How to Use Snap Glasses Like a Boss

How to Use Snap Glasses Like a Boss  

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Experiential marketing events are all about the visuals, and Snap Spectacles are being used by today’s idea-creators to craft memorable times. Snap Spectacles are smart glasses, developed by Snap—also known as Snapchat—for iOS and Android devices. They give Snapchat users a new way to capture, store and share content via the Snapchat platform—all with a hands-free spin.

They have a trending design, looking like a colorful pair of party shades. Each Snap Spectacle features a 115-degree wide-angle lens, giving the wearer the ability to capture circular video. Basically, they’re created for on-the-go video capture. Any user with a smartphone can sync footage, connect to users on Wi-Fi and share mobile content. Meanwhile, snaps recorded with iPhones can be transferred through a Snap Spectacle’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. The day’s footage is compiled into a Snapchat Story. Then, it can be exported as either individual snaps or entire collections.

They’re $130 for a pair, but they’re incredibly useful as event tools. If you’re able to throw down on a Snap Spectacles investment, the strategies below might be useful to you.

Strategy One: Implement Games

You’re already on a highly visual path. Spectacles aren’t only useful for digital picture snapping; they’re awesome live-action tools for high-energy situations. So, implement games at your event! Trolli’s used Snap Spectacles at its Beardsketball activation, engaging consumers on a new, immersive level. By focusing the spotlight on the players, you’ll create an environment conducive to engagement, long-term action and a great social media campaign.

Strategy Two: Get First-Person

Because Spectacles offer a rare first-person point of view, they’re solid tools for any experiential campaign which utilizes on-site visuals, movement and attendee engagement. When viewed by the Snapchat app, captured Spectacles footage gives viewers the ability to rotate their phone while holding the same image. Even if the phone is turned around, Spectacles can capture a full range of motion via its circular lens. Tell attendees to show their hands, and show how hands-off your event can be.

Strategy Three: Prep for Augmented Reality

Spectacles don’t have augmented reality features yet, but they’re going to have them in the figure. At least, we assume they will. Last month, a Snap patent application for future AR glasses was discovered by Mashable. If you’re dropping money on a Spectacles investment, consider making it the first step of many. A long-term Spectacles campaign might be the push you need, as a marketer, to craft a road to success. As for an AR experience, combine the first two strategies while giving attendees the chance to engage your product on a new, digital, level.

Snapp’s app is expected to grow—and quickly. Aside from its AR patent for a product called World Lenses, it’ll be a useful tool for marketers wanting to engage attendees with Snapchat filters, 3D object placement and a slew of other nifty games. If you haven’t yet, check out the Spectacles web page. If you think your strategy has room for such a device—don’t hesitate. It’s totally worthwhile.

Why Bumble Used a Food Truck for its Latest Experiential Event

Why Bumble Used a Food Truck for its Latest Experiential Event  

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As most Millennials know, mobile app dating is tough. “Catfishing,” or pretending to be someone you’re not, is a pretty big occurrence across Tinder and Bumble alike. Bumble is a dating app which requires women to message matched men first. Bumble, itself, recently released an anti-catfish mobile app feature. To promote itself, the Austin-based tech company created a New York airstream food truck.

It served fish tacos, promoting its new photo verification feature capable of weeding out phony Bumble accounts. The “catfish” slang term was created and popularized back in 2010 during a documentary. Now, it’s been implemented into the mobile app’s photo verification feature to screen out the prevalent fake accounts.

The feature makes users snap a selfie in highly specific poses, so as to make sure the user isn’t using another’s pre-existing photos from Facebook, Instagram or another visual-based website. Soon, Bumble will extend into the friend networking world—becoming much more than a dating app. Photo verification might not be the most alluring feature, but Bumble’s idea creators have sustained a positive marketing campaign pinned to the app’s classier approach to mobile dating.

As for the food truck, it existed to celebrate the app’s newest feature. After all, the photo verification feature was created in a playful way—giving users control of their identity verification without necessarily breaking down the app’s intrigue. Called “The Great Catch” promotion, Bumble’s food truck promotion handed out free catfish-centric dishes. Aside from the catfish tacos, the truck had catfish sliders, roasted squash salad and honey-sweetened Arnold Palmer which was popularized through “Top Chef’s” Sam Talbot—a Brooklyn contestant.

