Join 1,000+ brand marketers at the only conference focused on live experiences. Learn from the largest brand-side speaking faculty of its kind how companies such as American Express, IBM, Sephora, Microsoft, Salesforce, PepsiCo, Dreamworks, Pernod Ricard and so many more are using events and trade shows to connect and covert customers. Demo new products and services. Network with peers. And get a deep dive into the latest trends, best practices and case studies. Often imitated, never duplicated. It’s EMS, baby.
Even in a volatile business landscape—with all the rules getting rewritten in real-time—nothing beats the power of experiential marketing. The Experiential Marketing Summit has become the event industry’s mega-show for for b-to-b and b-to-c brand-side marketers, trade show teams, executives from leading event agencies, meeting planners, event strategists, experience designers, event technology gurus and more.
EMS is the ultimate three-day conversation for event and trade show marketers. How will the industry thrive in the months ahead? What are the world’s leading brands planning for this year and beyond? How will brand experiences change and adapt to a market that’s constantly changing? Everything is on the table at the Experiential Marketing Summit—and you can’t afford to miss it.
Only at EMS, the brands you know, love and respect are your teachers and mentors. From traditional breakout sessions, to Q&As, to deep-dive workshops, to power panels and keynotes—you’ll get senior-level perspectives on the current experiential marketing landscape and what’s to come next. The Summit delivers the most mission-critical trends, best practices and how-tos available on experiential marketing.
At Event Marketer, we want to ensure that the Experiential Marketing Summit is evolving to fit the needs of the marketers who attend our events. As part of our efforts, we have engaged an Advisory Board of leading brand event marketers to help us curate an enhanced program and create an even better EMS.
Own Every Moment: Experiential Strategies That Build Brand Trust
Kickoff your EMS experience with exclusive, peer-to-peer networking closed door behind-the-scenes experience at the iconic KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand. Discover how leading brands craft immersive, emotionally resonant experiences that build lasting trust and turn customers into loyal advocates. Through powerful case studies and insights from industry luminaries, you’ll learn how to own every moment—blending cutting-edge technology, exclusivity, and storytelling to elevate your brand’s experiential strategy. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to rethink event marketing and forge deeper connections with your audience. Learn more and see full agenda here.
*Seating is reserved for brand-side attendees, director-level and above only.
This session qualifies for 3.0 CEM credits.
For those brand new to the Summit or for anyone who just wants to get some helpful intel on what to see, do and learn at the show, we offer this fast and fun lowdown session. Part get-to-know-your-peers and part strategic tour, we will give you the skinny on the sessions to see, the experiences not to miss, and we’ll poll a few EMS veterans on what they do to make sure they squeeze the most out of the Summit for maximum value and impact on their teams and their events. Note: this session will be offered twice. Welcome, new friends. We got you!
Hear how exhibitors are stepping up their trade show game with engaging activations and content design to create emotional responses to their messaging. Learn best practices for captivating attendees, boosting brand visibility, and maximizing ROI. Walk away with fresh ideas to elevate your next trade show presence and engage your audience in new, impactful ways.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Hop in a bus with your fellow EMS peers and travel into the deliciously, wildly altered universe of Omega Mart. Part art installation, part immersive experience, and 100% creative inspiration for all experiential marketers, Omega Mart challenges expectations and tantalizes perceptions about what a live experience can, should and ought to be. This field trip leaves from the MGM via bus and delivers you to Omega Mart for three hours of unadulterated exploration and discovery, and then brings you back via bus in time for the EMS Opening Reception. Cost $25. Come play with us! *Pre-registration is required.
The Kando philosophy is rooted in creating emotional connections and it has shaped Sony’s community engagement and brand loyalty strategy. Join an in-depth exploration of Sony’s Kando Trip, an event that’s evolved into a flagship community experience for visual creators and influencers that spans all creative disciplines globally. The session will cover how Sony engages this year-round event community, tracks ROI and measures the success of experiential campaigns, providing actionable insights for marketers to foster loyalty and quantify emotional branding impact.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
GitHub pulls back the curtain on how the team transformed its 10th annual Universe event into "the world’s fair of software" driven by a compelling narrative that had a beginning, middle and an end. Get insights on how to curate consistent storytelling at every touch point to reinforce both company and brand, as well as strategic moments. Learn to balance, support and nurture both end users and buyer experiences, and why the crazy details this team paid attention to matter more than you think.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In a time of rising attendee expectations, the attendee journey could take inspiration from the Omakase restaurant experience, where guests enjoy a curated meal without making decisions. In events, this means using attendee data to drive personalized experiences, making them feel "made for me." In this session, explore best practices in personalization, leveraging registration data, AI and real-time feedback to understand attendee sentiment. Learn how to scale this approach from roadshows to virtual platforms, ensuring a consistent experience that evolves based on attendee input, driving deeper engagement and avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Explore LinkedIn’s approach to designing immersive experiences that captivate decision-makers, elevate the brand narrative and drive meaningful engagement. Through specific examples such as LinkedIn’s B2Believe flagship tentpole event and their award-winning activation at the Cannes Lions Festival, hear how creative strategies are pushing boundaries, making every interaction memorable and impactful. Whether you’re looking to inspire your next campaign or rethink your approach to brand experiences, this session will provide actionable insights to help you stand out in today’s competitive landscape.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
For those brand new to the Summit or for anyone who just wants to get some helpful intel on what to see, do and learn at the show, we offer this fast and fun lowdown session. Part get-to-know-your-peers and part strategic tour, we will give you the skinny on the sessions to see, the experiences not to miss, and we’ll poll a few EMS veterans on what they do to make sure they squeeze the most out of the Summit for maximum value and impact on their teams and their events. Note: this session will be offered twice. Welcome, new friends. We got you!
