Steady Hands in Unsteady Times
The global landscape is shifting fast. Recent policy changes like proposed international tariffs or rollbacks in corporate initiatives can add new layers of complexity for experiential marketers. From raw building materials to logistics, F&B to venue contracts, nearly every touchpoint of live experiences could feel an impact.
At George P. Johnson (GPJ), change is nothing new. We accept challenges as regular invites to collaborate, strategize and drive innovation. Every day, headlines cast doom on rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions, but 110+ years of experience have taught us that resilience comes from thoughtful awareness and action, instead of panic and gut reaction. While disruption is temporary, strategy endures.
GPJ is uniquely positioned to support client diversification and adaptability. With integrated global and U.S. teams, we’re always guiding our clients through the ebb and flow of the times. Whether it’s rethinking how and where physical experiences are produced, or balancing domestic sourcing strategies to avoid delays and costly duties, we move fast without compromising creativity or business impact.
Across the board, we’re helping clients make smart, holistic decisions:
- Raw Materials: If tariffs inflate prices, we’ve already explored substitutions for comparable, lower-cost options for event infrastructure without sacrificing design integrity.
- AV, Tech, and Logistics: We optimize fabrication and shipping by choosing production hubs strategically – cutting costs, avoiding or minimizing duties, and reducing timelines.
- Food & Beverage: Rising import prices open the door for curated, locally-sourced menus that reflect regional tastes while preserving budgets and elevating experience.
- Contracts & Venues: We help clients assess contractual risks, re-scope as needed, and pivot event formats without losing value.
- Creative & Strategic Planning: A consultative approach to optimize your event portfolio and reach audiences effectively—even when travel becomes a constraint.
These are not stopgaps. They’re part of a long-game mindset that includes scenario planning, risk management, portfolio-wide supply chain review, and refining communications/messaging that can boost confidence.
Behind the scenes, GPJ teams continue to assess vendor shifts, pricing impacts, and sourcing challenges in real-time. We’re briefing account leads, supporting clients through cost & legal conversations, and bringing strategy and creative teams together to rethink everything from booth builds to attendee journeys.
This isn’t about scaling back—it’s about scaling smart. Face-to-face experiences move people and in uncertain times, those moments of transparency, connection, authenticity, and trust are more powerful than ever. As we look to the rest of 2025 and beyond, GPJ is here to help brands turn headwinds into tailwinds because together, we’ll move faster, think smarter, and come out stronger.
