How We Brought Colgate’s Chicago Marathon Booth to Life

Every project has its own story, and this one with Colgate was special from the start. We first worked with them over 15 years ago, so getting the chance to build their booth for the Chicago Marathon Expo at McCormick Place felt like reconnecting with an old partner. When a client returns after that long, it is a reminder of the trust they have in our craftsmanship, especially when it comes to custom fabrication and trade show booth builds.

A Relationship Rebuilt

Colgate came back because they knew what Chicago Fabrications could do. They wanted a clean, high-quality booth that represented their brand well and a space that would stand out in a busy convention center. With our experience in custom trade show displays, exhibit fabrication, and brand activation builds, we were ready to bring their vision to life.

Stepping In Without Missing a Beat

The project transitioned internally, and the Chicago Fabrications team took over full fabrication and project management. Even with shifting schedules, the handoff was smooth. Flexibility is one of our strengths, especially for fast-moving projects such as event installations and expo booth builds. Our goal is always the same: give clients a seamless and stress-free experience.

Starting with a Rough Sketch

This booth began with very minimal drawings. We had a rough layout and a final idea to work from. From there, our team made a series of real-time decisions. We first built the feature wall as one large piece before realizing it needed to be divided into sections for easier transportation and setup. These quick adjustments are part of what makes custom fabrication different from off-the-shelf builds. It is flexible, adaptable, and designed to fit each project’s unique needs.

Finding the Perfect Vinyl Wrap

Matching Colgate’s signature red required extensive sourcing. After contacting nearly fifteen vendors, the team found a seamless vinyl wrap that matched their brand perfectly. Clean application and accurate color are essential in exhibit design, and this finish delivered exactly what the client needed. The final result was polished, durable, and visually consistent. It was ideal for a busy expo environment.

Fitting, Fixing, and Fine-Tuning

As with any custom booth fabrication, a few measurement adjustments came up along the way. Everything was triple-checked before final assembly, and every detail was aligned before installation. One example is the podium height, which ended up slightly taller than ideal. The team arrived early and fine-tuned it before the client even noticed. These small refinements help ensure our trade show builds look and function exactly as planned.

Custom Acrylic Shelves and Freebie Section

One of the standout features of this project was the freebie section. The team designed and fabricated the acrylic shelves and bin area entirely from scratch. Every trim piece and connection point was aligned for a clean and modern look. It became one of the highlight details of the booth. It was simple, functional, and eye-catching, which made it perfect for product sampling displays at large events.

Set Up Day at McCormick Place

Transport and setup at McCormick Place went smoothly. Aside from a minor hiccup such as realizing the batteries did not make it on the truck, the team adapted quickly and stayed on schedule. Efficient setup and teardown are a major reason clients rely on us for Chicago exhibit installations and event buildouts.

A Quiet Team Moment

There was also a memorable moment when the team was assembling the frame while listening to calming Chinese zen music. It was not the usual shop soundtrack, but it created a peaceful and focused atmosphere. It became one of those small moments that capture the steady and collaborative rhythm of working in fabrication.

A Happy Client

In the end, the Colgate team was thrilled with the final booth. They appreciated the clear communication, clean execution, and collaborative decision-making. It was one of those projects where everything aligned, from the teamwork to the final look on the show floor.

Bringing Ideas to Life

Projects like this remind us why we love what we do. Custom fabrication is never just about building walls or shelves. It is about creating spaces that help brands connect with people. The Colgate booth at the Chicago Marathon Expo was a great example of how teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail can turn a simple concept into a functional and polished exhibit.

If you are planning a trade show, brand activation, or event buildout, the Chicago Fabrications team is always ready to help. We handle everything from custom trade show booths and exhibit design to specialty displays, retail environments, and large-scale event fabrication. Our shop is built for projects that need creativity, speed, and reliability.

Whether you have full drawings or only a rough idea, we can bring it to life with the same level of craftsmanship and care that keeps clients coming back, even after fifteen years.

If you are looking for custom fabrication services in Chicago or need a trusted team for your next trade show booth, reach out anytime. We are here to build something that stands out and lasts.

For inquiries, email us at info@chicagofabrications.com