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.

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.

Panelists to be Announced

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.

Additional Panelists to be Announced

You don’t need a massive budget to pull off a successful event, but knowing where to invest and how to stretch those dollars is key. This session will highlight events executed on budgets under $100,000. Whether you're working with a limited budget or just looking for cost-efficiency tips, learn how to prioritize spending and maximize resources, all while delivering memorable experiences and achieving big results.

Presenters to be Announced

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.

Join a candid, closed-door discussion on what’s keeping brand marketers up at night. Commiserate with peers on challenges like budgets, executive buy-in, and other issues. Share experiences and hear strategies from others on how they’re tackling similar obstacles. This moderated session is a safe space for open dialogue, with insights and solutions to help you navigate the toughest hurdles in your marketing efforts.

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.

Panelists to be Announced

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join a candid, closed-door discussion on what’s keeping brand marketers up at night. Commiserate with peers on challenges like budgets, executive buy-in, and other issues. Share experiences and hear strategies from others on how they’re tackling similar obstacles. This session is a safe space for open dialogue, with insights and solutions to help you navigate the toughest hurdles in your marketing efforts.

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.

Panelists to be Announced

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.

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.

Join Event Marketer’s annual Women in Events workshop as we introduce this year’s participants, break down data from all-new research, 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. 

Additional Panelists to be Announced

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 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.

Get a behind the scenes look at how the Canadian Olympic Committee found ways to be environmentally sustainable, and save money, through a variety of pre-, during- and post-event strategies. From recycling to wayfinding, logistics to lighting, discover how the COC’s biggest Canada Olympic House ever managed to deliver cost-effective sustainable experiences for more than 17,000 guests and 250 Canadian athletes on a global stage.

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.