From Counter to Connection
Square partnered at RESTECH Sydney to create a stand that blended hospitality, technology and a strong sense of local flavour. Designed to attract venue owners, operators and hospitality professionals, the activation showcased how Square’s technology simplifies day to day business operations while enabling more seamless customer experiences. The stand became more than a product showcase, offering visitors a welcoming environment to explore, connect and engage with the brand.
Supported by a hospitality activation element through Tokyo Lamington, the space delivered a memorable moment on the exhibition floor, combining practical product demonstrations with a warm approachable experience that brought the Square ecosystem to life.
What the client needed
Square needed a stand that would stand out within the busy RESTECH exhibition while clearly demonstrating how its technology supports hospitality businesses. The space needed to feel approachable and authentic rather than corporate, encouraging visitors to spend time with the team and explore the products on display.
A key requirement was to create an environment that facilitated genuine conversations, supported product demonstrations and reflected real world hospitality settings. Practical considerations such as storage, flow and comfortable meeting areas were also essential. Overall, the stand needed to communicate Square’s value in a way that felt relevant, engaging and grounded in everyday hospitality operations.
Not Just a Booth
The stand needed to move beyond a traditional technology booth and feel closer to a real hospitality environment, where Square’s products naturally belong. The intent was to create a space that balanced strong product storytelling with the warmth and familiarity of a café style setting, encouraging visitors to stop, engage and spend time with the team.
We focused on how Square’s clean, modern identity could be layered with subtle hospitality cues to create an approachable and inviting experience. The layout needed to support both quick interactions and longer conversations, ensuring flexibility for different types of visitors at RESTECH Sydney.
The design approach prioritised flow, openness and clear product visibility, ensuring the technology remained the hero while still sitting comfortably within a welcoming environment. Every decision aimed to make the stand feel accessible, human and grounded in real hospitality operations rather than a purely technical showcase.
How we activated
The stand was delivered as a fully realised hospitality inspired environment where visitors could experience Square’s technology in a practical and engaging way. A custom 6x6m structure formed the foundation, with a clear back wall and integrated tech counter designed to support live product demonstrations and conversations throughout the event.
The layout encouraged natural movement through the space, allowing visitors to interact with the Square team, explore the technology and stay longer within a relaxed café style setting. Seating areas and product touchpoints were positioned to support open discussion and hands on engagement.
A light activation supported by Tokyo Lamington as a supplier added a simple hospitality moment, helping draw visitors into the stand and reinforcing the café inspired atmosphere. Updated poster artwork ensured messaging stayed aligned to RESTECH Sydney while keeping the environment visually fresh. The result was an engaging, approachable stand that blended demonstration, conversation and hospitality in a single cohesive experience.
