How to organise a successful pop-up event

A pop-up event allows people to interact with your brand in ways they couldn’t otherwise. With the right activation, your company can generate buzz and create a positive experience. However, how to organise a successful pop-up event will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of pop-up events and how they can help you achieve your business goals. Whether it’s an enchanting summer garden or a rave-inspired workout venue, the team at B_RD is experienced in creating an event tailored to your brand.

What is a pop-up event?
A pop-up event is a unique and temporary activation that often features an interactive element, ranging from retail kiosks to product trials. While they can vary in scale, pop-up events tend to include visual merchandising aspects, such as branded displays and eye-catching graphics on temporary fixtures. Often hosted in high-traffic areas, they tend to have a spontaneous, inviting and festive feel, making pop-up events an excellent opportunity to spark interest from potential customers.
Types of pop-up events
Permanent pop-ups
What can start as a simple experiment can turn into so much more. Companies that experience significant success in a location may decide to turn their temporary activation into a permanent pop-up. This can be due to an increase in sales or as simple as just sticking with what works. If a seller finds continued success in a location, they may consider making it a permanent home for their business.
Marketing event pop-ups
A marketing event pop-up can be used to promote a new product, service or initiative. The short-term nature of a pop-up encourages more people to familiarise themselves with a brand, as it’s not an opportunity that will always be there. When completed by a creative team of professionals, a marketing event pop-up can generate attention on social media and spread the word about your brand.
Seasonal pop-ups
Events like a Christmas market would be considered a seasonal pop-up as it’s not something you’d see year-round. Seasonal pop-ups can feature elements such as an ice skating rink during the winter or sand sculptures in the summer. The novelty factor of seasonal pop-ups makes them appealing to a wide range of people and encourages more participation.
Experimental pop-ups
Experimental pop-ups come in various forms—from small shops to immersive brand experiences that allow you to try products firsthand. They allow your brand the opportunity to get creative and receive valuable consumer insight. The unique environment of experimental pop-ups can help with increasing customer interaction along with brand awareness.
Virtual pop-ups
An innovative and exciting way for customers to interact with your brand, a virtual pop-up takes many of the same elements of an in-person activation into the digital world. It allows customers to navigate your store and familiarise themselves with products as they would in a physical space. Being entirely online gives customers the chance to be more inquisitive and explore at their own pace.
Pop-in stores
A pop-in store is normally within another store or shopping centre and allows for brands to sell products without the expenses associated with a permanent location. A pop-in store allows businesses to benefit from areas of high foot traffic, making it ideal for growing companies looking to expand.

Pop-up event ideas
A pop-up event can serve as an engaging and interactive way to create a positive brand experience. Many people wondering how to host a pop-up event can benefit from the following tips and ideas to make your next activation a success.
Invite celebrity guests and influencers
If you’re looking to get your activation noticed on social media, then consider inviting a celebrity guest or influencer. Your activation will benefit from word of mouth, and having your pop-up on display for potentially thousands online can do wonders for increasing brand awareness.
Collab with other brands
A collaboration with another brand can be mutually beneficial for both parties. Look for a partnership that aligns with your values as a company and makes strategic sense for your business. The right partnership can drive awareness and unlock a new consumer base.

