The Chesapeake Regional Tech Council (CRTC) propels the advancement of technologies in the Chesapeake region. TechAwards is one of the council's annual signature events that honors the region's rising tech companies, outstanding innovators and regional tech leaders, with the awards ceremony drawing close to 400 technology executives in the Annapolis–Washington–Baltimore triangle.

Working with the selection committee, Substance151 identified the theme: Vision 2032+ / 20 Years in Tech, which signifies both the past accomplishments (CRTC is celebrating 20 years in 2012) and future aspirations of the Chesapeake region’s tech community.

The event’s brand identity is based on the premise that when it comes to technology twenty years from now, it’s simply unimaginable – we can only speculate that it will be incredibly exciting, exceedingly forward-looking and innovative beyond what we can imagine today.

Substance151 chose to communicate the futuristic and exhilarating aspect of the theme through the use of color. The primary color palette consists of magenta, blue and lime, all of which are used interchangeably to create a rich design vocabulary. A sophisticated use of typography and geometric design elements creates a visual contrast between color and design.

To ensure maximum flexibility and to maintain design integrity when translating the new identity across a multitude of applications involved in producing a large-scale event, the design system encourages a playful use of all 3 primary colors and other design elements for a more fluid, exciting and unexpected brand experience.