This North Carolina-based shop is proud of its family-oriented culture. The sponsorship activation chops, however? Rivalrous. For a Yasso sampling tour, heard a competing frozen yogurt brand was in town and rerouted a tour vehicle for an ambush stunt outside its doors. (Yassss.) Expertise ranges from the organic and plant-based markets to sports with FOX Sports’ Big Ten Network. Partnered with new clients Ocean Spray and Nature’s Bounty on a virtual charity walk: 3,500 participants; 100,000 meals donated for COVID-19 relief.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Guerrilla/Street Marketing

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Big Ten Network/FOX Sports, Land O’ Frost, The Nature’s Bounty Co., Volkswagen of America, Yasso
WEB: activentmarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Tom Jacobs, [email protected]

Dreamed up a fresh sponsorship experience for longtime client Hyundai at Music Midtown Atlanta with acoustic performances, music-reactive lighting, and an outdoor chill zone that left 89 percent of consumers saying they’d consider purchasing a Hyundai. Offers clients an array of services across multiple divisions: Creative and Content, EXP (consumer experiences) and Event Studio (b-to-b experiences). Picked up new clients Applegate and AstraZeneca, and boasts an “art and science” approach to campaigns. In other words, research fuels its creative.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 70% B-to-C, 30% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Clif Bar & Company, Hormel, Hyundai Motor America, LG Electronics, ViacomCBS
WEB: advantagemrktg.com
RFP CONTACT: Josh Ellovich, [email protected]

Founded by professionals rooted in the policy world of Washington, D.C., this young boutique agency with “pitch perfect” communications strategies continues to gain momentum.  A busy 2019 included being named a Fastest-Growing Company by Inc. magazine, helping Google celebrate new facility openings with internal events, producing a custom experience for CNN at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and activating a pop-up for YouTube creators. Video production, graphic design and merchandise production and fulfillment round out its varied offerings.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 30% B-to-C, 70% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: CNN, Google, National Association of Manufacturers, Uber, YouTube
WEB: advoc8.com
RFP CONTACT: Michaela Albano, [email protected]

The pivot to virtual-only was business as usual for this full-service, woman-owned Los Angeles-based shop, which boasts an in-house technical production team—in fact, has been creating broadcast-quality livestreams and digital experiences since its inception. Scored 85 million impressions for an interactive Alexa x Coca-Cola sampling wall. Has partnered for 13 years with Essence on its Black Women in Hollywood Awards Show, transforming it over the years from a luncheon to an Oscar Week tentpole to the tune of two billion impressions annually. Did we mention it streams on the OWN network?

CORE 1: User Conferences
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 60% B-to-C, 40% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon, Essence, Fox, Goop, Netflix
WEB: agen-c.com
RFP CONTACT: Cara Kleinhaut, [email protected]

Born and bred in Chicago, Agency EA is known for work that blends “the tactical and magical.” Case in point: The touchpoint-rich Connect show for client Intuit QuickBooks, which featured an artists’ studio, café with live music and a Braindate Hub. A supportive environment for women in events, was named Top 10 Best Places to Work for Women by Crain’s Chicago. One client said: “If I have to spend six-plus months a year working on an event, there’s no team I’d rather do it with because you all help make it way more enjoyable than a project like this has any right to be.” Right on.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: User Conferences
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 10% B-to-C, 90% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Caterpillar, Cheil Worldwide, Hilton, Intuit, Molson Coors
WEB: agencyea.com
RFP CONTACT: Lucy Stratton, [email protected] 

Whether a food and wine festival, city park, local mall or sporting event—or even, a program that touches people directly in their homes—Allied says, “there’s no limit to where we’ll go and what we’ll do.” And we believe them. Though known for its extensive work with entertainment brands, the team livened up the sponsor landscape at the NFL Experience for fans in Miami with Procter & Gamble’s Fumble Frenzy, a life-sized version of “Hungry, Hungry Hippos.” A Pampers mother’s lounge in an Airstream on the floor earned bonus points.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Viral Events/Stunts

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon, Capital One, Disney, HBO, Inspire Brands
WEB: alliedexperiential.com
RFP CONTACT: Matthew Glass, [email protected]

Acquired a digital-content secret weapon in the hiring of former BBC head of broadcast, Adam Heyhurst, as head of broadcasts and content development director. Think: award-winning YouTube channels and revolutionary production workflows. Obsessed with youth and cultural trends, runs the Young Blood research and film platform, and has a dedicated student sister agency, Seed. Managed for an eighth year in a row PlayStation’s stand at Paris Games Week that scored a 67-percent share of voice for  #PlayStationPGW among the 316,000 visitors.

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 70% B-to-C, 30% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: adidas, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Porsche
WEB: weareamplify.com
RFP CONTACT: Mark McDermott, [email protected]

Clients love that this group balances “corporate needs with highly creative thinking.” We love how that sentiment came to life with Levi’s Haus Miami, a precedent-busting, fully sustainable, six-month outdoor pop-up retail experience that took advantage of not one, but two, tentpole events: Art Basel Miami and Super Bowl. This year added a creative content division, Louder Than Bombs, and put its capabilities to work on a Master & Dynamic and NIKE & SNKRS campaign  featuring Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 3: Festival Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 75% B-to-C, 25% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: JBL/Harman, Levi Strauss & Co., Master & Dynamic, Saatchi & Saatchi, Salesforce
WEB: anthemicagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Kyle Rogers, [email protected]

This venerable shop has helped set seven Guinness World Records for clients. It’s also helping bolster the agency landscape with the Experiential Marketing Network of independently owned companies bringing resources and services to the table typically associated with larger conglomerates. Scored global bonus points with a “Star Wars” consumer product launch campaign featuring livestreamed panels with the franchise’s actors, media interviews and a first look at products, garnering 500,000 global views and six billion media impressions.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Sampling Programs
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 85% B-to-C, 15% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, Harley-Davidson, Mark Anthony Brands (White Claw), Red Bull, Twitter
WEB: becore.com
RFP CONTACT: Roger Malinowski, [email protected]

An independent shop with a global presence (activated 32 events in 16 countries in 2019), added digital and p.r. capabilities to offer clients a multi-channel approach to their events. Among new accounts, MTV, for which the team created an interactive museum to showcase MTV Music Awards Vanguard Award recipient Missy Elliott. Also activated for TikTok at Vidcon that led to The Atlantic proclaiming the brand “the biggest star” at the show. To boot, hosted a #MakeBlackHistory month creator’s summit.

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon, Marriott International, Mastercard, MTV, TikTok
WEB: wearebmf.com
RFP CONTACT: Ed Starr, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

C3 creates experiences that inspire people to give brands “public displays of affection.” Activated for Virgin Voyages during New York City’s World Pride Month in 2019 with the world’s largest queer vacation travel brand, Atlantis Events. Brunch with Branson? That’s love. Zeroing in on engaging virtual experiences with innovative ideas like a pre-event virtual “live check-in” for attendees and mailing branded PJs pre-event. Fun fact: Founder/CEO Christine Courtney brought the text-to-vote strategy to AT&T for TV’s “American Idol.”

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Press Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 25% B-to-C, 75% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Cinzano Sparkling Wines, Edelman, The Home Depot, Issuu Inc., Virgin Voyages
WEB: c3experiential.com
RFP CONTACT: Christine Courtney, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Boasts a team with myriad skillsets: creatives, engineers, “media magicians,” “client whisperers,” forecasters and techies, to name a few. In 2019, launched a hospitality group and added a director of marketing—its “first-ever, no-touch, virtual pandemic hire.” Picked up Daimler Coach as a client for which it built a killer 100-foot by 40-foot booth. Bold ideas this year included fabricating a 10-foot-tall toilet slot machine for Charmin (yes, you should have held onto that toilet paper), and 20 seven-foot-tall boxes of chocolate sent to a client’s customers all over the country. Talk about eye candy.

