Why Experiential Events Are Key for Influencer Success
Influencer marketing is all about storytelling—but the best stories aren’t just told, they’re experienced. The most forward-thinking brands aren’t stopping at paid partnerships; they’re bringing influencers into immersive, real-life activations that seamlessly translate into viral online moments.
Experiential campaigns allow brands to connect with their audience in a way that feels tangible, exciting, and memorable. When you take an interactive activation, pair it with top creators, and give them something worth posting about, you get the perfect blend of in-person engagement and digital amplification.
A few brands have absolutely nailed this strategy—Beis, Poppi, Rhode, and Vita Coco have all pulled off buzzworthy activations that went beyond traditional influencer marketing. Here’s a closer look at what made each one stand out.
Beis: The Human Claw Machine That Took Over TikTok
Shay Mitchell’s travel brand Beis knows how to make a splash. To promote a new luggage collection, they set up a human claw machine that influencers literally got strapped into. Suspended in the air, they were lowered into a pit of Beis bags and had one chance to grab as much as they could.
It was part game show, part social media spectacle, and every second of it was made for content. The excitement, the reactions, the mid-air struggle to grab a suitcase—it was gold for TikTok and Instagram Reels. Influencers didn’t just post about Beis, they lived the brand’s adventurous, travel-ready spirit.
Poppi: Super Bowl Vending Machines That Took Over Influencers’ Homes
Prebiotic soda brand Poppi played the long game with an at-home vending machine activation that showed up just in time for the Super Bowl. Instead of a one-time event, Poppi delivered fully stocked, custom-branded vending machines to influencers’ homes, letting them grab a can (or ten) while watching the game.
The brilliance? This activation seamlessly fit into creators’ lives. Instead of forcing them to make content, the content happened naturally—creators filmed their friends using the machine, posted unboxings, and included Poppi in their Super Bowl party recaps. It was influencer marketing that didn’t feel like marketing.
Rhode: The LA Pop-Up That Had Fans Lining Up for Blocks
Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand Rhode has done its fair share of influencer-heavy activations, but their recent LA pop-up was next level.
Set up as a minimalist, ultra-aesthetic skincare experience, the pop-up let fans and influencers get a firsthand feel of Rhode’s viral products. The all-white space was designed for content—with soft lighting that made every selfie glow and a layout that encouraged creators to capture every corner of the experience. The popup also featured a variety of snacks and good-eats from local food vendors, for visitors to enjoy.
Top beauty and lifestyle influencers flocked to the event, posting everything from their product hauls to their first impressions in real-time. The pop-up wasn’t just a shopping experience—it was an IRL moment that dominated social feeds.
Vita Coco: A DIY Vending Machine in NYC’s Washington Square Park
Vita Coco, the cult-favorite coconut water brand, tapped into community-driven marketing with a DIY vending machine activation in Washington Square Park. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, they handed out Vita Coco Strawberries & Crème coconut water to visitors, turning a simple sampling moment into something interactive.
The strategy here was hands-on engagement meets influencer-friendly content. Both NYC-based creators and everyday consumers got to be part of the campaign, helping Vita Coco generate both social buzz and real-world connections. The activation was also a witty and clever response to Poppi’s extravagant vending machine strategy, with Vita Coco revealing that their DIY version cost just $25 to make (while Poppi allegedly spent $25,000 on each of their vending machines).
Why Experiential + Influencer Marketing Is the Ultimate Power Move
The best influencer campaigns don’t just rely on product placement—they create real, memorable experiences that people actually want to share. The formula is simple:
✅ Give influencers something to talk about. When a campaign feels fresh and exciting, creators want to post about it—and their followers want in on the action.
✅ Make it interactive. Whether it’s a human claw machine, a pop-up shop, or an at-home vending machine, activations that let influencers experience the brand always outperform static product placements.
✅ Seamlessly blend offline and online. The best campaigns don’t stop at the event itself—they’re designed for digital amplification, ensuring that content keeps circulating long after the activation ends.
With brands like Beis, Poppi, Rhode, and Vita Coco leading the charge, it’s clear that experiential influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. As brands continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, expect to see even more creative, immersive, and highly shareable activations taking over your feed.