I took the design foundation from places built for learning, universities, libraries, and exhibitions, then layered TikTok's own language over it: graffiti, stickers, scribbled notes, and personalized accessories.
Success on TikTok runs on self-expression, so customization ran through the whole experience rather than sitting in one activation. And because knowledge sharing rarely survives a panel, I broke the curriculum into interactive experiences, each ending with a call to action to create content.
Four zones, each an exhibition space with a content prompt built in.
Auto: guests reviewed a custom TikTok vintage Mini.
Sport: a penalty shoot-out against the Lionesses, with a commentator box and post-match interview area for testing unfamiliar formats.
Film and TV: a press junket hot seat.
Learning: science through a scent-of-space installation, finance through budget-challenge gashapon machines, and plants through a bonsai display with miniature apples.
Around them, a main stage of talks hosted by Charley Marlowe, a one-to-one mentor area with established creators, and a TikTok One pop-up on monetization.
Customization carried through bespoke inflatable signage, sticker rewards earned through content challenges, and handmade leather key tags personalized with each guest's handle. Catering drew on viral TikTok classics served in custom packaging.
A summit where the education was the activation. Every zone produced content rather than just teaching it, giving TikTok a room full of creators demonstrating the platform's own tools on the platform itself. Oh, and a 100% post-event satisfaction score!