CORE 1: Virtual Meeting Planning & Production
CORE 2: Experiential Fabrication
CORE 3: Brand Activations

FOCUS SPLIT: 45% B-to-C, 55% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Daimler-Truck, Gatorade, Jim Beam, Quaker, Mercedes-Benz
WEB: cadence-inc.com
RFP CONTACT: Heather Lowrey, [email protected]

This It List newcomer “ignites” fan cultures with environments built for filming content. Transformed an L.A. block into 1977 New York City for Amazon Studios’ “Hunters” film, with 16 participating stores, 40 actors, vintage rides, and a grindhouse cinema for the premiere. Another favorite of ours—a Hidden Side Experience for LEGO’s interactive AR app featuring a ghost train ride, exploration of the haunted Old Newbury Inn and an interactive dinner featuring character Jack Davids. Fun fact: Its founders made the groundbreaking transmedia film campaign, “The Blair Witch Project.”

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: User Conferences
CORE 3: Viral Marketing/Stunts

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon Studios, FX, HBO, LEGO, Sonos
WEB: campfirenyc.com
RFP CONTACT: Mike Knowlton, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is trending, and a first-time It Lister

A busy year for this growing Minneapolis-based shop included hiring its first creative director and expanding by 20,000 feet of warehouse and logistical space. Took over NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” mobile tour program, incorporating NFC technology that led to a 300-percent increase in data captured and more than 30,000 pieces of custom content shared by fans on social media. What we love: the agency’s memorable digital presence and team page (clamorexp.com/about), which is a blast from the past… smile!

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Viral Events/Stunts
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Driscoll’s, The Hallmark Channel, Major League Baseball, NBC, US Bank
WEB: clamorexp.com
RFP CONTACT: Ande Lund, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

As Heineken’s longtime Coachella partner, Corso understands the festival space and recognizes opportunities to expand. This year, activated the Beyoncé Homecoming experience for her collab with adidas, raking in 12 million Instagram views and more than one billion impressions (the most successful artist kick-off in the brand’s history). Also activated Land Rover’s 4xFAR music and adventure festival that scored an Ex Award and set a new bar for automotive launch events. No wonder clients have coined the phrase “Of Corso.”

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: Nightlife/On-premise

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: adidas, Heineken USA, Land Rover, Red Bull, Restoration Hardware
WEB: corsomg.com
RFP CONTACT: Scott Cochran, [email protected]

TJ Martin’s b-to-b Boston Shop has been producing hybrid events since the ’90s, people. No pivot here at all. In 2020, produced Skillsoft’s user conference from its in-house studio—a 24-hour virtual event with content created and sourced from the U.S., Australia, Singapore, Delhi and the U.K. for a total of 27,000 virtual sessions. Also hosted Mass General Brigham’s World Medical Innovation Forum for 10,000 healthcare leaders, converting a hotel ballroom with social-distanced mini studios to capture and broadcast virtual presentations.

CORE 1: Virtual Events
CORE 2:B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: User Conferences

FOCUS SPLIT: 5% B-to-C, 95% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Bose, Fidelity, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sanofi Genzyme, Siemens Healthineers
WEB: cramer.com
RFP CONTACT: Scott Connolly, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

CRONY was founded by friends, Andreas Zettlmeissl, Ryan Ho and Chris Whitman, with diverse backgrounds—experiential, architecture and advertising technology—perspectives that, we think, give this young shop an edge. Rolled out social media and interactive capabilities (timing is everything), and is developing a platform to support hybrid experiences. A standout project this year: The Pizza Joint pop-up for Chase Bank, The Knicks and Buzzfeed designed to boost cardholder loyalty, attracting 6,000 visitors and earning 1.3 million views on Instagram.

CORE 1: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 65% B-to-C, 35% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Buzzfeed, Dr. Pepper, Fandom, Fatherly, FIS
WEB: cronycreative.com
RFP CONTACT: Chris Whitman, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

A busy year for CSM included forming a global partnership with Esports Insider to strengthen its focus on that sector, investing in Meshhh (proximity analytics) and establishing CSM Engage (data capture tracking and optimization). “If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t count,” the group says. Also activated a TikTok tailgate experience at Super Bowl Miami for short-form creators (10,363 direct attendee engagements) and oversaw the opening of the first major art museum in New York City in more than 30 years—the Stockholm, Sweden-based Fotografiska.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Virtual Events
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Coca-Cola, Mazda, Netflix, TikTok, Unilever
WEB: csm.com
RFP CONTACT: Danit Aronson, [email protected]

Has evolved from a special events and design-centered shop to an experiential powerhouse, dreaming up high-profile event campaigns for clients, like Target XXO: 20 Years of Design, the brand’s shoppable pop-up during New York Fashion Week. The program included a livestream on Twitter and featured an inclusive cast of 35 dancers across a range of ages, ethnicities, genders, sizes and abilities. What we love: the agency’s emphasis on emotional impact—elevating event “décor” to “the realm of art installation.”

CORE 1: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: PopSugar, Spotify, STORY for Macy’s, Target, Uber
WEB: davidstarkdesign.com
RFP CONTACT: Cara Pruyn, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

Founders Jill and Chris Drury have made it “a mandate to evolve, experiment and change with the times,” like stepping up its broadcasting and streaming skills. Picked up 11 new accounts in 2019 and activated for seven existing accounts, including for IBM Think, where it activated an event for its Code and Response initiative that included an AR activation offering a dramatic, 360-degree view of landscapes affected by natural disasters. What we love is that Drury is known for structured brainstorm sessions with employees from accounting to operations. Because good ideas can come from anywhere.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 35% B-to-C, 65% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: IBM, Nike, Pandora, Samsung
WEB: drurydesign.com
RFP CONTACT: Liza Handman, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+years in business), and diverse-/woman-owned

This small but mighty shop expanded into a custom-built space to streamline workflow, improve communications, and gain dock bays and asset storage capabilities. A busy year included conceptualizing, designing, engineering and fabricating 35 in-store kits for Under Armour that incorporated body responsive components (via conductive ink). Enlisted a “dust artist” to live illustrate on a car for Allstate’s Milewise launch—because you shouldn’t have to pay extra while your vehicle collects dust.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Abercrombie & Fitch, Amazon, L Brands, PG One, Under Armour
WEB: engageresonate.com
RFP CONTACT: Jessica Rae, [email protected]

This sports activation company averages 735 events per year and specializes in connecting clients with audiences through passion points. An example: a campaign for Mercedes-Benz and Glamour that included the Women Empowerment Driving Experience with a fitness session, female driving instructors, drifting demos, and talks by female entrepreneurs. Equally busy during COVID with the five-week eMLS Tournament Special for Major League Soccer, and work with Hoegaarden to deliver locally sourced flowers and restaurant gift cards to the front-line.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 85% B-to-C, 15% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, Hilton, Mercedes-Benz, Proximo Spirits, Virgin Voyages
WEB: engineshopagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Jonathan Sonkin, [email protected]

ENTER describes itself as a marketing incubator and cultural forecaster and boasts a flat organizational structure with industry vet Zev Norotsky at the helm. For AB InBev’s Natural Light Seltzer this year, staged a “CatalinaLime Mixer” (disrupting the actual Catalina Wine Mixer—an event born from the comedy “Step Brothers”) with a helicopter, branded shuttles, a mega-yacht and a gaggle of influencers. Fun fact: ENTER owns and operates a coffee shop and meetup spot for clients, partners and friends in L.A. called Agency Coffee Co.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Lululemon, Lucky Brand, Rolling Stone
WEB: enter.works
RFP CONTACT: Zev Norotsky, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

Founders Matt and Jennifer Glass met while working on one of the world’s most visible events, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and more than two decades later, partnership continues be a driving force in this shop’s success. Picked up new clients Krispy Kreme, Nicorette and F-Factor, for whom the team managed the F-Factor Wellness Summit soup to nuts, from selecting musical underscores to developing meal plans. Known for work for nonprofits, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dana Farber Institute and March of Dimes.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Press Events
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: F-Factor, Krispy Kreme, Nike Communications, NY Road Runners, Weber Shandwick
WEB: eventage.net
RFP CONTACT: Carly Bovell, [email protected]

An Omnicom Group agency, Eventive offers a balance of “established expertise” and “scalability of services.” Brought in a new vp of insights and strategy and added new capabilities in measurement and hyper-local field marketing, as well as C-suite-level consulting. Campaign highlights include the Cigna Health Improvement Tour that delivered 178,000 health screenings and counseling sessions in underserved neighborhoods nationwide, and American Electric Power’s inaugural IllumiNation Energy Summit, which scored a 96-percent attendee satisfaction rate.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Festival Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 75% B-to-C, 25% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: American Electric Power, Cigna, FIFCO (Seagram’s), PNC Financial Services, Nutrabolt
WEB: eventivemarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Amy Beth Stern, [email protected]

