How to Boost Your Brand by Hosting Themed Proprietary Events

Sponsoring events has long been a staple of marketing, but it may be a good idea for your company to take that concept further than just putting its sign on someone else's attraction. The most impactful way to do this is to host the entire event so that it's all yours. Not only does this give you unlimited ad placements, it allows you to engineer the entire experience for both the participants and the audience. This type of extravaganza is known as a proprietary event.

Companies that have done well with these events have learned to focus on a few powerful goals that will help their brands and marketing efforts. Here are two of the top effects that your own events should seek to achieve:

Authenticity

When you host a proprietary event, you have total control over the experience. Use it to project a feeling that is authentic in light of your existing brand image. A good example has been set by beer company Corona, which typically advertises using beach imagery. At their event, they included underwater photos as an attraction. They also used several themes that fit beer in general, such as parties and music, to associate their brand with fun. Corona's proprietary events are tied in with larger EDM festivals, which gives them an easy way to bring an audience over to their areas.

A Connection with Attendees and Participants

Proprietary events are the perfect vehicles for providing a fully-immersive experience that will form a bond with those who partake. Such an effect was achieved by energy bar maker CLIF Bar, which recently held events involving costumed teams of four who raced through an obstacle course. Seventy-five teams partook in the challenge, while 8,300 spectators looked on. This themed event was perfect for the company since it established a connection not only with fans, but with its own image as a brand for physically-active people.

Other Opportunities to Consider

As the host of an event, your company has the chance to bring in appropriate sponsors of its own. For example, when CLIF hosts events, it often allows local companies like bicycle shops to join in on the fun.

Done correctly, allowing smaller companies to get in on the show will simply further your theme and help cement your own brand's position in the market. Of course, sponsors also help to defray the costs of hosting the event.

If you're looking for a Miami venue for a proprietary event, contact us here at Soho Studios. We have up to 70,000 square feet of configurable space for your new extravaganza.

How L’Oréal Paris Keeps it Fresh with Consumers

L’Oréal Paris might be a beauty brand, but it has some DIY chops, too. In celebration of its newest product lines, the brand hosted a “Galentine’s Day” party in New York’s West Edge. February 13, the event’s day, was an unofficial holiday for L’Oréal Paris, featured on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Centered on events for women, the faux holiday was powered by L’Oréal Paris spokeswoman, Blake Lively. High-fashion décor, activities and music were had, as well as Valentine’s Day card creation.

Design Elements and the Art of DIY

The event catered to jewelry-lovers, too. Attendees could have their necklaces engraved, check out new fashion options and compare styles. Cookie decoration highlighted the event’s sweet tooth touch, and a variety of celeb-hosted introductions brought the average consumer’s vision to life.

There were about 15 DIY stations. Guests could listen to DJ Vashtie songs, get their feet wet with crafts and check out classic clips gathered from a variety of memorable movies and television shows. All products on display, of course, were up for grabs. The combination of practical DIY and digital is a good one, and L’Oréal Paris decision makers took on several beauty influencers who snapped, posted and shared photos.

Explore, Discover and Share

The event’s mantra was “explore, discover and share.” Non-traditional lighting, instrumentation and DIY stands certainly turned the age-old event participation approach on its head. Guests were urged to snap their best creations, creating environments capable of reaching high visibility on social media. Aside from L’Oréal Paris’s influencers, the event received attendance from a 300-plus crowd. V.I.P. members, of course, came out to play. L’Oréal Paris president, Tim Coolican, was one such memorable face. Other notable figures, like actress Robyn Lively, similarly attended.

Product Launches and Crafts

The arts-and-crafts area was covered by a lush, floral canopy. The area was outfitted by Tinsel & Twine and Agency, empowering the creativity of attendees. DIY card-making may not seem like a profitable event investment at first, but the event’s station packed plenty of embellishments capable of packing in personalized touches. Paper Fashion’s Katie Rodgers, meanwhile, offered highly customized guest illustrations. At every level, the event was attendee-centric.

When you combine Polaroid cameras, quirky props and several impromptu photo shoots, you’re set up for success. Take note: L’Oréal Paris has quickly become one of this year’s most notable DIY pop-up event providers, mostly due to their consumer dedication. In the world of event marketing, few brands get it better.

