Event Innovators 2015: Top 10 Innovative Brands

These companies harness the power of live events to gain a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

Jenny BergBeth KormanikMichele Laufik
July 1, 2015
Bb Innovators Summerdigitalseries Brands Cs2 1
Illustration: Cornelia Stiles/BizBash

This ranked list explores the companies that are pushing the boundaries of live and digital events to increase profitability and brand awareness—and keep innovation alive in the event industry.

1. Bud Light
2. Nike
3. American Express
4. Microsoft
5. iHeartRadio
6. Samsung
7. ESPN
8. MasterCard
9. Red Bull
10. Old Navy

More on our Event Innovators 2015 package can found here.

Check out the Event Innovators 2015 digital edition

Latest in BizBash Lists
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
YouTube hosted a Creator Collective event, followed by a 20th birthday celebration on Google Beach during Cannes Lions.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: YouTube
In November 2024, Sephora Canada launched Shimmer Studio by Sephora, a pop-up experience designed for concert attendees coinciding with Taylor Swift's concert dates in Toronto.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
At Dreamville Fest, concert attendees were able to visit the Chase Freedom Cashback Club, which included a bar, special giveaways, games, and photo printouts. Chase Freedom cardholders also received exclusive access to the viewing deck with a plus-one, along with other perks throughout the festival.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Chase
Related Stories
Innovative Brands1
Brands & Event Pros
Event Innovators 2019: Top 10 Innovative Brands
“Whatever, USA” took over the quiet ski town of Crested Butte, Colorado, in October 2014. Some 1,000 fans attended the three-day activation.
Brands & Event Pros
Top 10 Innovative Brands 2015: #1 Bud Light
During the 2014 U.S. Open, Nike created a full-size tennis court in downtown Manhattan and invited fans to sign up to play matches during the day and night.
Brands & Event Pros
Top 10 Innovative Brands 2015: #2 Nike
At the U.S. Open American Express Fan Experience, a 20,000-square-foot activation, tennis fans could get a professional swing analysis.
Brands & Event Pros
Top 10 Innovative Brands 2015: #3 American Express
More in BizBash Lists
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
These companies broke through the noise with creative activations, events, and experiences that engaged attendees, fans, and consumers.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: YouTube
From signature conferences to activations at major events, the video platform always has its creator community top of mind.
YouTube hosted a Creator Collective event, followed by a 20th birthday celebration on Google Beach during Cannes Lions.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
The beauty retailer has broadened its international experiences and created impressive influencer activations.
In November 2024, Sephora Canada launched Shimmer Studio by Sephora, a pop-up experience designed for concert attendees coinciding with Taylor Swift's concert dates in Toronto.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Chase
The financial services company keeps its cardmembers at the center of its activations.
At Dreamville Fest, concert attendees were able to visit the Chase Freedom Cashback Club, which included a bar, special giveaways, games, and photo printouts. Chase Freedom cardholders also received exclusive access to the viewing deck with a plus-one, along with other perks throughout the festival.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Google
As the tech giant continues to roll out advancements in its AI products, it’s also building on its IRL human connections.
As the Official Fan Phone of the NBA and WNBA, Google Pixel returned to NBA All-Star Weekend this year with multiple interactive experiences. The Google Pixel House included photo moments, an open court, and other daytime and evening programming.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: WNBA
The Women's National Basketball Association is dominating the sports world with record-breaking sponsorship deals and a growing fanbase.
Pinterest recently signed a new sponsorship deal with the 2024 WNBA Champion New York Liberty that will include exclusive content, in-game experiences, and community outreach.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Innovators
Industry Innovators 2025: Netflix
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Chase
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: PGA Tour
With the help of in-depth fan feedback and tech advancements, the golf organization has been able to create more engaging experiences.
Russell Henley played a shot from the 18th hole tee during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 9 in Orlando, Fla.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Peacock
The streaming service has promoted its most popular franchises with elaborate immersive experiences.
At The Traitors Experience, games and puzzles ranged from rummaging through Alan Cumming’s iconic wardrobe to dodging lasers in a race against the clock, all against the backdrop of a private mansion transformed to reflect the series’ Scottish castle location.
Innovators
Industry Innovators 2025: Netflix
The streaming service continues to lead the pack of platforms with creative fan-focused experiences and activations.
Netflix brought its beloved franchise Stranger Things to Broadway. 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' received four Tony awards.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 11 Experiential Experts Reinventing How We Experience Brands
Meet the boundary-pushers, rule-breakers, and big thinkers shaping the future of experiential marketing.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Experiential2 B
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Tamara Francois and Adolfo Vasquez
The co-founders of The XP Agency see every touchpoint as an opportunity to connect—long before the event begins and long after it ends.
The XP Agency has worked on events for brands like Procter & Gamble, Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Ghirardelli.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sarah Sebastian
The owner and creative director of Rose Gold Collective brings a boutique mindset to bold brand moments.
Rose Gold Collective handled Don Q Rum's festival build at the Country Bay Music Festival in Miami.
Page 1 of 176
Next Page