When an agency doesn’t mind its clients “getting a little dirty, and feeling a sweat,” you’ve got our attention. Entered the experiential spotlight managing Outside Magazine’s 25 hands-on experiences at Land Rover’s 4XFAR festival (20,000 engagements). Also produced the first “Augmenting Cities: A playful Path to Community,” an indoor/outdoor AR-fueled symposium by Niantic and the Knight Foundation at the Oakland Museum of California. Has deep roots in the outdoor industry, and might just be your strategic social distancing best buddy this year.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Airbnb, Corso Marketing Group, Niantic, The North Face, Outside Magazine
WEB: eventusoutdoors.com
RFP CONTACT: Julia Stamps Mellon, [email protected]

Editor’s note: This is a trending agency, and a first-time It Lister

An empowered multi-disciplinary staff delivers solid work year after year, and in the last year boosted its offerings to pitch fully integrated campaigns, allowing any idea to manifest itself across any channel—conceived, developed and finalized in-house. Its two-time Ex Award-winning Follow the Vine experience for Santa Margherita wines got our attention: a multisensory maze with food and wine pairings and 360-degree content designed to “stimulate dopamine and strengthen memorization.” Fun fact: Founders Michael Fernandez and Gaby Neves developed a fiery new brand, Légal Hot Sauce.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: Pop-ups/Retail Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Nestlé, Santa Margherita USA, Stand Together, VRBO
WEB: factory-360.com
RFP CONTACT: Gaby Neves, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

This SoCal-based crew’s clients range from startups to high-exposure brands. Boasts an 81,000-square-foot fabrication facility and 100,000-square-foot warehouse to match. For Epic Games’ Fortnite exhibit at E3 2019, built a 38-foot-long Battle Bus, eight-foot-tall hot air balloons, 100-pound disco balls, virtual hang gliding and mechanical llamas, and garnered 1,217 pieces of media coverage. Said the client: “I left the floor at 6 p.m. the day before the show opened, and that has never happened before. When my coworkers asked why I wasn’t on show site, all I said was FG|PG … they got it done.”

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: User Conferences
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 30% B-to-C, 70% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Epic Games, Evolus, Facebook, Oculus, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
WEB: freddiegeorges.com
RFP CONTACT: Freddie Georges, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister, and diverse-/woman-owned

FIRST offers a blend of 400 skilled players ranging from designers to strategists to “pragmatists.” Works with more than 130 clients around the globe, including Sibos 2019 in London, where it dreamed up touchpoints like a pre-event Sibos Podcast to energize attendees, a spotlight stage program for rapid-fire session content, and a branded TV studio for special reports, interviews and live wrap-ups. A new digital suite includes content development and concierge-style services.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Virtual Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 5% B-to-C, 95% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Fresenius Medical Care North America, Netflix, The New York Times, Prudential, Univision Communications
WEB: firstagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Jeremy Woolf, [email protected]

This family-owned stalwart added a host of technology offerings this year including Explore, to boost multisensory storytelling using AR, VR and AI; Fluent, a multi-channel chat and AI voice-powered tool; and Fuzion, a directory of more than 120 technology partners. Its custom exhibit “journey” for Amazon at CES 2019 caught our attention, as did its results: 19-percent increase in badge scans; a 151-percent increase in show-site meetings. Went to bat for events with Go LIVE Together, a coalition to protect the industry from the economic impact of COVID-19.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 15% B-to-C, 85% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: 3M, Capital One, Mercedes-Benz, Oracle, Visa
WEB: freeman.com
RFP CONTACT: Chelsea Allen, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

With deep roots in entertainment and talent booking (think: Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees and Olympic athletes), G7 has tightened up its digital offerings by adding a new head of digital with a history of managing fan engagement in the music space. Also added a 3D designer to support the design process. This busy team in 2019, alone, produced 527 brand activations and 10 signature events, traveled to 187 festivals in 28 states, and distributed more than 200,000 samples.

CORE 1: Festival Programs
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 55% B-to-C, 45% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Cisco, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Nissan, RAM Trucks, SmileDirectclub
WEB: g7marketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Jessica Abel, [email protected]

GDX Studios, formerly Grandesign, has morphed into a full-service experiential studio offering a slate of in-house services from tracking to content capture to social media amplification. Fluent in entertainment, the shop helped Disney Channel engage its kid target to promote “Zombies 2” with surprise lockers featuring zombie, werewolf and cheerleader “hands” popping out to startle unsuspecting consumers. (Boo!) Tackling COVID head on by developing a drive-through activation concept and launching a manual on event health protocols.

CORE 1: Viral Marketing/Stunts
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Adult Swim, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Channel, Universal Studios, Warner Media
WEB: gdxstudios.com
RFP CONTACT: Seth Bardacke, [email protected]

The global employee-owned centurion, Big George remains committed to the advancement of women. Marked its 20th year as global agency of record for IBM with 6,000 events managed annually for the company, and marked 81 years with Fiat Chrysler. Its sweet spot: the auto shows, where for Honda it served up AR-fueled presentations and a selfie-worthy Seatbelt Wall moment, which drove a 122-percent increase in intent to buy among millennials. Check out its LiveForLife coalition putting the industry to work to fight the pandemic.

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: Virtual Events
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 35% B-to-C, 65% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon, American Honda Motor Company, AT&T, Google, Salesforce
WEB: gpj.com
RFP CONTACT: Scott Kellner, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

As top partners for AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Vegas, created the 30,000-square-foot Tech Experience—a cluster of domes and outdoor experiences that achieved a 70+ NPS score, double that of the previous year. Among new offerings, created a new client experience team and increased on-site audits and surveying to expand on insights-driven planning to map the attendee journey. Flexed its logistical muscles working with Walsh Construction at McCormick Place to build a temporary hospital delivered in record time.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Trade Show Programs
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 5% B-to-C, 95% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: AEM, Northwestern Mutual, Sesame Street Workshop, Strategic Engineering Solutions, Tableau Software
WEB: ges.com
RFP CONTACT: Mark Thomas, [email protected]

Once a trusted behind-the-scenes partner, Ghost is stepping out of the shadows. Made headlines for client Harry’s Flamingo brand with a “The Bush 2020: Supporting America’s Growth,” campaign and pop-up designed to bring social media attention to the taboo topic of women’s pubic hair. Also helped relaunch Steve’s Ice Cream with artist Dan Lam and Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art with installations that were reportedly “goopy and often oozing.” We love: Transformed its facility in Brooklyn, NY, into a bustling food distribution center for COVID-19 relief.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anomaly, Doner LA, Harry’s, Foreman and Bodenfors, Proof Media Mix
WEB: ghostexp.com
RFP CONTACT: Jonathan Waks, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

Best known for creating “worlds”… in fact, built 30 different worlds across the country for longstanding clients like NBCUniversal and HBO in the past year. Masters of the universe? We think so. Topped its 2018 metrics-busting “Westworld” experience at SXSW when it brought to life the fictional Incite data company featured in season three with a CES 2020 exhibit and an event for the tech elite where actors leveraged harvested data points from guests’ social and digital footprints to create hyper- personalized moments. Tip: Ask them about “SpoonShots.”

