NOMA at Black Hat USA 2026: Making AI Security Feel Playful, Physical and Easy to Enter

NOMA’s booth was one of those spaces that made sense before you read a single line of copy. The oversized gnome character, rows of colorful smaller figures and bright red-blue-white framing gave the booth a personality immediately. For an AI security brand, that was a useful contrast: the subject is technical, but the experience felt approachable.

The character did more than decorate the booth

The large gnome became the visual anchor, but the idea was repeated throughout the space rather than left as one isolated prop. Smaller figures filled the illuminated display tower, and the same playful language carried into the interactive stations.

NOMA booth detail at Black Hat USA 2026

The illuminated frame organized an open layout

Red, blue and white lines wrapped around the main display area and gave the booth a clear boundary without using solid walls. That kept the exhibit visually structured while still letting people see into the hospitality and activity areas from the aisle.

The games gave people an easy reason to participate

The Whack-a-Gnome stations turned the brand character into a physical interaction. Not every visitor wants to begin with a product demo. A simple game gives people a low-pressure way to enter the space, then the conversation can develop naturally.

Hospitality kept the booth from feeling like an arcade

The service counter, shelves and organized product presentation balanced the playful elements. The booth still felt like a professional exhibit, just one with a more human and memorable entry point.

What stayed with us after the project

The part we remember is not one isolated feature, but how the booth behaved on the show floor. It had a clear idea, people could understand it quickly, and the design gave visitors a reason to step closer. That is usually the difference between a booth that photographs well and a booth that actually works during a live event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Black Hat USA 2026 held?

Black Hat USA 2026 was held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from August 1–6, 2026.

What made NOMA’s booth memorable?

The oversized gnome character, colorful display tower, illuminated red-blue-white frame and interactive Whack-a-Gnome games created a distinctive visual identity.

Why use a game in a cybersecurity booth?

A simple physical game gives attendees an easy way to stop and interact before beginning a more technical product conversation.

How did the booth stay professional while using playful elements?

The games and character were contained within a clean architectural frame, with organized merchandise and hospitality areas keeping the overall presentation structured.

Can ET EXPO design interactive trade show booths in Las Vegas?

Yes. ET EXPO designs and builds interactive Las Vegas trade show exhibits with games, digital screens, product displays, hospitality and custom branded structures.

Planning a Black Hat booth in Las Vegas?

ET EXPO designs and builds trade show exhibits for Las Vegas events, including technology and cybersecurity shows. We can plan the booth around demos, product display, hospitality, storage, lighting, branding and the way visitors actually move through the space.