Bangkok’s nightlife and events scene has been on a tear this year with many companies pushing towards unique and immersive experiences—be that heavily themed drinks and interiors or events that bring guests into the heart of the experience through technology and performance.
Event company Gulp BKK is one of the more well known names in the space helping to lead that charge. To shed some light on Bangkok’s latest trends in nightlife and events, we sat down with Vikram Arunagari, the company’s founder, to talk about the top party trends for 2024 and how Gulp BKK leverages these trends when creating its own standout experience, like the upcoming
Ginventure event this
Sep. 28.
Vikram Arunagiri
Founder of Gulp BKK
BK Magazine: Gulp BKK has been building a reputation for creating and hosting great events (including joining BK’s Top Tables 2023 dining awards). What are some of the ways you are trying to transform the party experience in Bangkok?
Vikram Arunagiri: 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for events in Bangkok. We’re seeing several trends that are shaping the party scene.
Immersive Experiences: People crave more than just a party; they want an experience that transports them to another world. Events like Ginventure 2024 are a perfect example, where we create an Enchanted Forest to immerse attendees in a magical setting. Here we want the customers to interact with the brands our unique way.
Personalization: Guests expect tailored experiences. We’re integrating personalized elements into our events, such as customized cocktails and unique, interactive elements based on guest preferences. We work closely with brands to make things special for each event we are a part of.
Sustainability: There’s a growing focus on eco-friendly practices. From using sustainable materials for decorations to reducing waste, we’re committed to making our events as green as possible.
Tech Integration: Working with great partners is key at Gulp, I knew from day one we cannot do everything ourselves. This year we are partnering with Ticketmelon to give customers a great experience using technology through gamification at our events. Also a seamless way for them to enjoy all their fav Gulp events.
Local Flavor: Thailand is everything to me, I want to showcase this beautiful country and all that it has to offer. Every event that Gulp does here in Thailand or abroad we always have a Thai touch! There is no hospitality like Thai hospitality.
Health-Conscious Offerings: 0% spirits, wine and Champagne are a huge push for us this year. Working with our great partners at Pinnacle Gastro we are offering these amazing products to our fun loving, health conscious customers, bringing the highest quality products to this segment of the market.
Social Media Savvy: Creating Instagrammable moments is key. We design visually stunning environments and experiences that encourage guests to share on social media, With our partners at Kommune who are able to bring our madness to life!
Live Entertainment: High-quality live performances, from music to theatrical acts, are becoming a central feature at parties.
Interactive Elements: Guests enjoy participating in activities rather than just observing so we’re incorporating more interactive workshops and games into our events.
Exclusivity: The trend nowadays is less is more. Drink less, but drink better. We aim to dominate the premium event and retail segment with more tailored offerings. Working closely with companies like William Grants and Sons & Alchemy Thailand, we have access to many opportunities for our exclusive clientele to taste some truly unique products.
That’s quite the list. What challenges do you face when integrating these into your events, and how do you overcome them?
VA: I love my people. Together we push to repay the faith our amazing customers have put in us by giving customers something unique and interesting at all our events. I challenge my team and partners to always think out of the box. People forget people, if that makes sense? Brands can sometimes be so consumed in their numbers and analysis that they forget the human element.
Doing something new and different every time in this ever changing world is my biggest challenge. The new generation today requires something authentic, quick and exclusive. Our biggest hurdle is sometimes is bridging the gap between older established brands and the new generational mindset.
Being mindful is also a huge challenge. Today sustainability, privacy, and so many other things we need to factor in before we can start creating something special.
How do you see the future of event planning evolving, and how is Gulp BKK preparing for these changes?
VA: I think like most industries you will have two clear segments. A budget conscious mass market side where people will see the same things repeated, copied, and then go out of popularity.
Then there will be a premium segment of consumers who are more selective, expect something unique, and also tailor made to their needs. This is where we are.
What advice would you give to the next generation of event planners looking to stay ahead of the curve?
VA: Stay informed about emerging trends and be willing to experiment. It’s important to understand what your audience wants and adapt accordingly. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and try new things, but always ensure that any new elements align with your event’s core message and goals.
Remember: People, people, people. You need great partners to believe in you. You must have a team that you trust. You need a consumer base that you understand. When I started, money never motivated me. I worked to be part of something special. One of my mentors told me “we work in the happiness business, not the business of happiness.”
As Bangkok continues to evolve and grow its market for immersive events, Gulp BKK stands out for its ability to blend the latest trends with captivating experiences.
With Ginventure 2024 set to showcase the best of these trends, the future of the city’s immersive events landscape seems very bright.
If you wanna check out Ginventure, with an opportunity to try over 30 gin brands and eat some gourmet food, check out the event’s
Ticketmelon page or catch them on
Instagram.