Marketing for a mobile app is tough, but Bumble’s Director of Marketing, Chelsea Maclin, reportedly created the campaign to invite newcomers with open arms while celebrating its current users. The app’s huge user base, stationed in New York, let various Bumble brand ambassadors verify their mobile devices while waiting for grub. These ambassadors could then explain how Bumble—and the offshoot, Bumble BFF—worked. They walked attendees through the app’s download, setup and use. Meanwhile, the app’s preexisting users were invited to learn more about the app’s features.

The photo verification feature, of course, was at the centerfold. Bumble users were given branded giveaways, including pins, hats and t-shirts. Then, they were allowed to participate in the brand’s many on-site photo booth experiences. No experiential event is complete without a conference. Thus, Bumble invited its key influencers and press people to take part in The Great Catch. They were given yellow tackle boxes—branded, of course—each packed with anti-catfishing messages and swag.

Bumble is an engaging experience, and it was deserving of a campaign capable of touching the catfish topic lightly while also recognizing the app feature’s important use. Because Bumble’s goal is to help users create meaningful relationships, much of the experiential event was created to connect with the app’s users on a personal level. Online safety, accountability and freedom can be a touchy subject—but Bumble covered it with grace.

How Lexus Created Top Models for New York Fashion Week

How Lexus Created Top Models for New York Fashion Week  

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Ever wondered what it'd be like to be a model for New York Fashion Week? This past September, during New York Fashion Week, luxury car maker Lexus hosted a first-of-its-kind event that allowed show attendees to enjoy a sneak peek for themselves. Their unique "Set in Motion" photo shoot invited members of the public to experience first-hand what it's like to be photographed as a model during what is typically an exclusive event.

Lexus "Set in Motion" Photo Shoot Experience at NYFW

Specifically, the "Set in Motion" photo shoot began with guests entering the installation (the set of which was actually inspired and designed around the new Lexus LC 500) and having a quick Polaroid photo snapped, just as New York Fashion Week models do as part of their open casting calls. That Polaroid then served as a guest's "ticket" to get into the Green Room Lounge, a luxurious space where hair and makeup professionals then treated each participant to beauty treatments, light refreshments, and a small take-home gift. Once participants were looking their runway best, they were ushered onto the stunning set and walked through a photo shoot experience with a professional photographer. And of course, alongside participants during their shoot was a stunning, $92,000 Lexus LC 500.

At the end of the mini-shoot, each participant was able to look through their photos in the comfort of the Green Room Lounge and select their favorite. They were then provided with their own printed copy of their favorite photo, along with the option to share it on social media. The entire experience, for most guests, took about an hour and was a wonderful and unique way to experience an insider's look at New York Fashion Week. And for many participants, this was a great way to step outside of one's typical "comfort zone" and try something completely new. Even those who have trouble taking a flattering selfie were impressed with how their photos turned out!

From Exclusive to All-Inclusive

The Set in Motion photo shoot proved to be a huge hit at New York Fashion Week and was heavily attended throughout the entire weekend, and not surprisingly. This was the first exhibit of its kind and served the excellent purpose of not only spreading awareness of the new Lexus LC 500, but gave attendees an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look while empowering each participant to look and feel confident. Overall, Lexus was pleased with the way the exhibit turned out, explaining that they wanted to take an event that is typically seen as exclusive to industry players and open it up to make it inclusive enough for the general public. Lexus also provided their usual fleet of almost 100 courtesy vehicles to be on display for the show itself.

Given the success of the Set in Motion photo shoot, it will be interesting to see if other companies will follow suit with similar inclusive events in the future. Either way, we're loving the way this was pulled off and give Lexus kudos for this innovative approach! Looking for an incredible venue in which to host your next event in the Miami area? Soho Studios has you covered! With both indoor and outdoor event spaces and countless configurations, we'd love to help make your next event a success.