Dreamforce doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of a carefully crafted strategy. This session pulls back the curtain on the planning that drives everything from logistics to unforgettable experiences. Explore an event program that prioritizes audience needs, fosters cross-functional collaboration and evolves continuously. Hear how the “audience-first” approach shapes creative and operational planning, plus how debriefs and measurement processes guide improvements. Leave with tools to align your event’s purpose and create strategic frameworks that drive innovation and value.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In today’s fast-evolving b-to-b landscape, field marketing has transformed from an event-only function into a strategic partner for sales, crucial for driving pipeline growth and accelerating deals. This session explores how field marketing events can seamlessly integrate with sales teams to drive business outcomes through alignment and shared goals. Learn how to leverage data, craft territory-specific programs and target high-value accounts with precision. Get tips on sales alignment, data-driven insights, ABM strategies and lessons learned from real-world field marketing-sales integration to enhance pipeline visibility and accelerate revenue.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Grenade, a UK protein bar brand, launched in Canada by transforming a bare-bones outdoor workout space in Toronto into a top-tier fitness experience at an affordable price. How do you successfully launch a brand with low awareness in a new market? This session will explore the strategy behind the campaign, including insights on choosing Toronto as a test market, timing, pre-activation promotions and event amplification tactics. Get tips on utilizing local p.r., hyper-local influencers, managing permits, and the importance of pre- and post-event amplification.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Join us for a mixer designed specifically for first-time attendees. Whether you're new to the world of experiential marketing or to EMS, this is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow newcomers, network with industry professionals, and kick off your conference experience.
The Hall of Ideas will be the place to be as new and old industry friends come together to say hello, hug it out and raise a glass. See what the industry’s cooking up this year. Participate in fun networking activities and challenges. Give our official EMS rescue pups some chin scratches. Enjoy snacks and drinks, and stick around for a few special surprises. Welcome to EMS!
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!
Back by popular demand, we’re celebrating the first night of EMS with a call to wear your favorite vintage (or new!) concert t-shirt. Got a circa 1987 Guns N’ Roses t-shirt buried in your closet? Or maybe some Eras Tour merch that’s dying to be worn again? Concert tees are the ultimate conversation starter. And we’ll be awarding the best vintage T and overall “look” with a fabulous EMS prize package.
Come support the inaugural meetup of our Experiential in Color Mentorship Program participants as we celebrate and shine a spotlight on up-and-coming people of color in the event industry. Meet the Steering Committee, mentors and mentees, participate in a networking activity, enjoy some special cocktails and be in community with the industry peers who are putting the advancement of people of color into action.
Some call it the Oscars of events. Others, the Golden Globes of experiential. We call it the biggest party of the year that you don’t have to plan. The most prestigious recognition program for the experiential marketing industry is taking a trip back to 1960’s Las Vegas to celebrate the year’s most award-winning people and programs across 29 unique categories. Grab your tux or your vintage party dress because we’re raising our glasses to the future of live experiences and the power of nostalgia with a one-night trip back in time when the music was swingin,’ the Rat Pack was singin’ and the slots were… cha-chingin’. (Listen to the official 2025 Ex Awards playlist for more inspo.)
Price: $385 per ticket; $3,850 for a table of 10.
*Registration required.
Date: April 14, 2025
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, at the Experiential Marketing Summit. Doors open at 6:30.
Dress code: Retro Las Vegas (formal or semi-formal encouraged)
For 23 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!
*Pre-registration in the mobile app 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—this is 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 2025 with a hearty breakfast, a live DJ and some fun trivia challenges designed to get the brain synapses firing. Facilitation partner Projectory will get the conversation flowing with an interactive collaboration with your fellow attendees that you won’t want to miss.
Join us as we collaborate, create and explore in real time the science behind our resistance to limitations and learn techniques for using those limitations as impetuses for creativity. Whether you’re a team leader or a team member, learn how identifying limitations—yours, your brand’s, your team’s—can become a passageway to heightened creativity. Phil Hansen’s powerful message of working when faced with a career- and life-altering condition will inspire you to stop looking on the outside, and start looking inside to transform your challenges into opportunities for success.
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. Visit the Brewed Awakenings Café for a coffee and a meeting. And don’t forget to swing by the “Paws and Reflect” experience to say “good boy!” to some local area dogs.
Explore the powerful role behavioral science plays in designing unforgettable events that drive meaningful engagement. In this session, discover how to apply key principles like choice architecture, social connection and emotional triggers to influence attendee behavior and maximize impact. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, learn how to create environments and experiences that captivate, motivate and inspire your audience to act. Whether aiming to boost participation, improve networking or leave a lasting impression, this session will equip you with the tools to elevate your events using the science of human behavior.
