In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn sat down with Jakob Eliason, co-founder of Pickleball Pop-Ups, to explore how pickleball has evolved into a powerful experiential marketing tool.

Jakob shared how the sport engages audiences across corporate events, tradeshows, festivals, and community programs, and why it’s become a go-to activity for brand activations and corporate wellness initiatives.

During the conversation, listeners learned:

• Pickleball as an engagement tool: How activations create fun, interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
• Corporate wellness & public health applications: Why pickleball is ideal for team-building and employee engagement.
• Real metrics & insights: Jakob shared growth data and personal experiences demonstrating the effectiveness of the sport.
• Event strategy & execution tips: How to successfully integrate pickleball into events of all sizes.

Jakob emphasized that most people aren’t familiar with pickleball, which makes each activation an opportunity to show why it works—and to create memorable brand experiences.

Key Quotes from Jakob Eliason:

• “Most people aren’t pickleball players—so every activation is about showing why the game works and creating a memorable experience.”
• “Pickleball is perfect for corporate wellness and team-building because it’s simple, social, and fun.”
• “We can use pickleball anywhere: tradeshows, festivals, corporate events—the applications are endless.”

The episode wrapped up with actionable advice for marketers looking to maximize engagement, build wellness programs, and drive ROI through experiential activations.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

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