How Cheetos and Chef Anne Burrell Blew our Mind

How Cheetos and Chef Anne Burrell Blew our Mind

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Cheetos recently took both New York City and social media by storm with its pop-up Cheetos restaurant, the Spotted Cheetah. This installation featured recipes that included the brand's signature product that were devised and cooked by chef Anne Burrell. Seats sold out almost instantly, and over 1,000 people had tried to get tickets.

It's rare that a pop-up restaurant will gain such a huge response, but this one went viral almost immediately. It gained a prime spot as a Twitter Moment and was all over other sites as well. Many pictures were shared in all possible ways, and it even gained some TV coverage. By all accounts, it was a huge success for the Cheetos brand and its parent company.

For attendees, the experience started by walking up an orange carpet to get in through orange doors. Inside, they found a large HD screen with a smooth-talking Chester Cheetah, who greeted each guest by name. Once beyond him, they were treated not to a carnival-like outlet, but instead, an upscale dining experience that happened to include plenty of Cheetos and Chester Cheetah-themed accents. Orange cheetah-fur printed tablecloths, orange fabric hung from the ceiling, and even bright orange paw-printed toilet paper ensured that nobody forgot that this restaurant was, above all else, about Cheetos. Of course, it also served dishes that all included the product in some form.

A bar was also present, and many went to it to start their meals off with orange slushies which were described by the bartender as being like margaritas. The drink, however, was "just sweet enough to remind imbibers that the restaurant was … a temple of junk food" according to Forbes.

Unique Factors Surrounding the Spotted Cheetah Event

There were a few unique factors that made this event such a huge hit. One is that instead of trying to drive new interest, Cheetos waited until several brand-inspired recipes had already gone viral. This showed the brand that there was significant interest in the idea of using Cheetos as an ingredient, and therefore, that it would be easy to turn that interest into attention to recipes devised, made, and presented by a professional chef.

Another unique factor is the already-massive footprint the Cheetos brand enjoys. Even those who hadn't thought of using Cheetos in recipes immediately became curious about the idea, simply because everyone who hasn't been living in a cave knows what a Cheeto is and can imagine its flavor.

Finally, the idea of using Cheetos in the setting of recipes found in this sort of restaurant is inherently worth talking about. This made it very easy for the experience to go viral, complete with pictures taken on the spot by attendees. Of course, the brand distributed many professionally-taken photographs as well so that media outlets could show the event at its best.

Applying This Information to Your Event

While most brands don't enjoy a multi-billion dollar marketing budget, they can use at least some of the lessons offered by the Spotted Cheetah in their own efforts. One is that it's a great idea to piggyback on an existing related trend in order to draw more interest to your marketing idea. Another is to present your brand in a related, but unexpected, way. Also, make sure your presentation is unique enough to get people to share it without begging for likes or retweets. If what you do is cool enough, everyone will be talking about it.

Finally, be sure to choose a great city and venue for your experiential marketing effort. For an event in Miami, consider Soho Studios. We have plenty of both indoor and outdoor space that can be configured to meet your exact needs.

How to: Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Event Planning

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How To: Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Event Planning

Holidays are great event occasions. Sometimes, however, the holiday cheer gets in the way. If you’re planning a holiday-centric business event, make sure you’re packing in the essential ingredients. Also, avoid the pitfalls associated with holiday meet-ups.

Soho Studios has the resources you need to make an awesome holiday event. If you need room, need ideas and need a good host, we’re here to help. Before you settle on a location, though, check out these holiday event do’s and don’ts.

Do Have Good Timing

Holiday ads, event invites and shout-outs during late summer can annoy customers. The Christmas creep exists, but it isn’t going away. Target the holiday’s early birds, sure, but don’t blast them with event reminders when it’s too early. Maximize the November weeks. If you’re planning a summer event, don’t give notice two months before the actual event.

Do Use Technology Benefits

Connect to users via mobile. If you’re hopping on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday train, offer discounts at your event. Make technology an integral part of your business’s meetup, and give customers mobile-exclusive access to discounts, promotions and rare opportunities. If you can, integrate virtual reality and augmented reality.