As businesses strive to create deeper connections with their core audiences, collaboration between brand and event teams has never been more important. Events are the most authentic expression of a brand; the living, breathing embodiment of all a brand represents. This panel will dive into the intersection of brand and events, exploring how tighter collaboration between these functions takes experiences to new levels. Listen in as leaders share approaches to strengthen brand alignment and recognizability at events, internal models that foster stronger collaboration and better outcomes, as well as examples where brand and event synergy drove measurable success.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
It’s the event that’s giving other event marketers event envy, and we’re taking you inside it. Get an insider’s look at the second-annual Canva Create 2025, the brand’s second-annual marquee event that redefines global engagement. From building an experiential discipline from the ground up to scaling a strategy that resonates culturally and creatively, this session delivers actionable insights, lessons learned and a vision for the future of experiential marketing from the perspective of one of the world's fastest-growing brands.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
The changing workplace is transforming how we approach B2B meetings, events and conferences. Today’s attendees expect fresh, authentic experiences that align with their personal preferences and feel like a well-earned departure from the everyday routine. We’re all eager to innovate, yet there’s still work to be done. In this session, explore how brands and agencies rely on each other to create events that meet both the strategic needs of the business and the experiential needs of the audience.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In the competitive world of sponsorship activation, offering premium tickets or suite access is no longer enough to create lasting impact. This session explores how banking company BMO has evolved its approach by crafting unique, high-value experiences that money can’t buy. Learn how to creatively leverage sponsorship assets to offer exclusive, unforgettable moments that go beyond traditional perks. Discover strategies for designing bespoke hospitality experiences that strengthen relationships and provide guests with experiences they couldn't achieve without your invitation.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In this first installment of a two-part mobile marketing workshop, find out why a new wave of traffic-stopping mobile 3D vehicles are gaining traction among consumers and how “mobile” might fit into your portfolio, too. See dozens of examples of the world’s most innovative and traffic-stopping mobile vehicles and go inside some of the most successful programs on the road to understand what made them work. Hear why brands ranging from entertainment to retail to CPG to spirits are leaning into mobile more than ever to cut through the clutter and reach new audiences—and what engagement techniques are working best. This workshop wraps up with a tour of a larger-than-life example.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
*Pre-registration in the mobile app required.
EMS is proud this year to partner with a new steering committee comprised of industry leaders dedicated to developing careers for people of color in events. In this session, leaders from the Experiential in Color: Connecting BIPOC & Allies in Events program will share their perspectives on the evolving events landscape, trends shaping the industry, and the importance of creating career pathways that empower diverse talent to ascend into leadership roles. This conversation will drive change and encourage diversity at every level.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Explore how Visa is redefining sponsorship to deliver measurable value for audiences, partners, and the brand. Through case studies such as Masters of Movement at the FIFA World Cup and Visa Live at Le Louvre, this presentation highlights how the Visa Live platform blends culture, technology and live experiences to connect with audiences in new ways. Gain insights into Visa's strategic approach, learning how brands can leverage live experiences to build relevance with younger audiences and global creators for a mutually beneficial impact.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, coordination and creativity that transformed Bourbon Street in New Orleans into a live, immersive experience for millions of Super Bowl viewers blending football, fashion and celebrity with the vibrant energy of New Orleans. Get the lowdown on the logistics and permissions required to shut down a major tourist destination, manage a live broadcast and combine experiential design, branding and production. Learn how this collaboration set a new standard for integrated experiential marketing at one of the world’s most-watched events.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
What if AI could help take event marketing ideas from good to groundbreaking? In this interactive session, we’ll dive into a live AI-powered brainstorm, showing how brands can collaborate with their creative agencies to spark fresh concepts, refine strategies and bring big ideas to life faster than ever. Using a variety of strategic frameworks alongside AI-driven mind mapping, explore new ways to structure and enhance the creative process. Attendees will walk away with practical tools, fresh inspiration and a new perspective on how AI can be a game-changer in event marketing.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In this part-two of a two-part workshop, we dive into the nitty-gritty details to understand how to concept, design, strategize and build a mobile vehicle and tour that supports brand objectives. Go through a real-world vehicle planning exercise. Learn the do’s and don’ts of creating a mobile program. Get important tips on logistics, operations, costs and budgeting. Leave feeling more confident about your ability to put a mobile vehicle on the road that engages target audiences and inspires them to take action. This workshop wraps up with a tour of a larger-than-life example.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
*Pre-registration in the mobile app required.
Sports are undergoing a seismic shift, with omnichannel fan engagement, increased media coverage, and expanding marketing opportunities. In this session, explore the ways brands are strategically entering the hottest spaces, from women’s sports to motor sports, through sponsorships, fan activations and influencer partnerships. We’ll discuss strategic plays to support long-term and short-term investments.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Moderated by Logan Furr
Join trade show pros as they pull back the curtain on the evolution of the booth experience, from design, to sustainability, to technology integrations, to measurement strategies and tactics. Learn how exhibit strategies rooted in experiential are attracting the new generation of trade show-goers and helping brands stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Weigh in on what’s next from your perspective.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Grab a seat for a high-energy “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition showcasing the latest and most innovative products and services for the event industry. Watch as entrepreneurs, innovators and experiential veterans present their ideas and coolest tools to a panel of expert judges, who will ask tough questions to assess their potential. After the pitches, it's your turn! Attendees will vote to determine the winner of the coveted "Next Big Thing in Events" recognition. Don’t miss the chance to see game-changing ideas and help crown the winner.
