For 22 years, EMS attendees have been rising with the sun and meeting for morning runs. Be a part
of the tradition and start your day getting to know some fellow fitness enthusiasts. Our guided 5K run and sightseeing tour departs from the lobby and takes you down the Vegas strip and back. You never know what you’ll see when the sun comes up in Sin City!

*Registration required.

Embrace the flow state and join us for a 30-minute guided meditation session. Start your day with deep, cleansing breaths. Focus your energy on the day ahead. Open up your mind to welcome in the next big idea. Come dressed for the day—a no-sweat experience!

Grab a seat with a new industry friend and prepare to get inspired as we kick off the first full day at EMS 2024 with a hearty breakfast, a live DJ and some fun trivia challenges designed to get the brain synapses firing.

Join Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing for State Farm, as she dispels common misconceptions and shares best practices for experiential marketing. She'll dive into her top tips for connecting with future generations of consumers as well as flipping the script on the marketing mainstay to leave you with an arsenal of new tools.

Head to the Hall of Ideas for some networking and idea gathering over a cup of coffee or tea. Catch a 10-minute sneak preview of new cutting-edge products and services in the Clubhouse. Explore the latest and greatest event partners and solutions. And don’t forget to swing by the EMS puppy park to say “good boy!” to some local area rescues.

Stop by our "Expert Studio" in the Event Marketer Clubhouse and sit in on a series of fast-paced presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

DESIGNING TO CONNECT: CULTURAL ACTIVATIONS
Join this dynamic session focused on implementing a human-centric design methodology to bridge affinity and multi-generational workforce gaps, and learn how to optimize organizational engagement. Immerse in proven strategies and design disciplines to activate culture, foster organizational affinity and boost cohesion across increasingly disconnected work audiences. Leave the session equipped with turning emotional loyalty into an actionable design item, bridging the affinity gap via your event design and activating culture versus activating brand.

At every lunch and happy hour in the Hall of Ideas, our top-secret sustainability patrol will be working the show floor looking for examples of great sustainability practices in action—and then dropping cool prizes on the spot. Filling your own reusable water bottle at the water cooler? Winner! Going vegetarian or vegan in your lunch choices? Winner! Recycling paper, cans or plastic? Winner!

Stop by our "Expert Studio" in the Event Marketer Clubhouse and sit in on a series of fast-paced presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

MEASURING EVENT IMPACT USING AI
KNW helps optimize the return of events by measuring audience Socio-demographics, sentiment & engagement, flow analytics - wait times, queue lengths and capacity monitoring. Zuddl provides a modern alternative to industry leading event planning platforms. By incorporating KNW, Zuddl now enables facial recognition check-ins and continuous event ROI optimization.

Huddle up and get a behind-the-scenes look at Captain Morgan’s multi-year campaign that featured an interactive treasure hunt in partnership with the NFL. Through national and local activations, from the Captain’s Section at the biggest NFL games, to hidden varsity jackets in retail stores, the campaign engaged fans from the NFL season kickoff all the way to the 2024 Super Bowl. Learn how the brand and its strategic partners brought the concept to consumers through multiple touchpoints, channels and cultural moments with experiential at the heart of the overall marketing strategy.

The tech conference world is competitive and the audiences, savvy. In this lively panel, we’ll unravel the key principles for creating an engaging and innovative event experience for both participants and stakeholders alike. Learn about the fusion of innovation and audience engagement as well as the pivotal role of “dynamic design” in leaving lasting impressions through an inside look at successful case studies and candid commentary.  

Delve into the practical applications of AI that are reshaping the way we engage attendees, deliver personalized experiences and optimize planning processes. Learn how to utilize the transformative power of AI-enhanced tech solutions to streamline and enhance the efficiency and creativity of event marketing. Hear how to implements AI-driven solutions to create experiences that resonate with each attendee on a deeper level. From curating event content, to optimizing the attendee experience, discover how AI can be used to element the entire planning process, and how data-driven insights from AI analytics lead to better-informed decisions, improved content curation, and ultimately, a higher return on investment. Leave this session with a comprehensive roadmap for event marketers to integrate AI technology into their workflows.

