Today's audiences crave more than just a product pitch. They want to be part of the action, to co-create and share in the story. That's where experiential marketing shines: it puts the consumer at the heart of the experience, creating memorable moments that resonate far beyond the event itself. This immersive approach transforms brand interactions into personal, shareable stories, creating lasting connections that are truly powerful.
At Novel Photo Booth, we’re all about those unforgettable brand experiences. The first half of 2024 brought a whirlwind of innovative experiential marketing campaigns, many featuring captivating custom photo moments that left us inspired. We’ve rounded up some of our top picks that got us excited about the future of brand engagement. Let’s dive in!
1. Pinterest’s Manifest Station @ Coachella 2024
Pinterest made its Coachella debut in a big way, aiming to connect with Gen Z through a unique experience tagged the Pinterest Manifest Station. Created by MKG, the whimsical cloud-themed photo activation provided attendees with the opportunity to explore new ways to express themselves while incorporating festival trends.
It was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge style, offering attendees ethereal-inspired photo opportunities along with popular beauty and styling experiences. The activation truly brought Pinterest’s digital mood boards and collages to life, aligning perfectly with how festival-goers use the platform for inspiration.
Photo credits: Pinterest
2. Method’s AI-Powered Aura Photo Experience
We love when brands mix tech with a touch of creativity, and Method absolutely nailed it at Coachella this year. As the official body and haircare sponsor, Method wowed attendees with its “Unleash Your Inner Shower” campaign, featuring an AI-driven aura photo experience.
Developed by Revolution Marketing and Groove Jones, this activation used AI to artistically transform attendees' photos into personalized portraits based on their answers to themed questions, reflecting one of Method’s popular scents—Pure Peace, Simply Nourish, or Daily Zen.
This was more than just a cool photo op; it was an innovative blend of personal care and tech, turning festival snapshots into shareable, Insta-worthy art that truly resonated with the Coachella crowd. We’re all about creating those unforgettable moments, and Method’s activation delivered on every level.
Photo Credits: Method
3. YouTube’s Sports-Themed Lounges @ Vid-con 2024
Okay, so when it comes to turning everyday spaces into creator playgrounds, YouTube understood the assignment. Designed by MAS, YouTube’s sports-themed lounges merged athletic aesthetics with YouTube’s content-creating community. These spaces featured a "Serving Looks" tennis-inspired photo op, personalized jersey stations, and a basketball court video studio with an on-site director to help them create content. (Someone say on what? On brand!)
But the fun didn’t stop there—creators could step onto a winner's podium to create custom GIFs in real time or take their “Victory Shot” with stadium lighting, gold medals, and all the celebratory vibes. These lounges weren’t just about snapping pics—they were about making creators feel like MVPs, offering them endless shareable photo and video moments. Seriously, need we say more? Totally amazing!
Photo credits: MAS
4. Aperol Terrazza: Bringing Italy to Coachella
If there’s one thing we at Novel absolutely adore, it’s a splash of vibrant color! So, it’s no shocker that Aperol made our list of standout experiences. The Italian aperitivo brand brought a taste of Venice to Coachella 2024 with its eye-catching Aperol Terrazza, beautifully executed by We Are Swell. This bright orange activation stood out on the festival grounds, drawing guests in with its unique photo moments, digital activities, a tram-themed bar, and a pergola rooftop that bubbled during golden hour each day.
Inspired by contemporary Venetian architecture, the Aperol Piazza was not just a visual delight—it was an immersive experience that celebrated the brand’s joyful spirit in a way that truly connected with festivalgoers.
Photo Credit: Lex Gallegos for Aperol
To celebrate the release of “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” Disney+ brought a castle-themed booth to VidCon, immersing attendees in the world of Auradon. With colorful photo moments, Glambot-style videos, and exclusive premiums, the activation was a hit among fans. The experience featured a rose-adorned room, black-light graffiti, and the iconic Queen of Hearts’ throne—a true fairytale brought to life, complete with appearances from the film’s talent. (Agency: Mirrored Media nailed it with this one—truly a royal experience!)
Photo Credit: Mirrored Media
Why These Campaigns Inspire Us
What we love about these standout campaigns is how they use innovative photo and video moments to amplify brand stories. They’re not just about capturing images; they’re about creating connections that feel personal and memorable. For brands, this means more than just engagement—it’s about leaving a lasting impression that continues to resonate.
Create Your Own Unforgettable Moments with Novel Photo Booth
At Novel Photo Booth, we specialize in bringing your brand’s vision to life with custom photo and video experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it's a festival, a product launch, or a private event, our tailored solutions are designed to create buzz-worthy content that aligns with your brand goals.
Ready to craft experiences that stand out and make an impact? Let’s connect and see how we can bring your next big idea to life.
Sources and Credits
Pinterest Manifest Station: Adweek, Event Marketer
Aperol Terrazza: BizBash
Method AI-Powered Aura Experience: Groove Jones
VidCon Highlights: BizBash
Disney+ Descendants Booth: Event Marketer, Mirrored Media
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