Experiential marketing, also known as “engagement marketing” or “event marketing,” is a marketing strategy that involves creating interactive and immersive experiences for consumers. These experiences are designed to engage customers, build brand loyalty, and create a lasting impression. In recent years, experiential marketing has become an increasingly popular way for brands to connect with consumers in a meaningful way. As we look ahead to 2023, it’s clear that live activations, such as live merch printing using screen printing, heat pressing, embroidery, and sublimation, will be at the forefront of experiential marketing trends.
In this article, we’ll explore the future of experiential marketing and how live activations, such as live merch printing, will play a major role in engaging consumers in the coming year. We’ll also delve into the various techniques used in live merch printing, including screen printing, heat pressing, embroidery, and sublimation, and how these techniques can be utilized to create unique and memorable experiences for consumers.
Read More 7 Considerations when Creating Captivating and Immersive Interactive User Experiences
What is Experiential Marketing?
Experiential marketing involves creating interactive and immersive experiences for consumers that engage them with a brand or product in a meaningful way. These experiences can take many forms, including live events, pop-up shops, interactive displays, and more. The goal of experiential marketing is to create a lasting impression on consumers and build brand loyalty by giving them an opportunity to engage with a brand on a personal level.
Experiential marketing has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more brands seek to connect with consumers in a way that goes beyond traditional advertising methods. According to a survey by the Event Marketing Institute, 84% of consumers say that they are more likely to buy a product or service after experiencing it firsthand through experiential marketing. This shows the power of experiential marketing to drive sales and build brand loyalty.
Read More 89 Experiential Marketing Statistics You Must Learn: 2022 Consumer Preferences & Industry Data
Live Activations to Take Center Stage in 2023
As we look ahead to 2023, it’s clear that live activations will be at the forefront of experiential marketing trends. Live activations are events or experiences that engage consumers in real-time and create a sense of excitement and immediacy. These events can be large or small, and can take place in a variety of settings, from festivals and concerts to shopping centers and pop-up shops.
Live activations have a number of benefits for brands. They provide an opportunity to engage with consumers in a personal and meaningful way, build brand awareness and loyalty, and generate positive word-of-mouth. Live activations can also be tailored to a specific audience or demographic, making them an effective way to target specific market segments.
One trend that is likely to dominate experiential marketing in 2023 is the use of live merch printing to create unique and memorable experiences for consumers. Live merch printing involves creating custom merchandise on the spot using techniques such as screen printing, heat pressing, embroidery, and sublimation. These techniques allow brands to create one-of-a-kind merchandise that is personalized for each individual consumer.
Read More Boost Event ROI: Modern, Immersive Examples of Experiential Marketing
Live Merch Printing Techniques
There are several techniques that are commonly used in live merch printing, including screen printing, heat pressing, embroidery, and sublimation. Each technique has its own unique benefits and can be used to create a wide range of merchandise, from t-shirts and hats to bags and more.
Screen Printing:
Screen printing is a printing technique that involves creating a stencil of the design that is to be printed and applying ink through the stencil onto the surface of the merchandise. This technique is ideal for live events because it allows for the rapid production of large quantities of merchandise, which can be useful for meeting demand on-site. Additionally, screen printing is a cost-effective option for brands looking to produce high-quality merchandise at a lower cost.
Learn More How On-Site Event T-Shirt Printing Works
Heat Pressing:
Heat pressing is a technique that involves using heat and pressure to transfer a design onto a piece of merchandise. This technique is often used to create custom t-shirts and is a quick and easy way to produce high-quality merchandise on demand, making it ideal for live events where merchandise needs to be produced quickly. Heat pressing is also a cost-effective option for brands looking to create a limited run of custom merchandise at a live event. This option has a lower cost than screen printing, depending on how many colors are in the print.
Learn More about On-Site Heat Press
Embroidery:
Embroidery is a technique that involves using a needle and thread to create a design on a piece of merchandise. This technique is often used to create high-end merchandise such as hats, bags, and jackets, and is a popular choice for brands looking to create a luxurious and high-quality product for live events. The durability of embroidered merchandise makes it a good option for events where the merchandise will be worn or used frequently.
Learn More about Why Live Embroidery Is The Perfect Event Activation
Sublimation:
Sublimation is a printing technique that involves transferring a design onto a piece of merchandise using heat and pressure. This technique is often used to create custom t-shirts, bags, and other products, and is known for producing high-quality, vibrant prints that are durable and long-lasting. The durability of sublimation prints makes it a good option for live events where the merchandise will be worn or used frequently.
Learn more about Live Event Sublimation
OTHER TECHNIQUES TO CONSIDER: LASER ENGRAVING AND HAND JET PRINTING
In addition to the techniques mentioned above, there are a few other options that brands may want to consider when it comes to live merch printing. These include laser engraving and hand jet printing.
LASER ENGRAVING:
Laser engraving is a technique that involves using a laser beam to etch a design onto a piece of merchandise. This technique often creates high-end, customized merchandise such as personalized gifts and awards. Laser engraving is a precise and accurate method of printing, and is ideal for creating intricate designs and fine details.
Learn More about Event Merch Printing: On-Site Laser Engraving
HAND JET PRINTING:
Hand jet printing is a technique that involves using a handheld printing gun to apply ink onto a surface. This technique is often used for printing small quantities of merchandise on demand and is a quick and efficient way to create custom products. Hand jet printing is a versatile technique that can be used to print on a wide range of surfaces, including fabric, wood, and more.
Learn more What Is a Handjet Print Gun?
Overall, laser engraving and hand jet printing are both excellent options for brands looking to create customized merchandise on the spot. These techniques are precise, efficient, and can be used to create high-quality products that are tailored to the individual needs of each consumer.
Sublimation is a printing technique that involves transferring a design onto a piece of merchandise using heat and pressure. This technique is often used to create custom t-shirts, bags, and other products, and is known for producing high-quality, vibrant prints that are durable and long-lasting. The durability of sublimation prints makes it a good option for live events where the merchandise will be worn or used frequently.
Learn more about Live Event Sublimation