A Spy-Themed Reception at the Nutanix .NEXT 25 Conference

Washington, DC’s Spy Museum set the perfect scene for a networking reception unlike any other. For the Nutanix .NEXT 25 Conference, industry leaders and partners gathered for an evening of connection, conversation, and covert fun, thanks to a spy-inspired photo experience that was as interactive as it was memorable.

Key Results

  • 130 guests photographed across 67 sessions
  • Every guest created a custom spy name for their photo
  • Instant photo delivery to international guests via text
  • Fully branded photo booth and step-and-repeat for sponsor visibility

The Objective

Nutanix and its sponsors, Carahsoft, Cisco, NVIDIA, and Palo Alto Networks, wanted the reception to feel immersive from start to finish. Alongside polygraph testing and handwriting analysis stations, the photo booth would serve as an anchor point for guest engagement, delivering a unique keepsake while prominently featuring event sponsors.

The Concept

We took the spy theme and built a playful twist into the photo experience. Guests were invited to choose a spy alias, type it into the booth’s custom screen, and see it printed directly onto their photo. From clever puns to mysterious code names, this feature sparked laughter, creativity, and plenty of conversation.

Design & Set Up


A fully branded open-air photo booth kiosk, complete with a custom vinyl wrap showcasing sponsor logos, made the setup visually striking from every angle. The custom step-and-repeat backdrop ensured sponsors were front and center in every shot.

On-site printing provided instant takeaways, and instant digital delivery, even to international numbers, meant that whether guests were local or from halfway around the world, their spy photo arrived within seconds.

Outcomes That Matter


The numbers told the story: 130 guests captured across 67 sessions, with a mix of solo and team shots. Every single guest used the spy name feature, and most chose aliases over their real names, fully embracing the theme. The result was a lively, personalized interaction that kept guests engaged and coming back to see others’ creations.

Takeaways for Future Events


Personalization adds depth to a photo booth experience. By integrating the spy name feature, guests became co-creators in their keepsake, making the final product more than just a photo. Pairing strong branding with interactive elements ensured both sponsors and attendees walked away with something valuable.

Find out more about the experiential, branded activations offered by Storylens.

FAQ

How were the sponsors showcased?

Sponsor logos were featured prominently on the booth itself via a custom vinyl wrap, on the printed photos, and on the branded step-and-repeat backdrop, giving them maximum visibility throughout the event.

What made this booth different from a standard photo setup?

The spy name entry screen gave guests a chance to customize their photo in a fun and memorable way, encouraging participation from everyone.

Did guests get printed photos or just digital copies?

Both. On-site printing gave attendees a physical memento, while instant digital delivery let them share their spy persona right away.

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