Community building is more important than ever for annual events to thrive today, and web-based design platform Figma has found success in letting its “fan base” take the reins of its five-year-old user conference, Config. What began as a gathering of a few hundred enthusiasts is now a 8,500-person experience with nearly 200,000 virtual participants worldwide. Hear how the team balances its growth strategy with maintaining community connection pre-, during- and post-event, and how its most passionate users stayed a part of its rise every step of the way.

Creative thinkers, assemble! Join Experiential Marketing Summit keynoter Duncan Wardle in an unscripted, ask-me-anything-style session covering team-building and talent development, creative inspiration and innovation. Bring your burning questions—nothing is off the table.  

Creating content can be isolating for creators, so YouTube gave its creators a chance to meet, connect and celebrate—IRL. Go inside the brand’s global Creator Meetups at Pier 57 in NYC, where YouTube turned its 2023 top trends into an immersive experience, including: a secret lounge, an arcade full of retro games, a prize wall, a “Skibidi Toilet” flash mob complete with actors dressed up as toilets performing a custom dance routine, and more. This session will share some of the strategies used to scale local, community-level events into a global portfolio, and will offer a sneak peek into this year's biggest trending moments.

We are in a creator economy, where both professional media and talented individuals share event experiences with brand fans and followers all over the world. From broadcast studios to mobile podcasting, how to curate and distribute content should be a large part of every event strategy. Join this session to get actionable strategies from experiential professionals who understand the power of content to maximize the impact of your events. Explore the intersection of curated and candid content creation. Find inspiration in culture-shaping spaces, such as broadcast sets, mobile studios and other branded environments for content creation and delivery. Learn about the “creator economy” and how to empower content creators relevant to your brand.

Gather around for an expert moderated “ask-me-anything” session digging into the timely topic of event sustainability. Ask the hard questions. Get the lowdown on the latest best practices. Present your challenges and concerns and get real-time feedback in a group think format. 

From the right place to the right message to the right agenda, the latest incentive events for employees need to recognize, reward, connect—all under the umbrella of the brand. Hear an exclusive case study on T-Mobile’s most important incentive event, based around a highly-curated, five-day Maui adventure. This session will highlight the key tips, lessons and best practices in action, from surprise and delight moments and individual recognition ceremonies, to sustainability efforts and giving back to the community. Walk away ready to kick your own incentive events up a few notches.

Every year, the demand for impactful custom sponsored experiences reaches new heights. But highly creative, customized experiences often come with bigger price tags. Step inside INBOUND23 with HubSpot to see how the company delivered immersive, sponsored activations with companies such as Chase Ink and Wistia that were both custom and cost-conscious. Join us to learn how you, too, can achieve the perfect synergy between customization and margin growth.

If you missed all the exciting wins at the Ex Awards Gala, you’re in for a treat. Listen in as a group of our 2024 Ex Awards judges help us break down the results. We’ll discuss the campaigns that made the biggest impressions from this year’s program, the most steal-worthy ideas, and clues to what might be coming next in the wild world of 2024 events.

In this ultimate crash course for event marketers on adapting to today’s economic climate, learn how agencies and brands are working together to solve for the effects of shifting budgets and fluctuating production costs. Hear insights, perspectives and pain points each side faces, learn how to collaborate better to create successful programs despite financial pressures, and dig into real-world scenarios of L’Oréal brand programs that were creative and impactful, but also cost-efficient and resource-savvy.

Grab lunch with a new friend or colleague and take part in one of several fun networking activities designed to get you connected and inspired. Stop in for a casual lunch-and-learn in The Clubhouse. Explore the latest products, partners and solutions at your own pace. Bon appétit!

