At the 2006 Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, NV, Xibitz, Inc. used movement to highlight selling points of the latest product lines from Delsey, an international luggage manufacturer.

According to Wayne Nicolette, owner and founder of Xibitz, “Luggage is a product people count on to do more than look good when they travel. Each year our client finds new ways to make its products more functional, as well as stylish. We designed signature features that put the luggage to work – instead of just putting it on a shelf.”

To demonstrate the advantages of the “lighter than air” Helium line, Xibitz developed an “air column” feature. Inside the 24" diameter clear acrylic cylinder, a Delsey travel case soared to a level just above the 14' high rim – literally on a column of air. When airflow from the concealed fan was cut off by the custom-designed damper system the case settled back to earth for a soft landing. The bold repetition commanded a look from many areas of the show floor.

Lightness and action were again themes with a monumental balance scale making a strong visual statement in the space. On it, a four-piece set of Helium cases was proven lighter than a single bottle of laundry detergent. Visitors were welcome to rock the balance arm, a 20' truss set atop a 14' tall tower. As the balance swayed while gradually setting back to its resting position, the motion reinforced the sense that this was no static product display.

The corner of the booth facing the major crossroads for foot traffic was anchored by another feature that served as a punctuation mark for the lightness theme. A mannequin perched on one foot seemed to impossibly balance an arcing stack of travel cases on one outstretched hand. The dramatic cantilever that made this 18' tall sculptural piece so striking was accomplished with a hidden metal rod. It was carefully threaded through the figure from heel to hand and then through three cases which appeared ready to spill out onto the aisle.

But don’t think Delsey’s newest designs merely floated above Las Vegas – they also danced in the streets. The mobility offered by the new line of four swivel-wheel cases was clear as they followed a conga line around a choreographed dance floor circuit. At certain points the cases seemed to pair up, bump and spin – before rolling on to meet the next partner. The action was made possible by a concealed chain-drive mechanism. Needles to say, this tour de force performance got plenty of notice from passersby.

Delsey also gained some graphic punch with an elevated 9' x 9' lightbox. This created additional identity throughout the exhibit hall for the company’s Helium line of products.

Delsey’s 46' x 65' booth combined the sleek tech look of an aluminum Octanorm system with refined millwork storefronts. Gently curved flanking display islands swept visitors in toward the heart of the space. VIP meeting rooms provided company reps a place to secure shelf space for their products at major retail chains.

Concept development and design was completed in two months, with another two devoted to fabrication and perfecting the mechanics that powered and controlled the animated features. Even with all the bells and whistles the 2006 show was accomplished within the budget of approximately $70 per square foot.

Each year since 1993, the Xibitz team has created memorable features and effects for Delsey’s Travel Goods Show booth. Always, the challenge is to do it in a way that captures the spirit of the year’s new product lines – with a flair for the dramatic, and perhaps a touch of humor. Says David Bieber, Delsey’s president for the company’s North American operation headquartered in Odenton, MD, “We had a very successful show this year and I think it is due in great part to both the quality of our products and to the creative and dynamic ways they were made to jump out at our audience.” eb