Judges:
You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you can become the presenting sponsor of The Rolling Stones' U.S. tour. In addition to hosting a successful AARP members-only presale and a nationwide flyaway sweepstakes to meet the band, the team designed an interactive, intergenerational brand experience to elevate AARP and show the important connection between music and brain health. Hear what made this a successful partnership, how ROI was measured, and how music inspired this opportunity. The team will share how they overcame challenges by finding creative ways to leverage the sponsorship, navigating 14 unique stadiums, and landing on the right activation that resonated with fans.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
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!
Stop by the Event Marketer Clubhouse to learn the latest trends, tools, and strategies for producing impactful events! 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!
Event operations teams bring visions to life, but sometimes the journey from concept to activation can have some bumps on the road. In this highly interactive conversation we’ll talk about how creative event designers, planners and producers can best prepare, translate and hand off a creative idea to ops teams in a way that gets everyone what they want. We’ll dig into the latest thinking on event execution, operations and production excellence, and we’ll quiz a panel of operations leaders on their most useful tips and tricks that lead to successful events.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
Events are emerging as a key part of brand marketing strategies with consumers continuing to crave authentic human connections. When approaching projects with emotional response in consideration, we are seeing higher levels of success reaching target metrics & bringing value to an investment. Hear tips on keeping deep rooted connections with consumers at the core of the event planning process.
Want to create unforgettable brand experiences that drive real impact? Traditional post-event surveys miss the full picture, but AI-powered tools are transforming how brands measure experiential marketing. Learn how Coca-Cola and other industry leaders are using real-time, in-the-moment insights to refine activations and maximize ROI. Discover how the Rival platform and Reach3 Insights’ Brand Experience Predictor (BXP) help marketers predict success through advanced analytics and a robust normative database. Join us to explore the future of experiential marketing measurement and take your campaigns to the next level!
Step into an interactive, scenario-based workshop designed to explore decisions brand marketers are facing amid turbulent and evolving times. Together, participants will navigate a series of critical crossroads, weighing competing priorities and making collective choices that shape an unfolding path ahead. It’s a discussion-driven format designed to sharpen critical thinking, surface diverse perspectives and build confidence in navigating challenges.
In this power-packed session, Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, takes you behind the scenes of the groundbreaking Fanatics Fest that captivated over 70,000 sports enthusiasts in New York City last summer. Discover how Fanatics transformed the concept of fandom into a multi-day, FOMO-generating immersive experience, setting a new standard for experiential marketing in the sports industry. Lance will reveal the strategic vision that birthed Fanatics Fest, key elements that made the inaugural event a resounding success, and lessons learned and plans for future iterations Whether you're planning a major event or aiming to elevate your brand's activations for the unparalleled slate of upcoming U.S. sporting events, this session delivers actionable insights to spark passion and forge lasting audience connections.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
Join this session to hear practical strategies for designing inclusive events that resonate with diverse audiences, including those who choose a sober lifestyle. Learn how to expand event offerings beyond traditional alcohol-focused gatherings, incorporate engaging alternatives, and foster a welcoming environment. The discussion will cover actionable takeaways on alcohol-free beverage options, inclusive programming, and thoughtful design elements to enhance the attendee experience and create meaningful connections.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Are you new to the experiential community? Join us for a peer-to-peer exchange that offers a safe space to discuss work/life balance, burnout, and professional development with fellow event professionals. Share your challenges, hear how others are tackling similar issues, and explore fresh perspectives. Grab a chair and come ready to engage.
Moderated by:
The term ‘fandom’ has often been synonymous with audiences of sports teams and entertainment franchises. More than ever, brands are taking a similar marketing approach to finding their flock using experiences and partnerships to foster emotional connectivity and build communities. Join this session as Audible and FX share their approach to reaching brands’ fandoms across industries. Hear best practice takeaways for brands to unlock fandoms of their own, including the key steps to migrate audiences towards fandom, the difference between sustaining fandoms and creating new ones, and how to use “deep listening” to convert audiences into passionate advocates.
In this much-anticipated annual discussion at EMS, Event Marketer’s 2025 B-to-B Dream Team gathers to explore top trends, best practices, and the future of the events in the world of b-to-b. From meetings to conferences to trade shows, you’ll hear how event professionals are tackling challenges in their respective spaces, how audiences are evolving (and how the brands are responding), and walk away with some career advice, too.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
To truly connect with modern consumers, companies must move at the speed of culture, tapping into the dynamic worlds of entertainment through sports, gaming, music and more. This session will explore how brands can establish unexpected, authentic ways to engage audiences by embedding themselves in the cultural moments that matter. From leveraging viral trends and live events to collaborating with creators and athletes, e.l.f. Beauty has found new ways to build connections and spark conversation through entertainment. Hear how brands can shape culture and connect to their communities through building positivity, inclusivity and accessibility in sports, entertainment and beyond and why breaking barriers and democratizing access isn’t just good for the world, it’s good for business.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Event safety is never guaranteed, and security should never be an afterthought. In this session, we’ll gain actionable strategies for enhancing safety and security at events. Learn about the latest technological innovations, the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and best practices for managing communications and combating misinformation. By staying attuned to the global landscape, you can maintain high protection standards while preserving the authenticity and experience of the event.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
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. Visit the Brewed Awakenings Café for a coffee and a meeting. And don’t forget to swing by the “Paws and Reflect” experience to say “good boy!” to some local area dogs.