Event industry creatives and producers—this one’s for you. You’re working faster, harder and under more compressed timelines and operational challenges than ever before. It’s time to take a breath and get re-inspired. Grab lunch and have a seat at the Design Lab for a highly interactive panel discussion where you will hear and share ideas, and brainstorm solutions to common pain points. Discover new ways to spark innovative and strategic thinking in an era of uncertainty. Learn how to transform limitations into opportunities for fresh thinking and ideas. Listen in as peers and creative leaders discuss the state of the industry.

Dive into the transformative world of experiential event strategies that redefines the conference landscape. Discover actionable insights and methodical hands-on takeaways VDA and CrowdStrike implemented at Fal.Con 2023, focusing on creating a futuristic cybersecurity conference vibe within a traditional conference setting to drive innovative engagement. Gain strategic insights on effective space planning, audience engagement and budgetary vs. engagement decision-making processes that contributed to the success of this event. Walk away with a fresh perspective on design, marketing and execution.

Grab lunch and join one of our spirited peer-to-peer discussion groups focusing on the unique challenges that matter to you most. Find others who speak your event language. Join one conversation and go deep. Or, if you’re a multi-tasker, hop up and join a new one. This is your chance to share the tough questions that are keeping you up at night, and hear how your peers are navigating similar issues. Communities represented will include: EMS First-Timers, Trade Show Pros, The Creatives, B-to-B Mavens, Sponsorship All-Stars, Tech/Digital Experts, Event Strategists and Logistics & Ops Leaders.

That’s right. The game of champions is coming to EMS and we’re taking all comers for a bracketed tournament for the ages. Open to anyone, grab a paddle and hop on the court for some fun and—if you have what it takes—ultimate bragging rights. Watch for more details on tournament rules and sweet, sweet costume challenges that will make Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe look like amateurs.

Court flooring provided by Brumark.

Step into the spotlight of the Event Marketer Talent Conversation! In this "ask-me-anything" style session, we will unpack all things talent. Whether you're seeking innovative methods to attract and retain top talent to build high-performing teams or you’re eager to explore avenues to advance your own career, this discussion is for you. Ask your questions and get best practices and solutions to take your talent strategy to the next level.

Stop by our "Expert Studio" and sit in on a series of fast-paced 10-minute presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

At every lunch and happy hour in the Hall of Ideas, our top-secret sustainability patrol will be working the show floor looking for examples of great sustainability practices in action—and then dropping cool prizes on the spot. Filling your own reusable water bottle at the water cooler? Winner! Going vegetarian or vegan in your lunch choices? Winner! Recycling paper, cans or plastic? Winner!

Settle in for a fireside chat with brand executives on how to create robust, experience-driven sponsorships. We’ll explore how to identify events or new spaces to align with, present best practices for new deals, talk what’s changed in sponsorship in the past few years, and, most importantly, discuss how brands should remain authentic to the mission while making new and exciting connections.

We’re breaking down one of the year’s hottest topics, demystifying how to make magic with AI.  Deep tech requires deep trust, and not all AI is the same. Learn about the specific AI challenges facing the business leaders that you’re marketing to and how to leverage AI in a positive way that speaks to their experiences, engages better, drives growth and enhances marketing tactics and event experiences. You’ll hear about and discuss the enormous shift to the world of creatives and how to embrace and differentiate. If you want to become better versed in the AI universe, the fundamentals, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to put your marketing strategies into overdrive with AI, this exclusive deep dive is for you. Bring your toughest questions and pain points.

THESE GUYS Experiential Lab will offer an exclusive insight into the new xKPI ecosystem. Various client case studies, including Volkswagen, will be used to highlight how event data can be turned into meaningful insights.

CCM Hockey has a rich history of equipping the best hockey players in the world. But rather than think globally with its experiential efforts, the brand is leaning on hyper-local experiences that have resulted in supercharged ROI. In this session, you’ll learn how to create a program designed to scale up or down, and how private homes can play a role. Walk away with insights on community connections, immersive storytelling, diverse perspectives, and personalized touches that only “local” can deliver.