What's Next: Super Bowl for Cars?

A Food and Drink Extravaganza

Enlisting the help of Chef Ramsay, Nascar has created an eight-hour eating event which gives eventgoers a taste of everything meat. Pork butt and party-ready sliders are only two inclusions. Already, Fox has altered the presentation to glorify local affiliates alongside delectable displays.

Fox’s plan for the Daytona Day promotional blitz is to present six recipes, a pit-stop cocktail entry and—of course—more food. Sweet potato tater tots, chocolate cake and bourbon are main entries. The booze front, itself, is highlighting the culinary-competition series. Nascar’s dedication to food isn’t necessarily unique, but it sets it up to reach new heights as an entertainment provider.

Nascar as the New Super Bowl

The intention, here, is to replicate a Super Bowl Sunday experience. The Daytona race might seem out of reach to those not following Nascar, but it’s a surprisingly stable location for top-10 America events. Fox is expecting its ratings to spike on Sunday, if only by visibility alone. The Daytona Day campaign has already kicked off, and Fox has already introduced its audiences with a customized “Simpsons” theme crafted to tease upcoming festivities.

Fox has a lot of resources, and its massive off-air marketing campaigns are likely to make a big splash. Race-day promotions via UberEats, for one, will benefit this effort. Sunday’s meal-delivery services will similarly boost the Daytona Day parties. Hardcore Nascar fans can expect a lot of attention on in-depth brand representation. Comcast Xfinity, too, will be present—sponsoring Nascar’s minor league circuit. The Daytona 500 can easily be “eventized,” as its leaders say, and it’s a perfect marketing opportunity. Eventgoers needn’t understand race intricacies, either, to have a good time.

Both die-hard and casual fans alike will be at Daytona Day, celebrating Nascar with food, drinks and parties. The floor is open for affiliate marketing success, too, which will only boost the event’s visibility. On the bottom level, however, Nascar already benefits from a great deal of popularity.

How to Spice Up that Boring Sales Luncheon

Business luncheons are great ways to attract customers, recognize existing ones and make your brand a hit. Sometimes, however, run-of-the-mill luncheons can become boring. It isn’t every day a business owner attracts new customers with great possibilities, and it isn’t every day a lunch proposal is dished out with an awesome event tie-in. Spice up the age-old luncheon, and tie in these awesome ideas:

One: Get High-Grade with Luxury Cars

Sales luncheons, kick-off dining dates and food-centric events pair well with luxury cars. You can promote your brand alongside, leading models, using videos, posters and racing wear to represent your business’s finer aspects. You can even use a car dealership to represent your event, getting down to the nitty gritty, car-wise, with test drives and enthusiast discussions.

Two: Make a Survival Game

Survival-based media is in. If you’re a fitness brand, an outdoor-centric provider or a booming business involved in lifestyle marketing, a survival game can greatly impact your customers. Design strategies to fit your customers, and help them uncover hidden business opportunities via desert, urban and park-based survival games.

Three: Take it to the Food Factory

If you want to add a unique angle, try bringing your luncheon-goers to a food factory. Consider chocolate factories, breweries, gourmet food factories and similar locations. By showing an appreciation for the industrial process, you’ll get your points across easier. You’ll also stick out as one of the more interesting luncheon’s your potential buyers have had. Unique experiences are bred by unique locations, and your entrees, appetizers, and desserts needn’t be confined to a restaurant.

Four: Let Them Build

No, you won’t sacrifice entertainment and food for hard work, but a little creative building goes a long way. Imbue your event with a construction theme, a puzzle theme or an artistic theme. Then, offer events to help build constructive team relationships. As for the food, it is a luncheon. Make sure you prioritize the food, because it still holds prevalence over venues housing dramatic architectural designs.

Five: Give a Blast from the Past

Sometimes, your business’s old CEOs should have a seat in current sales luncheons. Provide a reunion, and invite old employees, managers and business impactors. If your potential buyers are in the B2B realm, consider inviting old industry impactors, social leaders or cross-market representatives. The more the merrier, right?

