OUR history
On show for
over 25 years.
The evolution of the DisplayWise story has been twenty-five years in the making. Starting our journey as a small display business based in Sydney’s South, DisplayWise has grown exponentially, and is now home to over 12,000 sqm of offices and production space across both Sydney and Melbourne.
Through it all, we have always delivered on our promise to create spaces that tell stories, making our clients look good and feel special along their journey with us.
Today, DisplayWise continues to push the boundaries in craftsmanship and design from exhibitions and events through to retail and experiential marketing activations. We always strive to think outside the box and create displays to facilitate truly memorable experiences through authentic storytelling, exceptional design and superior quality, every time.
The journey begins
DisplayWise establishes a small display business based in Sydney’s South, Kirrawee.
National expansion
DisplayWise Sydney moves its head office and production facilities from Kirrawee to Taren Point to allow greater room to grow as our client base continues to expand. The business also opens its first logistics office in Heversham, Melbourne.
On the move
DisplayWise Sydney relocates its head office and production facilitates to a 2,200m2 space in Taren Point, Sydney. This move enables a significant expansion of manufacturing and warehouse operations, along with an increase in sales, design, and support function teams.
Project Stories // Building relationships with Hafele
DisplayWise secures Hafele, a leading international manufacturer of furnishing fittings and architectural hardware, to exhibit at AWISA (Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association). Our considered approach to the project and successful execution marked the start of a long-standing partnership.
Project Stories // New exhibition heights with Sony
DisplayWise works alongside our client, Sony, to create a two-story stand supporting the launch of the PS4 at the 2013 EB games Expo. Over 500m2 in size, the space is one of the largest exhibitions stands DisplayWise has built to date. Our work with Sony Playstation at EB Games creates many opportunities for DisplayWise in the gaming industry, including subsequent work for Activision, SEGA and Nintendo to name a few.
Project Stories // Westpac 200 Years
DisplayWise was engaged through longstanding agency client, Imagination, as the primary set builder, installation and logistics company for the Westpac Bicentennial Exhibition Project. This national event roadshow commences in Sydney, then travels to Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne over a period of three months. With initial concept designs provided by Imagination, DisplayWise transforms these designs into reality, project managing the manufacture, installation, dismantle and transport of the event installations. Prominent emphasis is placed on the sourcing of reclaimed materials such as brushed sandstone paint effects, corrugated sheet metal, distressed timbers and futuristic mirrored finishes. This approach paves the way for an increased focus in the research and development of designing authentic and immersive experiences.
Project Stories // Research & Development for Sprite
Possibly one of our most memorable activations, DisplayWise produces a replica and life-sized Sprite soda dispensing machine for agency client, Urban Australia. Beachgoers are able to use the 'Sprite Shower' at four iconic beachside locations including Bondi Beach and Surfers Paradise. The challenging brief involves significant research and development to manufacture the water pump system, alongside the physical requirements of creating the external dispenser structure of the display. This well known project receives extensive media coverage both in Australia and internationally.⠀
A new home
DisplayWise Sydney moves close by, staying in Taren Point Sydney to secure a 4,500m2 site, almost doubling its office, warehouse, and production space.
Project Stories // Creating Hafele World
DisplayWise design and build its largest and most impressive exhibition stand to date at AWISA, a display that sets many new design benchmarks. 'Hafele World' is a two-story stand featuring several zones where visitors can immerse themselves in the European brand’s extensive product range. DisplayWise project manages the full build of the 288m2 exhibition display, which includes a five day bump-in and seven semi-trailers of custom build components.
DisplayWise rebrands
DisplayWise launches a new brand identity undertaking a complete rebrand in unveiling its new brand logo and website in celebration of the company’s continued growth and market leadership.
Creative Hire joins DisplayWise
DisplayWise acquires leading exhibition hire business, Creative Hire, providing a more holistic solution for clients. The two businesses co-locate in Miranda to leverage operational and logistics efficiencies. The DisplayWise Group is established which encompasses DisplayWise Sydney, DisplayWise Melbourne and Creative Hire now under the one entity.
Project Stories // National team co-ordination for Telstra
For the third consecutive year, DisplayWise is engaged by long-standing agency client, Imagination, as the custom stand build partner for ‘Telstra World’ at the Telstra Vantage exhibition. The large-scale nature of this project requires the utilisation of the both our Sydney and Melbourne DisplayWise production facilities in order to manufacturer all components of this 842sqm stand. Imagination also requests a high level of sustainability practices including the reuse of current assets from prior events to reduce environmental impact and responsibly disposing of materials at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Project Stories // IBM Think with George P Johnson
For the second year, DisplayWise is engaged by long-standing agency client George P Johnson (GPJ) to help bring their ideas to life and create six IBM ‘campuses’. The 2019 IBM Think Summit showcases the latest advances in technology with each space requiring design to a set theme. Totalling over 700sqm, the campuses each feature integrated technology and custom elements. Working alongside GPJ, DisplayWise advises on the best materials, finishes and build methods to use, ensuring all display elements are pre-built at our Sydney production facility as part of the DisplayWise ‘test assembly’ service offered to clients.
Project Stories // Retail Fit Out for Caroma
DisplayWise was engaged by longstanding client, Caroma, to fit out displays in 16 Harvey Norman Stores across Eastern Australia. The brief required the team to replicate a bathroom setting to showcase products from Caroma’s new range.
