The Ultimate Guide to Event Marketing with Narrative Video

By Finding You Pictures, Scottsdale Production Company

A screen grab from an event promotion video we created in-house.

Trade shows and industry events are major investments - but too many companies rely on generic promotion that fails to capture attention. As audiences grow more selective about what they attend, brands need better tools to stand out and drive meaningful engagement.

Narrative video is one of the most effective ways to transform event marketing. Instead of simply announcing your booth location, a well-produced story makes people care about showing up.

 

Why Narrative Video Outperforms Traditional Event Promotion

Typical event promotions often look like this:

  • Static social media graphics

  • Email blasts with dates and booth numbers

  • A last-minute reminder to stop by

While these tactics can create awareness, they rarely build anticipation or emotional connection. Narrative videos, on the other hand:

  • Humanize your brand by introducing real team members

  • Show what makes your presence at the event unique

  • Create a sense of excitement and FOMO

  • Provide versatile content you can share across channels

 

The Challenge - Standing Out at a Major Trade Show

When Legend Brands planned their presence at NeXus in Las Vegas - one of the largest trade shows in the restoration industry - they knew they needed something more engaging than standard promotional content.

NeXus attracts thousands of professionals who come to:

  • Learn about new industry trends

  • Network with peers

  • Discover innovative products and solutions

To compete for attention, Legend Brands needed a creative approach that would feel approachable and memorable.

 

Our Approach - Using Narrative to Drive Engagement

As part of the ongoing Ange and Addi web series we created for Legend Brands, our team produced a dedicated event video designed to:

  • Build awareness that Legend Brands would be exhibiting

  • Showcase the personalities behind the brand

  • Reinforce their credibility as industry leaders

Key elements of the strategy included:

  • Relatable Characters: The video featured the same familiar faces from the series to create continuity and build on established audience trust.

  • Conversational Tone: Instead of a scripted announcement, the video felt like an invitation from friends.

  • Clear Call to Action: Viewers were encouraged to attend Legend Brand’s masterclass.

 
 

Results - More Than Just Awareness

Higher Engagement
The video generated stronger engagement on social media compared to static graphics and text posts.

Increased Booth Traffic
By pairing storytelling with a clear invitation, Legend Brands saw increased interest and attendance from both existing customers and new prospects.

Reusable Content
Because the video was part of the broader web series, it could also be repurposed as evergreen content on YouTube and in email campaigns.

 

Tips for Using Narrative Video in Your Event Marketing

If you’re planning to attend an industry event, here are a few ways to use narrative video effectively:

  • Start Early: Release your video weeks in advance to build momentum.

  • Leverage Familiar Faces: Use recognizable team members or characters to create consistency.

  • Keep It Short and Authentic: Aim for under two minutes with a conversational tone.

  • Include a Clear Next Step: Always tell viewers exactly how to connect with you at the event.

  • Repurpose Across Channels: Post on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and your website to maximize reach.

 

Schedule a Consultation 

Contact Us to learn how narrative video can elevate your event marketing strategy.

 
 
Dustin James Leighton

Dustin James Leighton is a Director and Director of Photography, and the founder of Finding You Pictures, a Scottsdale-based production company. Based in Arizona, Dustin leads a lean, senior-level team dedicated to crafting bold brand identities through cinematic storytelling. Specializing in strategic video production and commercial photography, Finding You Pictures delivers the polish of an agency with the care of a creative partner, serving businesses across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the greater Arizona area.

Next
Next

DefendAir 400 Campaign – High-Impact Product Video on a Tight Timeline