintaining a cohesive, intuitive environment, and tied in perfectly with the practical points highlighted in our Benefits of Floor Signage blog.

Creating a Fully Branded Delegate Experience

For Media Brands, the experience didn’t start at the door; it began long before attendees arrived. We produced all 280 attendee badges, each one personalised and sent directly to individual staff members before the event. Included in the pack were:

• branded lanyards
• event information
• fun merchandise items
• a taste of the branding to come

This pre-event delivery helped build excitement, set expectations, and make the conference feel special before delegates even stepped into the venue. It’s the kind of small detail that elevates the overall experience and ensures attendees feel valued and included. Check out our Event Branding Product Collection for ideas and solutions that bring thoughtful branding to every aspect of your event.

Bringing the Concept to Life With Clarity and Impact

Despite the logistical challenges created by reworking the venue layout, the project came together seamlessly. That was due to one thing above all: a highly collaborative partnership between our team and Media Brands. The close communication, shared willingness to try new ideas, and mutual commitment to delivering a great experience made the installation smooth and the final environment cohesive.

The “Forward” conference became a turning point, not only for Media Brands, which saw exceptional engagement from their teams, but also for The Mermaid venue, where many of the solutions pioneered for this event went on to influence future branding packages. If you’d like to see the full project gallery and the variety of branding elements in action, check out the Media Brands Project Gallery.

A Partnership That Continues to Grow

Following the success of the 2019 conference, we have since worked with Media Brands on four additional events. Each new project builds on the last, experimenting with fresh ideas while maintaining the same collaborative spirit. Watching their events grow every year — and being chosen to help bring those ideas to life — has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We look forward to many more.

Transform Your Event with Purposeful Branding

The Media Brands “Forward” conference proved how intentional environmental branding can completely transform an event experience. What made this project stand out wasn’t the number of branded elements, but how each one served a clear purpose — guiding movement, building atmosphere, and reinforcing the theme at every touchpoint. 

It’s a reminder that effective event branding comes from thoughtful design and a deep understanding of the attendee journey. This project laid a strong foundation for future collaborations, demonstrating how creative partnerships and smart spatial planning can turn a venue into an energising, memorable environment.

If you’re looking to bring the same level of thoughtful, high-impact branding to your own events, Hyper Creative can help turn your vision into a fully immersive experience. Our Event Branding services cover large-scale venue graphics, custom signage, and attendee materials, all designed to guide, engage, and inspire every guest. We collaborate closely with you to create cohesive, memorable experiences for corporate conferences, product launches, or internal team events.

Frequently Asked Questions for Media Brands

How do you ensure branding works for both small and large conference spaces?

We design modular, scalable elements that adapt to different areas of a venue, ensuring visual impact is maintained whether attendees are in breakout rooms, open spaces, or the main auditorium.

Can event branding be reused for future events?

Yes! We focus on creating durable, reusable assets like interchangeable polystyrene letters, modular signage, and removable wall graphics, allowing clients to refresh content without full reprints. This fits perfectly with the principles we share in our Corporate Event Branding Design Ideas blog, where smart, flexible branding pieces help teams adapt their visuals for multiple events without starting from scratch.

How do you balance creativity with attendee navigation?

Effective event branding blends visual excitement with a practical wayfinding. We strategically place signage, banners, and floor graphics to guide guests intuitively while still offering a dynamic, immersive environment.

What role does pre-event branding play in engagement?

Pre-event touchpoints, such as mailed badges, lanyards, and branded materials, help build anticipation and foster a sense of ownership among attendees. Early interaction with the brand can enhance engagement and make the on-site experience feel seamless and personal.