EventMarketer Sizzle: Your Biweekly Feed of All Things Experiential
04.11.25
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, passing Wayne Gretzky’s record with his 895th during Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders. The next day, Budweiser announced its “King of Zero” campaign and sent a customized can of Budweiser Zero to each of the 28 goalies who never gave up a goal to Ovechkin. Plenty of #Gr8ness to go around.
📷 Photo of the Week
 
 
Attendees at both the Men’s and Women’s Final Four fan fests were invited into Shaquille O’Neal’s “Tool Shaq.” The Home Depot activation featured a hoops competition with an oversized Scotts seed spreader rebounder… Read more.
🗨️ Insight of the Week
 
“The event really allowed us to put the product in front of the consumer and let them smell it, let them feel it; in the case of the dog, let them taste it. So that pure enjoyment, whether it’s the perceived palatability by the pet parent or how the dog responds to it, is giving a consumer an opportunity to experience that live.”
–Jasen Cusick, Director-Marketing, Dog Treats Portfolio, The J.M. Smucker Co.
Field Report
I Had No Idea This Was a Thing’: Top Activations from Tourney Town
For a record fourth time, Tampa, FL, hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four tournament, and basketball fans turned out to support their teams and shoot their shots… Read more.
Sports Sponsorship
Dream Courts and Holograms Pop up at the NCAA Men’s Final Four
San Antonio, TX, welcomed college sports fans for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend, and sponsors designed activations that placed attendees at center-court… Read more.
Sports Sponsorship
2025 Women’s Final Four: Fan Insights, Bucket Hats and Many Basketballs
Bucket hats were the most-coveted swag item during the Final Four weekend, as brands went all in on ’90s nostalgia. They also brought AI-powered experiences and ice cream… Read more.
Marketing News
The Brief: Jamesons Hot Dog High Tea and ‘The White Lotus’ IRL
This week’s hot topics in experiential cover Jameson Black Barrel’s partnership with CHAIN and Portillo’s, Max’s “The White Lotus” wellness retreat and Dove’s “Hot Seats”… Read more.
Partner Content
Raise a glass with Lime Media at EMS!
Join top experiential marketing producer Lime Media at one of their mobile marketing workshops at EMS on Tuesday, April 15 for an exclusive deep-dive into creating larger-than-life mobile marketing strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for brands and brand-side agencies to see real-life examples of iconic mobile vehicles to inspire the next big activation for your brand. Enjoy drinks, snacks and great company! Register in the app today to reserve your spot.
Brand Partnerships
Dogs Were VIPs at This Milk-Bone and Jif Museum-themed Launch Event
The two J.M. Smucker-owned companies leaned into society’s preoccupation with drop culture at their dog-friendly event that offered a Bonding Bar and Thirst Trap Water Bowl… Read more.
💡 ICYMI Last Week
 
📌 EM Updates
 
EMS kicks off on Monday, and you won’t want to miss the industry event of the year! The 23rd annual Experiential Marketing Summit will deliver inspiration, insights and ideas for the Big, Bold Future of experiential. It’s the last chance to register to join us April 14-16 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
✉️ Contact Us
 
The Sizzle is produced by Event Marketer, the industry’s largest information resource on experiential marketing. Learn more.
 
Send story ideas and news to: Juanita Chavarro Arias | [email protected]
For ad and lead-gen opportunities: Alex Chung | [email protected]
Subscribe to Event Marketer | Find New Partners in The Event RFP Superbook

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Event Marketer