A Collaborative Exhibition Build for Onyx Agency
Client: Onyx Agency (for Volvo Bus Australia)
Event: Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026
Venue: Sydney Showground
Stand Size: 26m × 24m (624sqm)
Services: Exhibition Build • Custom Fabrication • Logistics • Installation • Collaborative Delivery
Project Overview
When Onyx Agency developed Volvo Bus Australia’s exhibition concept for the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026, they partnered with Grand Stand Events to deliver the build. Having worked together since 2024, both teams understood the importance of protecting the original design intent while delivering a build that performed just as well on the show floor as it did on the concept renders.
Covering more than 600 square metres, the stand combined two full-size Volvo coaches with customer hospitality, premium finishes and large-format digital content. Every element was built to support the original design while delivering a practical exhibition environment for two busy days on the show floor.
Project Highlights
• Collaborative delivery with Onyx Agency
• 624sqm custom exhibition stand
• Two full-size Volvo coach displays
• 9m floating LED feature wall
• Custom reception and hospitality area
• Suspended circular banner
• Bespoke planter boxes and integrated greenery
• Raised timber-look exhibition flooring
• Custom fabrication, logistics and installation
“We’ve loved working with Blake and the team at Onyx since 2024. Blake is incredibly experienced, collaborative and genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. That shared commitment makes every project enjoyable and helps us consistently deliver a result we’re all proud of.” Emma Surrest | Senior Account Manager
The Challenge
Every finish, dimension and material selection needed to reflect the original concept while also working as a practical exhibition build. At this scale, even small changes have a flow-on effect across fabrication, services and installation.
The project combined custom joinery, structural rigging, electrical services, lighting, graphics, flooring and vehicle positioning, all within a tight bump in. Maintaining consistency across every stage of the build was just as important as delivering it on time.
Build Plan for LED screen and surrounding wall – Grand Stand Events
LED screen wall and surrounding panels designed by Onyx Agency, adapted by Grand Stand Events for construction using the AMES frame system.
Floor Plan – Onyx x Volvo Bus Show 2026
Floor plan showing the stand layout for Grand Stand Events’ build.
Volvo Stand Design Render – Onyx
Original exhibition stand design renders by Onyx Agency.
Onyx – Volvo Stand Design
Original exhibition stand design renders by Onyx Agency.
Build Plan – Grand Stand Events
Original exhibition stand design by Onyx Agency, adapted by Grand Stand Events for construction using the AMES frame system.
Onyx Agency Design Render
Original exhibition stand design renders by Onyx Agency.
The Build
Construction began well before bump-in.
We fabricated the custom reception counter, planter boxes, rear wall structures, product plinths and timber laminate finishes before the project moved to Sydney Showground for installation.
A raised timber-look floor defined the exhibition space, while the suspended circular Volvo banner established visibility across the hall. Behind the vehicles, a nine-metre floating LED wall became one of the stand’s defining features. Its engineered support structure was concealed within custom planter boxes, allowing the screen to appear suspended while maintaining a clean architectural finish.
Existing Volvo exhibition assets were incorporated where appropriate, helping maximise value while maintaining consistency across the stand.
Render to Reality
Volvo | Render Front View
Original exhibition stand design renders by Onyx Agency.
Volvo | Reality Front View
Front Corner View - Volvo Exhibition Stand | Bus Show 2026
Volvo | Render – Hospitality and Lounge View
Original exhibition stand design renders by Onyx Agency.
Volvo | Reality – Hospitality and Lounge View
LED Screen content captured and provided by Onyx Agency
The Visitor Experience
The stand was planned around the customer journey.
Visitors could explore the two Volvo coaches before moving naturally into the hospitality areas for meetings and conversations with the Volvo team. Comfortable seating, integrated digital content and generous open space encouraged people to spend time on the stand without feeling crowded.
The digital content was also a major part of the experience. Onyx Agency’s creative team travelled up the east coast of Australia filming content specifically for Volvo’s exhibition presence, creating the footage displayed across the stand’s LED screens and digital displays. This gave the visual content the same considered approach as the physical environment, helping connect the vehicles, brand and broader Volvo story across the stand.
The architecture remained understated throughout, giving the vehicles room to take centre stage while supporting the conversations happening around them.
The Result.
The finished stand was a direct reflection of the collaboration between Onyx Agency and Grand Stand Events.
Onyx Agency developed the creative vision and led the overall project management, while Grand Stand Events delivered the exhibition build. Close collaboration between both teams ensured the design intent was carried through every stage of the project, with quality fabrication, meticulous planning and precise execution bringing the concept to life.
Project Gallery
BRANDS WE’VE MADE STAND OUT
