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Talk Central

Conference rooms are often the heart and soul of an exhibit, as they're usually the primary locales where relationships are strengthened and deals are made. So ho-hum hues, faded furniture, and a claustrophobic vibe simply won't do. Here, then, are six conference rooms that offer a fresh aesthetic and spacious flair despite their enclosed constructions. By Linda Armstrong

PHOTO: Jason White

Reclaimed Wood
Exhibitor: Keen Inc.
Show: Outdoor Retailer
Design: Department of Energy LLC, Seattle, 206-550-4833, www.deptofenergy.com

What do you get when you combine reclaimed pallets, repurposed timbers, and old hoses? You get this unique space fabricated by Oregon-based Greenspace Group. The room even included a garage door with transparent panels, which can be raised or lowered as needed.

PHOTO: Modul A, Stefan Roehler

Salesforce Soft Spot
Exhibitor: Salesforce.com Germany GmbH
Show: CeBIT
Design: Atelier Damboeck Messebau GmbH, Neufinsing, Germany, 49-8121-975-0, www.damboeck.de

Few conference rooms ooze cozy and inviting quite like this space. Even at a buzzing information-technology show like CeBIT, attendees no doubt appreciated the cool lighting and curved lines, which created a calm oasis amid the otherwise frenetic trade show floor.

PHOTO: Padgett and Company Inc.

Debriefing Room
Exhibitor: Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (2K Games)
Show: Electronic Entertainment Expo
Design: Freddie Georges Production Group, Huntington Beach, CA, 714-367-9260, www.freddiegeorges.com

To promote its XCom video-game franchise, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. devised this military-style communication room. Featuring realistic props, including metal file cabinets and industrial light fixtures, the authentic space transported attendees directly into the XCom world.

PHOTO: The Taylor Group

Plane and Simple
Exhibitor: Tag Aeronautics Ltd.
Show: European Business Aviation Convention
Design: Taylor Manufacturing Industries Inc. (The Taylor Group), Brampton, ON, Canada, 800-605-6519, www.taylorinc.com

Tag Aeronautics Ltd. opted for this grand conference space with an avionics air. Lush carpet, plush armchairs, and a stunning table with runway-like inlays are further accentuated by overhead oval light fixtures and original artwork suspended on either side of the "runway."

PHOTO: Czarnowski Display Service Inc.

Clean Caddy
Exhibitor: General Motors Co. (Cadillac)
Show: New York International Auto Show
Design: Czarnowski Display Service Inc., Chicago, 800-247-4302, www.czarnowski.com

In conjunction with an overall brand refresh, this conference room for the Cadillac brand of General Motors Co. features neutral hues and multiple textures. Pairing a clean aesthetic with on-trend finishes, the design does double duty with a formal table and casual seating area.

PHOTO: Donna Santos

Slice of Life
Exhibitor: First Capital Realty Inc.
Show: International Council of Shopping Centers
Design: Holman Exhibits, North York, ON, Canada, 866-441-1877, www.holmanexhibits.com

Myriad materials combined to create a wondrous whole for First Capital Realty Inc. While simple furniture sat atop bamboo flooring, the space was enclosed with lifestyle graphics along with glass panels etched in a vine motif, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability.