Turning Heads at AAD 2026: A 5’3” Oversized Vaseline Prop, Reimagined in 3D
- ANTHONY
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
When brands want to stand out on a crowded trade show floor, scale and craftsmanship make all the difference. At the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting, that’s exactly what happened with a 5’3” oversized Vaseline prop—a striking centerpiece designed to stop attendees in their tracks and spark social buzz.
This standout installation was brought to life through a collaboration between Capture It In 3D and A Stein Productions, combining advanced fabrication with meticulous hand-finishing to deliver a truly unforgettable display.
From Concept to Show Floor
The vision was simple: take an everyday product and elevate it into a larger-than-life visual experience. The execution, however, required precision, speed, and creativity.
Using large-scale 3D printing, our team at Capture It In 3D fabricated the full structure of the prop, ensuring it maintained accurate proportions while being lightweight enough for transport and installation. The ability to rapidly produce complex geometry allowed us to move from concept to physical build in a fraction of the time required by traditional fabrication methods.
The Finish: Where Craft Meets Detail
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Once printed, the piece underwent a full finishing process to achieve a premium, high-impact look:
Professional painting to create a smooth, brand-accurate base
Hand-applied 15mm gemstones to give the prop its signature sparkle
Careful detailing to ensure consistency, durability, and visual impact under event lighting
The bedazzled finish transformed the prop from impressive to unmissable, catching light from every angle and drawing attendees in from across the show floor.
Built for Engagement
At events like AAD, success isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about interaction and shareability. The oversized Vaseline prop quickly became a focal point for:
Attendee photos and social content
Brand engagement on the show floor
Increased foot traffic and booth visibility
The result? The piece didn’t just attract attention—it extended its reach beyond the event, being featured on Vaseline’s social media, amplifying visibility and reinforcing the impact of the installation.
The Power of Collaboration
Projects like this don’t happen in isolation. Partnering with A Stein Productions allowed for seamless coordination between creative direction, fabrication, and final presentation. This collaboration ensured the prop not only looked incredible but also aligned perfectly with the brand’s vision and event goals.
Why 3D Printing for Event Fabrication?
This project is a perfect example of how 3D printing is reshaping experiential marketing and fabrication:
Speed: Rapid production timelines without sacrificing quality
Scale: Ability to create oversized, complex structures
Customization: Tailored designs that match brand identity exactly
Efficiency: Reduced need for traditional tooling and multi-step fabrication
Let’s Build Something That Gets Noticed
At Capture It In 3D, we specialize in turning bold ideas into physical experiences—fast. Whether it’s oversized props, branded installations, or custom fabrication, we help brands create moments that people remember (and share).
Have a project in mind? Let’s make it larger than life.
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