07.24.21
By Lisa Major
Prior to 2020, experiential marketing was a staple in marketing strategies for many companies big and small. But then COVID sent the world into hiding, crippling the industry that depends on face-to-face interactions. After a devastating year, it’s very apparent that experiential marketing and live events are well on the road to recovery. In this week’s Happy Hour, we look at some promising new statistics regarding the current state of experiential marketing. We also feature fifteen unique experiential vending machines and discuss the essentials of a great event marketing plan.
“Nearly 90% of event marketers are now focused on in-person events.” ~Kait Shea, Event Marketer
Back in January, we presented eleven statistics regarding the future of experiential marketing in 2021, but so much has changed since then due to the vaccine rollout and restrictions being eliminated. With live events taking place and people gathering again, recent studies show that the industry is on track to make an epic comeback. Here, Event Marketer presents intriguing new data points that show what to expect for the remainder of the year.
“Here’s how brands like Target, Hyatt, Urban Decay and National Geographic have used vending machines to promote new products, distribute prizes, generate social media posts and more.” ~Claire Hoffman, BizBash
Photo: Urban Decay
Experiential marketing is all about creating unique and engaging consumer experiences. Experiences that deliver memorable moments and make an impression on audiences. One experiential tactic that has gained traction through the years (especially during COVID) is interactive vending machines. Typically paired with a team of brand ambassadors to facilitate the interaction, experiential vending machines offer consumers a fun and convenient way to receive free product samples. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most creative experiential vending machines and the brands behind them.
“. . . what continues to be at the core of experiential marketing is the need to prioritize human connection and bring people together, regardless of the where and how.” ~Dyan Cornacchio, Sparks
A lot has changed in the live events industry over the last year and a half. Event marketers had to create new ways to reach consumers during the pandemic in a locked-down, masked-up, and socially distant world. But as live experiences resume and things begin to look a little more “normal,” it’s very apparent that experiential works so well because of the fundamental foundation that the strategy is founded upon, and that’s human connection. As you make plans for upcoming campaigns, focus on these essentials to connect with your audience.
ATN’s Happy Hour delivers the latest and greatest news from the experiential and event marketing industry.
If you’re looking for an event staffing partner for your upcoming needs, we would love to chat! For almost two decades, ATN Event Staffing has provided top-notch brand ambassadors and stellar customer service for marketing agencies and brands.
