PBR Windy City Smokeout Activation Recap Report
PBR x Windy City Smokeout
Activation Recap Report
Market: Chicago, IL
Location: United Center Parking Lot C
Activation Dates: July 9–12, 2026
Agency: Ayden Activation Group
Team: 1 Team Lead + 2 Brand Ambassadors
Objective
Ayden Activation Group supported PBR at Windy City Smokeout with an onsite Brand Ambassador team focused on building awareness for PBR’s Unleash The Beast tour returning to the United Center on December 19–20, 2026.
The team engaged festival attendees, promoted the upcoming Chicago event, and encouraged guests to scan the QR code to sign up for PBR’s exclusive pre-sale offer.
Activation Overview
Across the four-day festival, the Ayden Activation Group team supported the PBR booth through guest engagement, QR code sign-up support, giveaway distribution, and event awareness.
The booth served as a strong touchpoint for existing PBR fans while also introducing new audiences to the upcoming United Center event. Guest response was consistently positive, with many attendees expressing excitement about PBR returning to Chicago.
Estimated Results
Estimated Guest Engagements: 1,660
Estimated Giveaway / Handout / QR Support Interactions: 530
Team-Reported Sign-Up Goal: Field reporting indicates the 500 sign-up goal was reached
Activation Days: 4
Daily Recap
Thursday, July 9
Thursday was slower throughout the day, but the team stayed active and guest-facing. With limited flyer inventory, the team focused on direct attendee conversations, QR code support, and promoting the December event.
Estimated Guest Engagements: 360
Estimated Giveaway / Handout Interactions: 0
Friday, July 10
Friday started slower and picked up later in the day. Guests showed interest in the upcoming PBR event and asked about additional branded items such as hats, bandannas, and shirts.
Estimated Guest Engagements: 400
Estimated Giveaway / Handout / QR Support Interactions: 130
Saturday, July 11
Saturday delivered stronger booth traffic and more consistent engagement. Guests responded well to the QR code sign-up process and showed excitement around PBR’s return to Chicago.
Estimated Guest Engagements: 450
Estimated Giveaway / Handout / QR Support Interactions: 160
Sunday, July 12
Sunday was the strongest day of the activation, with steady booth traffic and high interest in giveaways. The team continued encouraging guests to scan the QR code before receiving a koozie, helping support the pre-sale sign-up goal.
Estimated Guest Engagements: 450
Estimated Giveaway / Handout / QR Support Interactions: 240
Guest Feedback
Guest feedback was strong throughout the activation, with attendees expressing excitement for PBR’s return to Chicago and interest in attending the December event at the United Center. Many guests recognized the PBR brand from previous events, while others were introduced through the booth experience, giveaways, and QR code sign-up process.
Common comments and feedback included:
“PBR is one of my favorite live events.”
“We’ve been before and definitely want to go again.”
“This would be a fun event to bring friends or family to.”
“The sign-up process was really easy.”
“We’re excited PBR is coming to the United Center.”
“Do you have more giveaways or branded items?”
Overall, guests responded positively to the booth, the pre-sale opportunity, and the upcoming Chicago event.
Key Takeaways
The booth generated strong awareness and positive interest for PBR’s December event at the United Center.
Guests responded well to the QR code sign-up process and found it easy to use.
Field reporting indicates the 500 sign-up goal was reached.
Giveaways were a strong driver of booth traffic and guest engagement.
Additional branded giveaway items could help create even stronger engagement at future activations.
The onsite team received positive feedback from both attendees and the client.
Overall Summary
The PBR x Windy City Smokeout activation delivered strong guest engagement, positive attendee feedback, and meaningful awareness for PBR’s upcoming December event at the United Center.
The Ayden Activation Group team remained professional, energetic, and guest-facing throughout the festival, helping support QR code sign-ups, giveaway distribution, and a positive brand experience for PBR fans and new audiences in the Chicago market.
