BambooHR

Project Overview

Title: BambooHR User Conferences – Visual and Experiential Design for 2018 and 2019
Subtitle: Building an inclusive, engaging brand experience across two consecutive user conferences
Brief Summary:
As the Creative Lead and Art Director for BambooHR’s 2018 and 2019 User Conferences, I developed a cohesive visual and experiential branding strategy. This included designing everything from the logo and website to interactive booths and stage setups, all aimed at creating a seamless attendee experience that reinforced BambooHR’s brand identity.

Challenges and Objectives

Challenge:
BambooHR needed a comprehensive branding strategy for their user conferences that would engage a diverse audience while maintaining a consistent and approachable identity across all touchpoints.

Objective:
To elevate the BambooHR User Conferences by creating a cohesive and engaging branding strategy that enhances the attendee experience, positions the event as inclusive and forward-thinking, and reinforces BambooHR's brand identity across physical and digital spaces.

My Role and Responsibilities

• Creative Lead and Art Director: I was responsible for the entire visual and experiential design of the BambooHR 2018 and 2019 Summits. This encompassed:
  • Branding: Developed a new logo, color palette, typography, and illustration style.
  • Website Redesign: Focused on intuitive user experience to highlight event benefits and drive registrations.
  • Print Collateral: Created assets such as agenda booklets, partner brochures, name tag lanyards, meterboards, pins, and strategic signage.
  • Event Design: Designed a 60-foot stage, interactive 3D booth, and large-scale branding moments to engage attendees in-person.
  • Collaboration: Acted as the primary liaison between teams, ensuring that all design elements were cohesive and aligned with the event goals.

Process and Execution

Discovery and Research:
To kick off the project, I conducted extensive market research to understand audience demographics, competitor strategies, and emerging trends in HR conferences. Collaborating closely with the Events Director and Project Manager, we mapped out user journey touchpoints, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for attendees.

Stakeholder Collaboration:
I conducted interviews with key stakeholders to gather insights and ensure that the project vision aligned with BambooHR’s organizational goals. This collaborative approach informed the creative direction and helped refine the final concepts.

Concept Development:

• Developed several creative concepts aimed at positioning the conference as inclusive and innovative.
• Selected a concept that emphasized inclusivity and innovation, forming the foundation for the event’s new visual identity.
• Created mood boards and sketches, incorporating feedback from stakeholders before moving into final designs.

Design Execution:

• Branding and Identity: Created a dynamic logo, color palette, illustration style, and typography system adaptable to various physical spaces and digital platforms.
• Website Design: Led a website redesign to create a more intuitive user experience that highlighted the benefits of attending the summit.
• Event Design: Managed the creation of print collateral and large-scale branding for physical spaces, including the 60-foot stage, interactive booth, and signage.
• Collaborative Execution: Worked closely with multiple departments to ensure that all design elements contributed to a unified and engaging experience for attendees.

Refinement and Accessibility:
Throughout the process, I refined design elements to ensure they adhered to accessibility standards and maintained a cohesive look across all touchpoints. The iterative approach allowed for continuous improvements and alignment with BambooHR’s goals.‍

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Results and Impact

Quantitative Metrics:

• 500+ tagged posts across social media platforms, showcasing active attendee engagement.
• 1.6 million impressions generated through strategic digital marketing efforts.
• Reached over 711,000 unique accounts across Instagram and Twitter.
• Positive feedback from attendees and stakeholders on the cohesive branding and elevated attendee experience.

Stakeholder Feedback:
"The branding and design elevated the event in a way that felt both innovative and inclusive, creating an atmosphere that aligned perfectly with our company values." – BambooHR Stakeholder

Visual Examples / Portfolio Gallery

Gallery:
This section features visual examples of the work, including the new logo, color palette, website screenshots, photos from the event (such as the 60-foot stage design and interactive booth), and examples of the print collateral used during the conferences.

(Insert images with brief descriptions of each design piece and its role in the event.)

Conclusion and Reflection

Reflection on Success:
The BambooHR 2018 and 2019 User Conferences were a resounding success, with increased attendee engagement and a stronger brand presence. The comprehensive branding strategy not only enhanced the attendee experience but also reinforced BambooHR's identity as an approachable and forward-thinking leader in HR solutions.

Skills Highlighted:

• Brand identity development
• Digital and physical space design
• Event experience design
• Cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder management

How It Informs Future Work:
This project underscored the importance of thorough research, creative brainstorming, and effective collaboration. It also further developed my ability to create cohesive, large-scale design systems that translate seamlessly across both digital and physical platforms.

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