SXSW’s return reemphasized the importance of experiential marketing activations: Prime Video and others made big splashes, though pandemic-era virtual experiences remain.

As the spread of coronavirus forced event cancellations worldwide, the experiential marketing industry has had to adapt to a new culture of remote work and social distancing. Companies like MAG Experience, a New York-based experiential marketing agency, acknowledge the tough road ahead but see an opportunity to bolster their virtual events and innovate new offerings for clients.

Roblox could become a brand advertising powerhouse: Brands flocked to video games for experiential marketing during the pandemic—but Roblox's lasting popularity with kids and its planned ad capabilities could keep it an appealing option even after lockdowns end.

Pre-pandemic, Riot Games was also making a strong push toward experiential marketing opportunities, where brands could sponsor fan appreciation days and other events surrounding League of Legends tournaments and road shows.

Business and leisure travelers have returned to what happens in Las Vegas, as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) welcomes visitors back with a new motto that touts the city’s innovative and experiential offerings. Watch Industry Voices: Spotlight on Travel with LVCVA’s Kate Wik, CMO, to learn how the destination marketer is managing visitors’ pent-up demand and shorter booking windows.

Roughly seven in 10 (71.2%) US ad and marketing executives think it’s at least somewhat unlikely that in-person business events, including conferences and large industry shows, will take place by the end of 2020.

Experiential Marketing in the Age of COVID-19. How B2Bs Can Continue Selling in a COVID-19 World. eMarketer and Business Insider Intelligence have joined forces to become the leading research company focused on digital transformation. For more insights and key statistics on the biggest trends in today's most disruptive industries, subscribe to Chart of the Day.

eMarketer was pleased to moderate a Tech-Talk Webinar featuring Cvent's Mike Dietrich, vice president of product marketing, and Alyssa Peltier, senior manager of event marketing. They shared actionable advice from their own experiences executing events and provide best practices to implement today and in the new year.

Core to any marketing strategy, whether in a global health crisis or otherwise, is ensuring that the plan is relevant and experiential for the consumer. During this time, our marketing team has learned how to pivot a full marketing plan due to changed consumer experiences.

In the Impression survey, few marketing professionals said they saw an upside to Brexit. A January 2021 study from the Leadership Institute at London Business School, meanwhile, found that half of UK marketing leaders believed Brexit would have a negative effect on their business. Data privacy remains a hot topic, but UK government edicts won’t change much for marketers.

In-store payments will maintain their retail stronghold, but experiential shopping will give payment providers the opportunity to sell new services. They’ll focus on wide payment method acceptance, new checkout tools, and exclusive events. The shifting device mix within ecommerce will intensify checkout providers’ focus on mobile channels.