Do Offer Entertainment and Refreshments

It’s a holiday, after all. Your brand’s biggest fans have things to do. They’re going to other parties. If you’re going to create a holiday-centric event, give event-goers a way to let loose. They’ll be enticed by a branded event which offers live entertainment, drinks and a place to party. As a rule of thumb: Offer shuttle rides, unique drink offers and food.

Don’t Plan Over a Big Weekend

The holidays are packed with traffic, bustling shoppers and busy families. If you want your event to take off, make sure it’s in the average eventgoer’s “free spots.” If possible, avoid Friday and Saturday nights. Plan to kick off the event before the holiday’s date and give customers easy access to your location.

Don’t Forget Social Media

Too many brands forget about the power of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Social media sites are buzzing with activity over the holidays. Work is cut short, school is out and newsfeeds are watched closely. If you leave out the social media angle, you’ll miss a huge opportunity. Help customers connect, and make social media networking a big part of your holiday event.

Don’t Push Your Products

If you’re creating an event around Thanksgiving or Christmas, you shouldn’t make your brand’s products or services the main focus. It’s a time for celebration. Connect with consumers. Offer live demos, sure, but don’t make money the event’s main focus. If you do, eventgoers will get the wrong impression. During the holidays, a lot of brands advertise to make a profit. If you want to stand out, you’ll need to take the higher ground.

Make sure your vent has unique highlights, and promote its success on social media. Good event planning exists before, during and after an event. To resonate with your customers, you’ll need to educate yourself on their social media activity, favorite engagement strategies and personal preferences. More than ever, your brand will need to appeal to its audience with laser precision.

Make your campaign powerful. Zero in on your audience. Contact us today, and check out our event availability. Between great rates, holiday hosting opportunities and great planning options, Soho Studios is the place to settle in during the holidays. We’re brimming with ideas, and we can make sure your brand’s holiday is a cheerful one. Exceptional events aren’t born overnight. They require time, a knack for fun and some holiday cheer to work. So, stop on by! We’re ready to party.

How the find the Perfect Brand Ambassador for your Next Experiential Event

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How the find the Perfect Brand Ambassadors for your Next Experiential Event

When it comes to live events, brand ambassadors matter. Your brand is passionate about people, experiences and its partnerships. Whether you’re focusing on event staffing, external promotion or engagement strategies, you’re better off connecting to the industry’s leading minds. Before planning your event, you should figure out the “who’s who” of brand ambassador networking. Check out our brand ambassador tips below.

Tip One: Gather Data During Product Demonstrations

During your brand’s events, conduct product samples. Use booths, feedback, product advertisement and an online portal to garner data. Then, combine the data into an ambassador outreach initiative. Your best ambassadors are dedicated customers. More importantly: They’re dedicated customers who’ve engaged your products and services deeply.

Tip Two: Prioritize Character

Your brand’s ambassadors should be well-connected, but they should also have good character. Personality needs to be in the equation, and it needs to supplement your brand’s best face. It might sound superficial, but an ambassador’s presence at an experiential event needs to be a positive one. Is your potential ambassador well-liked? How much influence do they have? Connect with the industry’s hottest talent, and focus on ambassadors customers take seriously.

Tip Three: Use Social Media as a Tool

Next, you should boost your ambassador’s presence on social media. Potential clients and customers are social, and they’ll flock to a prevalent social media figure who’s representing your brand in style. In 2017, social media interaction is vital. To avoid any misconceptions, the spread of false information and even false promotion starts, craft a social media marketing campaign with your ambassador in mind. Even if they’re physically present at your event, they’ll need to appear on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to properly connect with consumers. Promotion doesn't end at an experiential event, and the best events keep attendees immersed in the digital world. 

Tip Four: Connect with a Performer

Experiential events, at the end of the day, are about experiences. Your brand’s ambassador shouldn’t only represent you—they should represent your brand’s ability to showcase products, engage its fans and supply high-energy environments. On some level, your ambassador should be a performer. Even if they’re not famous, an entertainer can be a fantastic ambassador. Find a musician, an artist or a moving speaker. Discuss your brand with them, and connect with their self-promotion strategies. Famous stars have worked as brand ambassadors in the past. A lot of them work for endorsements, too.

