In today’s digital world, it’s easy to assume that algorithms and analytics are the most powerful marketing indicators, but the secret to success sometimes lies in the creative events your business hosts and how those events are memorable and ultimately impact word of mouth. SEO, paid ads and content marketing are crucial tools for reaching audiences, but nothing replaces the emotional impact of a memorable, in-person experience. The truth is, while keywords may drive website visits, it’s the engagement, moments and memories they experience at your event that create real, lasting connections with your brand.

Does Event Marketing Work?

At communications 21, we’ve seen firsthand how thinking outside the box transforms ordinary events into unforgettable experiences. Creative events don’t just entertain, they build relationships, start conversations and generate the kind of organic buzz that marketers dream of.

In fact:

• 77% of marketers say events are the most effective marketing channel for their organizations.

• Marketers also ranked in-person events (52%) and webinars (51%) as the most effective distribution channels.
• Those who implemented event marketing strategies were 75% more likely than those who didn’t to see a growth rate over 50% in 2023.
• What’s more, 93% of marketers using event marketing said they are meeting their companies’ revenue and/or pipeline goals, compared to 76% of those who do not host events.

Well-done events are shared stories, and in the marketing world that’s like getting a golden ticket. Attendees post photos and (hopefully!) tag your business or use pre-planned event hashtags on social media, and share those stories with new people and connect with colleagues. Guests create memories and those memories help shape future events and connections.

Make It Memorable: Event Ideas That Stand Out

Some events follow standard requirements – a location that comfortably accommodates everyone, food and beverages, speakers sharing important information and time for networking. If the client and the budget allow, using your creative ideas to design a more unique and memorable event is the best way to have a truly lasting impact.

Here are a few examples of how c21 has gone well beyond the basics to create events for our clients that leave people talking long after they’ve concluded:

• Metro South Community Improvement District’s Truck “Road-eo” - A Different Approach to Road Design

The Metro South Community Improvement District (MSCID) hosted a Truck Road-eo that featured community engagement and transportation planning in a fun and interactive way. This event, which was part of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s ongoing work with Kimley-Horn for the Thurman/Cedar Grove/Old McDonough Roundabout Feasibility Study, invited the public to witness and even participate in an innovative approach to road design.

Using a full-scale, temporary layout of the proposed roundabout recreated in a giant parking lot, the event enabled 18-wheelers, fire truck operators, commercial towing and other large-vehicle operators to test the design in real-time. With lunch served beforehand and community members cheering on the participants, the Truck Road-eo turned transportation planning into an engaging, educational and uniquely collaborative experience that had real outcomes for the engineers planning the roundabout design.

• Cumberland CID’s The New Day Palisades Phase One Ribbon-Cutting and Community Day

This one-of-a-kind celebration perfectly blended community spirit, outdoor adventure and appreciation for the Chattahoochee River’s natural beauty. Hosted by the Cumberland CID and One Cumberland, the event invited attendees to witness the official ribbon-cutting to re-open the park and explore the revitalized Paces Mill Palisades area through the One Cumberland Trail Challenge - a scenic one-mile nature walk enhanced with a scavenger hunt along the way.

Guests, including their families, also enjoyed interactive games such as Giant Jenga and Connect 4, a putting green, skeeball, checkers and cornhole. They explored exhibits and educational booths designed to inspire outdoor adventures and environmental stewardship. With its mix of learning, exploration and celebration, the event offered a truly unique way for the community to connect with nature and one another while commemorating a significant milestone.

• Greater Women’s Business Council’s Open House and Invest Atlanta WEI Graduation Event

The Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC^®) joined forces with Invest Atlanta and its Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) for a truly inspiring event celebrating the launch of The WBE Collaborative, GWBC^®’s new coworking space in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Held at the Bank of America Plaza, the event featured an open house for the coworking space, followed by WEI’s cohort graduation ceremony.

What made this event especially distinctive was the inclusion of a Small Business Fair, where women-owned enterprises hosted booths showcasing their products and services. The fair provided exposure and networking opportunities, allowing these women entrepreneurs to connect with potential clients, partners and community leaders they might not have otherwise reached. It was an inspiring celebration on the 55^th floor of one of Atlanta’s skyscrapers and embodied collaboration, innovation and the growing power of women-owned businesses.

