Innovative Strategies for Global Event Engagement
For the fifth event in our Making Moments Matter series, we brought together heads of events and marketing from some of the world’s leading brands, to discuss the future of content.
Live events, whether IRL, online or hybrid, remain one of the most impactful ways to bring brands closer to their audiences.
As a result, brands are focusing their efforts on delivering unique moments and experiences that deliver impact, change behaviour, align values and create belief. So what role does content play in delivering that, and how can brands really make content work for them?
We discussed a number of topics, from changing human behaviours and content exhaustion to inclusivity in content. Access our key take-aways here:
Strata has appointed Phil Staines as Chief of Staff, a newly created role that will see Staines assist the agency with strategy development, organisational structure and process, and continued expansion plans.
Staines, who has vast live events and agency experience, will assist the agency’s board, helping it to shape, prioritise and execute strategic business initiatives, including acquisitions and proposition development.
The former Chief of Staff at brand experience agency FIRST, Staines joins Strata following roles at BCD Meetings and Events and Grass Roots also.
He will report directly to Simon Hambley, CEO of Strata, who explained that Staines’ understanding of the sector is a huge win for the agency.
Hambley said: “Phil joins Strata at an incredibly exciting time. He will be working on a variety of tasks, helping us to achieve our ambitious business goals and ensuring slick communication and collaboration across the Strata portfolio and all departments.
“Phil is no stranger to the live events industry so I am certain that his knowledge and comprehension of our exciting sector means he can hit the ground running and help us to achieve amazing things.”
Hambley continued: “Phil’s skill set complements the wider Strata team. I am looking forward to seeing how he can work with the board and push us on our journey, ensuring optimal performance at all times by supporting colleagues, applying critical thinking and inspiring effective decision-making.”
Staines said of his appointment: “I am thrilled to be joining Strata at this exciting juncture, in what promises to be a real time of change and innovation for the Events industry.
One of the things I admired most about Strata is the exceptional reputation it has, which is driven by a truly passionate team. You don’t often get a chance to work with great people, who want to do some great things, so I am excited to get going.
Strata is well placed to help its clients navigate this changing landscape, and I am looking forward to helping the Strata board bring to life some of the ideas and propositions we have in the pipeline!”
Attendees at the Strata insights event, at The Ned in London last week, were treated to a preview of some of the most important tech trends which will shape the events industry in 2024 and beyond.
Speaking to an audience of event industry leaders, three key trends were showcased to help brands deliver greater results through events and marketing in 2024, by Chris Vernon-Smith, Creative Director of On Event Production Co (a subsidiary of Strata).
Tech Trend #1 – Personalisation
Opportunities now exist to personalise content to individuals dynamically, matching the mood and environment. Two examples were presented.
3D Audio Beam forming – such as the HOLOPLOT speakers used at ABBA Voyage. This beams highly directional sound to a specific audience or space. In a conference environment, the speaker could be translated into a different language instantaneously in different parts of the room.
Facial recognition – unobtrusive face recognition technology can gather attendee data with no need to scan badges or QR codes (this can be GDPR compliant). Room engagement could also be measured based on facial expressions meaning an event speaker could detect the mood of an audience through feedback from the tech, changing their energy or delivery accordingly.
Tech Trend #2 Sustainability
Two examples relevant to the events industry were presented.
PET eco-fabric – uses dye sub-printing and water-based inks to significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional print. For every roll of material that goes through the printers, 3,000 bottles are saved from ending up in the ocean or landfill.
Green mobile power – is now delivering the power output and duration to make it usable for large-scale outdoor events.
Tech Trend #3 Immersive Tech
Two ways in which immersive tech can transform event experiences were showcased.
LED film – improvements in LED resolution, power, and price point mean translucent screens on a massive scale can now add new dimensions to event spaces, product launches, and exhibitions.
The Vegas Sphere – mapped with LEDs and functioning as a giant video screen inside and out, produces video that dynamically changes throughout a show.
Giles Cattle, Director of Creative Strategy and Business Development at Strata said, “This was the third in our ‘Making Moments Matter’ Insight Series. First, we looked at globalisation, then we followed up with our Big Budget Debate. This time we gathered together experts, leaders, and visionaries to showcase the predictions and trend insights that will be shaping event brand and marketing in 2024 and beyond. It was an incredibly thought-provoking event and attendees went away inspired.”
Speakers and panel attendees also included Greg Clayton, Head of Markets, Brands and Shoppers Insights at Ipsos, Jen Bonassera, Global Events Director at Charlotte Tilbury, Kristian Cholmondeley, Managing Director at Jeep and Fiona Macnish, Head of Global Events at M&G Investments.
A full insights report from the event will be published in January and will be available on stratacreate.com.
To be the first to receive a copy, please click here.
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