CORE 1: Festival Programs
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Diageo, HBO, NBCUniversal, Under Armour, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
WEB: giantspoon.com
RFP CONTACT: Marc Simons, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is trending

Giant Step started as a concert promoter and underground record label, and that past inspires its experiential work today. Its ongoing W Records for W Hotels campaign involves signing real artists on the verge of breaking, on-site recording studios, hotel playlists and album launch events (scored a Clio for this program and has amassed 500 million media impressions to date). A new content division is producing podcasts on cultural topics—tune into “Disinfect,” hosted by music journalist Matt Diehl and Giant Step CEO Maurice Bernstein.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Nightlife/On-premise

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: EDITION Hotels, HP, Inc., Old Navy, Project Zero, W Hotels
WEB: giantstep.net
RFP CONTACT: Esther Yoon, [email protected]

Known for activating for high-profile clients at high-profile events—at Super Bowl Miami this year, activated for five clients including the NFL. But, easily shifts to awareness campaigns that pack a sweet punch. Spread the word for Hershey’s that s’mores aren’t just for campfires with the S’mores Saturdays tour that sampled to 47,000 visitors. Expanded its team and capabilities with a global head of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the launch of fifty/50 FabShop, a new 20,000-square foot in-house fabrication shop.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 3: Festival Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 70% B-to-C, 30% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Comcast, Intel, National Football League, Procter & Gamble, Visa
WEB: gmrmarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Becky Petska, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

Gradient’s approach is mathematical and creative, they say. And we like it. Built a gorgeous Japanese tea house-inspired footprint for Beam Suntory’s launch of House of Suntory. The tiny house offered two indoor bar experiences, an outdoor activation, an education on vodka, gin and whiskey and master mixologists shaking up craft cocktails—8,778 cocktails were served across 10 cities. Another standout: a 2019 Clinique pop-up that appears in a French university business course on the effectiveness of experiential marketing.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: Influencer Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Beam Suntory, Clinique USA, Facebook, Maybelline, TikTok
WEB: wearegradient.com
RFP CONTACT: Colin McKenzie, [email protected]

Born and bred in the San Francisco Bay area, Grow’s leadership has roots in the client side, a perspective that allows the teams to lead with “radical empathy.” The experiences they create? Strategic and dreamy. A standout: Bringing Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse to life for Airbnb and Mattel as part of the doll’s 60th anniversary campaign. Also developed a global livestream playbook for Google’s retail sales associates now being used by Googlers across the globe. Rolling out a new retreat offering to help companies “future-proof” their brands.

CORE 1: Viral Marketing/Stunts
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 60% B-to-C, 40% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Airbnb, Google, KinderCare, Stitch Fix, Uber
WEB: grow-marketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Tami Anderson, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Part of the ITA Group family of companies, Hartmann has a long history producing hybrid meetings (and virtual events since 2010) to support client’s corporate communications plans. Has counted Cox, Oracle and Samsung among virtual clients. Dreamed up a 40th anniversary celebration for The Home Depot Store Manager Meeting, which the agency has managed for 15 years, that featured a 700,000-square-foot replica of a retail environment, and helped the team score an 82 percent overall satisfaction rate.

CORE 1: User Conferences
CORE 2: Trade Show Programs
CORE 3: Internal Employee Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 15% B-to-C, 85% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Golden State Warriors, The Home Depot, LinkedIn, Oracle, San Francisco Travel
WEB: hartmannstudios.com
RFP CONTACT: [email protected]

CEO Evan Korn is the former executive director of New York City’s Event Coordination and Management Office—which means few shops on the It List can operate in New York like this one can. Just as effective in other cities, coming up with both bold ideas and the plans to get them approved by City Hall. Recreated “World of Super Mario” in Grand Central Terminal with 49 question mark blocks suspended from a custom-built truss system, and facilitated Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across Times Square. (Korn has returned as advisor to New York City’s new event advisory board.)

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 85% B-to-C, 15% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Burberry, Heritage of Pride, The Marketing Arm, Nike, Red Bull
WEB: ideko.com
RFP CONTACT: David Knee, [email protected]

Built on a foundation of its commitment to diversity as a key selling point for its clients, two-year-old Idlewild in its first year, alone, brought in more than half a million in revenue and scored new clients including Walmart, Weight Watchers, Unilever (Dove) and Essence Festival. What caught our attention: The agency brokered a partnership and product collab between New York City Ballet + OPI Nails on a custom line of nail polishes distributed worldwide. Oh, the experiential possibilities. One to watch.

CORE 1: Multicultural Events
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: American Medical Association, Complex Networks, Essence Communications, Joy Collective
WEB: welcometoidlewild.com
RFP CONTACT: Anika Grant, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Imagination believes in the power of storytelling that is enabled by technology, a core mission exemplified in its Mustang Mach-E launch event for longtime client Ford that featured a 28-foot-high pony used as a platform for projection mapping. The 35-minute reveal raked in 5.9 million views on Twitter within 48 hours of the event. Talk about horsepower. Recently welcomed a new global innovation and creative director and director of immersive studio, and a strategic partnership with RAIN is giving it a leading edge in the AI and voice revolution.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: Auto Experiences

FOCUS SPLIT: 65% B-to-C, 35% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Aptiv, Ford, Mastercard, NFL, Shell
WEB: imagination.com
RFP CONTACT: Anthony Hickson, [email protected]

At Impact, exhibition designers, carpenters and account management professionals work alongside creative directors, strategists, writers, producers and digital media artists. It’s a full house—a team that produces more than 6,000 projects each year across a variety of industries. Among highlights this year, served as official general contractor, managing production logistics and sponsorship fulfilment for the AT&T Business Summit—225,000 square feet of exhibit space, theaters and a robust content and wayfinding network.

CORE 1: Trade Show Programs
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 10% B-to-C, 90% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: apartments.com, AT&T Business, Comcast Business, GSK, Takeda
WEB: impact-xm.com
RFP CONTACT: Mike Sandler, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

A big year for Chad—Pico Corporation acquired a stake in the company, and now IMT offerings have expanded to more than 2,000 event professionals, offices and facilities in 44 cities globally. Secured its spot on the list with award-winning Uber Elevate, an event on urban aviation attended by FAA, NASA and other key agencies. (No pressure, right?) Increased attendance by 20 percent, and p.r. value by 66 percent. As one client said, “They’re the only minds that can create and execute the level of crazy ideas I have.”

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 65% B-to-C, 35% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Banc of California, HP, Inc., Huawei, Intel Corporation, Uber Technologies
WEB: infinitymarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Elliott Elsner, [email protected]

Founded by agency vet Jeff Snyder, its “purpose-driven mission” is inspired by daughter Kennedy’s battle with a rare form of spinal cancer. A portion of company profits fund childhood cancer research. Boosted its shopper marketing chops with the addition of a director of consumer and retail experience strategy. Turned heads with its award-winning Jeep Champion of Adventure program at X Games, complete with a cinematic, 4D virtual ride under a 30-foot dome. Jeep racked up industry accolades and a 130-percent increase in leads.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Pop-ups/Retail Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 95% B-to-C, 5% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: American Express, BIC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, The J.M. Smucker Company, Nestlé
WEB: inspiramarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Dan Sullivan, [email protected]

Set a new bar with its “The Irishman” premiere campaign for Netflix—a transformation of New York City’s Little Italy into a 1975 street scene that involved a cast of actors, vintage vehicle displays, and 11 local business partners. Consumers could unlock special giveaways in each store by reciting a secret passphrase: “Tell ‘em Jimmy sent you.” Expanded in-house services to include a content team and digital strategy division. Catch a glimpse of its creative process by following its Instagram page with inspiration from around the world.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Festival Programs
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon Studios, American Express, Hasbro, Netflix, Uber
WEB: invisiblenorth.com
RFP CONTACT: Geoff Renaud, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Operating with the mission to “make change, not noise,” InVision is a b-to-b magnate. But it flexed some muscle in esports this past year with Dell Alienware at the Village Expo at Dell Technology World, which included a 50-seat e-sports arena, gaming stations, pro gamer competitions, shout-casters and 36 hours of live streaming. More than 3,000 attendees visited the space and collectively spent more than $25,000 on Alienware merchandise… cha-ching. Be sure to check out its CLEANevents initiative for the return of in-person events.

