Creating a branded space is one thing. Creating a full-blown retro media experience is another. At INBOUND 2023, Wistia didn’t just show up, they transported attendees back to the ‘90s with a high-energy activation that brought their brand personality to life while driving product education and serious pipeline growth.
This is how Wistia flipped the script on sponsorship by combining throwback charm with forward-thinking strategy (complete with mini interviews, merch moments, and marketing that moved the needle).
THE OPPORTUNITY
After three years of sponsoring INBOUND, Wistia knew the value of showing up where mid-to-senior level B2B marketers gather. Unlike other events that relegate sponsors to the sidelines, INBOUND puts partners in the heart of the action, integrated into the main floor traffic and stage flow.
Wistia saw the 2023 event as a chance to deepen awareness for their expanded platform, generate sales leads, and create authentic brand connections with a highly engaged audience that already aligned with their ideal customer profile.
THE ACTIVATION
Wistia didn't want to just be seen, they wanted to be remembered. Anchored by a full retro TV installation and decked out in 90s-inspired design, the space was a visual magnet. But the real magic was in the layers:
An “Ask Me Anything” corner with merch like Fix My Setup kits, t-shirts, and Cotopaxi fanny packs.
Self-serve video demo stations where attendees could record and edit videos using Wistia on the spot.
Instead of typical brochures, Wistia distributed a hand-designed custom zine made specifically for INBOUND.
… along with a live content component with their Talking Too Loud podcast team recording 20 mini-interviews right from the show floor and 1:1 demo stations staffed by Sales and CS to handle deeper conversations and product education. And their presence extended into two content sessions: one high-energy presentation on a Festival Stage and a 90-minute deep-dive workshop.
Wistia's multi-layered approach to activation met attendees exactly where they were, delivering value at every touchpoint.
THE IMPACT
Wistia's bold, experience-first approach delivered results across the funnel:
Lead Generation: 835 total leads captured; including 200+ qualified from demo interactions
Product Engagement: 106 attendee-created videos using Wistia tools
Merch Amplification: 2,500+ pieces of branded and non-branded swag distributed
Content Success:
- 300+ attendees at the deep dive workshop
- 500+ at the Festival Stage session
- 20 podcast interviews conducted onsite
Each piece of their sponsorship contributed to broader brand visibility, pipeline activity, and post-event engagement.
THE VALUE
What sets INBOUND apart? According to Wistia, it’s the audience quality and their enthusiasm to engage. Unlike other events where attendees passively drift through sponsor spaces, INBOUND’s community shows up ready to learn, explore, and interact.
"The attendees are excited, engaged and willing, if not eager to talk to sponsors. They want to learn and will actively come up to your booth and ask questions. You can't beat the attendees at INBOUND." — Taylor Corrado, Wistia's Senior Director of Brand Marketing
Wistia’s results are proof: When you design with intention and audience alignment, event activations turn into long-term brand equity.
Ready to create your own INBOUND moment?
Please fill out the form below to receive a copy of the INBOUND 2025 sponsorship prospectus.
