Vending Machines at Events: Tweets for Treats @SignUp4

No we aren’t suggesting you cut down your F&B budget and bring in vending machines to supply your attendees with trail mix and energy drinks, but we are suggesting swag!

To build buzz at or around your event, think about turning to social swag. What does this mean? Incentivize your event registrants before the event by tweeting with special event hashtags in exchange cashing in some sweet swag from your strategically placed vending machines. Driving the buzz during the event would work exactly the same way with these swag dispensing machines living in high-traffic areas.

Old Navy’s campaign, Tweet for Your Feet resulted in over 9,000 flip-flops and tweets distributed to help promote their annual $1 flip-flop sale. The results were outstanding! With over 12 million social media impressions and 170 million earned media impressions, Old Navy saw a lift in sales since the $1 promotion started. Through the built-in tablet, visitors were instructed to complete this message on their mobile devices: “The best place to wear flip-flops is _______” with the Old Navy Twitter handle, special code and shoe size. The machine would then detect the post, dispense flip-flops in the right size, and post a “thank you” tweet.

Another great example is brought to you by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. To promote their new “Miami Summer Deals” initiative, they strategically placed a machine in Times Square to spark curiosity. When visitors approached the machine, their photo was snapped and staffers working behind the machine issued personalized prizes, event tickets to Miami!

This disruptive technology brings a refreshing component to events with multiple outcomes including: increased social buzz, fun, memorable engagement, and convenient brand awareness through swag distribution.

How would you incorporate vending machines into your next event?