Over a period of three months, DisplayWise worked to ensure the roll-out of this activation was seamless and on schedule. The complexities of the installation requireed the integration of custom lighting, metal fabrication and tiling to create the right aesthetic for the brands new range, all managed by the talented DisplayWise team.
A changing landscape
The pandemic imposes many challenges for the events and exhibition industry, however DisplayWise forges forward through this period, continuing to diversify the business. We launch two new brands - BARE Hygiene and Pop Up Desks - to meet consumer needs during this time. DisplayWise also double our Sydney office and warehouse facilities, moving to a 7,600m2 space. DisplayWise Melbourne opens a new production facility in Thomastown, tripling its office, warehousing, and production facilities to a 3500m2. A pivotal moment for The DisplayWise Group as it is now home to over 12,000 sqm of offices and production space nationally.
DisplayWise celebrates 20 years
DisplayWise celebrates 20 years. Speaking of the anniversary, DisplayWise CEO Dylan Retif commented, “I am extremely proud to have led this company for the past two decades. Starting my career as an Industrial Designer, I have always been ‘hands-on’ in the business. I love to get involved in a brief, to work alongside our clients and to ensure that our designs are really at the forefront of innovation”.
SHOP! Awards // Gold, Cheil for Samsung Galaxy Z series & Testra
Awarded GOLD in the Experiential category at the SHOP! Awards. Produced alongside our client, Cheil, the activation was created for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Series & Telstra Campaign. (also include the GLOBAL Shop Awards recognition)
Project Stories // L'Occitane
We were absolutely delighted to receive the 'Brewed by L'Occitane' Pop-up eco-friendly store opportunity at Chatstone, showcasing a vast array of products and accompanied by media walls.
“Just wanted to say thank you for all your support to make this a successful project. I personally really enjoyed working with you and your team throughout the project. I found DisplayWise to be very professional, straight forward, and very prompt on communications and actions. I look forward to many more collaborations to come.” Junho Oh – Project Manager L’Occitane Australia
Project Stories // OP3 Global for Qatar Tourism
OP3 Global approached DisplayWise with a challenging project for their client, Qatar Tourism, that demanded cutting-edge innovation and production expertise. The result was a remarkable 100-square-meter exhibition stand for AIME 2023. The design sought to capture the essence of a visit to Qatar, showcasing seamless curves, bespoke upholstery, and a captivating 5-meter overhead screen. “DisplayWise demonstrated their commitment to excellence with the delivery of an outstanding build for OP3 Global on behalf of their client Qatar Tourism, for AIME 23. It’s great to work with a company that values customer service and is willing to go above and beyond to support its clients.”
Suraj Gandhi – Key Account Manager, OP3 Global
SHOP! Awards // Gold & 2 Silver's for L'Occitane
DisplayWise proudly received three prestigious accolades at the recent Shop! Association Australia and New Zealand Retail Marketing Awards. In collaboration with our valued client, L’Occitane Australia, we were honored to be recognized for our inventive display craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to sustainability. This partnership led us to clinch the GOLD award for Best Temporary Display (Health and Beauty) and the SILVER award for Best Temporary Display (Specialty Retail). Moreover, our outstanding display also secured the SILVER award in the overarching Environmental Stewardship category.
Project Stories // Bastion Experience
DisplayWise crafted another exceptional retail experience in collaboration with Bastion Experience through their client, Viktor & Rolf.
Situated within Highpoint Shopping Centre, this Mother's Day campaign was initiated to spotlight Viktor & Rolf's renowned perfume. Within the stand, a mesmerizing Kaleidoscopic Mirror Experience awaited, offering the opportunity to step inside a life-sized iconic bottle and marvel at the mirror panels within the bottle. This project went on to win the Bronze in the SHOP! Awards - Best Temporary Display (Specialty Retail, Lifestyle and Service Provider).
Project Stories // Jabra
DisplayWise partnered with Jabra to deliver not one, but three beautifully crafted stands at Waters Edge, EduTech and the Security and Integrate Expo for our client Jabra. The challenge was to promote Jabra as the world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions in three separate exhibition & event settings, all with distinguishable target audiences. Our exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail and ability to reuse and repurpose the stand elements at three shows was instrumental in bringing Jabra’s concept to life and achieving brand outcomes.
Project Stories // Tesla
DisplayWise's strong partnership with Tesla continued this year at two memorable events; Tesla's first-ever Installer Day for Australia and New Zealand at The Calyx and Smart Energy Show at the ICC Sydney. Our collaboration on these projects underscored our commitment to a sustainable design strategy as well as crafting immersive experiences for this global market leading brand.
Project Spotlight // Preferred Supplier at Indo Pac
DisplayWise was again recognised as AMDA’s preferred custom stand builder for the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, attracting over 27,000 attendees across three days at the MCEC. DisplayWise showcased its expertise in delivering six impressive stands through partnerships with Spiro (representing Northrop Grumman), Kiah, Insitu Pacific, Splendid Communications for KBR, Axon and ST Engineering.
The story continues...
DisplayWise continues to move forward with resilience and determination, creating new brands and product lines, diversifying our service offering and continuing to strengthen and grow our core business. With the ability to deliver beyond the scope of a traditional exhibition builder, we will continue to create bold designs for maximum impact and engagement in every display we produce for our clients.
