Gen Z isn’t just influencing culture — they’re flipping the script on how brands connect with people altogether.
Raised in a world of constant content and always-on digital chatter, Gen Z is hyper-aware, values-driven, and quick to spot anything inauthentic. They don’t just want to hear from brands — they want to feel something from them.
So if you’re still relying on traditional marketing playbooks, it’s time to turn the page. This is where experiential marketing shines.
At Maverick XM, we’ve seen firsthand what it takes to engage Gen Z in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and real. Here’s what brands need to know:
1. Purpose Comes First
Gen Z supports brands that stand for something. In fact, over 70% say they’re more likely to buy from companies aligned with their values.
So it’s no longer just about selling a product — it’s about showing up with purpose. Whether it’s a campaign rooted in sustainability, mental health, or social justice, your brand needs to reflect what matters to your audience. Meaningful wins every time.
2. Connection > Clicks
Despite growing up online, Gen Z craves in-person connection. They want to gather, explore, and experience things that feel spontaneous and real.
That’s why we build experiences that bring people together — not just with the brand, but with each other. Pop-ups, live events, community activations — when they’re designed with intention, they create moments that last far beyond the event itself.
3. Engagement Has to Be a Two-Way Street
This generation doesn’t want to be talked at — they want to be part of the story.
Let them co-create the experience. Give them ways to participate, personalize, and contribute. Whether it’s user-generated content, interactive touchpoints, or immersive activities, engagement should feel collaborative — not scripted.
4. Keep It Real
Gen Z has a sixth sense for anything that feels fake or overproduced. They value raw, relatable, and real over perfect and polished.
So lean into authenticity. Celebrate diverse voices, tell real stories, and build experiences that reflect real life. When your brand feels human, Gen Z will show up — and stick around.
5. Digital Enhances, But Doesn’t Replace, Real Life
Sure, Gen Z is online. But they’re also hungry for real-world experiences that are worth sharing online.
That’s why our best events blend physical and digital — from AR elements to live content capture, interactive installations to follow-up touchpoints. When the real world and online world work together, that’s where the magic happens.
The Bottom Line:
Gen Z is raising the bar — and that’s a good thing. They’re asking brands to be bolder, more intentional, and more human.
At Maverick XM, we help brands meet that challenge with experiential campaigns designed to connect, inspire, and stick. Because today, it’s not about being seen. It’s about being remembered.