Want to get your pet brand in front of engaged, pet-loving audiences who can authentically connect with potential customers? Hosting an influencer event might just be the game-changing move your brand needs.
In March, Jolly Pets hosted their very first “Ultimutt Influencer Event” in collaboration with Barker Beds and Charlee Bear in Orlando, FL. Our team had the exciting opportunity to collaborate on this project from start to finish, from venue selection to event logo design and more. Even if you couldn’t make it to this one-of-a-kind gathering, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on all the deets! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at all the elements that made the event a true success:
🐶 The Pawfect Backdrop 🎉
One of the most important, if not the most important element of a great influencer event is its location. To support Jolly Pets’ goal of connecting creators and brands during the action-packed week Global Pet Expo brings, our team secured the most dog-friendly spot near the convention center: Bark Haven. With great menu options for humans and pups, an off-leash dog park with Pack Leader supervision, and professional regulations regarding pet vaccinations and health, this venue couldn’t have been a better spot to get the party started!
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💖 Exciting Product Reveals 🛍️
Everyone loves a free sample, so why not spread the love by giving attendees a first look at your newest products? It’s the perfect way to create buzz, drive trial, and leave a lasting impression. Right as guests entered Bark Haven, they were greeted by a fully stocked swag table with take-home items for pets and their humans. Jolly Pets also hosted their Ultimutt Giveaway, open to all influencers, whether they attended the event or not! With fun opportunities like this, a brand can thank attendees for supporting their initiatives while also spreading awareness of its products.
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📸 Fun Photo Ops & Activities 🎾
To make sure the party stayed lively, pups and their humans were treated to a night packed with fun. After grabbing some tasty bites and drinks, guests hit the Jolly Pets play zone, where dog pools and toys kept tails wagging. It quickly became the go-to content spot of the night! Other unique photo ops and activities included a 360° camera, a branded ice sculpture, and a digital pet caricature artist to capture custom keepsakes of attendees and their pets.
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WHY EVENTS LIKE THIS MATTER
Now that you’ve had an inside look at Jolly Pets, Barker Beds and Charlee Bear’s most successful influencer event to date, you might be wondering, “Is investing in an event like this really worth it?” We’re here to tell you that the answer is yes!
Generating Organic Social Content – Before, during and after the event, influencers shared posts highlighting their excitement, generating 166 total pieces of content that reached an audience of over 16.7 million consumers and pet lovers.
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Building Brand Awareness – The Ultimutt Influencer Event attracted 150 pet lovers, allowing each brand to put new product samples directly into the hands of dog owners and potential customers—plus get additional product trial and feedback.
Expanding Your Email List – The Ultimutt Giveaway hosted during the event generated 480 new leads, making follow-up marketing for future campaigns a breeze.
Opportunities to Give Back – The amazing sponsoring brands came together to highlight Florida Little Dog Rescue and three special adoptable pups: Loki, Abby, and Coco. The generous support included over 230 donated products for the rescue, while heartwarming photos of each dog were displayed on screens throughout the event space to help connect them with loving families. We’re delighted to announce that Abby has found her forever home! However, Loki and Coco are still waiting for their perfect match. If you’re considering adding a companion to your family, please visit Florida Little Dog Rescue’s Adoptable Dogs Page to discover your next beloved pet.
Making Your Brand Memorable – If you’ve been searching for ways to make your brand truly stand out, look no further. Being part of an event like this allows you to connect with influencers face-to-face, spark real relationships, and lay the groundwork for genuine, lasting collaborations. Don’t just take our word for it—check out what attendees are saying on social media:
HOW MATRIX PARTNERS CAN HELP
We offer end-to-end event planning from venue selection and budget management to logo design, setup, sponsor coordination, media outreach, and more. We don’t just plan events, we craft branded experiences that spark conversation, drive social engagement, and keep your brand top of mind long after the last guest leaves.
What sets us apart? Our deep-rooted connections in the pet industry. We bring in the influencers, tastemakers and brand reps who matter to ensure your event isn’t just well-attended, but strategically amplified. With the right vibe, the right people and the right strategy, Matrix Partners transforms events into powerful platforms that elevate your brand and position you as a true leader in the pet space.
Ready to turn heads and drive real results with your next event? Contact us at hello@matrix1.com or send us a quick DM on any of the social media channels linked below
Paws & kisses,
Katrina