Unlock the power of experiential content to revolutionize event marketing strategies. Team Shiloh will present and facilitate a workshop and group discussions into how event marketers can craft immersive, personalized content that not only captivates attendees but also guides them seamlessly from engagement to conversion. This session will dive into strategies on how brands tailor their program agenda with a variety of content formats to create meaningful connections, engage with audiences, retain their attention and drive leads in an ever-changing marketplace. 

Trade show and event teams are doing what nobody would have dared 10 years ago—pulling products OUT of their booths and replacing that clutter with… content. Learn how Fortune 1000 brands are driving increased product sales with decreased products in booths. See how, why and when content strategies need to be developed. Hear real examples of companies that have deployed and then reaped the reward of new content strategies across their trade show portfolios. And get a checklist you can follow to begin to transition your own booth experiences from product-focused to story-centric.

Join this session to explore the evolving landscape of brand experiences through the lens of technology and digital integration, and hear examples of best-in-class work brand stories. Discover how to seamlessly blend physical and digital experiences, leverage AI to shift experiences from passive to active participation, and utilize digital platforms for deeper insights into ROI metrics and measurements. Hear a forward-looking perspective on the trends that are shaping the future of experiential marketing. This is an essential discussion for those looking to stay ahead in creating compelling and measurable brand engagements.

From discerning sponsorship budgets, to securing licenses to sell products in different states, to finding events that hit all the objectives and that work within tour dates, building a strategic mobile tour is a puzzle. In this session, explore the ins and outs of successful tours today through Instax, which aligned with festivals, block parties, and surf competitions to target Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Hear how the team navigated budget and logistics challenges, and the top takeaways and best practices it gleaned across 20 stops and 142,000 visitors. 

Head to the Hall of Ideas for some networking and idea gathering over a cup of coffee or tea. Catch a 10-minute sneak preview of new cutting-edge products and services in the Clubhouse. Explore the latest and greatest event partners and solutions. And don’t forget to swing by the EMS puppy park to say “good boy!” to some local area rescues.

Stop by our "Expert Studio" in the Event Marketer Clubhouse and sit in on a series of fast-paced presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

ECO-INNOVATION – 10 TIPS IN 10 MINUTES FOR SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE EVENTS
Join this rapid-fire session with ten transformative tips to infuse sustainability into corporate events in ten minutes. Learn how digital innovations, local engagements and eco-conscious choices can revolutionize event planning for a sustainable, engaging corporate future.

Discover the strategy that took the Volkswagen ID. 7's launch into a new dimension, securing a historic 2.5 billion contacts. This session will unveil how a consistently data-driven approach, paired with a captivating brand experience, formed the cornerstone of the campaign. Join us as we delve into the insights, the concepts, and the measurement tools that were instrumental in crafting this achievement.

De Beers is known around the world for its diamond jewelry. But after a year spent curating award-winning events and brand experiences in Las Vegas and Hong Kong, its event organization is gaining recognition for a bold and brave stance on sustainability. Listen in on a discussion about a vision for a sustainable future, challenges and opportunities, and gain tips on internal stakeholder engagement, experience design, material use and carbon measurement.

As 2024 kicks off, a year where friendly (and not-so-friendly) debates are poised to take over media headlines, take in a variety of quickfire points of view on the hottest topics to dominate experiential marketing this year. From the role of emerging technologies such as AI and the impact of sustainable practices in events, to capturing data and how it plays a part in personalized experiences, our experts will each respond through a unique POV in favor or opposed to each topic for a lively and engaging debate.

What’s keeping you up at night? Grab a chair (and a Kleenex, if needed—no judgment) for a peer-to-peer idea exchange where you help us help you. Throw your toughest challenges on the board. Hear how other event pros are navigating the same issues. Walk away with fresh ideas and solutions. 

