Ever wondered how a brand can sweep you off your feet, creating those magical moments you just can’t stop raving about? Get ready to satisfy that curiosity as Anika Jackson dives deep into the vibrant world of experiential marketing with the amazing Kitty Hart, Heroic’s VP of Client Brand Experience on Your Brand Amplified Podcast. Together, they embark on an insightful journey through this ever-evolving landscape that’s all about captivating hearts and igniting senses.
Kitty: The Experiential Marketing Maestro
Kitty’s expertise lies in experiential marketing. “Any touchpoint we have with a customer is an experience,” Anika states wisely. Kitty sheds light on the fact that while experiential marketing isn’t new (it goes way back to the 1800s!), its importance has skyrocketed in our digital age. Despite our digital immersion, there’s an irreplaceable need for physical brand experiences. Yet, in today’s world, surprising and delighting audiences has become a delightful challenge.
The Evolution of Experiential Marketing
The evolution of corporate event marketing has been nothing short of fascinating, especially in our work at Heroic. From national sales meetings to incentive trips, we traverse diverse terrains. Even though our focus is often corporate, it’s crucial to remember that whether it’s business-to-business or business-to-consumer, we’re all humans seeking genuine connections. We want attendees excited about events, feeling the pulse of momentum, and leaving refreshed and more connected to the company and their goals.
How to Incorporate Experiential Marketing
Establishing a solid foundation rooted in your company’s core values is key to integrating experiential marketing. Go back to basics: What defines your brand? Who are your customers, and what drives them? Once you have these insights, let creativity soar. Collaboration across departments is vital here, and don’t let budget constraints dampen imaginative sparks! Kitty emphasizes that any brand, big or small, can weave experiential marketing magic by focusing on one sense at a time and building experiences around it.
The Hybrid Experience: Blending Physical and Virtual
Many companies now blend in-person and virtual experiences to accommodate diverse needs. Whether it’s remote employees, geographical challenges, or budget considerations, creating dual experiences has become essential. This duality necessitates crafting tailored experiences for both physical and virtual participants, ensuring everyone feels engaged and valued.
The Importance of Business Development
Kitty’s sales success stems from selling experiences that unite people and brands. Her mantra? Seeing consumers as humans first, not just potential buyers. Today’s consumers are savvy and seek authenticity over pushy sales tactics. Anika notes that, “the new equivalent of the old, pushy sales person is the LinkedIn inbox.” Building genuine relationships and leveraging referrals are key strategies. Kitty’s sales superpower? Wholeheartedly believing in what she sells. She states, “I’m just a matchmaker finding people who need what we have.”
Kitty concludes with a powerful message: let’s value the experience and wisdom of individuals, regardless of age. Women over 50 bring immense value and insight, just as 20 somethings offer fresh insights. Respect and collaboration across generations enrich our experiences and drive innovation forward.
In Conclusion: Embracing Experiential Magic
As we conclude our journey through the realm of experiential marketing with the effervescent Kitty Hart, one thing becomes abundantly clear: magic happens when brands connect with audiences on a human level. From understanding core values to crafting immersive experiences, the key lies in authenticity, creativity, and genuine connections.
To have your own conversation with the experiential marketing maestro herself, contact Kitty Hart.
To learn how to incorporate stellar audio/visual production into your next event experience, visit our website.
We are excited to announce our newest member to the team, Kris Young as VP, Speakers & Entertainment. In this role, Young will solely focus on helping clients secure talent to help deliver event key messages.
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