Event Branding & Merchandise Design for Sports Card Investor
Overview
Sports Card Investor (SCI) is not just a digital brand—it’s a physical presence in the sports card collecting world. With activations at 3-5 major trade shows per year, plus the National Sports Collectors Convention, SCI needed event branding that would stand out in an industry filled with competition. SCI also host's a Virtual Holiday Card Show and Trade Nights which bring collectors together in new and exciting ways.
As the lead designer for SCI’s event branding, I’ve helped transform SCI’s live presence by designing immersive booths, signage, and merchandise that make the company instantly recognizable at every event. These efforts have helped increase Market Movers subscriptions, boost brand recognition, and turn SCI from a content platform into a fully immersive brand experience.
The Challenge: Making SCI Stand Out at Live Events
Before I took on SCI’s event branding, the company had an active presence at shows but lacked a unified, polished visual identity for live events.
They needed designs that would:
They needed designs that would:
• Attract attention in busy convention halls
• Turn casual visitors into subscribers and brand loyalists
• Turn casual visitors into subscribers and brand loyalists
• Create a professional and consistent brand image across multiple activations
The Solution: High-Impact Event Branding & Merchandise
Expansive, Custom Event Booths
I design booths for major trade shows, including the largest card event of the year—The National. SCI’s booth is among the most expansive and eye-catching at these shows, helping it stand apart from competitors.
Branding Elements I Designed:
• Large-scale booths with engaging, high-energy visuals
• Step & repeat banners for photos and press events
• Stage graphics for live discussions and interviews
• Table cloths, posters, and fliers that reinforce SCI’s identity
Branded Merchandise That Drives Engagement
Beyond booth visuals, I designed a variety of merchandise and giveaway items that keep SCI top of mind for attendees long after the event ends.
Popular Items I Designed:
Stickers and collectibles: The Card Kids repacks and sticker giveaways consistently draw large crowds.
T-shirts and apparel: Branded SCI gear helps turn attendees into walking billboards for the company.
Custom packaging: I’ve designed packaging for giveaway items, enhancing the experience and making each piece feel premium.
Virtual Holiday Card Show: Bringing Live Events to a Digital Audience
Not all of SCI’s events are in-person. I also created graphics for the Virtual Holiday Card Show, ensuring a seamless, on-brand experience for online attendees.
This included:
• The art direction for the show
• Any Digital marketing materials
This included:
• The art direction for the show
• Any Digital marketing materials
• Live stream overlays and branding
• Graphics for dealer promotions and interactive sessions
The Impact: Turning Events into Growth Opportunities
Stronger brand recognition: SCI’s event presence is now instantly recognizable at shows, helping the company stand out in a the hobby.
Increased Market Movers subscriptions: Live events serve as a major funnel for new subscribers—engaging attendees and converting them into paying customers.
Larger booth crowds and higher engagement: Attendees flock to SCI’s activations thanks to high-quality booth design and exclusive merchandise giveaways.
