16 Interactive Booth Ideas to Steal From the NBA’s Sprawling Fan Convention
The NBA's 2026 All-Star Weekend transformed the Los Angeles Convention Center into a vibrant fan festival, showcasing more than just basketball. Over four days, the event blended live games, music, creator programming, and pop culture moments, attracting a massive, engaged audience.
At the heart of this experience were 40 brand activations, each leveraging the NBA's rich connections to art, fashion, music, and technology. From hands-on basketball programming to immersive brand experiences, these activations offered a unique blend of entertainment and interaction.
Here's a breakdown of some standout booth and activation ideas from NBA Crossover, offering inspiration for event and experiential marketers:
DoorDash: The Bag Lab
DoorDash's activation focused on customization, featuring a hands-on booth called The Bag Lab. The centerpiece was an oversized, sculptural DoorDash delivery bag, serving as both the booth's entry point and a bold visual marker. Inside, fans personalized mini DoorDash bags with patches and team-inspired charms.
'47: Laundry-Themed Hat Customization
'47 reimagined hat customization as a laundromat-themed experience. With checkerboard flooring, front-loading 'machines,' and laundry-inspired signage, fans chose washes, patches, and embroidery for '47 Clean Up hats, watching the stitching process in real-time.
State Farm: Tech-Driven Gameplay
State Farm's activation featured an interactive LED half-court with a responsive floor and back wall adjusting shot distances based on skill levels. A bold red palette, illuminated lines, and oversized graphic backdrops defined the space, while structured moments like a Celebrity 3-Point Contest added excitement.
Nike x LEGO x Kids Foot Locker: SPACE Basketball
Nike, LEGO, and Kids Foot Locker collaborated on a space-themed play environment. A circular, enclosed basketball court surrounded by netting and galaxy-inspired graphics offered interactive games and a basketball version of 'SPACE.' LEGO minifigure photo moments and modular play elements extended the theme.
Kendall-Jackson: Wine Tasting Meets Courtside Design
Kendall-Jackson's booth combined wine tasting with courtside-inspired design. Hardwood-style flooring, bench seating, and a bottle display wall framed by mounted basketballs created a unique setting. A central tasting bar offered samples of California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Google: AI-Powered Search Experience
Google's activation translated search query forms into a walk-through experience. Oversized text prompts, illuminated signage, and graphic wayfinding guided guests through informational displays and interactive photo moments tied to NBA-related questions and insights. Tech-forward design elements included open truss structures and bold typography.
CeraVe: Modern Barbershop Experience
CeraVe's booth resembled a modern barbershop with styling chairs, mirrored stations, and product-lined shelving. Guests received customized hairstyling, dermatologist consultations, and product samples. Oversized product props and basketball accents added a unique touch.
Xfinity: Immersive X Vault
Xfinity's X Vault was an immersive structure with an oversized vault-door entry and a digital facade. Inside, large-scale screens, layered graphics, and interactive stations showcased NBA content. Industrial materials and moody lighting created a high-tech atmosphere.
Ruffles: Trick-Shot Challenge
Ruffles built a game-focused activation with a branded trick-shot challenge. A bold, graphic-heavy structure framed the court-like play area, featuring oversized Ruffles signage and integrated hoops. Sampling stations allowed fans to snack while participating.
Joshua Vides: Artist-in-Residence Installation
Joshua Vides, the NBA's first Artist-in-Residence, created a trophy room-style installation with his signature black-and-white aesthetic. Stylized walls, floor treatments, and display plinths showcased NBA trophies, translating his graphic, comic book-inspired style into a walk-through environment.
Topps: Trading Card-Inspired Court
Topps built a court-centered activation with oversized card graphics suspended above a central hardwood-style court. A multi-panel story wall displayed the history and production of Topps Basketball. The 'Center Court Live' stage hosted live moments and demonstrations.
Wilson: Basketball Evolution Museum
Wilson's activation focused on the evolution of basketball. A central gallery wall displayed historic and game-used balls, while surrounding zones offered personalization, digital touchpoints, and limited-edition NBA All-Star merchandise.
AT&T: Hardwood Central Lounge
AT&T created a lounge-style space within Hardwood Central, featuring soft seating, charging stations, and a Los Angeles-inspired graphic backdrop. This area provided a pause between programming, offering a photo moment.
LA28 and Team USA: Olympic Engagement
LA28 and Team USA's activation invited fans to engage with the Olympic Games. Oversized, suspended ball sculptures with Team USA branding included a 'My Dream Team USA Starting Five' station for lineup building. Olympic-themed photo moments and merchandise displays added to the experience.
Kia Night Market: Los Angeles-Inspired Activation
Kia's activation, the Kia Night Market, combined interactive game stations with prize opportunities. A dedicated area for Kia owners and a vehicle display featuring the 2027 Telluride Hybrid added to the experience. Player appearances throughout the weekend enhanced the excitement.
Wingstop: Green Room Lounge
Wingstop's activation, the Wingstop Green Room, was a lounge-style space supporting the NBA All-Star Concert Series. With plush seating, layered rugs, and warm wood finishes, it offered a relaxed environment. A textured wall installation of collapsed basketballs and a dedicated service area completed the experience.
