Ideas to Steal: 10 Tried and Tested Event Activations at Shepard Sandbox
September 9, 2024
From LED dance floors and AI Ping Pong to branded bar carts and immersive floral walls, event activations are a powerful way to engage attendees and create memorable experiences that are also Instagram-worthy.
At the recent corporate event hosted by Shepard Expositions, SandboxLIVE attracted 150 industry partners, speakers, customers, and prospective customers. Established in 1905 in Atlanta, the employee-owned trade show contracting company brought these activations and more to life July 15-17 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in midtown Atlanta.
“It's all about getting creative with the spaces and resources you have,” said Shepard Vice President, Marketing & Brand Strategy Taylor Elliot. “Lean on your partners, explore new trends, and strive to offer memorable and engaging experiences for your attendees.”
We caught up with Elliot to find out more about some fantastic ideas that Shepard published on LinkedIn. Here is a recap video of SandboxLIVE, so you can see highlights of the event. Elliot shared what worked, how they executed the event activations, and how you might replicate them at your next event.
Below are 10 ideas from our conversation. If you want to know more, watch or listen to the full interview here.
1. Guess the Show Photo
One of the most popular activations was "Guess the Show Photo," inspired by the classic game, Guess Who. Shepard applied a similar concept using show photos from various events they had produced. Attendees were given clues and had to identify the correct photo. This activation was not only interactive and engaging but also cost-effective, using simple materials like foam poster board.
2. Immersive Floral Wall
To bring life and freshness into the event, Shepard created an immersive floral wall. Greenery not only set the tone but also served as a picturesque and calming moment for attendees. Pleasing visuals combined with Shepard-branded accessories created memorable photo opportunities that attendees eagerly shared, amplifying event reach and creating FOMO. Extending the brand into every aspect of the event, including down to the floral arrangements, received notable praise.
3. Branded Bar Cart
Shepard's branded bar was another hit, offering versatile and appealing beverage options. From popsicles to "poptails" (popsicles with champagne), and even ice cream and popcorn, this branded bar served multiple purposes throughout the event. A creative investment, it allowed Shepard to extend its brand presence in a fun and unique way.
4. Outdoor Experience
Capitalizing on the beautiful weather in Atlanta, Shepard utilized the terrace at the Loews Hotel to create an outdoor experience. This space provided a refreshing break for attendees who could step outside, make calls, and soak in some Vitamin D between sessions. Though the weather wasn't always perfect, the terrace was a highly appreciated feature, demonstrating how important it is to offer outdoor elements for indoor events.
5. LED Dance Floor
Shepard took creative branding to another level with an LED dance floor, a modern and engaging feature that commanded attention. The mirrored floor, glowing blue to match the brand's colors, not only served as a vibrant picture spot but also enhanced the overall atmosphere.
6. Signature Cocktails and Mocktails
The custom "Shepard Spritz," available as both a cocktail and mocktail, catered to all attendees' preferences. This inclusive approach ensured everyone could enjoy a refreshing pick-me-up—whether they chose alcohol or not. Offering signature drinks is a great way to add a personalized touch and make every guest feel included.
7. Conversation Wall
Aiming to gather insights from attendees, Shepard set up a conversation wall where participants could share their biggest challenges. Not surprisingly, budget constraints topped the list. This wall served as both an engagement tool and a valuable feedback mechanism, fostering conversation and understanding among participants.
8. AI Ping Pong
Combining play and technology, Shepard introduced an AI-powered ping pong table. The modern, sleek design of the table complemented the tech-savvy concept, where Zenus AI measured player sentiments and scores. This data was then displayed on a kiosk, making it a fun and innovative way to incorporate AI trends into the event.
9. Personalized Luggage Tags
Practical and memorable, the luggage tag activation allowed attendees to personalize their own tags using embossing techniques. The tags featured both the event branding and personal initials, serving as a lasting reminder of the event. Paired with branded AirTags, this giveaway was a functional hit among the attendees.
10. Podcast Studio
In line with their upcoming podcast launch, Shepard set up a podcast studio onsite. This secluded space, built with their standard event materials, was perfect for capturing high-quality content, including testimonials and interviews. The dedicated podcast studio was a strategic move to maximize attendee interaction and content creation opportunities.
Photos: Shepard
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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