The ICMA Annual Conference, held October 25–29 at the Tampa Convention Center https://www.tampa.gov/tcc , once again demonstrated the value of intentional, attendee-focused design. For the second year in a row, ICMA included mobile NOOK Event Pods® in its event planning—and their return was met with enthusiasm from attendees who appreciated the comfortable, colorful, and functional spaces.
A Welcoming Space in a High-Visibility Location
ICMA strategically placed the NOOK Event Pods® throughout the main lobby area, transforming a high-traffic zone into a welcoming and useful retreat for attendees. The bright, engaging event messaging added personality to the pods, creating an inviting atmosphere that encouraged people to sit, meet, recharge, or catch up on work without stepping too far away from the action.
By securing budget for the pods for a second consecutive year, ICMA demonstrated that these spaces are more than a novelty—they’re a meaningful enhancement to the attendee experience.
Smooth and Efficient Logistics with Fern Expo
A big part of the success of this activation goes to our partners at Fern Expo, whose expertise ensured a seamless setup and teardown. Their team handled the movement of the portable meeting spaces in and out of the convention center with remarkable efficiency, helping maintain the event’s smooth operations and allowing the NOOK Event Pods® to shine exactly where they were needed most.
Creating Value Beyond Seating
At an event where learning, leadership, and collaboration are front and center, the NOOK Event Pods® provided a calm, functional environment for:
- Informal meetings
- Quick breaks between sessions
- Remote work and communication
- A quiet escape from the high-energy conference flow
These portable pods continue to illustrate how thoughtful design can significantly improve attendee engagement and satisfaction—especially in a busy, bustling conference environment.