CORE 1: Virtual Events
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: User Conferences

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Atlassian, Dell Technologies, Genentech, Oracle, ServiceNow
WEB: iv.com
RFP CONTACT: Chris Dalton, [email protected]

Acquired by Time, Inc. in 2015 and then bought back by its co-founders in 2017, INVNT continues to evolve and grow. Recently launched branded content studio HEVĒ, and acquired brand strategy firm Folk Hero. Oh, and enjoyed a 22-percent lift in revenue from 2018-19. Put a fresh spin on festivalization for XeroCon with a custom-built skate ramp featuring pro skaters, live barbers and nail stylists, and a 50-foot-long keynote “park” general session installation, on which speakers meandered down a sloping hill to the audience. C’mon.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Internal Events
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 25% B-to-C, 75% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: General Motors, Samsung, Society for Human Resource Management, Subway, Xero
WEB: invnt.com
RFP CONTACT: Scott Kerr, [email protected]

Another banner year for Jack with new business up 60 percent in 2019. Promoted Shelley Elkins to chief creative officer making executive leadership team 44 percent female. Won a competitive AOR bid for Molson Coors and designed the world’s first beer can gaming controller at E3. To boot, gave the L.L.Bean Bootmobile an upgrade with S’more Out of Summer—the most successful integrated campaign for the brand of all time. General Motors also named it Supplier of the Year for a second year. Cheers.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Press Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 45% B-to-C, 55% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Facebook, General Motors, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart
WEB: jackmorton.com
RFP CONTACT: Craig Smith, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

Pegged as one of Crain’s 2020 Best Places to Work, Kindle has kept the fire roaring. Developed a virtual national meeting for a healthcare client featuring a branded digital environment, snackable content and live Q&As with leadership, earning a 98 percent viewing rate for its live executive presentations (hello, captive audience). And in the wake of COVID-19 , launched a virtual forum series that gathers more than 30 brand-side marketers to discuss best practices and challenges during the pandemic.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Internal Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 5% B-to-C, 95% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Astellas, HP, IRi, McDonald’s, US Foods
WEB: kindlecommunications.com
RFP CONTACT: Colette May, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Always ready for what’s next, this team of visionaries grooms the next generation of experience builders with a robust mentorship initiative. Earned an Experience Design & Technology Award for Dell Technologies’ immersive SXSW gaming activation featuring a moon rover VR experience and interactions with a real-life avatar. Thinks traditional conference strategies are “boring,” and leverages bold ideas to spice them up. Like taking conference attendees out of the ballroom and onto a real movie set—actors included.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 60% B-to-C, 40% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Charles Schwab, Dell Technologies, Goldenvoice, Intel, Nike
WEB: lacymaxwell.com
RFP CONTACT: Lacy Maxwell, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Hit the road with a mobile tour for Wilson that scouted out tennis influencers, met them on their home courts, and amped up the interaction with a social media content campaign, reaching 18 markets where influencers drove more than 900,000 views on Instagram. With 17 years under its belt, has achieved “maximum agility through zero bureaucracy,” they say. We dig it.

CORE 1: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 70% B-to-C, 30% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Constellation Brands, Knauf Installation, L&W Supply, Pernod Ricard, Piaggio Fast Forward
WEB: legacymarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Brian Ferber, [email protected]

Clients say: “Whether it’s transforming a ballroom into a multimedia extravaganza or turning a parking lot into a food truck haven, they bring 100 percent of their energy and ideas to every one of our on-site and off-site events.” This Memphis-based shop developed a full-service digital division and a public events and festivals division, propelling a seven-year track record of employee growth forward. In partnership with Memphis Tourism, launched CANVAS, an ideas exchange network. Clients Walmart and AutoZone have been part of the LEO pride for the long haul.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: User Conferences

FOCUS SPLIT: 10% B-to-C, 90% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Acquia, AutoZone, ExxonMobil, Hilton Hotel Corporation, Walmart
WEB: leoevents.com
RFP CONTACT: Cindy Brewer, [email protected]

When SXSW organizers ask you to speak at the global mega-conference, you know you’re on to something. Over the last year, kicked-off  an internal education series to promote innovation and inspiration among staff, and became silver-level certified by the City of Portland’s Sustainability at Work program. Earned accolades for producing the hyper-personalized Swell by Ripple conference, leaning on customer stories and experience design to engage more than 500 top financial services professionals, ultimately earning 8.2 million Twitter impressions, 3.5 million media impressions and 996,000 video views. Swell, indeed.

CORE 1: Virtual Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 30% B-to-C, 70% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Constellation Brands, Facebook, Ripple, SoftBank, Zillow Group
WEB: wearemanifold.com
RFP CONTACT: Lauren Biles, [email protected]

Whether it’s producing a high-profile activation at New York Fashion Week celebrating Black designers that snagged a spot on Forbes’ top five events of the week, or aligning millennials with DSW’s charitable side via a holiday pop-up that reached six million people on social, this shop knows how to back a purposeful strategy with beautiful design. Boosting its capabilities with virtual walkthroughs. Client L’Oréal says the team’s ability to execute on a tight timeline is “magic.” Wand not included.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Multicultural Events
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: User Conferences

FOCUS SPLIT: 20% B-to-C, 80% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: DSW, Essence Communications, L’Oréal, Meredith Corp, VMWare
WEB: markstephenagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Mark Testa, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

This shop knows how to roll with the punches—pivoted an existing b-to-b Keurig campaign into a front-line relief program that provided complimentary beverages to healthcare professionals at hospitals in a matter of weeks as the pandemic hit. Earned eight new client wins in 2019, including Clorox and GNC, leading to 300 percent more revenue than the previous two years. Work spans hyper-local cause marketing programs to big-time sports sponsorship activations. Aging like a fine wine after 33 years in the biz.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Sampling Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 95% B-to-C, 5% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Bridgestone/Firestone Tires, Keurig Dr Pepper, Kraft Heinz, Univision, U.S. Cellular
WEB: marketingwerks.com
RFP CONTACT: Lisa Fasana, [email protected]

Hierarchy is not as important as “the good idea” at Mia Choi’s red-hot ego-free, design-led firm. Built buzz for the Pixel 4’s photo capabilities with the interactive Google Pixel Booth experience, giving attendees a chance to take vivid photos in the dark, then see their images displayed on a Times Square LED billboard. Co-leads the Brand X Challenge, a national student experience design competition that raises awareness for the industry as a potential career path. Moved to a bigger office in Brooklyn, where it all started.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Press Events
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 20% B-to-C, 80% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: BMW Group, Google/YouTube, SoftBank Group, Spotify,
Warner Bros.
WEB: maseventdesign.com
RFP CONTACT: Jessica Ritter, [email protected]

Laser-focused on impacting pop culture, with the influencer marketing roots to back it up, Mirrorball shines bright for clients like Perrier and Jack Daniel’s (just check out their killer website for proof). Hosted a launch event for a restaurant within the Hudson Yards property featuring the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere, leveraging a “touching the clouds” concept that encompassed the world’s highest theatrical dance performance. Restructured the business in 2020 to leverage the gig economy.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/ Retail Events
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: BlockFi, Jack Daniel’s, Ommegang Brewery, Perrier, Time Out Media Group
WEB: mirrorball.com
RFP CONTACT: Tom Stinchfield, [email protected]

Twelve-year client Nike says this 28-year-old shop is like an irreplaceable extension of its team, and with a slate of other world-class clients on the roster, it seems that sentiment is shared. Promoted Panera’s grain bowls with an Instagrammable event at an iconic bowling alley (get it?) featuring custom bowling balls, bowl-inspired cocktails, projection mapping, a multisensory tasting experience and can’t-miss photo ops. The team includes 1,300 employees and 7,000 brand ambassadors across 29 global offices.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 70% B-to-C, 30% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Beats by Dre, Diageo, Nike, RJ Reynolds, Toyota
WEB: mktg.com
RFP CONTACT: Kim Barrett, [email protected]

Founder Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones built the company on $200 borrowed from a friend and never looked back. Clients gush over the woman- and minority-owned agency’s creative chops. In 2019 helped launch five brands, from credit unions to coffee shops. In fact, activated the largest grand opening in franchise history for PJ’s Coffee House with guerrilla signage, coffee talks, influencers—and a lot of caffeine. Works on events ranging from Essence Festival to the USPS Stamp Unveiling.

CORE 1: Multicultural Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Festival Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: HCA, International Black Film Festival, Just For Me, New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Agency
WEB: mojomktg.com
RFP CONTACT: Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Sees the world through an experience design lens. Proved as much with a multisensory “Cinnaverse” experience targeted to Latinx tweens for Cinnamon Toast Crunch that allowed attendees to pass through a Cinna-vortex, surf a cinnamon wave and tour the Cinnimoji hall of fame. The program touched 13,000 consumers who munched on 22,000 samples. Responded to COVID-19 with Mosaic OneEighty, a platform that flips the script on trending industry topics via insight-driven debates. Added five new clients over the last 12 months, including UberEats and Panda Express.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: In-Store/Retail Events
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, General Mills, Nestlé, Samsung, Sephora
WEB: mosaic.com
RFP CONTACT: Angel Scheid, [email protected]

Matty Statman’s dedicated disruptor has always been all about the “big ideas and cool shit”—just ask flagship client PepsiCo. Filming for content is part of its DNA. Operates six independent, interdependent (say that 10 times fast) studios, each with expertise in one area, like culture and insights. Helped catapult LIFEWTR’s mission to save art education through beautification projects and community art initiatives, including the transformation of dilapidated barns into vibrant works of art. 40,867 students were impacted by the program. Beautiful.

