The importance and effectiveness of social media marketing in attracting customers is undeniable. However, recent shifts raise some worries. Measures of engagement are seeing a decrease, and the pace of expansion is slowing. Over the past couple of years, there has been a noticeable reduction in personal interactions, leading to a growing desire for genuine human communication. As such, there is a renewed emphasis on corporate meetings and similar live experiences.
To address these concerns, brands and marketers are exploring experiential marketing. This strategy focuses on creating extraordinary experiences that immerse audiences and create a strong emotional connection. From product demos to events, there are many ways to create impactful experiences. The top experiential marketing agencies, including Viral Nation, NeoReach, and HireInfluence, can help ensure that events are remembered for all the right reasons.
1. Viral Nation
Viral Nation is an experiential marketing agency based in Toronto, Canada, that was founded in 2014. Their core values are innovation, connection, and drive, and they believe in creating for the future. They use a strategy-first approach and push the boundaries of marketing campaigns while never sacrificing authentic life experiences.
Viral Nation has worked with notable clients such as Walmart, Energizer, and PUBG. Their pricing model requires a minimum spend of $50,000 per project. As an influencer marketing and talent agency, much of their work relies on collaborations with influencers and creators.
When it comes to experiential marketing, social media and analytics form the foundation of their approach. They offer a variety of services, from exclusive events to pop-ups that delight to high-impact stunts, and can draw attention to your brand in various ways. They will also take care of all the stages involved, whether that’s getting a booth or speaker ready.
For example, they worked with 70 creators across key platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to build excitement and immerse audiences for a project for Meta Quest (formerly called Facebook Oculus). Through interactive stories, live streams, and gameplay compilations, they managed to create 1.3 million engagements. This campaign received top honors at the 2022 AVA Digital Awards.
Overall, Viral Nation’s approach to marketing is rooted in innovation and authenticity, and they have a proven track record of success with notable clients.
2. NeoReach
NeoReach is a San Francisco-based influencer marketing agency that was founded in 2014. The agency has an impressive portfolio of clients that includes Airbnb, Walmart, and Amazon. NeoReach’s marketing team has a natural talent for experiential marketing, with expertise in curating large-scale events and engaging target audiences both offline and online.
One of the agency’s key strengths is its network of influencers, which it leverages to amplify brand presence. However, NeoReach doesn’t rely solely on influencers to create a buzz but also uses tactics like teasers and post-event content to keep brands at the forefront of their target audience’s mind.
Recently, NeoReach worked with Sony for CES 2023, for which they used a full production team along with a group of content creators. The result was a content series that they could share on their social media channels.
NeoReach’s pricing structure requires a minimum spend of $50,000 per project. Overall, NeoReach is an excellent agency to partner with for event marketing, with a proven track record of delivering engaging and memorable experiences for its clients.
3. HireInfluence
HireInfluence is a full-service influencer marketing agency that specializes in delivering experiential ideation and fulfillment to its impressive roster of clients. The agency was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in Houston and New York City. HireInfluence has a global presence and has worked with notable clients such as Microsoft, Ricola, and Oreo.
The agency has solidified its reputation for creating influencer experiences that are innovative, diverse, and powerful. It helps brands stand out from competitors by making sure that these experiences go beyond industry norms. HireInfluence supports a wide range of events, from photo shoots and travel experiences to festival promotions and TV commercials.
HireInfluence understands the importance of connecting with the target market on an emotional and psychological level. The agency works full-force in forging and fostering such connections, creating immersive experiences that will surely engage the target audience and form favorable associations with brands.
One of HireInfluence’s successful campaigns was its partnership with Southwest Airlines. The campaign was launched to drive pre-sales tickets for the airline’s first-ever flights to Hawaii. By organizing account takeovers for 6 Hawaii-based influencers in order to capture real-life emotions in a Hawaii vacation, HireInfluence was able to generate a whopping 56 million impressions and 3 million engagements for Southwest.
HireInfluence has a minimum spend of $50,000 per project, which may be a significant investment for some brands. However, the agency’s innovative and diverse approach to influencer marketing, coupled with its commitment to creating immersive experiences for its clients, makes it a valuable partner for brands looking to connect with their target audience on a deeper level.
4. Zorka.Agency
Zorka.Agency is a digital marketing agency that specializes in creating ROI-forecasted strategies to help businesses scale up. The company has notable clients such as Tencent, Domino’s Pizza, and AliExpress. It is located in Limassol, Cyprus, and was founded in 2014.
Zorka.Agency has won several awards and recognition in 2020, including from Influencer Marketing Hub, App Growth Awards, and Clutch. The agency has made its mark on influencer marketing and performance campaigns, with a focus on creating measurable returns for businesses.
