Hamilton took top honors at the first-annual ExSys Awards, presented by The Experiential Design Authority on July 29th in Chicago, receiving the competition’s top recognition: Exhibit of the Year. The ExSys Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in system-based exhibit design and execution, with an esteemed panel of judges evaluating entries based on creativity, functionality, and impact.
Selected as the top-scoring entry among more than 130 submissions from across the United States, Europe, and Australia, Hamilton’s 90-by-150-foot exhibit for Zimmer Biomet earned both the Gold ExSys Award for Best Large Island Exhibit and the coveted 2025 Exhibit of the Year Award.
The exhibit utilized Aluvision, BeMatrix, Agam, and Highmark systems to create an immersive environment. Anchored by a striking glass-enclosed Intelligent Operating Room, the space featured synchronized LED content, interactive demo labs, and bold architectural elements designed to reflect Zimmer Biomet’s cutting-edge technologies. Judges praised the exhibit as “brilliantly beautiful,” “futuristic,” and “a dynamic expression of innovation.”
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible collaboration between our team at Hamilton and the team at Zimmer Biomet,” said Josh Frisbie, VP – Creative at Hamilton. “From concept through execution, our shared vision was to create a bold, immersive environment that not only showcased Zimmer Biomet’s innovations, but also delivered a meaningful and memorable experience for every visitor. We’re honored to have that work celebrated on an international stage.”
In addition, Hamilton was also recognized for emerging talent. Olivia Bakke, a Designer at Hamilton and a 2025 graduate of Bemidji State University, received the Bronze ExSys Award for Best Student Design, further reinforcing Hamilton’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of design excellence. 
About Hamilton
Hamilton is a full-service experiential and event marketing agency with a 75-year legacy creating immersive brand experiences for companies worldwide. We design, produce, and execute integrated experiences – exhibits, events, environments, and digital solutions – that drive meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.