CORE 1: Guerrilla/Street Events
CORE 2: Sampling Programs
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Dick’s Sporting Goods, La Mer, Lululemon, Moet & Chandon, PepsiCo
WEB: thinkmotive.com
RFP CONTACT: Krista Nicholson, [email protected]

After 40 years, this vet is still the most valuable player in the eyes of its loyal clients. Took the pandemic in stride, developing a proprietary virtual event/conference platform. Produced a 2,000-person user conference for Dynatrace that encompassed breakouts, a rock-concert-like opening address and a “marketplace” featuring a dj, a social wall, an arcade, mixed reality and partner exhibits. Customer feedback revealed it was the most successful conference to date. Rock on.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Internal Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 45% B-to-C, 55% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: AAA, Ascension Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dynatrace, General Motors/OnStar
WEB: MVPCollaborative.com
RFP CONTACT: Karl Siegert, [email protected]

You want over-the-top, out-of-the-box thinking that crushes cultural concepts and breaks down barriers? N/A has a laundry list of ideas. Helped the industry put it skills to work with Can Help / Needs Help, a platform launched in the wake of COVID-19 that matches people who need help with the industry pros who can provide it through their skillsets. Continues to turn heads for long-time client Twitter at CES, designing stylish meeting spaces that leave the chaos of the show floor behind and offer purposeful experience design and ample networking opportunities. Has a soft spot for adventurous brands.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Viral Marketing/Stunts
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Jaybird, Nike, Sennheiser, Tinder, Twitter
WEB: na-collective.com
RFP CONTACT: Chiara Adin Moore, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Loyalty check: the agency’s  first-ever client is still on the roster. A slate of new ones have signed on in the last year, including Amazon, Blizzard and Lagunitas. Serves as a diversity supplier certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Executed an owned festival for Adult Swim that offered performances by musicians and comedians and one-of-a-kind experiences, like riding a mechanical hot dog (giddyup!). Broad expertise in the esports and gaming spaces means this team is always ready to score a W.

CORE 1: Virtual Events
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Multicultural Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 75% B-to-C, 25% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Best Buy, Electronic Arts, General Mills, Hasbro, Lionsgate
WEB: ncompassonline.com
RFP CONTACT: Matt Mayer, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is diverse-/woman-owned

Craving access to the next generation? Newbridge’s long track record of producing college campus events has you covered. Case in point: A campus program for L.L.Bean that featured retail events inside a mobile pop-up shop supported by a 10-week student ambassador initiative. The results: 2.9 million social impressions and $1 million in product sales. Enjoys access to more than 4,500 venues, including on-campus venues, college bookstores and festivals across the country. Prides itself on taking “smart risks.” We like it.

CORE 1: Campus Campaigns
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Sampling Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: CBS Sports, Charter/Spectrum, L.L.Bean, Miyoko’s Creamery, Spartan Races
WEB: newbridgemg.com
RFP CONTACT: TJ Nolan, [email protected]

If you’re looking for a cookie cutter strategy, Henry Rischitelli’s shop ain’t for you. The industry vet is systematic and data-driven, but you won’t find “one size fits all” in its vocabulary. Revamped Weber’s Mobile Grill Academy program with the general public, rather than retail associates, in mind, training a group of brand ambassadors with a passion for grilling to engage attendees through
sampling, education, and registration for access to exclusive product info and recipes. Sizzling.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: In-Store/Retail Events
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 60% B-to-C, 40% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Community Coffee, Continental Tire, HP, Nestle, Weber Grills
WEB: nextmarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Henry Rischitelli, [email protected]

Championing the idea that good ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, NVE is consistently inspired by culture and equipped to build brand loyalty. Maybe that’s why it expanded the biz in 2019 with the acquisition of millennial-centric media startup TheFutureParty. Whisked CES attendees away from the madness of the show floor and into a stylish meeting space for Pinterest that was divided into five distinct environments built to fuel inspiration. Think: swing-set-style seating, risograph collage walls and scent-scapes.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 65% B-to-C, 35% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Adidas, Diageo, Dyson, Netflix, Pinterest
WEB: experiencenve.com
RFP CONTACT: Jenny Bronstein, [email protected]

This global sports and entertainment powerhouse has been building groundbreaking event campaigns for nearly four decades. In 2019, unveiled an all-new Property Rights Consulting division. Also redefined modern hospitality with a complete takeover of a Miami-based hotel for client Budweiser, recruiting 200 top influencers to the city for Super Bowl weekend. Panels, excursions, performances, a recording studio and photo moments were among touchpoints—more than one billion impressions made the results a touchdown.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Influencer Programs
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Cisco, Mastercard, The Bank of America, The Home Depot, YUM Brands
WEB: octagon.com
RFP CONTACT: Tuck Burch, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

With giants like Facebook and JPMorgan Chase already under its wing, OBE flew to new heights in 2019, adding eight new clients to its robust catalog. Boasts a diverse team of staffers with more than 75 percent of leadership being female, LGBTQ+ and/or racially diverse. Produced two 2020 virtual graduation ceremonies that drew top talent, from former President Barack Obama to tennis legend Serena Williams. Kellogg’s says the firm “sets the standard for experiential agencies.”

CORE 1: Global Event Programs
CORE 2: Multicultural Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 40% B-to-C, 60% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Activision, Facebook, JPMorgan Chase, MuleSoft/Salesforce, Nike/Converse
WEB: obexp.com
RFP CONTACT: Dylan Foster, [email protected]

Dell Technologies’ vp praises this b-to-b big-wig for “exceptional creativity” and continued ability to raise the bar. Acquired four agencies last year, including an interactive boutique, a production agency, a content design and visual communications firm and a full-service event management company. Assisted AnitaB.org in its mission to empower and celebrate women in tech with an event spanning two million square feet of meeting space, 450-plus breakout sessions and a career fair. (Congrats to new prez Kim Kopetz, who took the helm this year.)

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: User Conferences
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 5% B-to-C, 95% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon Web Services, AnitaB.org, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce
WEB: opusagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Kristin Waters, [email protected]

At 34, this seven-time Ex Awards finalist is proud to name two original clients, Goodyear Tire and General Motors, among its clients today. Has deep roots in motorsports born from president John Dangler’s ties to IndyCar and NASCAR. Built a mobile tour for IPSY that was anchored by a three-story display trailer featuring a rooftop dj booth, photo moments, two eight-foot by eight-foot video walls and a mobile studio built with a custom-designed lighting grid and enough CAT5 wire installed to send a signal into a small city.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 45% B-to-C, 55% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: General Motors, IPSY, Medtronic, Roche Diagnostics, Yanfeng Automotive
WEB: pmginc.com
RFP CONTACT: Bill Bissmeyer, [email protected]

With 71 percent of its 2019 income coming from repeat business, reliability is the name of this Guinness World Record-breaking agency’s game. Created a sleek multisensory experience for Tom Ford Beauty at SEPHORiA that introduced guests to the brand’s Metallique scent with a surprise and delight moment that allowed for fragrance sampling, and an opportunity for attendees to capture their own personal Tom Ford-branded video. A 95-percent client retention rate says something about this one… sticks.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Blizzard Entertainment, Frieze, Lyft, Nike, Visa
WEB: productionglue.com
RFP CONTACT: Ali Adam, [email protected]

These go-getters are retail-savvy and environmentalist-minded. Helped ice cream brand Steve’s take its portfolio national by inviting art-minded micro-influencers and their friends to sample flavors at ice cream socials. And here’s the clever part: Hosts received party kits, coupons and other tools to make their events Instagrammable—to the tune of 13.9 million delicious impressions. Like the “Friends” theme song, Propac believes in the mantra, “Be there for consumers, and they will be there for you.” Still killin’ it after 28 years.