The agency offers bespoke content creation services such as video, graphics, and photo shoots, designed to keep the brand’s essence intact while pushing the audience’s interest around it. Zorka.Agency’s pricing ranges from $100 to $149 per hour, with a minimum spend of $5,000 per project.
Overall, Zorka.Agency is a trusted digital marketing agency that offers a range of services to help businesses grow and succeed in today’s competitive market.
5. RMNG
RMNG is an experiential marketing agency that creates unique and memorable moments between brands and their target audiences. Founded in 2009 in Los Angeles, California, RMNG has a global presence and has served hundreds of markets across Canada and Europe in addition to their work in the majority of US states.
RMNG has worked with notable clients such as Hello Kitty, Barbie, and Walmart. Their services include mobile pop-up shops, mobile marketing tours, and branded vehicles. They have also utilized their knowledge of mobility and food trucks to create unexpected marketing opportunities.
Their minimum spend per project is $25,000, making them a high-end option for businesses looking to create a lasting impression with their target audience. RMNG’s expertise in experiential marketing and mobility can help businesses go mobile and stand out from their competition.
Overall, RMNG’s unique approach to experiential marketing and their global presence make them a trusted partner for leading global brands looking to create lasting connections with their audience.
6. Next/Now
Next/Now is an experiential marketing agency that specializes in digital exhibition and multimedia design. Founded in 2011, the agency is based in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and has notable clients such as Adidas, LG, and Samsung. With a team of over 40 employees from different backgrounds, Next/Now incorporates new tech solutions like generative art, virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) into their experiential campaigns.
Next/Now’s in-house team created all the digital assets for the Intel Best Buy Retail Experience, which featured branded portals, vertically stacked screens, and an Intel robot. This resulted in truly immersive experiences for customers. The agency has received numerous positive reviews for their ability to stick to deadlines and innovative ideas.
Next/Now’s pricing model ranges from $100 to $149 per hour, with a minimum spend of $50,000 per project. The agency’s focus on digital exhibition and multimedia design makes them a great option for clients looking for immersive experiences that incorporate new tech solutions.
7. MKG
MKG is a women-owned and operated creative agency that specializes in experiential marketing. They have notable clients including Target, Delta Air Lines, and Motorola. The agency is headquartered in New York City with another office in Los Angeles. MKG was founded in 2003 and their pricing ranges from $100 to $149 per hour with a minimum spend of $5,000 per project.
MKG has been recognized as one of the top experiential marketing agencies by Built In New York City and was named Ad Age’s 2023 A-List Experiential Agency of the Year. They specialize in creating brand action such as employee engagements, virtual events, social impact actions, and live experiences. They offer a range of services including developing a brand and campaign strategy, competitive analysis, and production.
One of MKG’s successful projects involved partnering with R/GA, an international marketing and global digital product company, to create a pop-up celebration for Barbie’s 60th anniversary. The pop-up celebration featured a life-size version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse and a physical timeline that highlighted her different looks. MKG also worked with Google to launch their newest lineup of products by partnering with influential New Yorkers to showcase how the products can be used in real-life settings.
MKG’s expertise in experiential marketing has made them a top choice for brands looking to create memorable experiences for their customers.
8. Sector 5 Digital
Sector 5 Digital (S5D) is a creative agency based in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. They specialize in transforming brands using emerging technology and storytelling. Their services include experiential marketing, augmented reality (AR), integrated campaigns, video production, and 3D animation.
S5D has worked with notable clients such as American Airlines, Dell, and IBM Cloud. The agency has a global presence and has received positive reviews for their experiential marketing services. Past clients have praised the agency for going above and beyond to deliver excellent results.
One example of S5D’s work is their web-based product for American Airlines. The product allows potential passengers to experience a 360 animated tour of the different cabins of the fleet.
S5D’s expertise in creating immersive experiences has led to a six-figure engagement with one of the largest architecture firms. The agency will create an immersive experience that brings their business campus to life.
The agency’s pricing starts at a minimum spend of $25,000 per project.
Overall, S5D is a reputable agency that uses technology and storytelling to transform brands. Their expertise in experiential marketing and creating immersive experiences has earned them positive reviews from past clients.
9. Pro Motion
Pro Motion is an independent experiential marketing company that has been in business since 1995. With its headquarters located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Pro Motion has a notable global presence. The company has worked with several notable clients such as Bosch, Gatorade, and Disney.
Pro Motion offers a range of services including B2B experiential marketing, pop-up shops, event marketing, and experiential marketing tours. The company has received several awards for its services, including six new industry awards in the past 18 months alone.
