Event activations to impress before, during, and after your event
Download our free eBook packed with 30 event activations to keep the energy high from check-in to closing remarks.
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Why event activations?
Today’s events aren’t just about attendance, they’re about experience. Whether you're planning a conference, internal summit, or tradeshow, this guide gives you the tools to engage attendees, speakers and participants from start to finish.
Here are some of the things you'll find inside:
These event activations are perfect for…
Event professionals
seeking fresh, proven ideas to elevate their next conference, summit, or trade show
Internal comms teams
aiming to captivate employees and stakeholders through engaging in-person or hybrid experiences
Agencies & Marketers
crafting standout brand activations that drive real-world interaction and buz
👀 Take a peek at what’s Inside
Here are three creative activations from the guide to inspire your event strategy:
Pre-event idea: Local discovery map
Get attendees excited before the event begins by sharing a curated Google Map or downloadable PDF filled with your top local recommendations—cafés, restaurants, parks, and must-see spots near the venue.
During the event: Choose a Cup
Make networking effortless and fun! Offer color-coded coffee cups labeled with topics like “Strategy,” “Innovation,” or “Sustainability.” Attendees simply pick a cup that reflects their interest—an instant conversation starter during breaks. Low effort, high connection.
Post-event Idea: “Share your experience” wall
Encourage attendees to post their top take aways on LinkedIn or your preferred social platform and use the event hashtag. Make it even easier by displaying a QR code they can scan to share a message directly from their phones. Showcase the best posts by pinning them to the top of your social wall, and create a vibrant collection of real-time insights that capture the spirit of your event.
Don’t just plan an event. Create an experience.
🎁 Bonus download: The guide includes a free Event Activation Planning Template to help you map out ideas and assign tasks across your team.
Why social media walls are the ultimate event activation add-on
If you're looking to maximize engagement, amplify attendee voices, and create real-time buzz, a social wall is one of the most powerful tools you can add to your event activation strategy.
Here’s why social walls are a game-changer:
Turn attendees into active participants
Aggregate and display content from over 15 social media platforms and direct uploads to create dynamic displays.
Supercharge user-generated content
Ensure your digital signage wall is inclusive with high-contrast mode, screen reader support, and keyboard navigation.
Extend reach beyond the venue
Filter inappropriate or irrelevant content using AI-powered moderation to keep your digital signage clean and brand-safe.
Boost attendee interaction
Review, approve, or pin specific posts to maintain full control over the content displayed on your digital signage.
Frequently asked questions
1. What exactly is an event activation?
An event activation is any intentional activity or feature designed to engage attendees, spark interaction, and enhance the overall event experience. This can range from interactive installations and social media walls to live polls, themed networking, or personalized content. The goal is to turn passive attendance into active participation.
2. Are these activations suitable for virtual or hybrid events?
Absolutely. While many ideas in the guide are designed for in-person events, many can be adapted or directly applied to virtual and hybrid formats. For example, pre-event engagement strategies, social media campaigns, and post-event matchmaking all work seamlessly across formats.
3. Do I need a large budget or team to execute these ideas?
Not at all. The guide includes a wide variety of activations, from low-cost, quick-win ideas to more complex strategies. You’ll find scalable options for all team sizes and budget levels, including plug-and-play ideas that require minimal setup but deliver high impact.
4. Do all the event activation ideas in the eBook involve using a social wall?
No—while many of the ideas in the guide can be enhanced with a social wall, not all of them rely on one. In fact, most examples come from real brands and organizations that haven’t yet integrated a social wall into their strategy. The guide is designed to offer a wide range of activations, from analog to digital, low-tech to high-impact.
