South by Southwest (SXSW) is a well-known festival that showcases the latest advancements in technology, music, film, and innovation. It provides an excellent opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience and leave a lasting impression. Here are five tips to help you run a successful experiential activation at SXSW 2023.
- Clearly Define Your Objectives: Before you begin the planning process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or enhance customer loyalty? Knowing your goals will help guide the approach you take and make it easier to measure the success of your activation.
- Offer a Memorable Experience: With so many activations taking place at SXSW, it’s essential to create something unique and attention-grabbing. Think creatively and come up with an experience that will stand out and resonate with your target audience. The incorporation of technology such as VR, AR, or AI can enhance the overall experience and make it even more memorable.
- Target the Appropriate Audience: Understanding your target audience is key to ensuring that your activation resonates with the right people. Consider factors such as demographics, interests, and behavior to ensure that you are reaching the right people at the right time.
- Book the Right Brand Ambassadors: High-quality brand ambassadors can make a big impact on the success of your activation. They are the face of your brand and can help create a positive and memorable experience for attendees. Consider working with a staffing agency, such as Elevate Staffing, to secure high-quality staff who are well-suited to represent your brand.
- Plan and Execute Carefully: Planning and executing a successful activation at SXSW requires a lot of effort and attention to detail. Make sure to give yourself enough time to plan and prepare, and work with a team that has the expertise and experience to bring your vision to life.
Activation Ideas
There have been many successful activation ideas at South by Southwest (SXSW) in the past from sponsors. Here are a few examples:
- Interactive Installations: Some brands have created interactive installations that allow attendees to immerse themselves in a unique experience. For example, in 2019, Marriott created a life-sized version of its virtual reality travel platform, VRoom Service, that allowed attendees to explore various destinations from the comfort of a hotel room.
- Pop-Up Shops: Pop-up shops have been a popular activation idea for brands looking to showcase their products and create a retail experience for attendees. For example, in 2018, Amazon opened an Alexa-powered pop-up shop where attendees could experience the latest Amazon devices and services.
- Experiential Stages: Some brands have created experiential stages to showcase their products and services. For example, in 2019, Samsung created a stage where attendees could experience its latest innovations in virtual reality and augmented reality.
- Immersive Brand Experiences: Immersive brand experiences have become increasingly popular at SXSW, allowing attendees to step into a brand’s world and experience it for themselves. For example, in 2018, Google created an interactive experience that showcased its artificial intelligence technology and allowed attendees to experience what it’s like to interact with AI.
- Activations with a Purpose: Many brands have created activations that focus on a specific cause or issue, such as sustainability, equality, or social impact. For example, in 2018, The New York Times created an activation called “The Truth is Worth It” that aimed to raise awareness about the importance of journalism and the role of the media in society.
These are just a few examples of activation ideas from past sponsors at SXSW. By being creative and thinking outside the box, brands can create memorable and impactful experiences that engage and delight their target audience.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful experiential activation at SXSW 2023.