Tip Five: Take Them Out to Dinner

Are you browsing a healthy list of potentials? Take them out to dinner. Have a few drinks! No, it isn’t too casual. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to determine who’s personable and who isn’t. Modern experiential events prioritize consumer engagement. Today’s live marketing events focus on blowing past age-old, impersonal business strategies. In general, your brand ambassador needs to be empathetic, positive and engaging. Their ability to connect in a casual event matters. In many ways, an informal meeting’s utility surpasses the utility provided by an office.

So, who’s your brand’s next ambassador? Check out Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. See who’s trending. Work a promotional campaign, and gather some data. Gather the industry’s hottest minds, and hit the restaurants. Once you’ve narrowed the list down, craft a solid marketing campaign. The world of experiential marketing is huge, and it’s best traveled with a brand ambassador at your side. Good luck out there.  

How Wholly Guacamole Reached its Target Audience Through Pop Up Tours

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How Wholly Guacamole Reached its Target Audience Through Pop Up Tours

Wholly Guacamole is a big fan of the pop-up tour concept, and this year, it held yet another tour to draw people to its brand and experience. This year's tour moved away from last year's focus on music festivals and instead focused on the brand's core consumers, who are women in the 30-40 age range.

At each site in this year's tour, Wholly Guacamole offered dishes with a range of custom toppings available. The company also provided special "taste of" recipes that were customized to capture the local flavor of each city. This, however, was just the start of the experience for participants. Inside each pop-up location, attendees found updated versions of old games, such as a giant Jenga set, Connect Four, and other favorites chosen to appeal to the company's target audience.

Games of this nature emphasize guacamole's prominent presence at parties among 30-40-year-old women. By having them at the pop-up locations, Wholly Guacamole cements this connection and helps to ensure that people will remember their brand in particular when it comes time to buy some for a gathering.

While the games that were chosen are all of the physical variety, Wholly Guacamole certainly didn't forget about the modern wonder that is social media. It set up vending machines that dispensed giveaways when people entered a code. These giveaways were better than the average, and included water bottles, bandannas, and socks. The code to use was obtained by tweeting special hashtags along with a comment about the event. This gave people a direct incentive to spread the company's message.

Some activities were used only in particular markets. This allowed the company to really "wow" each market instead of giving everyone a totally generic experience. Some customizations included the availability of avocado facials, jewelry making, screen-printed T-shirts, and more. The company says that these offerings were unified by an underlying theme of health, beauty, and working out.

This year's kiosks, or "activations" as the company called them, were also meant to tie into the "guac bar scene" that has been on the rise in recent years. By doing so, the company positions itself as keeping up with the times even as it calls to mind the less-hip imagery of playing analogue games with groups of women in their 30s and 40s. This is important because it allows Wholly Guacamole to aim for this target audience without turning off younger people in the process.

One of the keys to a successful pop-up tour is choosing the right cities and venues for your event. Miami is always a good place to have a stop – its hip, multicultural environment spans several generations and includes a wide variety of interests. Once there, make sure to choose Soho Studios as your venue. We have two outdoor pavilions, and the weather here is suitable for using them all year round.

We also have up to 70,000 square feet of indoor space available for your event. It can be customized to meet your needs, not only for size, but for decorations and sets as well. This ensures that you can create the exact experience needed to promote your brand's image as well as your products. Just give us a call to reserve space indoors, outside, or a combination of the two.

When A Photo Booth and Fujifilm Birthed an Epic Event

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When A Photo Booth and Fujifilm Birthed an Epic Event

Well known for its photographers, mini-workshops and knowledge-sharing expos, Fujifilm is at it again. This time, they’ve hosted a two-day photo booth event to showcase its newest gadget adoptions, photo op opportunities and slew of creative screens, filters and talent.

Fujifilm invited an audience to try out its all-new, instant-digital camera. As if it wasn’t enough, the company created a photo-friendly playland to display the product across various high-energy environments. The immersive event highlighted the new camera’s capabilities, giving event-goers the chance to snap their own art.

