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38Dec 2, 2025 · 48 minStrategy

Experiential Marketing at Global Scale

The challenges and strategies of executing experiential campaigns across multiple countries and cultures.

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Episode Summary

Maria Rodriguez, Global Head of Experiential at Coca-Cola, shares the unique challenges and incredible opportunities of running experiential campaigns at global scale. She discusses how Coca-Cola adapts its experiential strategy for different cultures while maintaining brand consistency, the logistics of simultaneous multi-country activations, and the organizational structures that support global experiential programs. Maria shares case studies from Coca-Cola's World Cup and Olympics activations, revealing how they balance global brand messaging with local cultural relevance. The episode also covers talent management, agency relationships, and budget allocation for global experiential programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Global experiential campaigns need a 70/30 split: 70% global consistency, 30% local adaptation
  • Cultural insights teams are essential - what's engaging in one market may be offensive in another
  • Simultaneous multi-country activations require standardized toolkits with flexible execution guides
  • Local agency partnerships are more effective than flying in global teams for regional activations

Timestamps

0:00Coca-Cola's global experiential philosophy
5:30Balancing global consistency with local relevance
12:00Cultural adaptation strategies
18:30World Cup activation case study
25:00Logistics of multi-country campaigns
31:15Agency relationships and talent management
38:00Budget allocation for global programs
44:30Lessons learned from two decades of global experiential

Featured Guest

MR

Maria Rodriguez

Global Head of Experiential

Coca-Cola