How We Brought Skyscanner’s Vision Beyond 2020 to Life

When Skyscanner decided to host their first-ever internal staff summit, it set its sights high. A global gathering of 1,600 team members from around the world deserved something extraordinary —an event that didn’t just inform but also inspired. Introduced by our long-term partners at Headbox, we were brought on board to transform their new rebrand into an immersive experience that could fill the stunning Intercontinental O2 with energy, colour, and creativity.

Beyond 2020 was an ambitious event that combined smart design, playful branding, and logistical precision to deliver one of the most memorable internal summits we’ve ever been part of.

How Did Our Partnership With Skyscanner Begin?

Our collaboration with Skyscanner began in August 2019, thanks to an introduction from Headbox. As event specialists, Headbox was already supporting Skyscanner with planning and management for their first-ever internal conference, a huge milestone for the brand.

This was no small task. Hosting an event for 1,600 staff members flying in from across the globe meant meticulous coordination and bold creative thinking. Skyscanner wanted every element to reflect their new identity and showcase the forward-thinking culture driving their global success.

With Headbox handling the event logistics and Hyper Creative leading the design and production, we formed a powerful partnership built on trust, innovation, and shared ambition. From the start, we knew this event needed to do more than just decorate a venue; it needed to embody Skyscanner’s global vision and bring its team together under one inspiring, creative theme.

If you’re planning a large-scale event like this, we also offer a range of Event Branding UK Product Collections to help bring your vision to life, from concept to execution.

What Inspired The “Beyond 2020” Event Identity?

Before a single graphic was designed, we asked ourselves one key question: what story should this event tell? Skyscanner had recently undergone a full rebrand, adopting a fresh colour palette that captured its energy and modern approach to travel. We saw this as the perfect opportunity to bring that visual identity to life in a completely new way, through an event that celebrated progress, movement, and possibility.

Our creative team pitched the event name Beyond 2020, a theme that not only reflected the brand’s future-facing mindset but also encouraged staff to think ahead, dream big, and explore what lay beyond the horizon. Visually, we drew inspiration from topographic map lines, a design element that symbolised exploration and connectivity. This formed the foundation of a vibrant and dynamic visual identity that was both playful and sophisticated.

Layered with Skyscanner’s bright new colour palette, the result was a design system that truly captured the spirit of discovery and movement that defines the brand. From concept to execution, every detail was carefully designed to reflect this theme,  paving a new creative landscape that invited guests to journey beyond the ordinary.

To ensure our designs were accurately aligned with the venue and client expectations, we conducted a comprehensive site survey prior to production. This allowed us to understand every detail of the space, from pillar placements to traffic flow, ensuring the final installation would be flawless.

How Did We Bring the Branding to Life Across the Venue?

With the creative identity locked in, our focus turned to transforming the Intercontinental O2 into an immersive environment that reflected Skyscanner’s new world. The venue offered vast open spaces and towering architectural features, the perfect blank canvas for our team to work their magic.

We began with large-scale printed pieces that immediately captured attention:

• Removable floor stickers that guided guests through the venue while reinforcing the event’s visual identity.

• Rigid pillar wraps for both internal and external columns, creating striking touchpoints throughout.

• Lift door and elevator wraps, seamlessly extending the branding into every area of the hotel.
• Glass balustrade wraps, adding subtle transparency effects that played beautifully with the natural light.

To complement these static elements, we also produced a wide range of custom 3D stretch fabric frames,  lightweight, durable, and visually impressive. The largest of these measured an incredible 4.5m high by 9m wide, installed in the main plenary hall as stunning backdrops that instantly elevated the room’s atmosphere.

In the entrance area, we installed two large fabric arches that greeted attendees with a welcoming “Hello” and a cheerful “Goodbye” message on departure. Alongside these were registration backdrops and a double-sided departures board, cleverly printed for both Day 1 and Day 2 to keep the space fresh and relevant throughout the summit.

