Registration & Networking Spaces Reimagined by CORT Events: A Case Study from 2025 NACE Experience
First impressions matter. At conferences, registration isn’t just a functional checkpoint—it’s the opening note of the attendee journey. And just as importantly, networking spaces set the tone for the meaningful connections that happen in between sessions.
At the 2025 NACE Experience Conference in Milwaukee, CORT Events brought both of these touchpoints to life, curating custom registration counters and networking lounges that seamlessly blended form, function, and brand storytelling.
Designing a Welcome That Wows & Evolves
On day one of Experience, attendees were greeted in the Milwaukee Hilton lobby by custom light-up registration counters, designed and installed by CORT. Bright, colorful, and modern, the counters carried the NACE conference palette of pink and blue, transforming the typically utilitarian registration process into a polished, branded welcome.
The message was clear: registration isn’t just about check-in, it’s about setting the stage.
When registration shifted upstairs to the 5th floor for days two and three, CORT ensured the environment remained consistent–enhancing the aesthetic with light-up floor fixtures behind the counters, layering in energy and color that reflected the vibrancy of the event itself–and comfortable. Couches, tables, and seating vignettes surrounded the counters, offering attendees a place to pause, chat, or review the day’s agenda. The design underscored a key planning insight—registration should feel like part of the event, not just a line to stand in.
Networking With Intention
Equally impressive was the NACE Networking Lounge on the 4th floor. Set in a wide hallway, the lounge combined high-top tables with modern gray and tan couches, modular stools, and warm wood tables. The look was calm, neutral, and corporate-modern—a deliberate contrast to the vibrant registration design.
This choice created balance. Attendees had a bright, energetic welcome when they first arrived, then a relaxed, sophisticated environment to connect and recharge between sessions. By curating distinct moods across the two spaces, CORT demonstrated how intentional design can guide attendee energy throughout the conference.
Further enhancing the experience, CORT incorporated greenery throughout the area. Plants were strategically placed to soften the space and create a calming, restorative atmosphere. This intentional use of natural elements drew on principles of biophilic design, fostering a sense of connection to nature that balanced the energy of the bustling conference. The greenery not only elevated the look of the networking space but also reinforced a sense of well-being for attendees navigating busy days.
Key Takeaways for Event Professionals
- Think beyond the table: Registration counters can be a branding opportunity, not just a logistical need.
- Curate distinct atmospheres: Bright palettes energize arrivals, while muted tones support conversation and networking.
- Flex with the floorplan: Registration and lounges often shift spaces—design elements should adapt while maintaining cohesion.
The Big Picture
At 2025 NACE Experience, CORT Events showed how thoughtful design can transform transitional spaces into signature touchpoints. By elevating registration and networking, they turned two “in-between” moments into highlights of the attendee journey.
For planners and caterers alike, it’s a reminder that every space tells a story—and the right design partner can help you write one your attendees will remember.