Behind the Scenes of Pepsi’s Pop-Up Booth with Allied Global Marketing
When Allied Global Marketing needed something bold, fun, and unforgettable to bring Pepsi’s Crack the Cooler campaign to life, they came to MAD Colour – The go-to team for creative, production, and installation, all under one roof.
The result? A striking, interactive booth that toured Ireland, capturing the campaign’s cool energy at every stop.
The Challenge: Bring the Cooler to Life
Allied Global Marketing brought us an exciting challenge: to create a fully branded, eye-catching booth that would spark curiosity, engage the public, and showcase Pepsi’s Crack the Cooler campaign in multiple outdoor locations – and MAD didn’t freeze under pressure!
So, what is Crack the Cooler all about? Think prizes, energy, and instant engagement. The public scans a QR code or visits the website to win exclusive Pepsi goodies! From branded hoodies, skateboards, tote bags, and even a PS5!
With 585 prizes up for grabs, the booth needed to bring that same level of excitement to every street it popped up on.
A Booth That Pops (Up)
This wasn’t your average pop-up.
Our team designed the booth in Vectorworks (our 3D design tool of choice) and brought it to life visually using Artlantis renders to ensure the design seamlessly matched Pepsi’s campaign aesthetic.
Once the concept was locked in, our in-house crew got to work building it. The structure was built from custom-cut Rexframe — a lightweight, durable modular system ideal for mobile activations.
To elevate the design, we added clear acrylic walls, some printed with a matte perforated metal effect. Creating a sleek, modern finish that offered a subtle peek inside.
At the heart of the booth was a circular, backlit Pepsi sign made from opal acrylic, complete with vinyl branding above the screen. Every detail, from vinyl application to lighting, was handled by our expert in-house crew.
Stepping Inside: Lights, Prizes, Action
The inside of the booth was just as exciting. We used LED lighting to create atmosphere, including a glowing ring light on the back wall to spotlight the merch. A custom fabric wall with pulsing lights added a vibrant, moving glow that brought the booth to life.
Built to Withstand the Street (and the Weather)
To handle all kinds of outdoor conditions, we built the booth on a 90mm raised base. That gave us a level surface, no matter where it landed, from grassy parks to city pavements, and let us neatly embed a touchscreen right into the floor. It stayed dry and trip-free because, let’s be honest, the only thing we want people falling for is the merch!
To prepare for the unpredictability of Irish weather, we added a PVC roof skin to give the booth some shower resistance. For the prize display, we used 10mm clear acrylic shelves, creating a clean, modern look with a cool “ice cube” vibe.
Powered by Sunshine
To keep the lights on and the screen glowing, we installed a portable power station cleverly tucked beneath the PS5 display. Even better, it included solar panels, so the booth could run off-grid with no power hook-up needed. It’s flexible, eco-conscious, and perfect for busy streets or pop-up spots without electricity.
Everything was built with purpose — fun, functional, and 100% on brand.
A Digital Experience That Delivered
Big shoutout to digital agency Lightscape, who brought the screen content and gameplay to life with slick, interactive design. The public couldn’t get enough, the booth never froze, except for the moments when people stood frozen in anticipation, waiting to see if they were one of the lucky winners!
Pepsi’s Response
The feedback from Pepsi was overwhelmingly positive. They were bowled over by the execution and have already expressed interest in rolling out the booth concept across the UK, including at high-profile events like UEFA games. It’s a testament to the power of collaborative creativity, smart design, and technical precision.
It Worked: The MAD Advantage
At MAD Colour, we handle everything, from sketch to setup, ensuring creativity, consistency, and speed. Our team of designers, builders, print pros, and tech experts work together to deliver bold results on time.
Got a cool idea? We turn bold ideas into even bolder results. Let’s get started!
