Experiential Marketing

Yes, these terms do seem to be used interchangeably (especially the first two), and in many cases improperly. Although the industry will probably never agree 100% on the definition of each, here is how our company would define them:

Experiential Marketing (XM): Immersive, multi-sensory experiences that include all or most of the five senses, created with the specific intent of promoting a brand or product. Ideally the experience provides the consumer with some type of bona fide payout or value (typically in the form of education, entertainment, adventure, etc.).

Event Marketing: Any type of XM that takes place at or near a scheduled event.

Brand Activation: A very broad term that is used to describe how brands are promoted. It could include virtually any type of tactics across the marketing spectrum.