With the rise of "funflation" and a surge in experiential activations, coupled with media entities intensifying their focus on immersive experiences, it's imperative to explore new perspectives on Return on Investment (ROI) in this evolving industry. This session will unravel the intricacies of measuring success beyond traditional metrics and discuss innovative approaches to evaluating the impact of experiential campaigns. Discover strategies to navigate the challenges posed by increased activations and learn how to leverage these trends to your advantage. It's time to redefine ROI in experiential marketing and embrace a new era of measurable and meaningful results. Don't miss out on this session that promises to reshape your approach to experiential ROI.

In this decade marked by total disruption and the rise of AI, companies that leverage our most innate human traits—creativity, intuition, curiosity, and, most importantly, imagination—will win big. In this interactive keynote, former Disney Imagineer, Duncan Wardle, will explore through real-life examples how organizations can better leverage their most important assets—people—to drive innovation. Learn about “creative behaviors” and innovation tools designed to leverage your teams’ minds, deliver revolutionary thinking, and drive substantial results in all areas of your marketing. Walk away with a toolkit that all of your people can subscribe to that makes creativity tangible, innovation easy, and the process, enjoyable.

It’s Thursday in Vegas and you know what that means—sneaker night! Buff up your best Jordans, shell toes and limited editions and then wear them proudly as we celebrate the best footwear worn by EMS attendees. Participate or just watch as we crown one lucky sneaker head a fabulous EMS prize package.

End the day in the Hall of Ideas at the official EMS Happy Hour. Need some dinner companions? We can hook you up. Want some sweet swag for your collection? We’ve got you. Hungry for some delicious small bites and a cocktail or mocktail with friends? You’ve come to the right place. It all happens at the EMS Happy Hour. 

That’s right. The game of champions is coming to EMS and we’re taking all comers for a bracketed tournament for the ages. Open to anyone, grab a paddle and hop on the court for some fun and—if you have what it takes—ultimate bragging rights. Watch for more details on tournament rules and sweet, sweet costume challenges that will make Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe look like amateurs.

Court flooring provided by Brumark.

It’s the EMS tradition that sells out every year: the annual networking dinner—this year, poolside, baby. Don’t miss your chance to eat, drink and make new industry friends against a beautiful Vegas sunset. Space is limited. Price: $150. Includes dinner, dessert, beer/wine and special surprises.

*You must be registered in advance to attend. 

Ignite your senses and connect with fellow industry women at the always-fabulous EMS mixer exclusively for brand-side marketers—held this year at the most talked-about Las Vegas destination of the year, The Sphere. Join us for an extraordinary evening of fun, food and friendship. Dinner, cocktails, networking with leading female experiential marketers—capped off with an immersive show at The Sphere that brings “experiential” to a whole new level. Seats are limited— click here to request yours now!

For 22 years, EMS attendees have been rising with the sun and meeting for morning runs. Be a part of the tradition and start your day getting to know some fellow fitness enthusiasts. Our guided 5K run and sightseeing tour departs from the lobby and takes you down the Vegas strip and back. You never know what you’ll see when the sun comes up in Sin City!

*Registration required.

Embrace the flow state and join us for a 30-minute guided meditation session. Start your day with deep, cleansing breaths. Focus your energy on the day ahead. Open up your mind to welcome in the next big idea. Come dressed for the day—a no-sweat experience!

Grab a seat with a new industry friend and prepare to get inspired as we kick off the final day at EMS 2024 with a hearty breakfast, a live DJ and some fun trivia challenges designed to get the brain synapses firing.

It’s a day-three kickoff you won’t want to miss. Listen in as a power panel of brand-side executives explore the latest experiential tactics they’re deploying to reach and make authentic connections with Gen Z. Hear strategies to make an impact this year, how digital is playing a role among this social media-savvy demographic, the biggest opportunities for event marketers, and how their organizations are plotting a course forward. We’ll wrap up this candid conversation with a look at the top cultural and industry trends on the horizon. 

