The latest in experiential marketing: a virtual brand experience from Acer

Shoppers in Sydney participated in a Virtual Experience when the world’s no. 2 for total PCs and notebooks, Acer, utilised experiential marketing to promote its' Aspire S3 Ultrabook.

Interaction was key with an ‘Acer zone’ set up for customers to see, touch and feel the Aspire S3 using new technology as its enticer. Apparently a first in Australia, Acer is using a virtual character to play the role of a sales person and fitting with the product the virtual lady has been named ‘Alicia Aspire’.

Having maximum control over what the salesperson says and does is unusual but Acer’s motives are well thought out and driven by experiential marketing, with the main purpose of this experience to demonstrate that like Acer’s Ultrabook, the virtual character ‘steps outside of the box’. Alicia Aspire and the Ultrabook break the barriers, and to demonstrate this further, shoppers were given the opportunity to view Alicia from any angle.

According to Acer, “The innovative technology uses a short-throw projector to throw an image onto an acrylic cutout. Sound is generated by using a surface speaker that is transmitted as though the voice is actually coming directly from the projected sales person.”

Acer’s virtual experience brings meaning to their brand, providing a parallel with this never seen before, eye catching display and Acer's advanced technology within the Ultrabook. Acer explain, “What we’re trying to do is use technology as a means of reaching out to our customers but also has that personal touch. It is a great way for us to engage with our customers.”

There is no doubt that this piece of experiential marketing has made an impact on the Acer brand.