One of Pro Motion’s successful campaigns was the Bosch Big Blue Tour, where they built five mobile workshops on wheels with interactive stations to demonstrate new products. The campaign engaged half a million consumers and recruited and trained more than 20 Bosch brand ambassadors, with almost half of them appointed on a full-time basis by Bosch.
Pro Motion’s pricing ranges from $100 to $149 per hour, with a minimum spend of $50,000 per project. When working with Pro Motion, clients can expect a collaborative approach as they are assigned a senior level account team. Pro Motion works with only 10 clients at a time, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention.
10. Amplify
Amplify is a global brand experience agency that aims to help brands create authentic connections with their audiences through digital content, experiences, and PR. With offices in London, Paris, Sydney, New York City, and Los Angeles, Amplify has worked with notable clients such as LEGO, Netflix, and Nike.
Recently named Campaign’s Brand Experience Agency of the Decade, Amplify takes a holistic approach to brand experience. They prioritize narrative design and storytelling in everything they do, and work to blur the lines between physical experiences and online digital experiences.
Amplify’s unique approach combines the charm of in real life (IRL) with the best features of the digital world to break away from typical formats. Their pricing is undisclosed, but they have been recognized for their ability to create meaningful and engaging experiences for their clients.
11. iMP Experiential & Product Sampling
iMP Experiential is an award-winning agency based in Leeds, England, with a nationwide reach. They specialize in product sampling, experiential roadshows, and brand activations. They have worked with notable clients such as Fiat, Jeep, and New Balance.
As a full-service brand experience agency, iMP provides promotional staff, drivers, and promo vehicles that can be fully branded and adapted for mobile product sampling. They carefully choose their staff for each campaign to ensure that they successfully target the right people at the right place and time.
iMP knows that strategy is key to a successful campaign. They take a wider approach to opportunities and consider the bigger picture. For instance, when Ritter Sport wanted to introduce one of their new chocolate bars to a potential market segment, iMP dressed up brand ambassadors as a whole hazelnut bar and sloth. This creative approach resulted in the distribution of 24,000 samples and even more consumer engagements initiated.
Their pricing is undisclosed, but they offer a wide range of services that can be customized for each client’s needs. If you have a product to sample in the UK, iMP Experiential is a great option to consider.
12. Backlash
Backlash is an experiential marketing agency based in London, England, that was founded in 2017. Notable clients of Backlash include Notion, Nespresso, and Sephora. The agency was created by three founders who were passionate about experiential marketing and wanted to challenge the traditional methods used by other agencies.
According to their website, Backlash takes a “Big Agency” approach to all briefs, regardless of the budget. They specialize in creating multichannel campaigns for product launches, roadshows, and pop-up shops. For instance, Backlash created a spooky-themed product launch for Lego’s AR-powered product, Hidden Side, which included multiple product displays, an AR photo booth, and goody bags.
Despite the agency’s name, Backlash has only received positive feedback on their Facebook page. The agency’s pricing is undisclosed, but they are known for their ability to create innovative and engaging campaigns for their clients.
13. All Terrain
All Terrain is a full-service marketing agency based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The company was founded in 1998 and is the first women-founded and owned experiential agency in the US. All Terrain has worked with notable clients such as Kellogg’s, Nike, and Airbnb.
All Terrain offers experiential services that are “people-centered, digitally integrated, and socially amplified”. They help brands create meaningful connections through mobile tours, virtual events, and other experiential marketing campaigns. The agency has successfully established itself as the go-to agency for brands that want something different from traditional advertising.
One of All Terrain’s strengths is its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In 2020, they helped Ferrari create its first virtual launch, which resulted in over 500,000 impressions and significant revenue for Save The Children.
All Terrain’s pricing is undisclosed. However, the agency’s expertise in experiential marketing and its ability to create real connections with consumers make it a valuable partner for brands looking to stand out in a crowded market.
14. Evolve
Evolve is an experiential marketing agency that was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA. The agency has worked with notable clients such as Amazon, Google Pay, and Fox. They offer a range of marketing services, including event production, logistics, and developing marketing programs. Evolve is a full-service agency that can assist with all steps of the process, including providing promo vehicles and brand ambassador staff.
One of the unique aspects of Evolve is their focus on sustainability. They aim to help their clients create greener marketing campaigns, whether it’s through sampling materials, route planning, or vehicle efficiency. By doing so, they help their clients create an emotional connection with their target audience.
Unfortunately, pricing information for Evolve’s services is undisclosed. However, their website states that they are a team of experts in experiential marketing, which suggests that their services may be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Overall, Evolve is a reliable and experienced agency that offers a range of services to help their clients create successful marketing campaigns.
