Pinewood.AI’s North American Debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center
NADA 2026 brought thousands of automotive industry professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and I was brought in to photograph Pinewood.AI for their official North American debut. As a Las Vegas corporate event photographer, trade show and conference work is a big part of what I do — but there was something especially charged about this one. Pinewood.AI was making their first real statement on this side of the world, and everything about the booth reflected that ambition. By the end of the show, the industry agreed — Pinewood.AI took home the NADA Show 2026 Best Large Island Booth Award, recognized for booth design, creativity, and branding. Walking in on day one, that didn’t surprise me at all.
A Booth Built to Win
At 5,000 square feet, Booth 7707N was one of the more substantial footprints on the show floor. Bright, open, and clean — the design felt airy and inviting rather than the typical heavy trade show aesthetic, which made it stand out in its own way. The branding was strong without being overwhelming, and the space drew people in naturally. For a company making its North American debut, the message was clear from every angle — Pinewood.AI wasn’t showing up quietly. One of the first things I noticed was how well the team presented — right down to their uniforms, which included a custom branded sneaker that was a really nice touch. It’s a small detail, but it signals that a company cares about every layer of how they show up, and it made for some great detail shots throughout the day. Early on I focused on wide establishing shots that captured the space in full context. As the hall filled up, the coverage shifted toward the people inside it.
The Gear and the Approach
I came in with my normal kit — two Nikon Z9 bodies paired with a 24-120 f4, 85 1.8, 135 1.8, and a 14-30 f4. I also had my Z6III with me, which I often bring to events with large LED walls since it handles that kind of light better than the Z9. This booth was running TVs rather than LED screens, so the Z9s carried most of the day — but having options always matters in an unpredictable environment. Trade show floors throw a mix of ambient hall light, stage lighting, and screen glow at you from every direction, and being able to adapt quickly is half the job.
Working Alongside a Video Team
I also worked alongside a separate video crew on this one, which is pretty common at this level of corporate event. When it works well — and it did here — it’s actually a lot of fun. The key is situational awareness. You’re both moving through the same space, working toward the same goal, and the last thing either of you wants is to wreck the other’s shot. With video especially, I’m always conscious of the fact that they may be rolling on a take that’s been building for thirty seconds — and me stepping into frame ruins it in a way a still photographer stepping in front of my lens simply doesn’t. Staying alert, reading the room, and communicating without making a production of it keeps everything moving smoothly for everyone.
The Client Made All the Difference
Honestly, one of the things that stood out most about this shoot was the Pinewood.AI team themselves. Kind, organized, and thoughtful about setting me up for success from the moment I arrived — despite it being our first time working together, they made me feel like part of the team. That kind of energy shows up in the work. When a client trusts you and the communication is easy, you move more freely and the images are better for it.
Las Vegas Corporate Event Photography for Trade Shows and Conferences
Shows like NADA move fast and don’t slow down for anyone. Knowing how to work a floor this size — when to hold a position, when to move, when something is about to happen — comes from more than twenty years of experience photographing corporate events in Las Vegas. That’s what I bring to every assignment like this one.
If you’re planning a trade show presence, conference, or branded activation in Las Vegas and need an experienced Las Vegas corporate event photographer, I’d love to hear about it. Get in touch here.
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