In a world where traditional advertising tells a brand’s story through words and visuals, experiential marketing offers a way to show that story in action. This panel explores how brands can authentically illustrate their personality through immersive experiences that align with and go beyond their messaging. We’ll discuss the nuances of translating brand identity into live interactions, whether those experiences truly reflect the brand consumers know, and how evolving internal brand shifts impact audience perception. Panelists will share insights on creating events that don’t just speak to a brand’s values but bring them to life in meaningful ways.
As brands look to grow and remain relevant, expanding into new markets and evolving portfolios are key strategies. This panel will explore how experiential marketers are navigating the complexities of entering new regions, demographics, and categories. From localized activations to global campaigns, we'll discuss the challenges brands face in adapting their messaging, experiences, and products for diverse audiences. We'll also examine where marketers are investing—new technologies, partnerships, or innovations—and how these will drive growth and strengthen brand equity in an ever-changing marketplace. Join us for insights on how leading brands are positioning themselves for success in untapped markets.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In today’s fast-evolving event marketing world, creating unforgettable experiences with limited budgets and rising audience expectations is key. This session explores how to master strategic budgeting while adapting to emerging technologies, audience trends and bold ideas. Learn to allocate funds for maximum impact, leverage analytics to inform decisions, and innovate with cutting-edge tech on a budget. Discover how to stay agile, streamline operations with cost-effective tools and adopt real-time adjustments to drive success, delivering impactful, high-quality events without overspending.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
In an era where loyalty points are losing their appeal, brands are redefining loyalty through access to exclusive experiences. This panel will explore the growing trend of "experience as currency," where unforgettable moments become the ultimate brand incentive. Industry experts will share how some companies are offering VIP access, private events and one-of-a-kind experiences as rewards. Attendees will discover actionable strategies to design and implement experiential loyalty programs that foster emotional connections and drive long-term customer advocacy.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
As the experiential industry evolves, educational programs are crucial to equipping the next generation of event creatives. This session explores how programs like FIT’s Exhibition and Design Master Program along with forward-thinking agencies and clients are working together to shape the future of experiential design through hands-on learning, real-world projects and cutting-edge tools. Listen in (and weigh in on) discussions around the talent pipeline and preparing the next-generation of creatives to meet the expectations in the experiential field.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Are you an international attendee or do you host global events? This meet-up is for you! Join us for a peer-to-peer exchange on considerations for successful international campaigns. Share your experiences, hear from others, and gain fresh perspectives on overcoming obstacles to create impactful, seamless global campaigns. Grab a chair and come ready to collaborate!
Moderated by:
From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to headline performances at Coachella to mixed martial arts at Sphere Las Vegas, and beyond, go behind the scenes of the most influential entertainment experiences of the decade with the global award-winning team from Silent House Group producers of the Golden Globe-nominated film Taylor Swift I The Eras Tour in partnership with Taylor Swift Productions. Learn about influences and technologies fueling the creative process and execution, how fan engagement is evolving, and enjoy stories and insights that will have you thinking like a headliner.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
The Experiential Marketing Summit is thrilled to be partnering with the Experiential Designer and Producers Association (EDPA) to create dedicated content and networking experiences for corporate exhibitors at this year’s conference. And what better way to kick it all off than a Happy Hour Mixer for EDPA members. Come by and raise a glass in celebration of the EMS and EDPA communities coming together in support of the event community.
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!
It’s Tuesday 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.
Level up your networking game at our exclusive VIP event at Clique at The Cosmopolitan! Looking for more chances to mix, mingle, and make connections at the Experiential Marketing Summit? Add this experience to your registration - $35 cash bar or $99 VIP open bar - and enjoy top-tier connections. Don’t miss your chance to eat, drink and meet new friends in the industry.
This also gives you VIP access to JEWEL Nightclub on the 14th, 10:30pm-1:00am, OMNIA Nightclub on the 15th, 10:30pm-1:00am, and the Marquee Nightclub on the 16th, 10:30pm-1:00am.
*Registration Required. To add this to your current registration, click 'Register Now' and choose 'Modify Your Registration'.
For 23 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!
*Pre-registration in the mobile app required.
Grab a seat with a new industry friend and prepare to get inspired as we kick off the final day at EMS 2025 with a hearty breakfast, a live DJ and some fun trivia challenges designed to get the brain synapses firing.
Facilitation partner Projectory will start the day with an energizing discussion that will get you out of your chairs and discussing experiential through a different lens. Share your thoughts, gather ideas and leave with a fresh perspective.
