CURE International President’s Weekend: An Immersive Donor Event with Freestanders

Great event design doesn’t just guide people through a space. It guides them through a story.

For CURE International’s 2026 President’s Weekend in Carlsbad, CA, that meant creating an immersive, donor-focused environment that could communicate mission, impact, and emotion across a multi-day event. Designed by Michael Nÿkamp of MKN Design, the experience leveraged Brightformat’s Freestanders Columns, Walls, and Stacking Cubes to deliver a cohesive, high-impact event environment.

Client

CURE International

Designer
Michael Nÿkamp,
MKN Design

Venue

Park Hyatt Aviara

Products/Techniques
Freestanders Walls + Columns

Freestanders Stacking Cubes

 

Freestanders Walls, Columns, and Stacking Cubes

Freestanders Wall

A Strategic Approach to Environmental Graphics

From the outset, Michael Nÿkamp’s design centered on how attendees would move through the space, a critical consideration for successful event design. The solution: a circular storytelling layout built with modular display systems that could define zones without closing off the environment.

Freestanders walls acted as the architectural framework, enabling:

  • Clear wayfinding and attendee flow across multiple zones

  • Flexible event space planning without permanent structures

  • Seamless integration of large-format printed graphics

  • A polished, cohesive look aligned with CURE’s brand identity

Freestanders Wall and Column

Freestanders Wall and Column

Three Zones, One Cohesive Experience

Using a thoughtful combination of environmental design and storytelling, the space was divided into three distinct zones—each built with portable display walls and layered messaging:

World-Class Surgical Care
A patient journey told through sequential graphics, guiding attendees with a natural, clockwise flow.

Gospel-Based Ministry Care
A narrative-driven space illustrating CURE’s full continuum of care—from outreach to discipleship.

Mission Statement
A bold, anchor moment featuring “God Operates Here,” supported by global hospital locations and brand-forward visuals.

For event designers, this is a strong example of how zoned environments and modular exhibit systems can turn content into an experience—without relying on custom-built booths or permanent installations.

Adding Dimension with Stacking Cubes

To complement the walls and columns, Freestanders Stacking Cubes introduced flexibility and depth. These modular display elements were used to:

  • Create visual hierarchy within open event spaces

  • Highlight key messages and storytelling moments

  • Function as multi-use display surfaces for graphics and branding

  • Add dimension while maintaining a clean, minimal footprint

For trade shows, conferences, and donor events, stacking cubes are an easy way to build a more dynamic environment without increasing installation complexity.

Designed for Reuse Across Events

While the visual experience felt custom, the foundation was built for scalability.

By choosing Brightformat’s Freestanders system over legacy displays, the team prioritized:

  • Reusable event signage for future activations

  • Lightweight panels that are easy to set up without tools

  • Durable printing that holds up across multi-day events

  • A flexible system that can adapt to different venues and layouts

Freestanders Stacking Cubes, Walls, and Columns

 

Planning an immersive event, trade show booth, or donor experience?

Freestanders make it easy to create flexible, branded environments that scale—while keeping your setup simple and your storytelling strong.

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