Bringing Digital Connections to Life: The Rise of Real-World Experiences
By Lisa Mabe, Founder of Green Purse
Photo source: Food & Wine
In an age where so much of our attention lives on screens, something remarkable is happening: people want experiences that move beyond the digital world and into real life. The communities and interests they cultivate online are increasingly becoming reasons to gather in person, to taste, explore, and connect.
I recently attended a webinar with TasteMaker Conference on the importance of community events for brands, and it reinforced this shift. People crave experiences that connect them to others, and brands that meet them there are the ones creating lasting impact.
Online Interests Driving In-Person Experiences
A 2025 Eventbrite study reveals that 95% of young adults (18-35) are interested in attending in-person events rooted in interests they’ve developed online. Even more striking, 73% plan to attend such events in the next six months. These findings show a clear trend: people want to turn their online passions into real-world experiences. Whether it’s a small niche gathering, a wellness workshop, or a music or culinary festival, these in-person experiences are where meaningful engagement happens.
Hyperlocal Discovery: TikTok Drives Real-World Engagement
This trend is being amplified by platforms like TikTok. As of February 2026, TikTok launched its Local Feed in the U.S., a feature designed to connect users with nearby experiences, events, restaurants, and shops. Using proximity, topic, and recency, the algorithm highlights what’s happening right now near the user—helping small businesses and niche events attract real-world attention. Digital platforms are no longer just about screen time—they’re bridges to in-person experiences that people value.
Why Brands Should Care
For brands and experts, this is an opportunity. People are looking for experiences, not just products or content. When your audience can taste, see, touch, or experience your offering, engagement deepens, loyalty grows, and media-worthy moments emerge naturally. At Green Purse PR, we help promotion boards and brands do exactly that through in-person events. From culinary festivals to music events, gifting lounges, and wellness gatherings, we place your category or products where your audience already is—tasting, experiencing, and sharing.
Explore Product Placement at Events with Green Purse →
Product Placement Opportunities Include:
Food & wine festivals like the Food & Wine Classic
Wellness & sustainability gatherings
Media-rich events such as gifting lounges or morning show segments
Music and lifestyle festivals
Strategic gifting at industry conferences.
Digital connections are moving offline, and experiences are the bridge. If your brand isn’t part of the conversation where audiences are gathering in real life, you’re missing the chance to create meaningful engagement. 📩 Contact us today to explore how your products can be placed in curated in-person experiences that leave a lasting impression.
