The concept of experimental events has emerged as a viable way to make events unique and stand out. As most event organisers struggle to differentiate their events and brand ideas from contemporaries, experimenting with new and innovative ideas can create a buzz surrounding events and leave a lasting impression. There are several such concepts that don’t simply work as a new theme but change the way we talk about events.
In this blog, we are going to explain five new experimental event concepts to try and new and innovative ideas that you can add to your current event style.
A] What are Experimental Event Concepts?
Experimental events are new and innovative means to host events for improving memorability and engagement. As traditional event concepts become repetitive, experimenting with new and innovative ideas helps to hold audience interests. These could include a change in the way people interact with the event, an unconventional hosting venue, the use of newer technologies, or unexplored marketing tactics.
These events are designed to enhance the visual and sensory stimulation of the attendees without overwhelming them. Unique and standout concepts often fascinate the audience, which improves brand recognition, data collection, and enjoyment. The aim of using these concepts is to gain social media traction, build new audiences, and improve leads.
B] What are the New Event Concepts to Experiment With?
Innovation Summits
Innovation summits are events meant to showcase new and innovative technologies, ideas, and solutions. The guest list is curated to only include people who have something new and exciting to showcase, as well as industry leaders and HNIs who can finance the ideas into reality. These summits are a breeding ground for futuristic ideas and intellectual discussions. Brands can showcase their latest products, technologies, production methods, and more. As many media outlets cover these events, they are an excellent way to market the brand and its innovation.
Public Product Launches
While product launches have always been a key part of marketing new innovations, holding them in public spaces can push your products to newer audiences. These grand showcases are designed for maximising visibility and impact. They can be held in public spaces like malls, amphitheatres, or public gardens. AR filters can also be used for try-ons and virtual product demos. However, brands need to obtain all the necessary permission from the local government bodies and ensure fire safety and crowd management protocols.
On-ground Activation
On-ground activation is designed to create direct engagement between the brand and its audience. This style of event involves real-time experiences, including event booths, street teams, and gamified installations. On-ground activation does not require elaborate venues; rather, it relies on personal connections and local culture to promote the brand. These temporary pop-ups are unconventional, yet beloved due to their interactive nature. They can boost social media reach as well as local market visibility and are perfect for penetrating into new territories.
Interactive Business Workshops
Interactive business workshops blend structured learning with hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving, and live feedback mechanisms. Unlike traditional workshops, they are not limited to speeches and presentations. These workshops bring experts together from across the industry for brainstorming sessions and finding innovative solutions for industrial problems. These workshops are a perfect opportunity for figuring out flaws in current models and addressing customer pain points.
Partner Collaboration Events
Partner collaboration events are another experimental event concept that has gotten popular in recent years. These are cross-brand experiences, industry mixers, or community-based campaigns where two or more brands collaborate to offer a richer event experience. For example, a car brand can co-host an event with a road safety NGO. This not only helps the NGO get more recognition but also helps the car brand establish itself as safe and reliable. When done well, partner events become brand equity builders, allowing participants to tap into each other’s credibility and reach.
C] Innovative Ideas You Add To Your Current Event Style
Time Capsule
Time capsules can be an interesting addition to events if the same audience group is going to come back for future events. Ask attendees to write predictions or hopes related to your industry, seal them in a branded capsule, and reopen during a future event. This builds brand recall and curiosity and encourages repeat attendance.
Influencer Showcase
If you want to maximise your event reach on social media, inviting influencers relevant to your industry and brand is a good idea. Brands can give special access through on-stage experiences and content booths or allow them to co-host parts of the event. This strategy builds trust, extends reach, and offers social proof, especially for younger, digitally native audiences that value authenticity over advertisements.
Automated Events
Automating parts of events like entry and reception through RFID wristbands and event robots enhances the event’s efficiency and wow factor. These technologies save time, reduce human error, and elevate the guest experience. An automated system also gives valuable post-event insights to refine your future plans.
Also Read: Common Event Check-In Problems and How to Solve Them
Social Wall
Social Wall is a large display screen showing curated live social media posts that are using your event hashtag. It encourages attendees to post actively for a chance to be featured on the wall. These displays are perfect for concerts, fan meet-ups, and other such casual events.
Interactive Product Zones
Interactive product zones are dedicated zones where visitors can engage with the product hands-on. Brands can use guided trials, touch screens, or gamification to make the experience memorable. Delicate products can be displayed with interactive VR headsets. Whether it’s a new app, physical product, or service simulation, these zones provide an immersive understanding.
VR-verse
Introduce a VR zone that transports attendees into a branded virtual world. Drawing inspiration from the metaverse, these techs add excitement and futuristic appeal to your event, especially for tech-savvy audiences.
Conclusion
Experimental events are the best way to stand out from your contemporaries and build a unique brand image. They break the monotony of traditional events while offering something fresh, memorable, and engaging. Events like innovation summits, public product launches, interactive business workshops, on-ground activation, and partner collaboration are some examples of experimental events.
360BrightMedia is the leading event tech company in India, offering a wide range of solutions for brands and event organisers alike. Contact us today to discuss your event needs and let our experts help you stand out.