Case StudiesJul 19, 20255 min readBy Natalie Brooks

Event Promotion Success Story: Driving Foot Traffic Through Street Ads

event marketingcase studyoutdoor adsfestival

Key Takeaways

  • 1Outdoor ads (posters, billboards) drove a 35% increase in festival attendance.
  • 2200+ QR codes scanned for family discounts; 60% of attendees cited outdoor ads as their source.
  • 3Bright, thematic visuals and timing (2 weeks out) maximized recall.
  • 4Combined with radio and social media, the campaign turned ads into ticket sales.
This case study follows the organizers of a local summer festival who used outdoor ads to promote the event. We examine how strategic placement and timing of posters and billboards helped them increase attendance and community engagement.

In-Depth Sections

1

About the Event

The Summer Splash Festival is an annual music and arts event in the city park. In the year covered by this case, the organizers wanted to reach a broader audience to attract families and young people. They had a modest marketing budget and a strong desire to see record-breaking attendance.

    2

    Advertising Plan

    The team used NexGenAds to identify high-traffic areas near public transit and popular neighborhoods. They placed colorful posters at bus stops and two large roadside billboards two weeks before the event. The designs featured bright graphics of music and food, along with festival dates and a simple website link. They also synced the outdoor ads with local radio spots. A QR code on the posters offered a family discount, encouraging people to take action when they saw the ad.

      3

      Outcomes

      The results were impressive. Attendance increased by 35% compared to last year. Organizers scanned over 200 QR codes for discount passes, which translated into hundreds of ticket sales. Surveys showed that 60% of attendees learned about the festival through outdoor ads. Local businesses also reported higher traffic that weekend, indicating the festival had a wider impact. The combination of bright visuals and the discount incentive proved effective in drawing crowds.

        4

        Lessons for Promoters

        Key lessons: - Use visuals that capture the festival’s spirit (music, fun, food). - Time your ads for 1-3 weeks before the event for maximum recall. - Include incentives (discount codes, giveaways) to encourage quick action. - Combine with other media (radio, social) for wider reach. By focusing on high-traffic locations and a clear call-to-action, the Summer Splash team turned outdoor ads into a ticket-selling machine.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Q:When is the best time to run outdoor ads for an event?

          Start outdoor ads 1-3 weeks before the event. This timeframe is close enough to the event to stay top-of-mind, but allows people time to plan. Running ads too early might be forgotten; too late and many people won’t have seen them. Consistent visibility in the weeks leading up to the event works best.

          Q:Are discount codes effective in outdoor ads?

          Yes, they give people a reason to act. A clear incentive (like a family discount) can convert viewers into attendees. Make the code easy to use and remember, and track it to measure how many responses came from your ad.

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