Unveiled at EMS in Las Vegas, the floating video gives guests a pocket-sized, branded illusion
At this year’s Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, Smash Booth introduced a new kind of branded moment—one that floats in mid-air and fits in your pocket. HoloGlam, the company’s latest activation, blends event video capture with a hologram-style display that guests can view on their own phone—no headset, app, or setup required.
For Smash Booth, the launch builds on more than a decade of work in photo-forward activations. Founded in 2013 by Jason Whaley, the Las Vegas-based company has steadily evolved from a local photo booth rental service into a full-service partner for brand activations, product launches, and high-traffic events.
“We’re always looking for new ways to engage people—not just visually, but physically,” he told Exhibit City News. “With HoloGlam, we saw an opportunity to take something familiar like a video booth and present it in a way that actually makes people stop and talk.”
From Event Prompt to Product Rollout
The idea started with a client looking for futuristic event elements. Whaley was reminded of Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion technique used in theatrical settings, and started experimenting with how it could be applied to personal video content. Within 10 days, the team had a working prototype.
The system works by capturing a short video, reformatting it into a mirrored four-angle layout, and sending it to the guest’s phone. The guest then places a clear acrylic prism over the screen, where the video appears to float inside the pyramid—no app or download needed.
While the illusion itself is old-school, the execution was built with modern events in mind: quick turnaround, scalable output, and ease of use in a busy environment.
A Company Known for Custom
Smash Booth may be best known locally for its upscale wedding and social event booths, but in recent years it has become a familiar name on larger tradeshow floors and corporate activations. The company offers a range of setups—from 360° video platforms to green screen and glam-style captures—with a heavy focus on custom branding and guest experience.
Smash Booth works with both destination planners and national brand clients, offering backend booking tools and onsite support designed to fit a variety of event formats. The team focuses on combining high-quality visuals with event-day reliability.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in events,” says Whaley. “So, we build systems that are flexible. We want to be able to support a wedding at Red Rock on Saturday and then turn around and work a major product launch on Monday.”
Built in Las Vegas, Shaped by the Industry
Being based in Las Vegas gives Smash Booth a front-row seat to evolving trends in live experience. The company’s close connection with the local event community is evident—not only through its long list of venue and vendor partners, but through its community involvement. Whaley currently serves as Vice President of the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce and regularly contributes services to charity events and local fundraisers.
The team’s passion for the industry is baked into their process—from first client contact through post-event delivery. That same mindset fueled the design of HoloGlam.
“We weren’t just trying to make something that looked cool,” Whaley explains. “It had to work in real-world conditions—on carpet, in low light, with crowds, with questions. If someone doesn’t need instructions to use it, we’ve done our job.”
Looking Ahead
Now available for activations starting in June, HoloGlam is already getting attention from tech and consumer brands looking for ways to boost post-event engagement. Whaley says the activation’s strength is in how simple it feels to guests while offering a fresh take on branded takeaway.
“It’s still about storytelling,” he says. “But this time, you’re giving someone a version of their own story—and a way to show it to someone else.”