CORE 1: In-store/Retail Events
CORE 2: Sampling Programs
CORE 3: Mobile Tours

FOCUS SPLIT: 85% B-to-C, 15% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Baylor Scott & White, Dean Foods, Frito-Lay North America, PepsiCo, Quaker Tropicana Gatorade
WEB: propac.agency
RFP CONTACT: Chase Daigle, [email protected]

Still awesome and still independent, the beloved Proscenium boasts an in-house design studio comprised of Emmy Award-winning animators, art directors and graphic designers. Believes the most essential aspect of any event is getting the audience to commit to the presenters’ messaging—and works backwards from that. Lit up TD Ameritrade’s National LINC Conference with four LED surfaces in the shape of the brand’s logo, all customizable to enhance presentations, while offering 90 breakout sessions and a killer closing concert.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Launch Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Harley-Davidson, HEINEKEN USA, Lowe’s, T-Mobile, TD Ameritrade
WEB: proscenium.com
RFP CONTACT: Mark Shearon, [email protected]

A quarter of a century in, RedPeg still shines like a new penny. Recently established an employee resource group, RedPegsters of Color, to support and empower people of color within the agency (and beyond), and celebrated its 15th year fundraising for its proprietary initiative, Chance For Life. Developed a “Ribbon Race” gaming campaign to boost awareness of the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s mission to wipe out breast cancer, building a digital Fortnite speedrun map based on the foundation’s Race for the Cure. Earned 11 million media impressions at the finish line.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Guerrilla/Street Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Dish, Geico, Lidl, Yuengling
WEB: redpeg.com
RFP CONTACT: Matt Sincaglia, [email protected]

With stakes firmly planted in the sports marketing space, this Chicago-based shop knows how to score for clients like Chipotle and Continental Tire. Secured seven new accounts in the last 12 months and signed on as Spin Masters’ North America agency of record. Dropped a 24-foot-tall gold soccer trophy in Chicago’s Union Station, flanked by the official kits of the 16 nations competing in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final. Also within the footprint: gaming stations, speed kick challenges, soccer billiards and a merch shop—75 million impressions and 75,000 consumers reached. Score.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Influencer Programs
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Chipotle, Concacaf, Continental Tire, Discover, U.S. Soccer
WEB: revolutionworld.com
RFP CONTACT: Dan Lobring, [email protected]

Data-driven is putting it lightly. Studies its consumer targets’ lifestyles to a T, tracking their favorite social platforms, the publications they read, the local communities they’re a part of, the physical spaces they frequent and everything in between. At iHeart Radio Music Festival, produced a multi-room inflatable structure for Tic Tac, with each room representing a different flavor. Sampling, Boomerang photo moments, misters and branded giveaways were all part of the mix. Breath of fresh air.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Mobile Tours
CORE 3: Pop-ups/Retail Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: iHeart Media, Lay’s, Lumify, Pantene, Rolling Stone
WEB: revolutionmarketing.com
RFP CONTACT: Jodi Thompson, [email protected]

Notable for its extensive expertise around college campus marketing, R&B schools clients like Amazon and HBO on hard-to-reach Gen Z. Responded to the pandemic with the launch of the 2020 Recreation Movement virtual fitness platform, helping students and college recreation centers stay connected and active, even while apart. Also launched an Owned Events division, under which the agency built its first event property in 2019. Clients say partnering up is more like gaining a new friend.

CORE 1: Campus Campaigns
CORE 2: Influencer Programs
CORE 3: Sampling Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon, Microsoft, Vera Bradley, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Media
WEB: riddleandbloom.com
RFP CONTACT: Matthew Fasano, [email protected]

Whether it’s for an audience of 10 or 10,000, Set creates experiences that “play to the crowd but look you in the eye.” Added a roster of new clients that includes Goodyear and Volvo. Serves as WPP’s leading events and experiences agency, with offices in London, New York City and Portland, OR. Drove affinity for LEGO among boys ages six to 12 with Create Your Escape, a LEGO-powered escape room experience focused on problem-solving and collaboration skills that pitted teams of three against one another—and the clock. Over the course of four days, 205 sessions attended by 774 mini architects took place.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Brooks Running, Goodyear, Google, LEGO, Volvo
WEB: setcreative.com
RFP CONTACT: Alan Doyle, [email protected]

A small shop with big attitude, SoHo has been churning out top-notch events for the last 15 years. Currently working with clients and local distributors to build the world’s first social distancing-compliant “Takeout Sampling” program. Executed an “Under A Blue Moon” tasting experience for Blue Moon that matched the brand’s various expressions with fresh, custom dishes designed to complement them, showcasing how the beer enhances the flavor of fine cuisine. A campaign worth toasting to.

CORE 1: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Pop-up Stores/Retail Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Barilla US, Citibank, Molson Coors, The Gambrinus Company, Twitter
WEB: sohoexp.com
RFP CONTACT: Jeff Boedges, [email protected]

Operations and logistics-obsessed, Southport Marketing is always prepared to bring it. Took staffing services in-house in 2019, with offerings that span event managers, brand ambassadors, bartenders, operations crews and truck drivers. Also expanded in-house fulfillment and warehousing capabilities. Internally produced and owned festivals in three markets, including San Diego Taco Fest. Helped Alaska Airlines debut its first retrofitted Airbus for a private media event, building out lounge, food, tech and touch zones that, ahem, drove ample coverage.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Auto Experiences
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: 24 Hour Fitness, Agency 720, Alaska Airlines, Banc of California, Los Angeles Rams
WEB: southportmktg.com
RFP CONTACT: Andrea Iranpour, [email protected]

Big and bold, yet super quick and nimble, with some of the longest client relationships in the biz and some of the most impactful experiences of the last decade. The mighty Sparks was one of the first to pivot into hybrid offerings this year—and continues to help clients prepare for the future of events and experiences. Maybe the shop’s Google client says it best: “Knowing that there are so many moving pieces and having it come together so flawlessly is an amazing thing to have in a partner.” Solid, secure and still independent after all these years.

CORE 1: Trade Show Programs
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 30% B-to-C, 70% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Boston Scientific, eBay, Google, Salesforce, T-Mobile
WEB: wearesparks.com
RFP CONTACT: Kristy Elisano, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

Street Factory Media’s origins date back to 2001 and a $30 million, three-year teenage anti-tobacco campaign called Target Market. Nearly two decades later, the full-service shop is working with clients from Google to Nike. Increased full-time fabrication staff by 50 percent in the last year. Helped Impossible Foods launch its Burger 2.0 at CES, converting an Airstream trailer into a classic diner environment. The tasty results: 12,000 slider samples distributed and $4 million in earned media value.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 2: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 3: Guerrilla/Street Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Google, Impossible Foods, Nike, The Richards Group, Wieden+Kennedy
WEB: streetfactorymedia.com
RFP CONTACT: Matt Kelly, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This agency is a first-time It Lister

Renowned for its expertise and deep roots in the music festival space, Superfly has been rockin’ the event industry since 1996. Acquired sonic branding and sensory experience company Listen, expanding its capabilities in technology and multisensory creative experiences. United 6,000 Bravo superfans and nearly 90 Bravo celebrities at BravoCon, an event spanning three venues, serving up panel discussions, photo ops with talent, live tapings, intimate dining experiences, pop-ups and a marketplace. Seventy-seven percent of guests called it literally one of the best weekends of their life. Color us impressed.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Citi, Girlboss, Intel, NBCU, Revolt
WEB: superf.ly
RFP CONTACT: Rich Goodstone, [email protected]

With a breadth of capabilities all housed under its 100,000-square-foot roof, this shop is always prepared to Switch it up (do our dad jokes know no bounds?). Took home a SIA Award for its work with the St. Louis Blues and an American Business Award for its work on the Junior Achievement STEM 360° Experience that helped kids learn about the 15,000-plus STEM jobs available in the pizza supply chain (pizza + kids = one brilliant strategy). Also produced the largest outdoor projection event in St. Louis history at the city’s Festival of Lights celebration, helping to draw in 42,000 attendees. Say it with us now: Electrifying.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Sampling Programs
CORE 3: Sponsorship Activation

FOCUS SPLIT: 45% B-to-C, 55% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: 5-hour Energy, Anheuser-Busch, Bosch Power Tools, Enterprise, Monster
WEB: switch.us
RFP CONTACT: Chris Jobst, [email protected]

The Team says it best: “No assholes. No egos.” In response to the pandemic, launched a Virtual Content Studio to jazz up digital events. Also created a Bar Spar wellness program for Tequila Cazadores that turned 12 bartenders into amateur boxers over three months under the guidance of pro boxing coaches. Those that showed the most improvement were whisked away to Mexico to practice at revered boxing gyms and visit the brand’s distillery. A knockout.

