CORDIAL at ShopTalk 2025

At ShopTalk 2025, Cordial set out to disrupt the trade show norm and reintroduce their brand through experience, not explanation. Instead of a standard exhibit, Cordial partnered with ASTOUND to create a completely immersive, brand-owned world—one that invited attendees to explore, linger, and connect in a way that reflected the company’s ethos: personalized, meaningful, human.

Cordial needed to break through the noise of a high-traffic show and stand out in a sea of traditional booths. Their goal was not just visibility, but memorability—building deeper emotional resonance with their target audience of marketers, tech decision-makers, and commerce leaders. The challenge was to tell Cordial’s story in a way that felt authentic, unexpected, and personal—while delivering measurable engagement and lead performance.

ASTOUND designed and built the Cordial Bodega: a hyper-branded, immersive experience disguised as a neighborhood corner store. Quirky, warm, and layered with detail, the space was designed to feel lived-in and real. From custom signage and packaging to embedded storytelling and product moments, every touchpoint was a metaphor for Cordial’s ability to deliver personalized connections at scale.

Visitors explored the space at their own pace—uncovering Easter eggs, engaging with Cordial’s platform narratives, and participating in casual yet meaningful conversations with the Cordial team. The design followed ASTOUND’s “Transport. Transcend. Track.” framework: transporting guests into a new world, transcending expectations with narrative depth, and tracking impact through dwell time and lead behavior.

The Cordial Bodega redefined what a booth could be. Visitors didn’t just pass through—they stayed.

• 50% longer dwell time than show averages
• Significant lift in lead volume (52% increase from previous year)
• Audience engagement with many attendees staying 15–60+ minutes
• High brand recall, with post-show conversations referencing the Bodega as a standout experience

More than a themed installation, the Bodega served as a strategic storytelling platform—demonstrating Cordial’s core value of delivering humanized, emotionally intelligent marketing through a physical expression that was surprising, delightful, and deeply memorable.