Your business luncheon can be action-packed, enticing, mysterious and even memorable. Studies show surrounding events impact one’s perception of food taste. If you can outfit your event’s every aspect, you’ll impress the guests. You’ll give them a reason to come back for more.

The Pop-Tarts Pop-Up Café Gets Experimental

In New York, Pop-Tarts has gotten adventurous. Kellogg’s is offering unique flavor taste tests in one of the more interesting pop-up stands we’ve seen. The menu isn’t your typical assortment of pastry options, as it’s an assortment of high-tart tacos, Pop-Tart pizza and chili Pop-Tart fries. For a drink, visitors can sample the Pop-Tart milkshake—blended from the pastry. Times Square has always been an area conducive to exploration. Now, it’s an area of opportunity for Kellogg’s.

The Times Square Cereal Bar

The Pop-Tarts Café arose last Tuesday. It’s acquired the brand’s Time Square cereal bar space, taking advantage of the Times Square traffic and adventurous New York pedestrians. The Kellogg’s creative menu aimed to reinvent the way consumers eat Pop-Tarts, mixing, mashing and combining a variety of flavors to create new experiences.

Why? Kellogg’s felt its brand required a new, finer attention to detail. It wasn’t necessarily about branding new tastes, it was about presenting a new method of consumption. In an effort to connect with consumers, promote the pastries and revamp the age-old “breakfast snack,” Kellogg’s has turned Pop-Tarts into an any-time-of-day meal. Birthday Fiesta Nachos and Chili Pop-Tart Fries, in particular, made appearances as the brand’s go-to, around-the-clock meal options.

Other Locations

You guessed it: Time Square wasn’t the only Pop-Tarts Café location. Taste-goers wanting to try something new can check out Kellogg’s locations in Chicago and Philadelphia. A lot of Pop-Tarts lovers are having difficulty resisting the variety of concoctions, engaging the brand at unprecedented rates.

Oddly enough, the flavor combinations work. Those hungry for pizza can dig into a Personal Pop-Tarts Pizza, crafted with frosted brown sugar cinnamon crust, frosting “cheese” and strawberry “marinara” sauce. While event-goers may be weirded out by the presentation, each Pop-Tart pastry shape is incredibly tasty. By mixing fresh mint, a variety of fruit flavors and the Pop-Tarts signature crust, Kellogg’s has snuck in new line favorites to its trusted customers.

All About the Swag

Few events can survive without a little swag. The Pop-Tarts Café offered small surprises to perfect every order, crafting creative lists from a variety of mashups. All too often, popular food brands overextend themselves. They’re too generic; too focused on pleasing everyone. The Pop-Tarts Café certainly offers something different. While the flavors are classic and instantly recognizable, Kellogg’s has proved that presentation counts.

The Kellogg’s The Pop-Tarts Café packs 18 delicious Pop-Tart eating options, served a-la-carte. Eventgoers who’re having difficulty committing to a singular food item can take advantage of Pop-Tart flights, expanding their dining options with numerous eating options. In the realm of experiential marketing, Kellogg’s proves that experimental works, too.

How Demos Can Boost Your Brand Awareness

In the world of marketing, brand awareness is paramount. More often than not, product and service demos are solid foundations. If you want to boost sales, increase awareness and maximize your outreach, you’ll need to prioritize presentation, usability and—most of all—excitement. Check out the top reasons brands are demonstrating with demos, and redefine your marketing strategy from the ground up.

Reason One: Higher Sales

Using demos is smart, sales-wise. In fact, a lot of brands are optimizing their expenses to streamline in-store samples and demos. Studies prove that in-store demos boost same-day sales, brand franchise sales and long-term consumer habits. Even if you’re not a food provider, samples exist in other forms. That said, food-based samples alone can greatly impact sales. As an example, Costco samples reportedly boost sales by approximately 2,000 percent.

Reason Two: Lead Generation

Today, everything is digital. Because your consumers are using smartphones, Facebook and instant-access eCommerce portals, you’ll need to prioritize your brand’s lead generation power. How? By inviting consumers to receive special deals via SMS, email and social media posts. Consumers love free demos—especially if there’s little work involved. By offering demos, samples and discounts via a digital marketing strategy, you can boost your brand’s lead generation before buyers show up.

