Fashion Institute of Technology Students Tackle Real-World Tradeshow Design Challenge
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Graduate Exhibition and Experience Design (EED) program partnered with Access TCA during the Spring 2026 semester to provide students with hands-on experience in experiential tradeshow design. The sponsored project challenged students to develop innovative exhibit concepts for Akebia Therapeutics in preparation for The American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week 2026.
The collaboration offered students valuable exposure to real-world client requirements, creative problem-solving, and the complexities of designing for the life sciences sector.
Students Develop Innovative Exhibit Concepts for Akebia Therapeutics
Working closely with industry experts, students created comprehensive design proposals based on a professional client brief. The project was guided by Stephen Ross, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Experience Design at Access TCA, Joseph DeLaunay, Experiential Designer at Access TCA and FIT alumnus, and Trevor Steels, faculty member of FIT’s Graduate Exhibition and Experience Design program.
Each student presented detailed concepts featuring floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and technical documentation while addressing critical aspects such as visitor journey, audience engagement, brand storytelling, site-specific design, and sustainability.
Research-Driven Design Process Enhances Learning Experience
As part of the project, students conducted extensive research into Akebia Therapeutics’ brand identity, target audience, and competitive landscape. Their work included concept decks, mood boards, sketches, material selections, architectural plans, elevations, and immersive 3D visualizations.
The final submissions also featured technical construction decks containing fabrication details, 3D files, design specifications, and implementation guidelines, providing a complete professional presentation suitable for real-world production.
Projects Submitted for Prestigious EXSYS Awards
The completed tradeshow concepts were submitted for consideration in the EXSYS Awards, which recognize excellence in system-based exhibit design, adaptability, innovation, and creative execution. The awards are judged by The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA), highlighting the professional quality of the students’ work.
Trevor Steels praised the students for conducting extensive research into medical therapies, audience needs, and industry regulations while successfully transforming complex scientific information into engaging experiential designs.
Access TCA Mentors Future Experiential Designers
Stephen Ross emphasized the value of exposing students to the challenges of life sciences exhibit design and commended their ability to incorporate constructive feedback throughout the creative process.
According to Ross, the students demonstrated remarkable adaptability while learning about an industry segment that many designers rarely encounter, successfully refining their concepts to meet professional expectations.
Students Gain Valuable Industry Experience
FIT student Jessica Doan described the project as an opportunity to transform highly technical biomedical information into an immersive brand experience for Vafseo.
She noted that despite having no prior biomedical background, guidance from the Access TCA team helped students uncover the human stories behind complex clinical data and regulatory requirements, enabling them to create engaging multi-sensory experiences that educate and inspire audiences.
Doan added that successfully navigating the complexities of a medical tradeshow booth gave students the confidence to tackle virtually any future design challenge.
Real-World Collaboration Strengthens Design Skills
Student Summer Xiang highlighted how the project deepened her understanding of scientific communication through spatial design, lighting, and interactive experiences while also increasing her knowledge of kidney health.
Lydia Lee shared that working with a real client allowed students to apply classroom concepts to practical industry challenges, making the experience highly rewarding.
Sarah Reynolds also praised the collaboration, stating that the project pushed students to overcome new design constraints while benefiting from valuable mentorship and professional feedback from Access TCA’s leadership team.
Industry Partnerships Prepare Students for Future Careers
The partnership between FIT Graduate Exhibition and Experience Design and Access TCA demonstrates the importance of industry collaboration in preparing the next generation of experiential designers. By combining academic learning with real-world client projects, students gain practical skills, technical expertise, and valuable industry exposure that will support their future careers in exhibition and event design.
