EMS CASE STUDY
EVENT STRUCTURES THAT ROCK
At the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) 2024, we themed our event booth to “Event Structures That Rock.” We wanted our booth to be an experience, not just space on the show floor.
Achieve dramatic impact and use the entire cubic content of the booth with ExpoDeck, the clear choice of exhibit professionals. ExpoDeck provides a modular, expandable, multi-level solution that is lightweight, strong, and easy to install and dismantle. Available for purchase or rent, ExpoDeck adapts quickly to a variety of layouts and designs.
ExpoDeck is manufactured by Highmark for exhibit houses, general contractors, event agencies, and exhibitors sourcing double deck structures directly.
ExpoDeck allows designers to use the cubic content of the space and give designers many options for dramatic exhibits. Multi story exhibits are a commanding presence on the show floor, and communicate importance and permanence. Learn more about the Top 3 Advantages To Double Deck Exhibits.
ExpoDeck is engineered to ensure compliance. In addition to being recyclable, aluminum is lightweight and reduces shipping and drayage costs. Thanks to our patented connections, ExpoDeck sets up easily and quickly. No wonder it’s the choice of designers and producers throughout the trade show and event industry.
At the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) 2024, we themed our event booth to “Event Structures That Rock.” We wanted our booth to be an experience, not just space on the show floor.
No room to go out? Then go up! ExpoDeck offers instant additional sq/ft in a world that is priced on the ground floor space.
Extremely high strength-to-weight ratio makes ExpoDeck the strongest, safest, most efficient multi-level product on the planet.
ExpoDeck carries a 125lbs. per sqft. active load rating, which means safety and efficiency, whether small or massive in size.
ExpoDeck can span up to 20’ in two directions allowing for open but independently standing structures.
70% Recycled aluminum and a deep rental inventory make ExpoDeck the most sustainable multi-level product on the market.
ExpoDeck comes standard with 3rd party engineering stamps to ensure the safest and best practices for a multi-level system.
Our modular double decks are lightweight, easy to install, and available for purchase or rent.
ExpoDeck is a multi-level double deck structure designed for indoor use. ExpoDeck is extremely strong, light, safe, and fast setting. ExpoDeck can be reconfigured into multiple shapes and sizes as it incorporates common components with a standardized “grid”.
Highmark supplies ExpoDeck to exhibit houses, general contractors, event agencies, and experiential marketing firms building programs for their clients, as well as to exhibitors purchasing or renting directly. Every project ships with stamped drawings and engineering documentation, and Highmark supports partners with technical consultation throughout design and build.
ExpoDeck primarily consists of extruded aluminum. ExpoDeck also employs steel powder coated portal columns for the main support. The ExpoDeck staircase is aluminum but is also powered coated. Beams are aluminum with a clear anodized finish. Curbing and upper guardrail (FlexRail) are aluminum with a clear anodized finish and frosted acrylic in-fills. The staircase hand/guardrail (FlexRail) is aluminum with a clear anodized finish and frosted acrylic in-fills. Deck panels have unfinished plywood top and a low-nap dark grey carpet on the bottom.
Yes, Highmark rents ExpoDeck in two ways; pre-built rental kits and custom rental. Pre-built kits are on the shelf and finished, no engineering or fabrication time is necessary, so they are aggressively priced. There are (8) rental kit sizes ranging from 10’x12’ to 20’x20’. Custom rental is the use of standard inventory to make a unique size or shape. For example, there is a 16’x16’ rental kit, but the Exhibit House may need a deck twice the size, a 32’x16’. Highmark will use its extensive rental inventory to create a 32’x16’ with standard components and apply a rental price to the structure.
Highmark has pricing assembled for the pre-built rental kits only. Custom rental pricing can be acquired on a per project basis as the shape and size of the ExpoDeck is often different when offered via custom rental.
Yes, new purchase pricing can be acquired on a per project basis as the shape and size of the ExpoDeck is often different.
Yes, 3D models and design drawings are available for rental kits + other common sizes on the Highmark website. Custom rental projects and new purchase project models/designs are available per project.
ExpoDeck is predicated on a 4’x8’ grid system (the size of a standard deck panel). Standard beam sizes are 4’, 8’, 12’, 16’, and 20’. Any double deck design derivative of this grid can be accomplished with standard components; i.e. 12’x20’, 16’x16’, 32’x24’, 48’x64’, etc.
16’ Without supplemental columns under the span. 20’ With supplemental columns. Up to 30’ can also be achieved with custom components and supplemental columns.
Yes, a third-party structural engineering reviews and stamps all Highmark ExpoDecks per project with an active load rating of 100 lbs. per square foot.
The ExpoDeck product is engineered with an active live load rating of 100 lbs. per square foot; however maximum occupancy is determined by the fire marshal in the Exhibit Hall’s respective county. Fire marshals figure occupancy based on total square feet of the structure and number of egress (staircases); i.e. in the event of an emergency, how many people can safely descend the structure and evacuate the hall. Convention halls can vary in regulation, but definitive information can be found in the rules and regulations section of the association’s show manual. As a general rule, double deck structures with one staircase or less than 300 sqft. in total size have a maximum occupancy of 9 people.
Included is the entire deck structure; as well as documentation, stamped drawings, packaging, hardware, and tools. From the ground floor; leveling feet, portal columns, t-slot columns with heads, beams, deck panels, curbing, upper guardrail, staircase, staircase hand/guardrail + all crating/skidding, stamped drawings, setup drawings, and all the necessary tools/hardware for installation/dismantle.
All columns and beams are packed on a rolling cart, staircases are packed with hand/guardrail on one custom pallet per staircase, upper guardrail is packed on a custom pallet, deck panels are packed on a reinforced pallet, all documentation + tools/hardware are packed in a hardware crate.
Weight of course will vary by size, but a general estimate with shipping containers can be provided during the estimating process.
The Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) will install and dismantle Highmark ExpoDeck. Highmark can make recommendations to the client of trained EAC groups. For an additional cost, Highmark can also offer a supervisor to work with the client’s EAC
Highmark stores the rental hand/guardrail with frosted in-fills in place which holds up well and creates a sense of privacy. Highmark can change these in-fills for a cost. There would be no up-charge on a purchase if a standard acrylic color is utilized.
Highmark does not supply the carpet for the upper deck surface.
Highmark does not supply the carpet, but yes, the staircases can be carpeted by the Exhibit Builder/Designer or Event Agency.
Yes, per code, Highmark staircases are “closed tread”.
Highmark designs and builds to current International Building Codes (IBC).
Yes, a whole line of parts/components are available for purchase to supplement existing ExpoDecks.
Yes, by virtue of the system design, existing ExpoDeck can be reconfigured into different shapes or sizes via new purchase or rental of secondary components/documentation.
Yes, Highmark offers both refurbishment and upgrade programs. Your Highmark sales representative can guide you through either program; what’s required, what’s offered, timing, pricing, etc.
