Saturday, Sept. 21 - Sunday, Oct. 6
Oktoberfest, known for its lively atmosphere and love of beer, offers an excellent opportunity for hospitality and retail entrepreneurs to present their brand in a unique and festive way. Want to know how to boost your branding and marketing during this world-famous festival? Then read on and find out how you can transform your business into the star of Oktoberfest!
Why hook up with Oktoberfest
It's important for your business to capitalize on events like Oktoberfest because it provides a unique opportunity to connect your brand with something that already has your target audience's attention. Leveraging these popular cultural moments can lead to increased visibility, customer engagement and ultimately increased sales. Events like these create a natural buzz that makes it easier to spread your message and promote your products or services. It also shows that your brand is dynamic and relevant.
1. Printed products: your logo everywhere
Create a festive brand experience. Oktoberfest is more than just beer; it's an experience. One of the most powerful ways to promote your brand during Oktoberfest is through printed products. Transform your venue with printed products that exude your brand. Think printed beer mats, t-shirts, flags, banners, and even tablecloths with your logo. Each element should breathe the essence of your brand while enhancing the Oktoberfest atmosphere.
This not only increases the visibility of your brand, but also creates a lasting memory for visitors. Check out our printed products page for inspiration and examples of how we've helped other brands stand out.
2.Creative printed packaging
Packaging is often an underachiever in the branding world, but not during Oktoberfest! Use printed packaging to give your products an extra festive touch. From special beer bottle labels to unique tote bags, the possibilities are endless. But also think about customized gift boxes for a drinks package, for example. Make sure these packages stand out and hand them out as collectors' items. For more information, visit our packaging page.
3. Use social media to set the mood
Social media is a powerful tool to enhance your Oktoberfest branding and marketing strategy. Share behind-the-scenes content, special offers and countdowns to the event. Organize a photo contest featuring your Oktoberfest-style products and encourage interaction by using hashtags and tags.
4. Marketing that one cannot resist
Oktoberfest is a perfect opportunity to get creative with your marketing. Organize themed events, such as a "Best Lederhosen" contest, or offer special promotions that are only valid during the festival. Use social media to promote your Oktoberfest activities and engage your followers with your brand through interactive content such as polls or quizzes about German beer culture.
5. Partnerships and collaborations
The power of networking cannot be underestimated, especially during large events such as Oktoberfest. Partner with local brewers or other hospitality entrepreneurs to create co-branded events or special offers. This not only attracts more customers, but also strengthens relationships within the local community.
6. Offer unforgettable customer service
Your employees are the face of your brand. Make sure they are trained to provide excellent service, in style with the cheerful and welcoming spirit of Oktoberfest. Consider special work wear that both promotes your brand and contributes to the festivities.
7. Experience the atmosphere for yourself
Last tip, but certainly not the least: dive into the festivities yourself! Experience Oktoberfest for yourself to really understand what attracts your customers and how you can capitalize on it with your branding. Not only will this give you a better understanding of your target audience, but you'll also just have a great time!
Here are inspiring examples of how some world-famous brands are using Oktoberfest to take their branding and marketing to the next level:
Lufthansaduring Oktoberfest
Lufthansa, Germany's largest airline, is celebrating Oktoberfest by having their cabin crew wear traditional Bavarian costumes on selected flights to and from Munich during the festival. This gives travelers an Oktoberfest experience immediately upon boarding.
The wearing of traditional Bavarian attire by cabin crew during Oktoberfest is something Lufthansa has been doing for many years.
Adidasduring Oktoberfest
Adidas designed sneakers especially for Oktoberfest that were beer and vomit resistant, a nod to the festival's lively and sometimes messy festivities. Advertised with the slogan "Ready for Oktoberfest," these limited edition shoes were both functional and festive with their Bavarian lederhosen-inspired design.
The special Oktoberfest sneakers that are beer- and vomit-resistant were first introduced in 2017.
Paulanerduring Oktoberfest
As one of six breweries officially allowed to sell at Oktoberfest in Munich, Paulaner creates special editions of their beers and designs unique packaging available only during the festival. Their marketing focuses heavily on promoting authentic Bavarian heritage and culture.
BMWduring Oktoberfest
BMW, based in Munich, engages with Oktoberfest through special events and promotions at their BMW Welt, the city's customer experience and delivery center. They often host exhibitions and offer themed tours that combine Bavarian traditions and BMW's technological excellence.
McDonald'sduring Oktoberfest
In Germany, McDonald's is adapting their menu during Oktoberfest by offering Bavarian specialties such as the "Wiesn-Schnitzelburger" or the "Bavaria Mac," specially designed to reflect local tastes and cater to the Oktoberfest crowd.
Airbnbduring Oktoberfest
During Oktoberfest, Airbnb promotes special stays and experiences in and around Munich, such as stays in traditional Bavarian homes or tours that focus on Oktoberfest history and culture. This highlights their offerings of unique local experiences.
Airbnb's promotion of special stays and experiences around Munich during Oktoberfest is a fairly recent development, especially prominent since about 2015 when they expanded their marketing strategies around local experiences.
Siemensduring Oktoberfest
Siemens, with a large office in Munich, seizes Oktoberfest for both internal celebrations and external marketing. They often offer special promotions on home appliances in Germany around this time, linked to the theme of cooking and entertaining at home.
These examples show that Oktoberfest provides an excellent opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves through creative campaigns and special product offerings. Whether custom products or themed events, these companies know how to leverage the spirit of Oktoberfest to create a deeper connection with their target audience.
Ready to also take your brand to the next level this coming Oktoberfest? Contact The Branding Club today! We would love to help you with printed products and packaging that make your brand shine. Start now and make this Oktoberfest an unforgettable success for your brand.
Prost!