American Express activates in high-profile and high-performing spaces across sports, music and entertainment, from Formula 1 to Billie Eilish to Coachella. It’s a robust portfolio for the 175-year-old brand as it leverages strategic partnerships to connect with the next generation while remaining multi-generationally relevant across a global footprint. In this dynamic fireside chat with Shiz Suzuki, vice president of global brand sponsorships and experiential marketing, we’ll step inside the Amex sponsorship portfolio to explore innovation, content, co-creation, and one-of-a-kind moments that are engaging diverse audiences, elevating brand engagement, and enhancing the value of Amex membership.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
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. Visit the Brewed Awakenings Café for a coffee and a meeting. And don’t forget to swing by the “Paws and Reflect” experience to say “good boy!” to some local area dogs.
Stop by the Event Marketer Clubhouse to learn the latest trends, tools, and strategies for producing impactful events! 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.
Join us for an immersive workshop to explore the potential ripple effects of trends impacting events. Participants will brainstorm the cascading impacts and knock-on effects to map out a range of possible futures. This exercise facilitates divergent thinking and explores both intended and unintended consequences, making it ideal for decision-making and long-term planning.
If you missed the exciting wins at the Ex Awards Gala, you're in for a treat. Join a panel of 2025 Ex Awards judges as they break down the campaigns that made the biggest impressions and generated the most steal-worthy ideas. Gain insights into what’s coming next in the ever-evolving world of events.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Moderated by:
Get a run-through of the year’s biggest research study on experiential marketing. Six separate surveys were initiated to consumer event marketers, b-to-b event marketers, corporate trade show exhibitors—plus attendees at consumer events, b-to-b events and trade shows. The brand data covers spending, volume, investments, strategies, measurement and more. The attendee data spans dwell event time, purchase intent, which parts of experiences best connect audiences to brands and more. Session attendees will receive a Stat Pack of 50 charts and graphs for use.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion, driven by Destination Toronto, on the trends shaping the next generation of event marketing. From cutting-edge digital engagement and social media influence to values-driven storytelling and sustainability, we’ll explore what truly resonates with Gen Z. Hear from industry experts with a Gen Z voice, on how to craft immersive, authentic experiences that drive engagement and brand loyalty. Whether you’re rethinking event formats, amplifying social impact or striving for deeper connections, this session will equip you with the insights to stay ahead.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Step into the SEPHORiA Beauty Funhouse and get a behind the scenes look at how Sephora reimagined design, interactivity and a social-first strategy. Discover how they tailored experiences to diverse audiences and unique markets and get insights into building an environment that inspires organic content creation, with strategies to drive buzz and engagement long after the event ends. See how Sephora’s principles of empowerment and community can apply to industries beyond beauty, because whether you’re selling lipstick or laptops, inclusive, magical experiences are what today’s audiences demand.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Where are the growth opportunities, and what resources are needed to tap into them? How can agency leaders build teams and strategic partnerships to thrive in an evolving market? Which trends will have the biggest impact on experiential, and how can agencies harness them? In this candid conversation, we’ll explore strategies, economic impacts, and other business insights to help you position your agency for success in an evolving landscape.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
Additional Panelists to be Announced
A successful exhibit is more than a visually striking space, it’s an immersive, engaging journey. ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is captivating attendees with a dynamic onsite experience, combining gamification, interactive zone mapping, anamorphic video walls and a mobile-optimized customer journey app to create seamless exploration and engagement. Discover how tech-forward engagement and thoughtful experience design can transform exhibits into meaningful storytelling platforms, driving deeper connections and measurable results. In addition, learn how to create a marketing strategy that spans before, during and after the event to enhance your brand visibility and leave a lasting impression.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Explore the future of experiential marketing with a focus on sustainability. Learn how strategic thinking, balancing budget, impact and efficiency, is transforming event experiences. Discover key approaches, including sustainable venue selection, gamification to reduce waste, reusable experiential design and eco-conscious vendor partnerships. Gain insights into innovative practices that minimize environmental impact while maintaining creativity and brand impact, redefining the industry’s landscape.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Struggling with planning, routing and executing mobile tours? Join us and tackle real-world challenges to save time, sanity and profits on your next touring activation. From managing emotionally stable staff (we promise they’re out there) to finding the perfect Client Concierge, this fast-paced session will have you prepared for your next adventure on the road to event marketing bliss.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Capital One has reimagined customer engagement by creating unique activations, engagement opportunities and spaces outside traditional branches, like its Cafés. Go inside the bank’s activation portfolio for insights on impact to brand perception, specific product consideration and traffic. Hear best practices for engaging takeaways from a sector where brand-consideration decisions are made over a longer period of time and require multiple customer interactions to drive conversion. Hear what Capital One learned from bringing a new kind of retail experience to the world of consumer banking.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
For event marketers, producers and creative directors, crafting meaningful brand experiences goes beyond just adding screens and interactivity, it’s about designing environments that truly engage people. This session explores how to create high-impact experiences by focusing on space, materiality and sensory engagement, leveraging digital in ways that enhance, not overshadow, physical connection. Walk away with a new approach to designing immersive brand experiences, practical strategies for integrating digital elements seamlessly and insights into materiality and memory in experiential design. This session will provide actionable insights to make your experiences more engaging, intentional and unforgettable.
