5 Ways to make a lasting impression at your next live event

How do you make a splash at an event beyond your typical champagne sweepstakes and sweet giveaway swag?

One of our readers sent this question in to us (yeah, you can do that!). And it got me thinking, because those two overdone strategies are so often our default. Events are a battlefield for attention. And yet, we all keep pulling out the same tired gimmicks —champagne, tote bags, and giveaways no one actually wants or are likely to win.

If you want people to remember you even after they stumble out of the venue, you need to go beyond freebies and forced enthusiasm.

So, here’s 5 ways to up your event game without resorting to the same ol’ bag of tricks.

1. Don’t just show up. Create a moment.

You need to create an experience people actively want to be a part of. Think:

• Interactive installations. A giant claw machine where attendees win product samples. A photobooth with branded print-outs. A live mural painted in real-time. Give people something to do, not just something to look at.

• Unhinged experiences. Nothing gets people talking like something out of pocket. A silent disco at a finance conference. A make-your-own perfume station at a cybersecurity expo – Because nothing says “I protect data from breaches” like crafting a signature scent called Incognito Mode. If it feels slightly out of place for your brand, but makes people laugh, pause and text a friend, because you might be onto something.

2. Make it feel exclusive (even if it’s not)

People love what they think they can’t have. So, instead of being wide open, hoping everyone will come to your “free event,” try:

• Secret password access. Attendees solve a clue, complete a mini-task, or even RSVP for a code to enter your activation. Makes them feel like they earned their way in.

• Hidden experiences. A speakeasy-style lounge behind an unmarked door. A VIP demo room disguised as something ordinary. Mystery = intrigue = buzz.

• Personalised invitations. Reach out to key attendees before the event with an invite-only experience. This could be an off-site dinner, private preview, sectioned-off access, or whatever makes them feel important.

3. Emotion > hype

People don’t remember what you gave them. They remember how you made them feel. Instead of relying on flashy stunts, focus on:

• Nostalgia. A ‘90s throwback zone, complete with old-school arcade games and a Lisa Frank aesthetic.

• Surprise & delight. Mid-day affogatos for exhausted attendees. Phone charging lockers disguised as luxury safes. Think tiny, unexpected moments of joy.

• Empathy-driven experiences. A sensory relaxation booth at a high-stress conference. A networking lounge designed specifically for introverts ("no forced small talk, we promise").

4. Give people something to talk (and post about, duh)

A great event presence turns attendees into your hype squad. Encourage social sharing by:

• Designing for the ‘gram. A themed corner to sit in/ interact with and someone taking Polaroids. A backdrop that changes colours. A surreal installation that makes people stop, stare, and snap a pic.

• Real-time content creation. A video confession booth where attendees spill their event hot takes or pretend they have their own podcast, edited and posted live.

• Gamification. A scavenger hunt that forces attendees to engage with your brand—bonus points if they have to tag you on social to complete it.

5. Keep the hype rolling post-event

The event might be over, but the buzz shouldn’t die with it. Keep the energy alive by:

• Creative follow-ups. Instead of the generic "Thanks for stopping by" email, send a personalised recap. This could be photos of attendees at your activation, their quiz results, or a digital memento.

• Posting content. Turn your activation into a post-event content spree—highlight reels, behind-the-scenes footage, and the best attendee moments.

• Community extension. Launch an exclusive post-event Slack group, newsletter, or invite-only discussion to keep the conversation going.

Making a splash at live events isn’t about who has the biggest budget. It’s about crafting moments that make people feel something. So think about how you can turn attendees into storytellers and UGC engines.

If you do it right - they’ll be telling your story long after the event is over.

-Sophie, Writer