Bathouse Studios and a Hybrid Event

On May 17, Fujifilm hung out at Bathouse Studios, inviting influencers and guests alike. The event featured the Instax Square SQ10, a hybrid camera made famous for its instant-digital design. The camera was set up in several screen-centric booths, and attendees were invited to try out its many filter options. As a bonus, operators could edit their photos, share them and print them;

The engaging environment was inspired by the recent popularity of instant-square photography. It was also established to prod customer imaginations. Performing at the event, pop band AJR created an emotionally heavy environment to supplement the event. Influential foodies were later granted entrance to an exclusive brunch hosted by Fujifilm partner, Tasting Table. Bathouse Studios opened the floor for a three-course-meal, an expansive menu and a hands-on food photography class. The workshop, of course, featured the Instax Square SQ10.

A Public Activation for Exclusive Options

The Fujifilm way of handling a product release was unique. Known for its top-tier B-to-B marketing events, the brand has produced a number of popular events in the past year. Its recent Instax line’s success can be attributed to the product’s capabilities alone, but the brand’s willingness to connect to its audience can’t be ignored.

The activation was open to the public. Over 500 visitors and guests arrived, exploring the brand’s products and services across two days. Fujifilm reached its target audience and more, connecting with its audience at the individual level. Fans explored the event’s double-floor design, enjoying a mirror maze, lounging at the event’s secret bar and sipping on signature cocktails.

Social Media Outreach

Meanwhile, Fujifilm hooked up with Jackie Gebel to use the @noleftovers name in a social media marketing movement. Alongside chef Branden McHale, Gebel gave event-goers the opportunity to reach friends and family by sharing event photos on social media.

The New York event was huge, and it was Fujifilm’s final destination in its multi-city launch party series. It hit Berlin, Tokyo and a slew of others. Expected to travel across the United States in upcoming months, Fujifilm’s event hasn’t slowed down at all. New locations have always inspired new photographic urges, and Fujifilm’s recent focus on the public is certainly a step in the right direction.

Fujifilm’s fan dedication was also evident in February, when it hosted FijuLove LIVE. Guests were invited from around the nation to explore the art of photograpy. Featuring artists like Elia Locardi, Valerie Jardin and Karen Hutton, FujiFilm LIVE was a fantastic kick-start to the brand’s eventual fanbase exploration. Fujifilm has a reputation for educating, presenting to and sharing work with its audience. Likely, we’ll see much more from Fujifilm in this department. For now, however, let’s appreciate their recent campaign for what it was: a pretty swell time.

How to use Photo Printing Backpacks for your Next Experiential Event

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How to use Photo Printing Backpacks for your Next Experiential Event

Marketing tech firm, M-ND, connected with the B Positive Foundation, expanding nonprofit support into the baseball stadium. Their photo-printing backpacks were a huge hit, heightening much-needed awareness of kids with cancer. The technology which regularly promotes social media pictures is wide-ranging and varied, but a hashtag, a little organization and trending technology goes a long way.

The #BePosNYC Movement

On August 8, Texas Rangers attendees were invited to engage the B Positive Foundation campaign via social media, promoting the #BePosNYC hashtag via backpack screens. The screens, designed to display real-time picture updates, were directly connected to the campaign’s photo print awareness plan. Attendees posting game photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram could use the #BePosNYC hashtag, both raising awareness for the event while connecting with other baseball fans.

The Andrew McDonough B Positive Foundation has conducted similar events in the past. Their slogan, “Kids Helping Kids Fight Cancer,” has historically been a useful tag for humanistic ventures. Recently being used at City Field, the slogan headlined their movement for young cancer patients as well as their supporters. Attendees who weren’t part of the event, meanwhile, were invited to print event photos at home.

M-ND and B Positive

M-ND has plans to work alongside B Positive in the future. A donation-by-text campaign is, reportedly, in the works. Focusing on raising funds for charity, M-ND will likely take advantage of new opportunities with B Positive. Creating a unique experience for event attendees is difficult. Often, promoting interactive designs capable of garnering attention is met with technological barriers and audience-reaching difficulties. The partnership worked, however. It worked splendidly.