Reason Three: More Testimonials

In our highly digital world, positive online reviews are must-haves. Brands capable of inspiring high emotional intensity, on average, achieve three times as many positive reviews as other brands. Highly differentiated brands, too, earn positive word-of-mouth. If you can woo your customers with solid demos, exhibits and free trials, you’ll be set. Prioritize your brand’s emotional appeal, first. Then, focus on general marketing tactics.

Reason Four: Ongoing Sales Security

A solid demo campaign can boost sales over time. This is why marketers often take the experiential route—as they can reduce expenses by combining PR campaigns with on-location demo events. Immediate sales are important, sure, but they’re incomparable to ongoing sales-centric campaigns. If you can offer a solid demo, you can ensure registry sign-ups. From there, you’re established to re-promote, gain more followers and ensure future success.

Reason Five: Immediate Feedback

Because today’s feedback channels are often brand forums, review websites and social media, a little on-location feedback never hurts. Ask your demo crowd if the product works. More importantly: Ask them what they liked specifically. If they don’t purchase the product after, ask them why.

In any event, more information is better. Consumer participation is incredibly valuable, and it can power long-term brand campaigns. In the marketing world, getting experiential never hurts. In fact, it’s becoming a mainstream approach for many companies. When everyone can promote digitally, hands-on demonstrations are highly memorable.

How American Express Shared the Love with Small Gift Handouts

What do American Express and small businesses have in common? Great events. To jam-pack the holiday season with fun, American Express crafted an intuitive gifting campaign—surprising thousands of fans while leveraging its entire Shop Small platform. The event, itself, was all about putting small businesses first—sponsoring six different NBA teams while promoting holiday cheer.

The Shop Small for 2X Rewards Movement

American Express kicked off its event across six NBA games from November 10 to December 22. Their campaign, dubbed the Shop Small for 2X Rewards Movement, started at the HEAT’s Chicago Bulls game. The American Airlines Arena in Miami was a prime location for American Express’s reveal. Attendees were barraged with hundreds of customized T-shirts, which were ported directly from Peace Love World—a Miami retailer.

The Shop Small for 2X Rewards Movement didn’t stop there. American Express continued blasting fans until the Warriors game against the Celtics. At the event, American Express had a final huzzah by handing out 1,200 gift cards sourced from local businesses. On November 25, American hopped over to the Los Angeles Lakers game—offering another 1,500 sneaker wipes, gift cards and Lakers socks. This time, Blends—a local sneaker shop—was the benefactor.

Fast-Paced Giveaways

Among American Express’s big-time marketing initiatives, it’s fast-paced giveaways were certainly notable. It’s rare to see a competitive approach to swag handouts. That said, American Express’s presence at NBA games, in general, is telling. American Express distributed a recorded 22,000 candles at the Chicago Bulls game, representing 450 brand ambassadors in two minutes flat.

The historical experiential marketing moment might’ve been spearheaded by American Express, but the surrounding brands certainly had a say—and a massive presence. Local shop, Abbey Brown, was responsible for delivering the gifts. Once the campaign wrapped up, 250 Shop Small parachutes handed out another 2,000 wool gloves crafted by local Brooklyn merchants.

The Social Media Angle

No marketing outreach effort stands tall without a little social media support. In celebration of the event, American Express utilized its NBA partnership with Shaquile O’Neal to promote on Facebook and Twitter. Understandably, this approach was a good idea. The campaign, itself, was a prime example of American Express’s dedication to fan experiences.

Constantly encouraging credit holders to “shop small,” it isn’t strange to see American Express catapult an array of small-time gifts. Here, their targeting strategy is highlighted. American Express’s approach wasn’t about what was given—but how it was given. Card members are frequent amenity-lovers, and even a small marketing notion goes a long way. Marketing during a venue, certainly, is a unique angle. It’s entirely human, bringing products and services directly to the client’s level.

The Roadhouse: How State Farm Tailgates with Style

State Farm initiated its RoadHouse mobile tour, and it was awesome. The brand’s jam-packed initiatives, in the past, have been met with praise. Now, it’s multi-tiered engagement strategy is targeting audiences in the best way possible: Via an all-access, digitized mobile tour.  

