09/02/2026
I think IRL might be one of the most important marketing channels right now.
People have gotten really good at ignoring us online.
Sponsored post? Scroll.
Ad? Skip.
Another brand asking for engagement? Keep moving.
But give people a reason to get dressed, leave the house and actually connect? They’re showing up.
I recently attended an event by The Assembly Social Club, and it clicked for me. Between the vendors, sketch artists, The Bead Shop and all the little moments built into the experience, they weren’t just hosting an event. They were creating something people wanted to be part of.
And that’s the opportunity.
Experiential marketing creates connection for the people in the room and FOMO for everyone watching online.
The event builds community.
The content extends it.
Social amplifies it.
Maybe the question for brands isn’t just, “What should we post next?”
Maybe it’s: What can we create that people would actually leave their house to experience?
Then give them something worth posting about.