The Challenge
Bienal do Livro do Rio, one of Latin America's premier literary events, faced the challenge of resonating with younger generations and pop culture communities.
Traditional book fair formats were not enough to sustain growth or deepen engagement. The event needed a bold new approach to attract creators, foster authentic community, increase dwell time, and ensure the experience felt relevant and inclusive for emerging fandoms and independent artists.
The Solution
GL-Events partnered with EngageXP to rethink what a literary event could be.
After exploring the limits of previous activations and seeking an authentic connection with the geek and creative community, EngageXP's experience design team curated a full-scale Geek Area.
This included a high-visibility Artist Alley, where 30 independent artists showcased their work, and a dedicated programming stage featuring panels and special guests from across the pop culture spectrum.
The focus was on authenticity, community-driven experiences, and integrating geek culture into the event’s core.
As one artist put it:
"This was one of the best Artist Alley experiences I've ever had. The energy and sense of community were incredible."
The Results
The impact was immediate and profound.
The Artist Alley became a magnet for attendees, consistently ranking as one of the most visited spaces.
The Geek Area hosted 30 artists, delivered a full day of main stage geek programming, and drove high audience engagement with strong, sustained foot traffic.
The initiative received widespread acclaim from both attendees and creators, cementing its status as one of the best Artist Alley editions at the Bienal.
More than just a successful activation, the project repositioned Bienal do Livro do Rio as a dynamic cultural convergence; expanding its reach, driving community loyalty, and setting a new standard for event innovation.