Head to the Hall of Ideas for some networking and idea gathering over a cup of coffee or tea. Catch a 10-minute sneak preview of new cutting-edge products and services in the Clubhouse. Explore the latest and greatest event partners and solutions. And don’t forget to swing by the EMS puppy park to say “good boy!” to some local area rescues.

At every lunch and happy hour in the Hall of Ideas, our top-secret sustainability patrol will be working the show floor looking for examples of great sustainability practices in action—and then dropping cool prizes on the spot. Filling your own reusable water bottle at the water cooler? Winner! Going vegetarian or vegan in your lunch choices? Winner! Recycling paper, cans or plastic? Winner!

Stop by our "Expert Studio" in the Event Marketer Clubhouse and sit in on a series of fast-paced presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

THREE WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT TRANSFORMING GENERAL SESSIONS
 Discover three strategies for transforming general sessions for increased engagement and retention. Delve into the essentials of crafting a memorable attendee journey, the power of storytelling and the impact of tailored content, to create a

Stop by our "Expert Studio" in the Event Marketer Clubhouse and sit in on a series of fast-paced presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

MEASURING EVENT IMPACT USING AI

KNW helps optimize the return of events by measuring audience Socio-demographics, sentiment & engagement, flow analytics - wait times, queue lengths and capacity monitoring. Zuddl provides a modern alternative to industry leading event planning platforms. By incorporating KNW, Zuddl now enables facial recognition check-ins and continuous event ROI optimization.

Listen in as an industry-leading CMO and CBO offer a 360-degree look inside their marketing strategies—and how experiential is making an impact. Learn how CMOs are engineering their teams and structuring their budgets with brand experiences top of mind. Discover how companies are telling cohesive stories across their marketing platforms while staying authentic to their brands.

The past few years have seen a seismic shift in how b-to-b brands approach experiential marketing. As budgets tighten and scrutiny on ROI intensifies, brands are shifting away from the traditional sales-driven event model and toward experiences tailored specifically for the c-suite with longer-term strategy in mind. In this fireside chat, we’ll explore the unique opportunities in this space, how to breed audience understanding and insight to foster executive engagement, and what all b-to-b event marketers can learn from this new “white glove” world.

Unlock the power of experiential content to revolutionize event marketing strategies. Team Shiloh will present and facilitate a workshop and group discussions into how event marketers can craft immersive, personalized content that not only captivates attendees but also guides them seamlessly from engagement to conversion. This session will dive into strategies on how brands tailor their program agenda with a variety of content formats to create meaningful connections, engage with audiences, retain their attention and drive leads in an ever-changing marketplace. 

BravoCon’s meteoric rise from “fest” to “con” is a lesson in venue choice, sponsorships and, most importantly, experiential. Hear how the team dug deep into consumer research to develop strategic pillars for the event’s design, including the consumer journey, footprint, content strategy, environmental approach, and talent management—and how it all leveled up to a sold-out, global annual extravaganza worth billions of impressions.

The music festival space is competitive and crowded, but the smartest brands know how to hit the right note. From negotiating the best deal and real estate, to creating marketing communications, to developing digital extensions and exciting experiential on the ground, in this session we explore it all through the lens of P&G and its title sponsorship of the Cincinnati Music Festival. Hear about P&G’s sponsorship, the 17 brand experiences it activated in and around Paycor Stadium, and how the brand identified and dealt with “dead space” to provide greater engagement and entertainment throughout. 

The objectives for the recent Webflow conference were clear: roll out a new brand, unveil new products, and foster connections, with each touchpoint designed to promote learning, fellowship and social sharing. Learn how Webflow doubled-down on “connection” by taking the event to multiple cities to engage users locally. Learn the decisions that went into transforming the experience into a roadshow, and which key event elements the team decided to take with them on the journey, and why.

