How Sparkable uses hybrid experiences to build buzz, community, and brand loyalty, from Atlantic City to the global stage.
In today’s fast-paced marketing landscape, events aren’t just about showing up; they’re about standing out. At Sparkable, we believe the future of event marketing lies in the blend. When done right, physical experiences generate digital buzz, and online momentum can drive real-world turnout. Whether on a boat in Atlantic City or livestreamed from a legendary music festival, we’ve seen how hybrid strategies turn moments into movements.
A Look at Sparkable Events
A Party with Purpose: SoPro’s Atlantic City Cruise
Back on September 2, 2015, we helped bring SoPro Atlantic City’s brand to life with a sunset cruise on the Atlantic. It wasn’t just a night out; it was a marketing tactic. Attendees shared photos, tagged friends, and lit up social media as the skyline sparkled behind them. A real-world memory became lasting digital content, and SoPro’s brand affinity soared.
March Madness Meets Social Marketing
Just a few months later, we teamed up with SoPro again, this time around the NCAA tournament. The March 2016 event brought together sports fans, influencers, and Atlantic City locals for brackets, beers, and big energy. Our role? Amplifying that energy online, capturing social-friendly moments, and building a content engine that lived on well past the final buzzer.
Global Pizza Party at Tony Boloney’s
Born on Clubhouse in 2021, the Global Pizza Party became a viral virtual gathering of pizza lovers. We helped bring it to life in Atlantic City by hosting the event at Tony Boloney’s two years in a row. The community-first vibe stayed intact, but the smells, sounds, and slices brought a whole new sensory layer. Local influencers, digital creators, and foodies all got their slice of the story. This event showed us how audio-first communities can transition into tangible, high-impact local activations when done with intention and flavor.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival Goes Digital
When COVID-19 disrupted live events, our longtime partners at the Philadelphia Folksong Society faced a challenge and an opportunity. In 2020 and 2021, they embraced digital with online-only versions of the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival. Streaming sets from home, viewers connected from across the country and around the world, while the spirit of the festival stayed intact. Coverage on The High Note blog captured how going virtual brought in a younger, tech-savvy crowd who may have never driven out to the campground but happily tuned in with friends. Later in 2021, the “59 and a Half Pocket Fest” showed how even scaled-down hybrid events can still pack an emotional punch.
Event Marketing Takeaways
So what have we learned from a decade of blending digital and real-world activations?
- Start with community: Whether on Clubhouse or at sea, the best events begin with a shared purpose.
- Design for social: Every event should have visual, shareable moments built in. If it’s not on Instagram (or TikTok), did it even happen?
- Extend the story: Use content, recaps, and behind-the-scenes footage to make the event live long after the doors close.
- Be flexible: Digital-first experiences can evolve into real-world meetups—and vice versa.
Let’s Build Buzz Together
Whether you’re hosting a summer concert, pop-up tasting, or digital launch party, Sparkable helps brands build unforgettable, blended experiences. Want to talk strategy? Get in touch today.
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