15. Traina
Traina is a creative agency located in San Diego, California, USA, founded in 2006. They have a notable client list that includes Space Center Houston, Microsoft, and John Deere. The agency specializes in experiential brand activations, creating unique and unforgettable experiences for brands.
Traina offers bespoke activations that allow brands to connect with their community in a meaningful way. They view all touchpoints as opportunities to create impactful experiences. They have been praised for their professional communication skills and their ability to listen to their clients and translate their needs into innovative experiences.
One example of Traina’s successful experiential marketing was their work with Degreed, where they organized a hybrid event that attracted nearly double the number of attendees that the conference attracted before the pandemic. Traina’s pricing ranges from $150 to $199 per hour, making them a competitive option for brands seeking experiential marketing services.
Overall, Traina’s expertise in experiential brand activations and ability to create impactful experiences make them a top creative agency for brands looking to connect with their audience in a memorable way.
16. Lytehouse
Lytehouse is a full-service influencer marketing agency based in Albany, New York, USA. Founded in 2012, the agency has worked with notable clients such as Uber, Hyundai, and Ralph Lauren. While their pricing is undisclosed, their team of casting directors, talent strategists, brand partnership managers, and creative producers has been praised for their professionalism, communication, and smart approach.
Services Offered by Top Experiential Marketing Agencies
Lytehouse offers a variety of services, including experiential marketing. As a full-service agency, they can design, develop, and manage one-of-a-kind experiences. From strategizing to reaching out to invitees (and even managing the guest list), they know just what to do. In addition to experiential marketing, they offer influencer marketing, social media marketing, and content creation.
Other top experiential marketing agencies offer a similar range of services. In addition to experiential marketing, they may offer live events, mobile pop-up stores, product demos and sampling, marketing tours, interactive installations, immersive experiences, workshops, brand activations, and promo vehicles.
Wrapping Things Up
Experiential marketing is a type of marketing that involves live events and real-life experiences. Companies use experiential marketing to engage customers through branded experiences and live events. By working with a top experiential marketing agency like Lytehouse, brands can create enjoyable experiences that humanize their brand and leave lasting impressions on potential customers. Other top experiential marketing agencies offer a similar range of services, including live events, mobile pop-up stores, product demos and sampling, marketing tours, interactive installations, immersive experiences, workshops, brand activations, and promo vehicles.
Experiential marketing campaigns can generate massive positive exposure when done right. By taking inspiration from recent case studies, brands can create unique and memorable experiences that delight their target audience and drive brand loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Experiential Marketing Agencies have the Largest Global Reach?
The top experiential marketing agencies with the largest global reach include:
- MKTG
- George P. Johnson
- Jack Morton Worldwide
- Freeman
- GES
- Cramer
- Allied Experiential
- Imagination
- Vok Dams
- GPJ Experience Marketing
What are the Top-rated Experiential Marketing Agencies in the United States?
The top-rated experiential marketing agencies in the United States include:
- GMR Marketing
- Momentum Worldwide
- Octagon
- BMF Media
- Pro Motion
- MKG
- Sparks
- Cramer
- Fusion Marketing
- George P. Johnson
What Services do Leading Brand Experience Agencies Typically Offer?
Leading brand experience agencies typically offer a wide range of services, including:
- Event production and management
- Experiential marketing campaigns
- Brand activations
- Trade show exhibits
- Product launches
- Sponsorship activations
- Influencer marketing
- Social media marketing
- Creative design and branding
- Content creation
- Interactive technology
How do Experiential Marketing Agencies Enhance Brand Engagement?
Experiential marketing agencies enhance brand engagement by creating unique and memorable experiences for consumers. By leveraging immersive and interactive technologies, experiential marketing agencies help brands to connect with their target audience on a deeper level. These experiences can include events, pop-up shops, interactive installations, and more.
What Should one Look for When Choosing an Experiential Marketing Agency in Major Cities like Los Angeles or New York?
When choosing an experiential marketing agency in major cities like Los Angeles or New York, it is important to consider the agency’s experience, portfolio, and reputation. Look for an agency with a strong track record of success and a portfolio of work that aligns with your brand’s goals. Additionally, consider the agency’s approach and philosophy, as well as their ability to work within your budget and timeline.
What Career Opportunities are Commonly Available at Experiential Marketing Agencies?
Experiential marketing agencies offer a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Event producers and managers
- Account executives
- Creative directors
- Graphic designers
- Social media managers
- Brand ambassadors
- Production coordinators
- Project managers
- Event planners
- Experiential marketers
Overall, the experiential marketing industry is a dynamic and exciting field with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