Grab a seat for a high-energy “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition showcasing the latest and most innovative products and services for the event industry. Watch as entrepreneurs, innovators and experiential veterans present their ideas and coolest tools to a panel of expert judges, who will ask tough questions to assess their potential. After the pitches, it's your turn! Attendees will vote to determine the winner of the coveted "Next Big Thing in Events" recognition. Don’t miss the chance to see game-changing ideas and help crown the winner.
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!
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!
As an event marketing professional, you've mastered physical experiences, but with the shift to digital engagement, it's time to evolve. Whether you're new to digital events or refining your expertise, this session equips you to excel in both realms. Learn to expand reach, boost engagement, and future-proof strategies. Gain skills to express the value of digital events, articulate ROI, and present results to stakeholders. Join us to unlock the power of digital in driving business success.
We’ve all seen events go wrong, from Fyre Festival to an unofficial “Bridgerton”-inspired ball to the Willy Wonka Experience. Fortunately, we can learn just as much from failures as we can from successes. Join this interactive session as we analyze these events and discuss how YOU would have pivoted to ensure a better outcome. From logistics and tech to communications and social engagement, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of safety, satisfaction and lasting impact. Bring your ideas and learn from real-world challenges.
This fast-paced session will highlight key trends, benchmarks and strategies shaping event portfolios, brand experiences and audience engagement today—and into the next few years. Learn what’s driving decisions for top brands, discover actionable frameworks and gain insights into innovative experiments redefining the future of experiential marketing. Walk away with a sharper perspective on current priorities, emerging opportunities and the tools to stay ahead in an increasingly conventional competitive landscape.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Pop culture is a powerful force that shapes consumer behavior and drives brand engagement, but it’s an ever-evolving phenomenon that requires a strategic finger on the pulse. Learn how brands are tapping into viral moments and iconic fandoms, and navigating the interaction of entertainment, music and social media, as a panel of experts share event strategies for turning fleeting trends into lasting brand impact.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Calling all creatives! Join us for a peer-to-peer exchange where we’ll tackle challenges in timelines, budgets, and technology tools, including AI. Share your concerns, hear how other event pros are overcoming similar hurdles, and gain fresh insights. This interactive session focuses on collaboration, offering practical solutions and new ideas to elevate your experiential marketing efforts. Come ready to connect, problem-solve, and discover ways to navigate the complexities of the industry with the support of fellow professionals.
Moderated by:
Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, drowning in repetitive tasks, and watching your creative energy drain away? Join this fast-paced session to learn how AI can help you reclaim your event marketing mojo. Say goodbye to time-consuming admin and hello to strategic thinking. Walk away with actionable strategies to streamline logistics, planning and unleash your team’s creative potential using AI tools. From personalized content for attendees to innovative onsite experiences, discover how AI can transform your events and give you the time to create standout campaigns.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Join us for a dynamic session that offers two powerful segments designed to empower women leaders, starting with Thriving Beyond Limits: Five Challenges Confronting High-Achieving Women. In the fast-paced world of experiential marketing, understanding, believing in, and clearly articulating your value is essential for career growth, increased earnings and maximizing impact. Yet, many women experience roadblocks and find themselves feeling stuck in their careers. In this inspiring session, Ashley Paré will provide actionable strategies for overcoming the top five challenges holding women back from reaching their full potential. This is your opportunity to reclaim your worth, own your impact and activate the courage to thrive.
Following, Ashley will moderate the Big Career Conversation for Women panel featuring leading women from the events industry to discuss current trends and data, and talk through what’s changing, what’s not and what’s coming next. Get insights on skills development, mentorship and celebrating wins. And of course, bring your burning questions. As we like to say—things are about to get real, with inspiring stories and advice you won’t want to miss.
This session qualifies for 1.0 CEM credits.
How do you achieve consistent KPIs in the unpredictable world of experiential marketing? By expanding beyond the event itself and turning each activation into a multi-channel powerhouse. The Day Brightener Tour, running from August 2024 to April 2025, will visit 113 markets with 146 event days and more than 300 executed events. Discover how they overcame challenges of rural and suburban markets, achieving cost efficiency and maximizing volume of activations, without tapping into existing event foot traffic. Hear how to leverage cross-functional collaboration with PR, social media and sales to create campaigns that ripple far beyond the event itself. Whether you’re dealing with a fluctuating calendar or looking to maximize ROI on every activation, this session will give you actionable strategies to deliver KPIs that don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them.
This session is designed for experienced event professionals looking to enhance their measurement strategies. Learn advanced survey techniques, and how to effectively balance qualitative and quantitative data. Gain practical insights into actionable reporting that helps justify your budgets and drive future improvements. Plus, explore top strategies for incorporating sustainability, accessibility, and DEI metrics into your event measurement efforts, and more.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
Entertainment events have evolved into cultural events that captivate both in-person and online audiences, surpassing the traditional red carpet. With the rise of social media, how these events are experienced has transformed, too. Join a conversation about innovative strategies for creating excitement around film premieres and launches, turning them into immersive experiences that reflect the essence of each title. Learn how to use social media, storytelling and audience interaction to generate buzz, engage fans and create lasting impressions, whether they attend in person or watch virtually.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
By harnessing the same creative thinking that fills concert and music venues night after night, we can build authentic brand stories that adapt on the fly, respond to audience input, and engage people on a personal level. The result? Experiences that don’t just tell your brand’s story—they invite everyone in the room to help shape it. Listen in as London-based FRAY Studio’s Tony/Olivier Award-winning video designer, Finn Ross, shares how the principles behind unforgettable live shows like Disney’s Frozen and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and tours by artists like Coldplay and The Rolling Stones, can reshape your approach to experiential marketing. Explore how emerging real-time video tools and interactive content can open the door to fully 360-degree immersive environments, letting your audience actively participate in the moment instead of simply observing it. We’ll discuss how these live entertainment techniques can pivot seamlessly into brand experiences, blending performance, narrative, and cutting-edge technology to capture and hold the attention of modern audiences.