This Tiny House Made a Big Impact

State Farm’s physical manifestation of marketing prowess combined both auto insurance and home coverage. The “tiny house,” as it was called, offered real-time activation processes utilizing the #Trouse and #Housegating Twitter prompts. While “small,” the house still made an awesome impact.

Situated on the back of a 15-foot Ford F350 Dually, the tiny house benefited from the grit, glamor and splendor only a pickup truck can provide. Tailgaters, of course, were the target audience. NFL games, every football season, flock to the most energized ride around. This year, it belonged to State Farm.

A Digital Game Day Experience

State Farm’s plan included a portable, digital game day presentation. Any fans who loved their games, had big-screen televisions and prioritized “housegating,” as State Farm called it, could enjoy the splendor from their living rooms. The program, which kicked off on September 11, took place at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Remote-Powered House

The tiny house, itself, welcomed consumers via a real front door. Its chimney—yes, digitally triggered—belched smoke from an attached smokestack. The house’s interior features, meanwhile, included a smart TV, a stone-accented wall, a multitude of broadcasts and a variety of sports artifacts.

The house had a backyard, too, which welcomed attendees with a low-pressure, all-fun environment. Corn hole was there, as were fan engagement activities. State Farm promoted its Housegating Playbook, which offered instructions for in-depth game-day experience creation.

This highly unique angle gave event-goers the ability to impact the world. Sure, the 360-degree RoadHouse video feature was cool, but State Farm’s best performance surrounded its hosted media outlets, Facebook Live options and fantasy football fan support.

Engagement on the Digital Forefront

As if that wasn’t enough, State Farm additionally offered live Q&A segments—filmed on-site—to promote lineup changes. Already, the State Farm RoadHouse display has been a big hit on Facebook. It’s garnered over 15,500 consumers, 33.6 thousand Facebook video views and massive applause across Instagram and Twitter.

The program’s outreach is incredible. From an experiential marketing standpoint, few locations are better than a good, old-fashioned outback grill segment. State Farm’s message extends well beyond the game-day experience, too. Now, managers and sponsorships have a tighter grasp upon the State Farm priority. At the end of the day, the fans come first. Check out State Farm’s YouTube video on the RoadHouse’s creation, and stay tuned for more great events.

Back to the Future: JetBlue Goes Retro

JetBlue, founded in 1998, hasn't turned 20 yet, but that doesn't mean they can't go retro. Jamie Perry, JetBlue's Vice-President of marketing asserts that the airline is the coolest in the world. But it missed out on being the coolest in the golden age of air travel: the 1960s. But the company was not going to let a timeline cramp their style. And while they don't offer time travel, their recent multi-pronged marketing campaign melded the airline's cool image, which in the past has always been rooted in the idea that they offer new and innovative services in the airline industry, and rooted that innovative spirit firmly in the illustrious history of air travel. The airline built a custom "RetroJet" to be put into service for the new winter direct route between the airline's hub, New York JFK's Terminal 5 and Palm Springs. The California desert town, with its distinctive mid-twentieth century architecture and old Hollywood glamour history was the perfect destination with which to create a celebration of the golden age of air travel. The marketing team put a great deal of energy into getting every detail perfect for the RetroJet, titled "What's Old Is Blue Again." From the typography to the color scheme every aspect was perfectly planned to bring back the best of what the 60's offered.

To kick off the inaugural flight of the RetroJet and the JFK-Palm Springs direct route, JetBlue held multiple events, beginning with a two-day pop-up shop this past November in SoHo. While not near an airport, the SoHo location was perfect for JetBlue which has been working to position itself as "New York's Hometown Airline ®." Fittingly called, The Time Travel Agency, created an experience for the over 600 visitors which reset every hour. The shop offered giveaways, including giving visitors the opportunity to purchase tickets at 1960s prices. To spread the word about the event, three current JetBlue crew members, wearing distinctive 1960s hairstyles and makeup handed out fliers.

Meanwhile, in Terminal 5, when the RetroJet took off on its first flight on November 11, JetBlue hosted a fashion show at the gate. Models displayed clothing by popular Palm Springs designer, Trina Turk, as well as current JetBlue crew wearing specially designed retro uniforms that were based on TWA's. Currently located in that defunct airline's main location, by tying its own image to the storied airline, JetBlue was sealing the connection with the 1960s era of stylish air travel.

