Code Conference ‘23

Creative direction, experience design & fabrication

For the 20th anniversary of Code Conference, Vox Media came to PBZ with a flat graphic toolkit, a handful of mood references and the beginnings of a program. They knew they needed general and VIP reception areas, a main stage and sponsor spaces, but much of the event was still taking shape.

Working collaboratively with Vox, we translated that graphic language into a complete physical environment at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. As new programming and sponsors were confirmed, PBZ developed concepts for each area and worked through how they would look, function and connect.

Our scope included the registration and Code+ reception areas, main-stage scenic elements, lounges, gift shop, Code Café, Power Session stages, courtyard, entrance moment, AI Studio and sponsor activations. We developed the layouts, furniture, lighting, planting, signage, finishes and build details, turning abstract graphics into spaces that could actually be fabricated and installed.

Proud Robinson and its AV team determined the main LED screen from the room and technical requirements. PBZ designed and fabricated the scenic environment around it. We also created sponsor spaces including the BCG Studio and a plant-filled grid-wall installation in the hotel hallway.

PBZ fabricated every scenic element within our scope, then handled installation and strike. The greatest challenge was the compressed venue access, with a large event going in and coming out over an extremely tight schedule.