6 Tips for Crafting Unforgettable Gen Z Events

As experiential marketing experts, we've seen trends come and go, but nothing quite compares to the seismic shift Generation Z has brought. Born between 1997 and 2012, this cohort is reshaping the event landscape with their unique preferences and digital-first mindset. 

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The catch? Traditional marketing strategies that once thrived now fall short with this generation. If you're clinging to the old playbook, your events might seem as thrilling to them as watching paint dry. 

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So, how do you create Gen Z events that capture their attention and keep them coming back for more? Take a look at these tips!

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1. Blend Physical and Digital Experiences

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This generation may be digital natives, but they love IRL experiences. The key is understanding that for this younger generation, over other generations, the physical and digital worlds aren't separate—they're deeply interconnected. 

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To make your Gen Z events resonate with these Gen Zers, it’s time to go “phygital”—enhancing physical experiences with digital ones instead of replacing them. Here are a couple of ways to make it happen:

• Incorporate augmented reality (AR) elements into live events
• Create hybrid events that allow both in-person and virtual attendance
• Gamify the in-person experience with RFID wristbands or event apps

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2. Make Authenticity Your Brand

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Authenticity and transparency are the cornerstones of marketing to Gen Z—and for good reason. For the younger generation, being genuine isn't just appreciated, it's expected. 

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They’re highly skeptical of anything that feels forced or fake, and they only spend their money on brands they trust. So, to make Gen Z events stand out and leave a lasting impression, authenticity must be at the heart of your brand identity and event strategy.

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Pro tip: Showcase real stories and real experiences. One way to inject authenticity into your events is by leveraging user-generated content. Let actual customers and employees share their unfiltered experiences with your brand.

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3. Design Gen Z Experiences with Social Media in Mind

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This new generation lives and breathes social media.

• Gen Z accounts for nearly half of all social media users worldwide
• 35% spend over four hours a day on social networking apps and websites
• 81% discover new products and services through social media

For Gen Z experiences and events to leave a mark on these young people, create shareable moments for them to post. When designing events, think about how every aspect can be optimized for social media sharing. 

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Take, for example, Shein's Retro Revival Pop-up in Montreal. This event perfectly encapsulated how to create a Gen Z-friendly, social media-optimized experience. It used visually stunning, Instagrammable spaces, interactive elements, and stylish displays that embodied the essence of the Shein brand. 

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The result? Gen Zers snapping photos and sharing their experiences across social media platforms. Give them the space and they’ll start a buzz extending far beyond the event!

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4. Prioritize Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion

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For Gen Z, environmental consciousness and social responsibility are non-negotiable values. They’re more active in addressing climate change and social issues than previous generations and prefer brands that do the same. This involves crafting Gen Z experiences that deeply connect and prioritizing these values. 

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Here’s the catch: Young people can spot greenwashing and tokenism from a mile away. Your efforts must be genuine and integrated into every aspect of your Gen Z events, otherwise, you’ll lose trust. If you prioritize sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, it needs to show in every element of an event, from the planning stages to the final goodbye. Better yet, make these values a core part of your brand identity!

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Members of Gen Z want to be part of the action. This generation has grown up with interactive technology at their fingertips, and they expect the same level of engagement from real-world experiences.

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Gen Z events are more attractive when dynamic and participatory. Think fewer product displays and more immersive brand worlds; less passive sampling and more:

• Customization stations
• Interactive product testing
• Live demonstrations
• Interactive installations
• Sensory brand experiences
• Workshops and DIY activities
• Gaming and competitions

💡Pro tip: These interactive elements must align with your brand values and event goals. Gen Z experiences should feel meaningful and relevant, not gimmicky.

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6. Personalize the Event Journey

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This new generation grew up on targeted ads, custom playlists, personalized content and recommendations—they’re not satisfied with one-size-fits-all. To make Gen Z fall in love with your events, they need to feel tailored to their individual preferences and interests.

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A personalized event journey is the key. You want every part of your Gen Z events to speak directly to your audience’s unique tastes and desires—from the moment they receive an invitation to after they leave. The important thing is to make sure you create seamless and engaging events that resonate with each attendee!

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Craft Gen Z-Approved Experiences with Concierge Club

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Ready to make Generation Z fall in love with your brand? It’s time to put these insights to work! 

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Concierge Club is a premium experiential marketing agency helping North America's top brands connect with their audiences—whether they’re millennials, Gen Zers, or baby boomers. 

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Our minority and woman-owned team has the expertise, passion, and creativity to plan and execute unforgettable Gen Z events. With our years of tested experiences, trust we’ll meet and exceed high expectations for authenticity, interactivity, and social impact.

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Create lasting connections with consumers through Gen Z experiences that work. Contact Concierge Club today or check out our Ultimate XM Playbook for a deep dive into generational marketing trends and best practices.

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