The event was taken cross country when customers aboard the inaugural flight were treated to an amenity kit filled with goodies such as postcards and playing cards that perfectly matched the retro style. Upon landing in Palm Springs, the crew, dressed in the retro uniforms and passengers were greeted by model Fabio and a reception.

York JFK's Terminal 5 and Palm Springs. The California desert town, with its distinctive mid-twentieth century architecture and old Hollywood glamour history was the perfect destination with which to create a celebration of the golden age of air travel. The marketing team put a great deal of energy into getting every detail perfect for the RetroJet, titled "What's Old Is Blue Again." From the typography to the color scheme every aspect was perfectly planned to bring back the best of what the 60's offered.

To kick off the inaugural flight of the RetroJet and the JFK-Palm Springs direct route, JetBlue held multiple events, beginning with a two-day pop-up shop this past November in SoHo. While not near an airport, the SoHo location was perfect for JetBlue which has been working to position itself as "New York's Hometown Airline ®." Fittingly called, The Time Travel Agency, created an experience for the over 600 visitors which reset every hour. The shop offered giveaways, including giving visitors the opportunity to purchase tickets at 1960s prices. To spread the word about the event, three current JetBlue crew members, wearing distinctive 1960s hairstyles and makeup handed out fliers.

Meanwhile, in Terminal 5, when the RetroJet took off on its first flight on November 11, JetBlue hosted a fashion show at the gate. Models displayed clothing by popular Palm Springs designer, Trina Turk, as well as current JetBlue crew wearing specially designed retro uniforms that were based on TWA's. Currently located in that defunct airline's main location, by tying its own image to the storied airline, JetBlue was sealing the connection with the 1960s era of stylish air travel.

The event was taken cross country when customers aboard the inaugural flight were treated to an amenity kit filled with goodies such as postcards and playing cards that perfectly matched the retro style. Upon landing in Palm Springs, the crew, dressed in the retro uniforms and passengers were greeted by model Fabio and a reception.

How to Host the Ultimate Virtual Reality Event

Many brands are helped by the creation of a feeling of excitement and physical activity. The hard part is getting people to feel like they're part of this action. Most people aren't athletes and have a hard time imagining themselves doing strenuous physical activity, especially when that activity involves something unique like riding a zip line or playing football like a pro. One of the easiest ways to jump this hurdle is to provide the audience with a virtual reality experience. Thanks to the development of VR goggles, there's no need for expensive 360-degree surround screens to get the job done. Virtual reality also allows for user participation, so it's far more immersive than any regular movie.

Combining Virtual Reality with the Rest of Your Event

Even with virtual reality, you need more elements to keep people excited all through your event. Keeping some traditional elements, such as display booths and presentations, will help get people in the mindset to consider your company's products and services. It will also allow you to build up the excitement for the virtual reality portion.

One thing you'll need to consider is how to handle the scheduling for your VR show. Each set of goggles is an investment, so you might not want to buy 200-300 pairs. Instead, it's usually best to have the audience come through in smaller batches so you can use far fewer goggles. Staggering arrival times will keep your attendees from having boring waiting times.

What Types of Content Work Well with Virtual Reality?

Action content is one of the most popular types for conversion to virtual reality. One great example is SAP's Quarterback Challenge, which puts participants on an NFL field in the quarterback position. Eye position, combined with a handheld controller, determine where the ball goes and how hard it is thrown. Sports fans love this sort of experience.

Another excellent example is IBM's cycling-based demonstration, which promotes its Watson Analytics system. Cyclers are subjected to a variety of wind and road conditions, all without leaving their seats.

Virtual reality is also great for explaining details about products, services, and processes. One company uses it to transport viewers to an active construction site, where they get to see exactly how to install its products. Another, a brewery, gives an in-depth look at their processes.

This technology is sure to become a standard part of events in years to come, but don't wait for that to happen. Get started with it now to position your company as a creative leader.

Of course, a comfortable venue is essential to any corporate or entertainment event. Contact us here at Soho Studios for the perfect venue for your extravaganza.