B-to-C Events

Global event portfolios can be a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, they give event and conference producers the ability to reach worldwide audiences on a local level by deploying fully-branded and turnkey “events in a box.” On the downside, global marketers, despite their best efforts, still struggle to make each live experience consistent with the messaging that’s being shared at the year’s anchor events.

The technology and design worlds have been all aflutter about TED since its inception in 1984, but in the last few years, it has grown exponentially, both in awareness and in thought leadership. The platform is anchored in the main events, TEDGlobal in Edinburgh every summer, and TED in Long Beach and TEDActive in Palm Springs, CA, in February. As media attention for the events has grown, so has brand interest, but TED doesn’t make it easy.

Attendees of all stripes flock to it. Brands can’t wait to get a piece of it. And the world can’t seem to get enough of it. “It,” of course, is TED, the fast-growing event platform that’s shaking up the typical conference format and showing event marketers the value of co-creating content with consumers. EM takes you inside the phenomenon that just won’t stop.

The 10th annual Event Marketing Summit is officially behind us now, and for those on-site at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago the sessions were sizzling hot, the keynotes were right on pitch and the drinks were bottomless. But the goodies weren’t just for those folks who saw it live. Twitter was all a-flutter thanks to all you social-savvy event peeps passing around the content jewels, high points and (yes) complaints. We’ve collected a very short list of some of our favorites for your recapping pleasure.

Launching a new product or program requires a big splash, immediate engagement—and ultimately sales. Marketers have to create buzz, trial, influencer recommendation and combine them to drive sales. For the newest Windows Phone, social media and influencer events helped Microsoft’s launch campaign fire on all cylinders, creating reach, frequency and recommendation.