Live Button Making x Gingko Ferment

 

The Experience

We partnered with Ginkgo Ferment to bring a playful, hands-on moment to their annual synthetic biology conference—a gathering of brilliant minds all excited to shape the future of biotech.

Attendees created their own custom buttons by typing a phrase of their choice on an iPad—everything from company names to wild predictions about future tech. One of the most popular templates was “Ask me about ______,” designed to spark conversations as guests moved through the conference.

We printed and pressed the buttons on the spot, turning ideas into wearable icebreakers. Alongside the custom creations, we had a lineup of Ginkgo-branded buttons ready to grab-and-go, which quickly became the go-to accessory on conference lanyards.

The Result

The whole event was built for connection and creativity and a celebration of innovation, with a menu of futuristic foods, demos of cutting-edge biotech tools, and keynote talks that pushed the boundaries of what’s next in synthetic biology. It was a space for scientists to nerd out and flex their curiosity. Not your average science fair.

Our buttons became conversation starters throughout the conference space and a way for attendees to literally wear their passions with pride.

 
 
 
Holding up example of one of the button options available to press live.
Containers full of pre pressed grab and go buttons featuring great designs and niche science phrases.
Showing how it's done while a large crowd waits eagerly.
Beautiful display at a really cool conference for bio tech.
Guest wears ALL of the buttons on her lab coat.
 
Live Button MakingMaddie CarrGeorge R. Brown Convention Centerbrand activation, button making, diy, diy button making, magnets, pinback, brand awareness, conference, conference activities