Airbnb

Airbnb Open LA 2016 — Festival of Hosting

Airbnb Open LA wasn’t just a conference—it was Airbnb’s transformation of the hosting community into a full-blown festival. From November 17-19, 2016, thousands of hosts (over 8,000) from more than 100 countries converged in downtown Los Angeles—not only to learn, but to celebrate culture, art, food, and connection. igloohome+2PCMA+2 Keynotes featured luminaries such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Brian Grazer, Ashton Kutcher, and Elizabeth Gilbert, plus Airbnb leadership unveiling new platform expansions like Trips & Experiences and Places. Airbnb Newsroom+2igloohome+2

The modular container design allowed for dynamic photo moments, pop-ups, and partner content, seamlessly integrated with the broader festival programming. This included “Airbnb Open Spotlight,” which featured concerts by Maroon 5, local DJs, art & theatre performances, a curated marketplace of small, artisan businesses, and public screenings like La La Land. Airbnb Newsroom+2Airbnb Newsroom+2

By blending immersive architecture with civic energy, local culture, and high-level content, the activation became not just a function of exhibition, but a locus for connection. It elevated Airbnb’s community programming, gave partner brands a premium platform within a festival environment, and generated major visibility through media outlets and participant storytelling.

Working with Authentic Agency, I led the Pinnacle Exhibits team in deploying 15 custom shipping containers configured in a two-story, U-shaped pavilion that became a central gathering and brand storytelling hub. Each 8′ x 40′ container was customized for partners to share their stories and activations. A sweeping canopy created a sheltered lounge beneath with sweeping views of the LA skyline, while the second story provided VIP vantage points overlooking the concert stage across the lot. Accessibility was a priority—an elevator and ramps ensured ADA-compliance.