Designs that grace the exterior of GoTriangle buses and stunningly promote the 2029 FISU World University Games recently earned worldwide creative recognition of their own.
The designs, created by Cary’s Hummingbird Creative Group and displayed on two GoTriangle buses to help promote the Games, were honored with a 2025 Platinum Hermes Award as part of the Hermes Creative Awards international competition’s Pro Bono category. The designs feature an array of athletes under the theme, “Many Teams, One Dream.” Platinum represents the highest possible Hermes Award.
"It's an incredible honor for Hummingbird Creative Group to receive this prestigious international recognition for our work on the 2029 FISU World University Games bus wraps," said Wendy Coulter, CEO/President of Hummingbird Creative Group. "This award truly underscores the dedication and creative vision of our team in crafting branded environmental graphics that not only effectively promote this significant global event but also resonate with a universal message of athletic excellence for our state. We are immensely proud to contribute our creative talents to showcasing the energy and spirit of the 2029 Summer FISU World University Games and to partner with GoTriangle in bringing this excitement to the wider community."
Administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the Hermes Creative Awards is one of the most respected competitions in the creative industry. AMCP is an international organization comprised of thousands of professionals in marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production, and related disciplines. Winners were selected from more than 200 categories spanning advertising, publications, marketing, branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media, and pro bono work.
Hill Carrow, Chairman & CEO of the 2029 World University Games, lauded Hummingbird Creative Group, an Official Supporter of the 2029 Games; its owner, Wendy Coulter; and GoTriangle. “Wendy and the Hummingbird Team have been with us since relatively early-on in the five-year bid process it took for North Carolina to land the Games,” said Carrow. “Hummingbird is responsible for the design of the event logo, bid book, and marketing materials, in addition to the bus wraps, all of which have brought a highly attractive, professional brand to the 2029 World University Games. This drives awareness and revenues which are so critical to the success of the Games. As for GoTriangle, we cannot thank them enough for investing in this region-wide promotional effort and providing a larger-than-life canvas – the two buses – to showcase the award-winning Hummingbird designs.”
The 2029 World University Games, considered the “Olympics” for college and university athletes from around the world, will take place in the Triangle and surrounding region July 11-22, 2029, and will host more than 7,000 athletes and officials representing 150 countries. Events will take place at numerous venues across the Triangle and Triad areas. The 12-day event features competition in 18 Olympic sports and will be broadcast to as many as 300 million viewers worldwide.
“At GoTriangle, we literally connect people every day all across our region with safe and reliable transportation,” said Byron Smith, Acting President/CEO of GoTriangle. “These award-winning bus wrap designs illustrate that we also can connect with people on a global scale. We are excited to be a transportation partner for the 2029 FISU World University Games.”
