Kia's Connected Home exhibit at CES 2024 invited attendees to experience the transformative potential of electric vehicles within a dynamic and interactive space. Designed by Chris Petit of EWI Worldwide, the exhibit seamlessly blended technology, sustainability, and design into a two-story architectural masterpiece.

“Our objective was to demonstrate the transformative power of Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technologies while presenting Kia's vision for the future,” Petit explained. V2H technology, highlighted through live demonstrations with the Kia EV9, allows electric vehicles to power a home during outages, while V2L provides portable AC power for appliances and devices.

Visitors were welcomed by a modern façade featuring matte black panels, slate walls, and warm wood slats. The “front yard” balanced greenery and pavers, creating a homelike oasis amidst the bustling CES floor. “We wanted attendees to feel transported — like they were stepping into a real home, a respite from the surrounding booths,” said Petit.

Key features included a functional driveway showcasing V2H capabilities, a campsite highlighting the EV6 powering electric bikes and stoves, and a 20-foot waterfall with a striking 3D Kia logo. “The illuminated ribbon flowing around the structure mirrored Kia's logo and symbolized the energy transfer from vehicle to home,” Petit added. Animated lighting also created an electric pulse effect at night.

Inside, visitors experienced the future firsthand through the immersive “ExperienceEV9” test-drive simulation. “We placed attendees in an actual EV9 on a rotating turntable, surrounded by a 180-degree LED screen,” Petit explained. “It wasn't just a simulation, it was about making them feel the possibilities of Kia's in-vehicle technologies like Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.”

The second-floor VIP deck offered a luxurious space for press, influencers, and executives, complete with a living room-inspired area and floor-to-ceiling windows. “The VIP space provided stunning views of the Las Vegas sunsets and positioned Kia at the epicenter of CES, both locally and globally,” said Petit.

“This wasn't just an exhibit — it was a bold statement on the future of electrification,” said one Exhibit Design Awards judge. “The combination of sleek geometric forms and sustainable materials made the space feel modern yet inviting.”

Blending upscale design with cutting-edge EV technology, Kia's Connected Home was a standout success at CES, perfectly embodying the brand's “Opposites United” philosophy of merging futuristic innovation with natural warmth. E Rail Cargo Group's “Freight Forest” exhibit captivated visitors at Transport Logistic 2023 with its innovative approach to sustainability. Designed by Dexter Red, the 43-by-79-foot space turned the company's core values into a physical experience, reusing industrial materials to create a verdant oasis.


“The concept became about building structures from materials already within the company,” Red said, referencing the grid boxes and transport equipment used as modular components. These elements, much like industrial Legos, were reassembled into the exhibit and later returned to their original use, leaving no waste.

The natural theme extended throughout the design. Live plants and trees filled the space, creating a refreshing retreat from the bustling trade show. While incorporating these elements posed challenges, such as navigating root depths in the exhibit's infrastructure, Red noted the outcome was worth the effort. The plants were later returned to a local nursery, emphasizing the exhibit's focus on sustainability.

Judges praised the exhibit for its sensory appeal and authenticity. “The use of materials gave the booth a tactile quality that felt incredibly real and grounded,” one Exhibit Design Awards judge remarked. Visitors also appreciated thoughtful touches like vegetarian catering and digital displays that minimized paper use, further underscoring Rail Cargo Group's commitment to sustainability.

By reimagining logistical spaces as ecosystems, Rail Cargo Group demonstrated how sustainable rail freight can shape the future. “This project embodied sustainability in every way,” Red said. E