We also created 25 freestanding wayfinding boards, each custom-cut to shape, ensuring clear navigation while maintaining visual consistency. And as a personal, interactive touch, we designed a giant polystyrene globe, inviting staff to pin where they had traveled from —a simple yet powerful reminder of Skyscanner’s truly global community.

Every element worked together to turn a corporate conference into a fully branded, multi-sensory experience that celebrated unity, creativity, and exploration. For clients seeking comprehensive support, we also provide graphic installation services to handle everything from setup to removal, ensuring your event runs smoothly with minimal stress.

What Made This Installation So Unique And Efficient?

For an event of this scale, time and efficiency are everything. With only two days to set up, every aspect of our design and installation process had to run like clockwork. One of the biggest advantages came from our stretch fabric frame system, which allowed us to install massive branding structures quickly and safely. Despite their size, these frames were lightweight and easy to handle; each of the 9m-wide plenary frames took just one hour to erect.

The modular design also provided the Skyscanner team with flexibility, enabling them to swap graphics or reposition certain elements between event days without external assistance. Technology also played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly. We supplied 12 digital 4K screens, each programmed with a 15-minute countdown timer that displayed between sessions. These were connected to smart plugs, which automatically powered the screens on and off according to the day’s schedule.

This simple yet smart setup ensured everyone stayed on track, and the event ran seamlessly without unnecessary delays — a small detail that made a big difference. As we like to say, great design isn’t just about what you see; it’s about how well it works.

What Was The Final Impact Of “Beyond 2020”?

When the doors finally opened, the energy in the room was electric. The combination of bold visuals, interactive elements, and a carefully considered layout created an atmosphere that truly reflected Skyscanner’s culture: innovative, global, and full of heart. For our team, this project was more than just a large-scale branding job; it was a creative milestone. It brought together design, engineering, and production in perfect harmony, delivering a result that exceeded expectations in every sense.

The feedback from both Skyscanner and Headbox was incredible. The event not only ran flawlessly but also set a new benchmark for how internal conferences could look and feel. The Beyond 2020 identity became a symbol of ambition and progress, and for us, it was a proud reminder of what can happen when creativity and collaboration align perfectly.

We walked away from the Intercontinental O2 knowing we’d been part of something special, and that the friendships built along the way would last far beyond the event itself. As one of our favourite projects to date, Skyscanner Beyond 2020 stands as a shining example of how strategic event branding can transform spaces, engage audiences, and bring a brand’s story to life in unforgettable ways.

Designing Events That Inspire and Unite

This project demonstrated that great event branding extends beyond visuals; it’s about creating an immersive and engaging experience. From the detailed site survey to modular 3D fabric frames and automated digital screens, every choice balanced creativity and efficiency. Thoughtful design can transform practical elements, such as wayfinding or check-in, into moments of brand storytelling, turning a standard conference into a memorable journey that inspires and unites attendees long after the event concludes.

For projects like this, Hyper Creative is your partner in bringing ambitious event visions to life. Our Event Branding service ensures every detail, from concept to installation, is executed flawlessly to create experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions for Skyscanner

What is event branding, and why is it important for large-scale conferences?

Event branding uses visual elements and messaging to create a cohesive experience that reflects a company’s identity. For events like Skyscanner Beyond 2020, it boosts engagement, guides attendees, and leaves a lasting impression.

How do site surveys improve event installation and design?

Site surveys provide key insights into space, layout, and traffic flow. For Beyond 2020, they ensured that branding elements, such as floor stickers, pillar wraps, and 3D frames, fit perfectly and functioned efficiently.

What makes modular 3D fabric frames a good choice for event branding?

Modular 3D fabric frames are lightweight, durable, and quick to install. At Beyond 2020, the largest frames (4.5m × 9m) were erected in just one hour each, offering flexibility for graphic changes and safe handling.

How can technology enhance event efficiency and attendee experience?

Technology streamlines scheduling and engagement. At Beyond 2020, 12 4K screens with automated timers kept sessions on track while reinforcing branding and creating a dynamic experience.