INVNT EMEA worked with Hitachi Vantara to evolve its brand presence at NVIDIA GTC 2025 in San Jose, California and create a lasting impact, showcasing the importance of true collaboration between client and agency. We get the lowdown…
Background
When long-term client, Hitachi Vantara, came to INVNT with a brief for NVIDIA GTC 2025, it was clear they weren’t just after visibility, they wanted to make a real mark. This wasn’t about ticking boxes; it was about showing up with purpose and creating something that would stick. Their ambition was to position themselves not only as a tech innovator, but as a cultural voice right at the centre of the global AI conversation.
So, they turned to INVNT to help bring that to life, an experience rooted in hospitality, storytelling, and meaning. INVNT worked with the client to create two distinct yet connected activations: a lively Workstation Café anchoring the newly reimagined “GTC Park,” and an intimate, high impact thought leadership event in partnership with The Female Quotient.
“What made this collaboration work so well was the trust and openness we’ve built over the years. Hitachi came to the table with bold ideas and a strong sense of mission; we brought strategic direction, creative energy, and the flexibility to shape things as we went,” said Claudia Stephenson, managing director, EMEA at INVNT.
Evolving the brief together
The original brief from Hitachi outlined a desire to break convention. The company wanted a lead-generating experience that felt more human and immersive than a standard trade show booth. It also aimed to highlight its leadership in diversity and inclusion, especially the role of women in tech.
Hitachi’s initial concept involved a café-style space for casual interaction and conversation. INVNT encouraged pushing this further by proposing that Hitachi approach the City of San Jose and NVIDIA with an idea that would extend beyond its own footprint. That suggestion led to the “GTC Park” concept: an outdoor, community-centric activation that was ultimately embraced by NVIDIA and embedded into the event itself.
The result was a genuine co-creation; Hitachi envisioned the café, INVNT helped frame it within a broader narrative and advised on how the activation could serve both brand visibility and delegate engagement at scale. As a result, what started as a booth became a central gathering point for the entire conference.
Creative solution
At the centre of GTC Park stood the Hitachi Workstation & Café, this took the form of a shaded, open-air space serving locally sourced coffee and featuring the interactive “Data Chaos to Clarity” game. Attendees were invited to relax, connect with subject matter experts, and engage with Hitachi’s brand in a casual yet purposeful setting.
Weather challenges emerged days before the show with heavy rain and mud compromising the initial location. INVNT proposed a rapid pivot: relocating to an astroturfed space that offered better visibility and access. In response, branded ping pong tables were also added; a creative adjustment that introduced moments of levity and organically drew in foot traffic.
Meanwhile, the Female Quotient event provided an executive-level evening focused on equity in technology. It featured a panel conversation with Hitachi CEO Sheila Rohra, Shelley Zalis, and Anousheh Ansari. The session drew more than 200 attendees, including a high proportion of senior leaders, and drove meaningful dialogue around innovation through inclusion.
Impact & ROI
The dual activations exceeded expectations across both commercial and reputational KPIs:
- 904 booth scans and 17 high-priority meetings demonstrated quality engagement.
- 62 digital passport completions reflected strong interaction with the gamified content.
- Hitachi’s name was mentioned by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang during the keynote, underscoring visibility.
- On social media, the campaign reached over 85,000 views with a 3% engagement rate.
The Female Quotient event cemented Hitachi’s positioning as a leader in inclusive innovation, amplifying its message both internally and externally. It also served as a catalyst for internal alignment, bringing together marketing, sales, leadership, and delivery teams under a shared purpose.
“From the moment we set foot on-site, it was crystal clear how much thought and effort INVNT poured into every single detail. The Workstation Café was an absolute triumph — it was buzzing with energy and made such an incredible impact. The Female Quotient event was inspiring, beautifully executed, and truly showcased our commitment to inclusion and female leadership, said David Kolundzija, head of global events at Hitachi Vantara.
“INVNT’s leadership and teamwork made every aspect of Hitachi Vantara’s presence seamless and polished, from branding to supplier coordination and communication with NVIDIA, to all the extra magic INVNT sprinkles on-site. INVNT is not just an agency — but a true partner, and the best in the world at what they do.”
Strategic legacy
Beyond the metrics, the activations marked a shift in how Hitachi approaches brand storytelling. The company was no longer just a participant in a tech conference, it helped shape its structure, tone, and cultural relevance. By aligning commercial goals with social impact, Hitachi set a precedent for purpose-led experiential marketing.
From sustainability efforts, such as the modular booth design and digital gamification, to inclusive programming and community engagement, the brand left a lasting impression on attendees and partners alike.
Stephenson said the event showcases the power and importance of collaboration between client and agency. “While it’s essential to respect and reflect our clients’ briefs and goals, it’s equally important to remember that they rely on us for our expertise and experience. The best outcomes are born when creative minds come together early in the process through listening, challenging, and co-creating.
“Being part of that developmental journey means more than just delivering, it means building on ideas, recommending solutions, and creating impact that is both measurable and meaningful. Success isn’t just in numbers, but in the legacy an experience leaves behind.”