From Napkin to Stage: The LSAV Process

United Airlines Leadership
Conference 2025

United Airlines Leadership
Conference 2025

Key services:

  • Immersive Event Design
  • Custom Breakout Session Design
  • Interactive and Experiential Elements
  • Space Planning and Functional Layout
  • Networking Facilitation
  • Custom Prop Design
  • Event Execution and On-Site Management

The Challenge

For the 2025 United Airlines Leadership Conference, the company tasked LSAV POWERHOUSE with designing an immersive, large-scale experience for their top 2200 leaders. The goal was to create an engaging and unforgettable environment for leadership breakouts, keynotes, and networking opportunities. The theme for this year’s conference was “Carnival,” offering a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of design and make the event stand out. The challenge was to create an immersive, vibrant atmosphere that captured the fun and excitement of a carnival, while still ensuring the space was functional for a high-level leadership conference. The activation needed to support a dynamic agenda, featuring multiple breakouts and keynote speeches, while maintaining an engaging aesthetic and promoting the sense of community United sought to foster.

The Process

LSAV POWERHOUSE embraced the “Carnival” theme, transforming the conference space into a whimsical, yet professional environment. The centerpiece of the activation was a large Ferris wheel, which served as a striking visual anchor for the space. This eye-catching installation immediately set the tone for the event, signaling a fun and exciting atmosphere while adding to the immersive experience. Surrounding the Ferris wheel, we designed multiple ‘tents’ that represented the different hubs for the breakouts, each featuring themed décor and layouts that fit the specific topics being covered.

To enhance the carnival theme, LSAV incorporated nostalgic, old-fashioned carnival games such as ring toss and strongman. These interactive elements created opportunities for attendees to engage with the environment during breaks and between sessions, further building excitement and fostering networking. Each breakout session, of which there were 20 over the course of the two-day conference, was given its own unique theme. From culinary discussions to government affairs, each breakout had its own set of props, thematic decks, and customized presentations to match the topic, making each one feel distinct and “one to go to.” The design and decor were carefully tailored to ensure every session was immersive, keeping attendees engaged and invested in the experience.

The Results

The United Airlines Leadership Conference 2025 was a tremendous success, with the carnival-themed experience generating positive feedback from attendees. The immersive design created an engaging, energetic atmosphere that kept the leaders excited and inspired throughout the two days. The Ferris wheel served as both a visual and functional centerpiece, effectively organizing the space while fostering a sense of excitement and curiosity.

The themed breakout sessions were a major hit, with each one providing a unique experience that allowed attendees to dive deep into their chosen topics in an engaging and memorable way. The incorporation of carnival games added a playful touch that encouraged networking and socializing in between sessions, helping to create a relaxed yet focused environment. Overall, LSAV POWERHOUSE’s design and execution helped elevate the leadership conference, making it a standout event that was both immersive and impactful.

This collaboration with United Airlines highlighted the power of thoughtful, experiential design in creating memorable, engaging experiences that resonate with high-level attendees. The carnival theme was executed flawlessly, showcasing the potential for innovative event design to enhance a corporate leadership gathering.

More to Explore: