Top experiential marketing trends for 2018

Authentic engagement happens when companies pinpoint where their brand intersects with popular trends. Top experiential marketing agencies know timeliness is the key to getting it right. Not to worry: we’ve already done the legwork for you. Here’s a sneak peek at the must-have marketing event trends for 2018.

Experiential marketing is at its best when your brand intersects with what consumers really crave.Trends come and go but when brands tap into what’s real and relevant right now, consumers show up. Authentic engagement happens when companies pinpoint where their brand intersects with popular trends.

Here’s a sneak peek at the must-have marketing event trends for 2018:

1. BE REAL. Brand transparency, honesty and facts are more important than ever. With fake news running rampant, make sure your brand delivers on its promises. Instead of telling consumers about your brand promise, show them.
2. BE UNREAL. Discover which trend will probably be in the marketing place, pair AR and VR with an influencer-curated experience to drive amplification and generate big results.
3. TAKE OVER. Brands are transforming everyday spaces (think: gas stations, restrooms, diners and hotel lobbies) to create immersive experiences. The goal is to invade fast with strong visual elements to surprise and delight consumers.
4. GIVE MORE. Consumers want to give back. Make use of apps to easily spread feel-good vibes. Make giving a part of your experiential marketing engagement to remind consumers that your brand does great things.
5. THINK RETRO. There’s a reason the Nike Cortez shoe is flying off the shelves and consumers can’t get enough of Stranger Things. The nostalgia market is hot. Pick an era and incorporate a throwback theme into your event experience to increase novelty and engagement.
6. TAP INFLUENCERS. Give influencers ownership of product design, service or consumer experience. You’ll drive greater buy-in and gain access to their loyal followers.
7. TREATYOSELF. Self-care is on the rise, and health, fitness, relaxation and nutrition are more powerful than ever. Show consumers how your brand takes care of them by offering custom wellness services as part of your on-site experience.
8. MAKE IT MINE. Personalization is everything. Consumers demand products and services exactly how they want it—and they don’t want to wait. Offer customization as a key ingredient to your marketing engagement strategy.
9. BRING IT TO LIFE. The selfie, video, gif-creator craze isn’t slowing down. Consumers are prioritizing experiences over material items — and they want to share good moments. Create insta-worthy scenes and that would be lining up to promote your brand.
10. DOWNSIZE. Less is more. Simplicity is everything. They’re icons of the minimalist trend and consumers love simplicity is everything.

Consumers expect more than ever. The best experiential marketing agencies meet them where they live, work and play. Brands that get it right will be rewarded with genuine brand advocacy.