• Marsy’s Law for Georgia and the Local Community Paint a Mural of Hope in Cobb County

In a powerful display of creativity and collaboration, Marsy’s Law for Georgia joined forces with the Cobb County Family Justice Center and nonprofits Paint Love for a community mural event designed to bring healing and hope to those impacted by trauma and violence.

Survivors, volunteers, staff, community partners and artists came together to paint a stunning 14-foot-tall hummingbird mural at the Cobb Family Justice Center in Marietta, Georgia. The hummingbird, a universal symbol of resilience and renewal, now brightens the halls of the Center, a place where survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault find safety, legal support and assistance. This vibrant piece not only beautified the space but also serves as a lasting reminder that healing can begin through community, creativity and compassion.

Events that include art are always a big hit, but if you can also allow the community to participate and become a part of the art piece, that will be a memory they will never forget.

• Gateway85 CID’s Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event Showcases Robotics and Innovation

Gateway85 CID’s Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event, held in March 2025, brought together leading voices in Georgia’s technology and innovation sectors for a one-of-a-kind experience that merged cutting-edge robotics, drone technology and public safety innovation.

The event featured live demonstrations and discussions about the use of robotics and drones, showcasing how metro Atlanta is driving advancements in automation, artificial intelligence and defense-related technology. Industry experts from Georgia Tech, Flock Safety, Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab and Partnership Gwinnett explored how robotics and intelligent systems are reshaping industries from public safety to agriculture. There were several futuristic robots that could respond to commands and even shake the hands of attendees.

These kinds of unexpected twists bring energy and personality to events that could otherwise feel typical and repetitive. Unique events encourage participation and create lasting memories while helping your company connect with the people who matter the most to them.

Add a Unique Aspect to Your Next Business Event

If the entire event isn’t centered around a memorable twist, think about adding one or more of these smaller options:

• Tours add a great deal of interest to an event and draw a crowd that might not have been interested otherwise. Recently, the c21 team attended an event called the Centennial Conversation with Delta and Atlanta, hosted at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta. This event included a panel discussion with the CEO of Delta Air Lines and the GM for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Before and after the panel discussion, attendees were free to tour  the museum, which features a full-size jet in the middle of the building and several other aircraft throughout.
• What about including a VR or AR experience? c21 held a Marsy’s Law for Georgia board meeting that featured Exploring Digital, a technology company, which provided a demo of a virtual reality training program for Georgia police officers.
• At a recent Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) event, the keynote speaker provided two raffled prizes that offered women entrepreneurs the ability to train, learn and consult with her company – at a value of $16,000. A simple raffle can bring in more guests than expected and provide a memorable win!
• Instead of hosting an event that features food and drinks, consider creating a wine, whiskey, or beer event with educational aspects, allowing attendees to learn about the creation of these beverages while enjoying the taste and networking with one another. Wednesday Wine Downs are another GWBC event created this year to bring people to their coworking space, teach them about wine and connect with other women business owners.
• Give your evening a theme, such as Casino Night! A few years ago, PTCREW hosted a casino night at the North Carolina A&T Alumni-Foundation Event Center, where attendees played blackjack, roulette and other casino games.
• We’ve seen events where you can create something to take home, such as a custom T-shirt, a tea blend, candles or a bookmark. Let your attendees embrace their creativity with DIY stations and they will never forget your event!
• You’ve probably seen videos of weddings where an artist paints a scene from the wedding live, during the ceremony and reception. People can watch them paint and see the fantastic result. These artists aren’t only available for weddings, so consider a Live Art Installation for your next event.

Investing in a creative event is the difference between a one-time interaction and a lasting impression. As you plan your next meeting, conference or awards show, think beyond the standard format. Ask yourself: what would surprise and delight my audience? How can I reflect my brand in a way that is both interactive and memorable? Because while SEO may help your audience find you, providing a creative event helps people remember you.

If you’re ready to dive into brainstorming or planning for your next memorable and creative event, contact c21!