Live Heat Pressing x ABB x NECA

 

The Experience

NECA attendees got to customize a hat from 3 hat colors and over 25 patch options. The patches also featured an NFC chip that took attendees to the product page each patch was highlighting. It was the perfect activation to cover a range of products all in one giveaway. Other happenings included new product reveals, a Nascar EV on display, their new mobile showroom, and The Temptations to close out the entire event on the Chicago Pier.

The Result

By blending customization with smart tech, ABB turned a simple hat into an interactive product story. The NFC-enabled patches let attendees rep their favorite designs while instantly connecting to product pages—bridging physical merch with digital engagement. Top crowd favorites? “Girl Power” and “Switches Be Trippin’ ”. With so many fun designs to choose from, there was a patch that spoke to everyone’s unique personality.

 
Attendees POV of ABB booth at NECA conference where live heat pressing was offered by apdat print co
Example of popular patch style at live heat pressing event for ABB
Attendees select preferred patch style and hat style for apdat print co staff to heat press live.
Booth set up and crowd gather at live heat pressing activation for ABB at NECA with apdat print co
Exhibitor modeling "That's Watt she said" hat at live heat pressing activation
Attendee going over customization options with Brand Ambassador at ABB Live heat pressing booth
Hat Patch Bar Station where apdat print co heat pressed patches live on site for ABB x NECA
Example of White hat and Red Patch "control freak" patch option available to be heat pressed live onsite at NECA by APDAT for ABB
Example of Hat and Patch combo available to be heat pressed live by apdat print co
Event Attendees select from Many options for hat style and patch design to be heat pressed live onsite at ABB booth at NECA
 
Live Heat PressingMaddie Carrlive heat pressing, brand activation, brand awareness, brand activations, event activation