The String of
Lights Effect

Some moments in life stick with you. These are the experiences that move and shape you. The stories you tell over and over again. At GMR, we embed brands into stories like that. Learn more by clicking “Play” on this screen and read below about how we analyze the world’s top brands annually through our GMR Brand Experience Index©

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Top 25 Most Memorable Brands

Learn more in the 2024 GMR Brand Experience Index

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Expert insights on the
best brand experience

MAX LENDERMAN

Chief Experience Officer

Max helps to guide brands to look beyond traditional communication channels and use innovative experiences for business growth and brand meaning.

+ Takeaway for Brands
Expectation vs reality
“Jersey Mike’s at Country Jam - Tour from the Shore seamlessly blended country music with the East Coast roots, an unexpected yet brilliant move. The setup was well-executed, with surprise performances and a cool lounge area. With lots of interactive elements and (importantly!) generous freebies for app users, they turned a simple activation into a surprising but highly relevant experience."
Jessica Giordano

Chief Partnership Officer

Jessica oversees GMR’s global client portfolio and strategic consulting initiatives within GMR.

+ Takeaway for Brands
Empowering organic moments vs branded content
“Liquid Death nailed it with a breakthrough experience delivering unexpected, fun and share-worthy moments. The country club setup at Shaky Knees, complete with catchy signage, an orchestra, and quirky touches like temporary tattoos, sparked conversations that really stood out. For Gen Z - who are all about crafting their own narratives - the kind of creepy yet inviting environment struck the perfect balance serving as an unforgettable entry into a membership unlike any other.”
Dennis Jenders

Executive Strategy Director

WIth 20+ years of experience, Dennis harnesses immagination and curiosity to drive innovation, strengthening relationships between humans and brands.

+ Takeaway for Brands
Being bold vs status quo
“From local events to the Super Bowl, Lay’s has been thrilling fans and tastebuds by going beyond sampling programs to offer bespoke menus and experiences. Whether it’s savoring themed dishes or having Chester Cheetah officiate their wedding, fans can’t get enough. Their creativity challenges us to rethink how we connect with the snacks we love, proving that understanding fandom is key to lasting engagement.”
Gerard littlejohn

Sr. Director, Partnerships + Social Impact

Gerard is a marketing and social impact veteran with nearly 15 years of professional experience.

+ Takeaway for Brands
Interaction vs transaction
“The U.S. Air Force impressed at the PBR Stockyards Stampede with their immersive games and knowledgeable brand ambassadors. It felt like more than just an activation - it was an adventure. They created a captivating environment that really drew you in."
Tracey mutombo

Executive Creative Director

Tracey is an Executive Creative Director with an extensive background in both traditional advertising and multicultural audiences.

+ Takeaway for Brands
Mindset vs myopic
“Lego nailed the nostalgia factor at Comic-Con, delivering a captivating concept that resonated with everyone. Life-size LEGO characters like Sonic and Captain America provided fantastic photo ops, and access to newly-released video games kept both IRL and digital activities entertaining. This event beautifully bridged generations, bringing back childhood memories and creating new ones to share. It’s proof that when brands like Lego embrace nostalgia with such diverse activities, they evoke powerful emotions and create connections that span across ages.”

Expert insights on the
best brand experience

Check out the highlights

Download our full report or book some time to meet with us. We’d love to show you how to really measure brand experience.

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Want the latest on all things SOLE Science
and memory making across the brand landscape?

Join Max Lenderman and Elke Jones for The Voice of Experience podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else you find music and podcasts.

Learn More
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C’mon brands,
you can do better.

I’d love to learn more

Book one of our 1-to-1 complimentary sessions if you'd love to:

  • Find out if your brand experience was measured (and what GMR's POV is on the right set of tactics)
  • Know more about GMR Experience EQ, and the Need States
  • Get additional intel as to what other brands did in the live event space
  • Stand out from a sea of brand sameness and create memories that matter without wasting time or money

 

We promise, it’ll be a great experience. 😀

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