Where are the growth opportunities coming from and what resources are needed to tap into it? Which trends will make the biggest impact in experiential marketing and what do agencies need to harness them? How can agency leaders create teams and strategic partnerships to thrive and drive growth in a challenging market? Everything is on the table in this candid conversation where we ask the questions that are on every agency leader’s mind.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the intersection of AI and experiential marketing, where industry experts will explore how AI technologies are revolutionizing consumer experiences. Our panelists will discuss hyper-personalization, interactive story-telling and real-time analytics. Gain insights into the opportunities, challenges and considerations surrounding the use of AI and how brands can leverage these technologies to create memorable and impactful experiences.

“The Golden Bachelor” charmed the nation last fall, rising to the No. 1 spot among new, unscripted series this season. Go behind the scenes to learn how ABC crafted a strategic blitz of “golden” experiential moments and promotions, appealing to Bachelor Nation, as well as new viewers from multiple generations. Plus: Hear how shifts in viewer behavior are impacting the network’s marketing and experiential strategies.

From the Met Gala to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party to GQ's Men of the Year, Condé Nast's events bring its editorial properties to life. In this session, learn how content strategy plays a critical role in inspiring and extending the life of Condé’s live experiences—and how it can for your brand or events, too. Listen in as the media provides media expertise on transforming stories or insights into cultural moments and how to leverage content to create 360-degree engagement.

Audiences are no longer passive, and AI tools are helping event marketers bring the action. In this session, learn how Atlassian is leveraging AI tools to create personalized recommendations, predict event attendance and integrate data better to create tailor-made agendas. Plus: You’ll explore AI-driven emotional recognition and real-time content generation tools, how the organization is putting them to use, and—most importantly—how the team is demonstrating the value of AI to stakeholders and securing their support, and how you can, too.

Gather around for an expert moderated “ask-me-anything” session digging into the timely topic of event sustainability. Ask the hard questions. Get the lowdown on the latest best practices. Present your challenges and concerns and get real-time feedback in a group think format. 

Grab lunch with a new friend or colleague and take part in one of several fun networking activities designed to get you connected and inspired. Stop in for a casual lunch-and-learn in The Clubhouse. Explore the latest products, partners and solutions at your own pace. Bon appétit!

That’s right. The game of champions is coming to EMS and we’re taking all comers for a bracketed tournament for the ages. Open to anyone, grab a paddle and hop on the court for some fun and—if you have what it takes—ultimate bragging rights. Watch for more details on tournament rules and sweet, sweet costume challenges that will make Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe look like amateurs.

Court flooring provided by Brumark. 

Grab lunch and join one of our spirited peer-to-peer discussion groups focusing on the unique challenges that matter to you most. Find others who speak your event language. Join one conversation and go deep. Or, if you’re a multi-tasker, hop up and join a new one. This is your chance to share the tough questions that are keeping you up at night, and hear how your peers are navigating similar issues. Communities represented will include: EMS First-Timers, Trade Show Pros, The Creatives, B-to-B Mavens, Sponsorship All-Stars, Tech/Digital Experts, Event Strategists and Logistics & Ops Leaders.

 Working in events is unpredictable by nature, from technology malfunctions to shipping snafus to that one thing that wasn’t in the contingency plan. Laugh along as we relive moments of comedic (in hindsight) horror stories and cringe-worthy moments in experiential. EMS attendees are invited to submit their best tales of woe and triumph, and then take the stage and share their stories in this open-mic session, highlighting that the best toolset to survive in this field is a sense of humor. Click here (or email [email protected]) to learn more or to submit a story.

Stop by our "Expert Studio" and sit in on a series of fast-paced 10-minute presentations on the latest event tools and technologies. See something you like and want to learn more about it? Chat up our sponsors and exhibitors live, or use your EMS event app to set up a meeting.