This session qualifies for 0.5 CEM credits.
The closing session you’ll be talking about all the way home caps off this year 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.
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3799 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
To book your hotel room, click here. The final deadline to book is March 20, 2025.
Connections Housing is the only approved, official housing vendor for EMS 2025. We understand that unauthorized housing companies may contact you and advertise cheaper rates or may imply or claim an affiliation with the event. If you are contacted by any company that is NOT Connections Housing, let us know at ems@eventmarketer.com.
For travel discounts, click here.
Includes access to all sessions, Hall of Ideas, and Opening Reception.
Includes access to all sessions and Hall of Ideas on the days included on your pass as well as the Opening Reception on Monday, April 14. You must choose a date combination during registration.
Includes access to all sessions and Hall of Ideas on Tuesday, April 15 or Wednesday, April 16. You must choose which date during registration.
Includes access to all sessions, Hall of Ideas and the Opening Reception on Monday, April 14 ONLY.
Includes access to all sessions, Hall of Ideas, and Opening Reception.
Includes access to all sessions and Hall of Ideas on the days included on your pass as well as the Opening Reception on Monday, April 14. You must choose a date combination during registration.
Includes access to all sessions and Hall of Ideas on Tuesday, April 15 or Wednesday, April 16. You must choose which date during registration.
Includes access to all sessions, Hall of Ideas and the Opening Reception on Monday, April 14 ONLY.
Includes access to all sessions, Hall of Ideas, and Opening Reception.
Important Note: Supplier Pass holders will have limited networking and messaging capabilities through our event App. If networking is a priority in attending the event, please contact Jon McLoughlin
at 646-988-8387 or jmcloughlin@accessintel.com to discuss exhibit and sponsorship options that provide full networking access.
Full-service direct-to-brand exhibit builders primarily serving Fortune 1000 end-users. Examples: Czarnowski, Derse, EWI, Hamilton, Pinnacle. (Active EDPA membership to be verified with EDPA.)
Full-service direct-to-brand exhibit builders primarily serving Fortune 1000 end-users. Examples: Czarnowski, Derse, EWI, Hamilton, Pinnacle. (Active EDPA membership to be verified with EDPA.)
Fabricators providing structures primarily to other builders, to event agencies or through distributor networks. Examples: Aluvision, Abex, Classic, Nomadic. (Active EDPA membership to be verified with EDPA.)
All other EDPA members, providing flooring, lighting, av, graphics, materials, decks, labor, shipping transport, logistics, etc. (Active EDPA membership to be verified with EDPA.)
EMS Accelerator Program:
Our promise to help develop the next generation of corporate event professionals begins at EMS with a new learning program reserved for the industry’s fastest rising stars. The EMS Accelerator Pass onboards early-career event marketers into the industry through a two-day immersion into the Experiential Marketing Summit’s rigorous curriculum at a deep discount. The 2025 EMS Accelerator Community will leave EMS with the strategic and tactical insights they need to excel in their event roles and become top contributors to their event organizations.
Passes are limited to the first 50 to apply. Submit your request today.
Available to marketers ages 21-26. Must be a junior level employee of a brand-side event organization or event agency (supplier companies cannot participate), or, attending an accredited university program. Proof of age required in advance along with a letter from your company or professor “sponsoring” you are qualified to attend. Sample letter here.
Get the Brand pass if:
You work for a B2C or B2B brand or company or non-profit organization or university. Examples: Nike, Cisco, University of Washington, American Cancer Society.
Get the Agency pass if:
You work for an event agency that provides event strategy and activation services to brands, non-profit organizations and universities. Examples: George P. Johnson, Sparks, Momentum Worldwide, Motive
Get the Supplier pass if:
You work for a company whose product or service is used at live or virtual events. Examples: Event technology solutions/platforms, A/V & production, staffing, registration platforms, promotional merchandise, event structures, event venues, mobile marketing vehicles.
Get the EDPA pass if:
EMS 2025 is CEM Preferred Provider. Each hour of education is eligible for one clock hour towards CEM recertification.
Reach Event Marketer’s highly engaged audience of the leading buying companies in the market.
Grab a spot in the Hall of Ideas, book a thought-leadership speaking package or explore sponsorship to serve as your business generation engine for 2025—and beyond.
For questions regarding event registration, please contact:
Lynne Schreur
lschreur@accessintel.com
Interested in sponsoring/exhibiting?
Questions? Contact:
Jon McLoughlin
Director, Event Sales
jmcloughlin@accessintel.com.
For information on programming and speaking opportunities, please contact:
Shannon Given
sgiven@accessintel.com