Experiential Marketing Manager
The experience architect—this role brings ideas to life through live eventsLive or virtual brand moments—designed to connect, engage, and create real-time cultural relevance., pop-upsSmall windows that appear on websites—used for lead capture, announcements, or promotions (with UX risk)., and activationsWhere strategy meets street—brand activations are real-world experiences designed to spark engagement and cultural buzz. that connect emotionally with audiences.
What is an Experiential Marketing Manager?
The storyteller who works in real life. Experiential marketers craft physical and digital moments that immerse, inspire, and leave a mark.
What does an Experiential Marketing Manager do?
They plan and execute live brand activations, pop-ups, tours, and events designed to create emotional resonance—and social-worthy memories.
What does this role look like in a creative agency?
At RIOT, experiential marketingMake it unforgettable—experiential marketing creates immersive brand moments that engage the senses and leave a lasting impression. is where creative comes to life. These managers turn brand worlds into walkable experiences that invite touch, taste, and transformation.
Dive Deeper
Experiential MarketingStories with purpose—marketing connects brands to people through strategy, creativity, and campaigns that drive impact. Managers are the architects of live brand storytellingEntertainment meets marketing—branded content delivers value through storytelling, engaging audiences without feeling like a hard sell.. They designFunction meets form—design shapes how brands look, feel, and connect through everything from logos to layouts., plan, and execute events, pop-ups, installationsPhysical brand expressions in real space—sculptures, pop-ups, or art that create immersive moments., and activations that create emotional, memorable connections between brandsMore than a logo—brand is the essence of a company, shaping identity, reputation, and customer perception. and audiences. In creative agencies, they blend creative concepting with logistical precision—ensuring every brand experience feels immersive, strategic, and culturally relevant.
Related Glossary Terms
| Related Glossary Terms | Why It’s Relevant |
|---|---|
| Experiential Marketing | The core discipline—crafting live, sensory-driven brand experiences that leave lasting impressions. |
| Brand Activation | Many experiential efforts serve as brand activations, designed to bring abstract brand ideas into physical reality. |
| Event Marketing | Experiential Marketing Managers oversee event execution as part of broader campaign strategies and audienceThe heartbeat of every campaign—understanding and engaging the right audience is the key to crafting messages that resonate and drive action. engagementMore than just metrics—engagement is about meaningful interactions, building relationships, and creating content that sparks conversation and action. plans. |
| Omni-Channel Experiences | Great activations often extend into social, content, and digital—experiential managers design experiences that integrate across channels. |
| Campaign Strategy | Experiential campaignsStrategy meets storytelling—campaigns bring big ideas to life, driving awareness, engagement, and conversions through powerful, multi-channel messaging. are built around clear brand narratives and marketing goals, not just one-off events. |
Related Job Roles
| Related Job Roles | Why It’s Connected |
|---|---|
| Event Marketing SpecialistThe engagement expert—these specialists plan and execute event-driven campaigns that build buzz and drive brand loyalty. | Focuses on planningScoping out the who, what, and when—essential for hitting deadlines and aligning teams. and executing event logistics—working under the experiential strategyThe playbook for success—strategy defines where you're headed, how you'll get there, and what will set you apart. set by the Manager. |
| Creative DirectorThe visionary leader—creative directors shape the concept, guide the team, and ensure every idea meets the brand’s highest potential. | Partners to shape the high-level creative visionThe spark that starts it all—a concept is the big idea that shapes campaigns, guiding everything from visuals to messaging. behind experiential concepts and brand storytellingEmotion meets impact—storytelling is the heartbeat of branding, using narrative to connect with audiences and drive action.. |
| Production Coordinator | Manages vendors, logistics, permits, and on-the-ground execution to support experiential events. |
| Social Media ManagerThe digital voice of the brand—social media managers craft content, engage communities, and drive campaigns across platforms. | Amplifies live events through real-time content capture, social engagement, and post-event storytelling. |