When it comes to working on tight timelines, you’re the experts. Put your creative problem-solving skills to the test in a fun and fast-paced brick build activation challenge. You’ll work in a team to build a miniature scale version of an activation for a “client” using everybody’s favorite colorful bricks. Review the brief. Come up with a concept. Start building! A panel of judges will pick a winner.

*Open to the first 24 attendees to check in in the app. App opens in March.

For more than a decade, Event Marketer has been shining a spotlight on outstanding women in the event industry. In one of our most popular EMS panels, Women in Events honorees past and present will share perspectives on building careers, what’s changing, what hasn’t, as well as forecasts on what’s next. Hear insights on everything from career growth to invisible work to negotiations to leading events in this new era. And bring your burning questions. As we like to say—things are about to get real.

Nike's partnership with U.S. retailer DICK’S Sporting Goods has unlocked new opportunities for the brand to connect with young female athletes by listening to the needs of Gen Alpha players, and their guardians, at every turn. Hear how Nike and its retail partner are leveraging community-driven sports experiences that empower girls to feel confident and invincible both on and off the court. Walk away with best practices for engaging this highly aware generation.

American luxury brand Cadillac is known for its engineering innovation and pop culture prominence - not its EVs. When the brand announced it was moving all-electric, it needed to tell its story that would capture the hearts and minds of future buyers. It developed Cadillac ELECTRIQ Theater, a 360 immersive experience to deliver its brand story in an original way that connected emotionally with key audiences. Hear about the power of immersive technology, why Cadillac leveraged this trending medium, how the experience was optimized year-over-year, and ultimately how it connected with consumers and transformed opinion in dramatic ways.

In this session, delve into strategies for assembling and nurturing diverse teams and event programs. From internal recruitment practices, to accommodating diverse attendee preferences, to adaptive programming, and making inclusive design choices, learn how customization contributes to stronger attendee engagement. Plus, explore metrics and indicators for evaluating the success of your inclusive team practices and event experiences, and the impact of inclusivity on overall event success.

Exclusivity is out. Inclusivity is in. But what does an inclusive consumer experience look like? In this interactive session, learn how European Wax Center is creating an intentionally inclusive customer experience across 1,000+ locations and how leaning in with inclusivity has helped the göt2b brand create purpose-driven, emotionally relevant events for Gen Z. Learn about how to be proactive in the planning process, actionable strategies to implement, and what brand leaders are learning overall about making consumer experiences more inclusive to gender, culture, neurodivergent and disabled communities.

Does your brand need a reset? Take a page from the Jose Cuervo playbook, a brand that built the tequila category but has been working to regain its “cool factor” amid new competition. From cultural collaborations at the local level to a tour focused on underground Latinx musicians and enthusiasts to sustainability-focused ‘Compost Cocktail’ workshops and raves, learn the decision-making process and multi-layered experiential action plan the brand has deployed to connect with a new generation of drinkers and influencers while staying true to its liquid story.

Step into the spotlight of inclusive event experiences through the lens of… the theatre. Discover how the groundbreaking Broadway musical, "How to Dance In Ohio," elevated accessibility standards on Broadway and learn actionable steps to make your events more inclusive. Join Lead Producer Sammy Lopez and Ben Holtzman alongside Co-Producers Chuck Santoro and Mark Shearon of Proscenium as they draw parallels between the world of theatre and event marketing. Learn how to harness theatrical creativity for more inclusive and engaging events. Explore brand integration strategies on Broadway and beyond. All this, along with a showstopping surprise to officially close out your EMS experience.

The closing session you’ll be talking about all the way home caps off this year at 4:00 with a quick final cheers, announcements of this year’s app game winners, and an opportunity to grab or exchange swag before you pack your bags and head home. With sustainability top of mind, we’ll be asking our sponsors and exhibitors to drop off items for the taking, or, take back items no longer wanted at a designated “Swag Exchange” table. Any items left and not collected for reuse will be donated to Opportunity Village.