Paylocity Custom Stage & Illuminated ONE Letters

Vario Productions came to Chicago Fabrications looking for more than a standard event stage for Paylocity. They wanted a centerpiece that would immediately capture attention and create a strong visual focal point as attendees entered the room.

Chicago Fabrications handled the project from design and fabrication through lighting integration, delivery, installation, and strike. The finished environment combined a custom-shaped stage with oversized illuminated letters to create a memorable centerpiece for the event.

A Custom Stage Designed for the Space

Rather than building a traditional rectangular platform, we fabricated a custom stage with a semicircular extension at the front.

The curved shape softened the straight lines typically associated with event staging and gave the presentation area a more intentional, custom-built appearance.

It was a relatively simple design decision that made a significant difference in how the stage interacted with the surrounding event space.

Integrated LED Stage Lighting

To further define the stage, Chicago Fabrications incorporated LED lighting around the perimeter.

Once illuminated, the lighting emphasized the custom shape of the stage and helped visually separate it from the surrounding floor. It also added another layer of dimension without introducing unnecessary scenic elements.

The combination of the curved construction and integrated lighting created a polished focal point for presentations throughout the event.

Oversized Illuminated ONE Letters

Behind the stage, we fabricated a set of oversized illuminated “ONE” letters that became one of the most recognizable features of the event.

Each dimensional letter was custom built in our Chicago shop and fitted with internal LED lighting, allowing the entire installation to glow from within.

Their scale gave the backdrop a strong visual presence, while the illuminated construction made the letters stand out throughout the space.

Instead of relying on a traditional printed backdrop, the dimensional ONE letters became both the scenic element and the visual centerpiece behind the stage.

Built for Impact and Practicality

Large-format event elements need to do more than look good once installed.

During fabrication, our team also considered how the oversized letters would be transported, handled, installed, removed, stored, and eventually reused.

The letters needed enough scale to make an impact inside the venue while remaining practical for the logistics involved in moving them between locations.

Considering those requirements during fabrication is an important part of creating event assets that can continue to serve a client beyond a single show.

Fabrication, Delivery, Installation & Strike

The stage and illuminated letters were fabricated and prepared in our Chicago shop before being transported to the venue.

Our crew then handled the delivery and on-site installation, including positioning the custom stage and setting up the illuminated ONE letters to create the finished presentation environment.

After the event concluded, Chicago Fabrications returned for strike and removal.

Handling fabrication and installation through the same team helps ensure the elements are not only designed to look right, but also built with the realities of on-site assembly and breakdown in mind.

Custom Crating for Future Events

The ONE letters weren't designed to disappear after a single event.

Chicago Fabrications is also building custom shipping crates for the oversized letters so they can be safely transported to Paylocity's headquarters and preserved for future use.

Custom crating helps protect dimensional branded assets during transportation and storage, particularly when dealing with large fabricated pieces that incorporate finished surfaces and integrated lighting.

For reusable event assets, planning for what happens after the first event can be just as important as the initial fabrication.

Creating a Centerpiece Instead of Just a Stage

This project demonstrates how a few carefully designed elements can transform a presentation area without overcomplicating the environment.

The combination of a custom semicircular stage, integrated perimeter lighting, and oversized internally illuminated ONE letters created a distinctive centerpiece specifically for Paylocity's event.

Rather than filling the room with additional scenic elements, the design concentrated the visual impact around the stage and backdrop.

Custom Event Fabrication by Chicago Fabrications

Chicago Fabrications works with brands, agencies, and event teams to turn ideas into custom-built environments and event elements.

Our capabilities include custom stages, dimensional letters, illuminated signage, branded environments, trade show exhibits, experiential activations, scenic elements, custom displays, retail environments, custom furniture and fixtures, and specialty fabrication.

From drawings and fabrication to lighting integration, custom crating, delivery, installation, and strike, our team can manage the physical production required to take a concept from the shop floor to the event venue.

Based in Chicago and supporting projects nationwide, we build custom event assets designed not only for their first installation, but with transportation, storage, and future use in mind.