The first time I witnessed a truly transformative brand activation, it wasn’t the flashy tech or big budget that stood out—it was the human connection. A simple popsicle cart with custom branding became the unexpected centerpiece of a corporate event, sparking conversations and Instagram moments that lasted weeks. That’s the power of experiential marketing done right. EMS 2025 in Las Vegas promises to capture this same magic, bringing together the brightest minds who understand that today’s most impactful marketing doesn’t just reach audiences—it moves them.

While global agencies often dominate the conversation, this year’s summit shines a spotlight on innovators proving that creativity and strategy matter more than budget size. From guerrilla marketing experts to data-driven engagement specialists, these speakers are redefining what it means to create unforgettable brand experiences.

“The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.”” — Tom Fishburne

Captello

Captello has been named the Official Gamification Partner for EMS 2025, bringing its industry-leading engagement tools to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from April 14-16. The company will deploy interactive experiences, including a scavenger hunt, and its Morphique AI Photo Booth with dynamic gallery displays. Live demos will showcase Captello’s universal lead capture platform and rewards solutions that convert event interactions into measurable business outcomes. “Our technology transforms passive attendees into active participants,” said VP of Marketing Brad Froese, emphasizing how the partnership aligns with growing demand for meaningful brand-audience connections at live events.

The announcement solidifies Captello’s position as a leader in experiential tech, offering marketers tangible ways to bridge digital and physical engagement. At EMS 2025, professionals will test drive solutions that track dwell time, qualify leads in real time, and incentivize participation through gamification—all feeding into a centralized data platform. The sponsorship demonstrates how gamification has evolved from entertainment to essential strategy, with Captello’s tools now helping 73% of clients achieve higher conversion rates. For brands seeking to maximize event ROI, these solutions turn fleeting interactions into lasting customer relationships while providing the analytics to prove impact.

Check out their website and LinkedIn for more information!

Beach Town Pops

Beach Town Pops—the Los Angeles-based pioneer of gourmet, cold-pressed popsicles—will join EMS 2025 to explore experiential marketing innovations while highlighting transformative sessions. Founded in 2011 when a Survivor TV crew member turned tropical island cravings into a craft obsession, the company now elevates events with organic, handcrafted popsicles for weddings, corporate functions, and brand activations across Southern California. Their curated speaker list—featuring Sarah Thompson’s authenticity frameworks and Raj Patel’s tech-integration strategies—mirrors their own approach: blending artisanal quality with measurable engagement.

What began as farmers’ market experiments now drives major campaigns, with custom-branded popsicles becoming signature touchpoints at celebrity weddings and Fortune 500 activations. “We transform frozen treats into shareable brand moments,” notes the team, whose vibrant carts and gluten-free recipes turn dessert catering into immersive marketing. As EMS 2025 explores sensory engagement, Beach Town Pops exemplifies how tactile experiences—like their hibiscus-lavender pops or branded ice cream carts—cut through digital clutter. For brands seeking authentic connections, their edible storytelling proves simplicity resonates when crafted with intention.

Check out their website and Instagram for more information.

Six Degrees Creative

As Founder and Creative Director of Six Degrees, Brian Wright has spent the past six years shaping unforgettable brand experiences for giants like Amazon, HBO, and the NFL. Since launching his agency in 2018, Wright has become the secret weapon for clients seeking boundary-pushing activations—whether designing immersive installations for Google or producing content for Puma and Red Bull. His rare blend of music industry savvy (honed during his tenure managing Rae Sremmurd’s visual identity at Ear Drummer Records) and corporate branding mastery gives him an edge in creating culturally resonant campaigns.

Check out their website and LinkedIn for more information.

The keynote speakers at Experiential Marketing Summit 2025 are a highlight of the event. Exploring the future of marketing and diving deep into the opportunities and challenges ahead. Their presentations will cover a wide range of topics, from new marketing trends to software analysis.

Finn Ross, Video Designer and Co-Founder of FRAY Studio

Finn Ross is a Tony and Olivier award-winning video designer who has been involved in the development of video content for live performance for the past 15 years. In 2015, he co-founded FRAY Studio, which focuses on all forms of live entertainment, especially anything with live music. Finn has designed productions seen on Broadway, the West End, The Met, and The Royal Opera House, as well as on tour. At the summit, he will share insights on how small businesses can incorporate seamless video elements into their brand experiences to create compelling, holistic productions.

Kim Haney, Director of Experiential Marketing at Pernod Ricard

Kim Haney is the Director of Experiential Marketing at Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the spirits industry. In her session, Kim will discuss how businesses, particularly in the beverage industry, can engage their audiences with memorable, interactive experiences. She will focus on leveraging experiential marketing to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty.

“”Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but about the stories you tell.” —Seth Godin

Melinda Johnson, Senior Brand Director at Henkel Consumer Brands

Melinda Johnson is a senior marketing and strategy executive with more than 15 years of experience building strong consumer brands. She has worked with companies such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal USA, and Henkel Consumer Brands. As a catalyst for growth, Melinda brings her expertise in multicultural marketing and her passion for serving under-served populations. At the summit, she will share insights on creating purpose-driven, culturally relevant brand experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Conclusion

The Experiential Marketing Summit 2025 proves that in an age of digital overload, human-centric experiences still reign supreme. From Sarah Thompson’s authenticity frameworks to Raj Patel’s tech integrations, the brightest minds are converging on one truth: memorable marketing doesn’t interrupt—it invites. Brands like Beach Town Pops and Six Degrees exemplify this shift, turning frozen treats and immersive installations into cultural touchpoints that resonate long after events end.

For marketers ready to move beyond transactional engagements, the path forward is clear: blend strategic insight with sensory storytelling. Whether through Brian Wright’s music-infused brand worlds or Captello’s gamified lead capture, the future belongs to those who craft shareable moments with substance. The tools are here, the case studies proven—now it’s time to transform audiences into communities.

To get even more inspiration check out 7 Small Businesses in NYC Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion with Zero Waste and 5 Local Boutiques in Montreal Bringing Unique Home Decor Designs to Life.

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