CORE 1: Nightlife/On-premise
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Auto Experiences

FOCUS SPLIT: 80% B-to-C, 20% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: BMW North America, Bacardi, Cresco Labs, Google, Molson Coors
WEB: teamenterprises.com
RFP CONTACT: Nichole Robillard, [email protected]

After 14 years of experience executing more than 600 physical and digital events for 450 brand partners, this teenager recently rebranded from TH Productions to TH Experiential to better reflect its business. Helped IBM celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing by creating a simulated moonwalk experience powered by AI, interactive digital screens and responsive flooring that allowed participants to record a short video of themselves as astronauts. At 900,000 impressions, IBM was over the moon.

CORE 1: Mobile Tours
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 85% B-to-C, 15% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Edelman, NBCUniversal, Ogilvy, Sephora, Warner Bros.
WEB: thexperiential.com
RFP CONTACT: Tristan Brennan, [email protected]

Bills itself as the “anti-flower wall swing photo booth agency.” Clients say: “The Bait Shoppe are servants to our magic, not to margins.” Created chill sampling environments for Stella Artois, supplemented by a fleet of wooden Riva boats from the 1940s that offered free ferry service between its New York City and Brooklyn sampling stops during a sweltering Manhattan summer. Plans to launch a creative production company called PRETTY UGLY. Pretty cool.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Viral Events/Stunts
CORE 3: Pop-ups/Retail Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, Lyft, Wieden+Kennedy
WEB: baitshoppe.com
RFP CONTACT: Evan Starkman, [email protected]

*Editors note: This agency is trending

Born from the music industry, TPA works on 17 of the largest music festivals on the planet. Loves a good challenge and enjoys a sweet spot connecting brands with fans. With five weeks to prep, revved up Daytona Bike Week with a shipping container park built for Michelin featuring a different activation in each space. Vintage Michelin memorabilia, high-profile vehicles and a personalized check-in app were all part of the expedited program. The agency’s tagline: Anything but ordinary.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Festival programs
CORE 2: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 90% B-to-C, 10% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Anheuser-Busch, Camp Bow Wow, Hansen’s, Michelin, Rivian
WEB: wearepineapple.co
RFP CONTACT: Kevin Earle, [email protected]

For nearly 90 years, Taylor has been kicking butt and taking names on behalf of some of the world’s biggest brands at some of the industry’s biggest events. Proved it last year by scoring the 2019 CES Best in Show award for work with Intel. Added a comprehensive in-house A/V team and expanded its hybrid design studio to keep up with the current climate and adapt to an ever-evolving industry. Helped Cytokinetics educate healthcare providers by replicating muscle cell structure with a 3D visualization, and a 12-foot-tall sarcomere AR virtual experience.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Virtual Events
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 35% B-to-C, 65% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Chrysler, Genentech, LG, Osram, Stryker
WEB: taylorinc.com
RFP CONTACT: Alph Leydon, [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This is a veteran agency (25+ years in business)

XD’s superpower is empathy—the ability to think through the aspects of a human experience from different points of view. Specializes in experience design, and placed a greater emphasis on measurement with the hire of a new svp of integrated strategy. Produced a two-pronged activation for LEGO at San Diego Comic-Con. Attendees first designed a digital LEGO version of themselves that was leveraged to develop a custom comic book, then used physical LEGOs to build their own custom mini figures—and toured their creations through a LEGO-sized Instagram museum.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: User Conferences
CORE 3: Virtual Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 35% B-to-C, 65% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Cisco, Dell, LEGO, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche
WEB: xdagency.com
RFP CONTACT: Matt Schrader, [email protected]

Clients say: “Touch is the best partner. The best thought partner. The best strategy partner. Telling us when we’re nuts. Telling us when we’re good to go.” That’s a caffeine boost. Since the pandemic hit, has produced five major virtual events, including one for Microsoft featuring five hosts, 440 unique sessions, live interviews, recaps and demos. Has been producing the Ubisoft E3 Conference for nine years, during which it has grown the event’s global audience from 250,000 to more than 20 million.

For more perspective, click here.

CORE 1: Internal Events
CORE 2: Virtual Events
CORE 3: B-to-B Shows/Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 35% B-to-C, 65% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Moët Hennessy USA, Starbucks, Ubisoft Entertainment
WEB: touchworldwide.com
RFP CONTACT: Mike Quinlan, [email protected]

The b-to-c heavy hitter recently expanded its creative and licensing offerings, doubling teams to support the influx of activity within each discipline. Scored the 2020 Grand Ex Award for a Taco Bell hospitality play that upped the ante on how brands connect with superfans. The rundown: Transported 400 Taco Bell lovers to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that spanned surprise food drops, custom menu items, live performances and a brand-inspired salon. Something else to taco ’bout: 4.4 billion media impressions.

CORE 1: Pop-ups/Retail Events
CORE 2: Influencer Programs
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 100% B-to-C
CLIENTS INCLUDE: KFC, Taco Bell, The North Face, Tresemmé, Unilever
WEB: uegworldwide.com
RFP CONTACT: Angela Filippone, [email protected]

Arms clients with the tools they need to advocate and achieve buy-in for event projects internally. Marked the 20th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” with six activations that let fans interact with their favorite quirky characters. Among engagements: wacky photo ops, a gamified obstacle course and scavenger hunts. CBS Interactive has been a partner since 2008, with TVG handling everything from its CNET CES event to the Start Trek Universe: Transporter Experience at San Diego Comic-Con.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: Viral Events/Stunts
CORE 3: Trade Show Programs

FOCUS SPLIT: 95% B-to-C, 5% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Amazon Prime, CBS Interactive, Google, Revolve, Warner Bros.
WEB: WeAreVisionary.com
RFP CONTACT: Valerie Coleman, [email protected]

Isn’t afraid to tell clients what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear. As part of AT&T’s partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, leveraged eight 10-foot-tall touch screens that functioned as selfie mirrors, allowing fans to select from a number of Cowboys players and position themselves for a selfie photo op. A video taken by one of the 85,000 fans who passed through the experience went viral, leading to more than 500 million social media impressions. Developed a first-of-its-kind division dedicated to raising the visibility of women in sports, entertainment and culture.

CORE 1: Sponsorship Activation
CORE 2: Global Event Programs
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 95% B-to-C, 5% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: AT&T, Formula 1, Pandora/SiriusXM, Target, Wells Fargo
WEB: wassermanexperience.com
RFP CONTACT: Anup Daji, [email protected]

Aiming to livewire your next experience with the latest event technology? Look no further than Wilson Dow. Earned gold in the 2019 Experience Design & Technology Awards for its work with Amway, helping the brand connect with independent sellers through smart badges, interactive screens and an integrated digital ecosystem based on Amway’s existing tech platforms. Boasts a Documentary Club, #BadAssWomen’s Book Club, eco-conscious “SustainabiliTeam” and a wellness program to support the well-being of employees.

CORE 1: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 2: Internal Events
CORE 3: Launch Events

FOCUS SPLIT: 10% B-to-C, 90% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: Ameriprise, Dominos, Johnson & Johnson, Oracle, PricewaterhouseCoopers
WEB: wilsondow.com
RFP CONTACT: Matthew Cooney, [email protected]

Believes in the power of uniting brands and audiences based on their shared values. Delivered an activation for Ford at The State Fair of Texas that encompassed a three-story graphic panel system that “framed” the experiences and activities that lived within the exhibit, and a 47-foot-tall “Tower of Power” in the shape of an oil derrick. Took home two 2019 Ex Awards for a Lincoln launch event and a Ford festival sponsorship.

CORE 1: Launch Events
CORE 2: B-to-B Shows/Events
CORE 3: Auto Experiences

FOCUS SPLIT: 50% B-to-C, 50% B-to-B
CLIENTS INCLUDE: DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, JGI, Lincoln Motor Company, Livio
WEB: xperiencecommunications.com
RFP CONTACT: Mo Krieter, [email protected]