Offer exclusive releases or discounts
An exclusive release or offer can create a sense of urgency amongst potential customers. By offering an exclusive release of a product or a short-term discount, people may feel more enticed to check out your pop-up and take advantage of the limited-time offer.
Hand out free samples
A free sample is a tried and true method that provides customers with the opportunity to try your product firsthand. Those same satisfied customers are then more likely to purchase your product in the future.
Steps to hosting a successful pop-up
Although pop-ups often have a spontaneous feel to them, they require careful planning and attention to detail. Those interested in learning how to have a successful pop-up event should consider the following steps.
Define the goals of the pop-up
What is it that your business is trying to achieve? If you have a clear understanding of your goals, then it will be easier to accomplish them. A clearly defined goal allows a design and production agency to hone in on what matters to your company and create a pop-up that best caters to your goals.
Set a budget
Whether you’re interested in a small installation or a large-scale activation, it’s important to set a budget. This will help keep your budget on track and ensure you allocate resources effectively on the things that matter most for your pop-up. A budget tracker for project management will allow you to see where your money is going and adjust accordingly.
Create a captivating concept
The best pop-ups are often those with a theme or a captivating concept. The right concept can do wonders for drawing attention to your pop-up and increasing the likelihood of customers wanting to engage with your brand.
Choose a venue
The right choice of venue can make all the difference in getting your brand noticed. After all, you’re not just selling a product, you’re creating an experience. It’s important that your venue not only helps draw people in but that it’s right for your target demographic.
Bring your vision to life
Create an immersive experience that will pique people’s interest with exciting graphics, intuitive displays and interactive elements to complete your pop-up event.
Audiovisuals & videography
An audio and visual element can be useful for establishing brand messaging and encouraging participation. Whether it’s a new product launch or a promotional event, an audio and visual element can immerse your audience and strengthen their connection with your brand.
Wi-Fi & bandwidth
Access to reliable Wi-Fi is essential for your EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems and for providing your customers with a smooth experience. This means you will be able to accept a wide range of different payments that can help maximise your profits.
Food & drink
For pop-ups that include food and drink, consider partnering up with a vendor. This can help ensure there’s something for everybody to enjoy and enhance the experience of those attending your pop-up. Partnering up with a food vendor also allows for mutually beneficial cross-promotion through social media channels.
Shop for fixtures and supplies
Regardless of the size of your activation, you will need fixtures and supplies to make your pop-up come to life. Even a small kiosk will need assembling, so consider the supplies you will need and take them into account with your budget. This can include shelving, displays, visual elements, signs, lighting and anything else you need to turn your vision into a reality.
Call in reinforcements (B_RD)
It’s OK to not be able to do everything on your own; that’s why the design and production teams at B_RD are here to help you in all aspects of your pop-up. From design and installation to project delivery and removal, we’re committed to working with you to ensure that every aspect of your pop-up event is a success.
Marketing
To ensure your pop-up event receives the attention it deserves, use social media to highlight the achievement. By posting photos and videos on social media, you can build awareness and generate interest and excitement for your activation.
Marketing your pop-up will also help ensure it reaches your target audience and drives meaningful engagement throughout the event. This is why we highlighted the importance of working with influencers to showcase your brand and pop-up experience. For example, if your pop-up event is to promote clothing, consider partnering with fashion influencers on social media to make sure the message is getting out to the right audience.
Launch time!
First impressions are everything, so take the time to interact with the people attending your event. This not only helps accommodate them, but also provides a great impression of your business.

Have a look at some of our successful pop-up events
lululemon, Ambassador Event pop-up
As part of our 360 support, we provided the vibrant graphics to help reinforce brand messaging across entrances and various touch-points for this rave-like atmosphere for lululemon. Along with graphics, our team produced a 3D bespoke metal fixture sprayed in the brand’s colours to ensure cohesive branding throughout the activation. Our experienced team also installed the DJ booth, check-in desk and free-standing promotional plinths. This event helps showcase the versatility of the team at B_RD and our ability to cater to different companies and pop-up events.

Bicester Village, Summer Gardens & Gatherings pop-up
We collaborated closely with the Bicester Village team to achieve their goal of creating an enchanting summer garden and gathering event. Our team was responsible for installing Victorian Wrought Iron Gazebos and providing Wayfinding Signage and copper flower sculptures. This helped create an immersive space for guests looking to experience nature through curated garden spaces.
For the ‘Scent Garden’ activation, we provided copper flower sculptures, each with individual lids that revealed a different aroma. This sensory-enriched activation helped customers find their ideal summer fragrance whilst enjoying a casual stroll.
Bicester Village ‘English Heritage’ pop-up
We partnered with Bicester Village for the launch of their ‘English Heritage’ campaign that showcased modernist Greek sculptures styled in contemporary streetwear. The sculptural elements were hand-crafted in England with cast marble to provide an authentic experience. We provided three MDV display cabinets and podiums to showcase the sculptures and highlight their beauty.
Your pop-up was a success!
Follow these helpful tips to ensure the success of your upcoming pop-up event. Contact our versatile and experienced team for all your needs. We provide design, 3D production, print and installation services to bring your vision into a reality.