The B Positive Foundation has assisted thousands of United States families treated in over 200 hospitals. Intending to alleviate the financial burdens of ongoing healthcare, the foundation continues to grow. Many B Positive initiatives have offered research grand cycle options, too. On every level, the Foundation promotes the study of cutting-edge childhood cancer research. In the past, the Foundation has supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical Center.

Where Experiential Marketing and Proactive Care Meet

Both groups are assisted by some national childhood cancer collaborations, too. While childhood cancer charities may not be directly connected with events conducive to funds, they’re well-connected to communities. This presents an interesting angle for groups breaking into the experiential marketing world. Nonprofits have had historically tough breaks, fund-wise, in the experiential marketing world. Numbers change, however, when mass audiences are met.

Advocacy via social media, here, is a great takeaway. The B Positive Foundation and M-ND proved individual-level digital promotion works. Photos taken at the game served as memorabilia for those who were part of the foundation, raising awareness for both the foundation and its few causes. Mets colors were used, making the event highly personal. Curated social media photos are influential when aligned with an event’s overall theme. If you’ve ever wondered what a successful nonprofit social media marketing campaign looks like, look no further than the B Positive Foundation’s addition to the baseball diamond.

How the Event Pros Are Designing Over-the-Top TV Premieres

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How the Event Pros Are Designing Over-the-Top TV Premieres

As a TV watcher, you wait at the edge of your seat for the premiere of your favorite shows, right? You can’t wait to see how that cliffhanger from last season plays out and are just so happy to be spending time with your favorite characters again. It’s exciting! Well, imagine how exciting it must be to attend a premiere party for a popular show like "Game of Thrones." As if the start of the show wasn’t exhilarating enough, event pros are creating TV premiere parties that blow everyone away. The key is to come up with a themed party that’s inspired by the subject matter of the show. Take a look at these over-the-top premieres while considering how you could use these examples as inspiration for your own event.

"Game of Thrones"

You wouldn’t take this article seriously if it skipped "Game of Thrones," so let’s start with this one. The show’s seventh season premiere included a screening and an amazing after-party at LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Classic Parking garage rooftop. This event was put on by Billy Butchkavitz Design for HBO, and it even made a space with no elevator access work by adding bridge and ramp structures guests could climb to reach the roof.

To enhance the atmosphere, a live orchestra gave the background music for the screening. The design team was able to fit the theme of the show by projecting flying dragons and characters. Mood lighting helped create the feeling of winter that fits the show’s premiere, while paper costumes, sculptures and other themed displays decorated the space. As if the show wasn’t enough entertainment, there was also a DJ, dancers and stilt-walkers to wow guests.

"Will"

By attending the premiere of the show "Will," guests got to go back in time while enjoying surprising modern twists. TNT created an Elizabethan party fitting of William Shakespeare, while the unique event let audiences know that the show would put a fresh twist on a classic.

The premiere screening took place on the lawn of Bryant Park in New York, while the party was at Bryant Park Grill. With the help of Empire Entertainment, TNT was able to perfectly fit the theme. The decor matched the unique feel of the show, with a mix of skulls and rock posters alongside fancy chandeliers, tapestries and books. The party also offered an experience, with street fair vendors for snacks, punk rock music, tattoo stations and a photo booth with themed props.

"Snowfall"

It sounds complicated to throw a themed premiere based around a drug epidemic, but FX showed that any subject can have a great party with its "Snowfall" premiere. This one was also complicated by the fact that this is a brand-new show, so the premiere didn't come with a built-in audience. But the themed party was sure to build excitement.

The event team recreated the show’s setting of 1980s Los Angeles with a downtown L.A. pop-up event that was open to the public. The area featured creative graffiti, '80s-style decor and time-period accents like a cassette tape-shaped table. They finished the look with an impressive wall mural showing L.A. streets. The style got visitors into the feeling of the setting and time period, creating interest in a new series. 

The best TV premiere parties were able to create an experience that fit the theme of their shows. These cases offer some examples of how this type of event can be pulled off with flair. How could you adapt these ideas?