PAUL SOSEMAN
PAUL SOSEMAN
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For the last 25 years, I’ve helped bring more than 60,000 live brand activations to life. I founded and scaled Department Zero (2002 to 2020) into a leading experiential marketing agency that started in a spare bedroom and grew into a national operation with three U.S. offices. We launched an event staffing agency, developed proprietary systems to improve creativity and ROI, and earned the trust of clients like Toyota, TikTok, Subaru, Southwest Airlines, Lufthansa, Verizon, Google, and Microsoft.
Department Zero was built differently. We kept staffing in-house, giving us tighter control over the people representing our clients. We stayed lean, efficient, and focused on results. I’m proud of the work we did, the clients we served, and the culture we built. When the pandemic halted live events, we had to make the difficult decision to close the agency. I shifted into consulting to continue doing the work I love, without the overhead.
Inspired by the concept of the masterless samurai, aka Ronin, I now collaborate directly with brands, agencies, and experiential teams to create smarter, sharper activations. Clients come to me for fast answers, reliable execution, and proven strategies that start with outcomes and work backward. I’ve built a network of trusted production partners and support teams over the years, so every project has the right people behind it, without the layers or waste.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Exhibitor Magazine / Corporate Event Awards (with links)
• Best Non-Conventional Event: Opal Apples Pop-up (2019)
• Best Road Show + Judges Choice: Second Skin Brand Launch (2018)
• Best Product Launch: Lufthansa Airlines #MoreConnected (2017)
• Best Road Show: Vanity Fair #LiftTour (2015)
Promo / Chief Marketer Magazine
• Top 200 US Promotional Agency (2013 - 2018)
Event Marketer / Experience Design + Technology Awards
• Best High- Tech Audience Interaction: Scion Live Event App (2016)
Ingrams Magazine (Kansas City Business Publication)
• Best Place to Work (2009)
• Fastest Growing Company (2010)
Published Articles
• AdWeek, Event Marketer, Exhibitor Magazine, MarketingProfs, Trade Show News Network, Marketing Tech News, PSFK, Chief Marketer, Forbes, Media Post, CEOWorld and more.
Speaking Engagements
• Experiential Marketing Summit, AAF, Event Tech and WOMMA.
VIDEO WORK SAMPLES
Brand: Lufthansa Airlines
Introduced new flights from San Jose to Frankfurt with a unique digital game + live streaming activation, virtual reality experiences, authentic flight crews and a chance to win free flights to Germany.
Brand: Vanity Fair Lingerie
Single-day pop-up event in NYC to promote new fabrics from Vanity Fair Lingerie. Custom containers created a luxe lounge, boutique, and meditation zone. We invited busy New Yorkers to join us, for a moment to breathe.
Brand: Dick's Sporting Goods
Product launch mobile tour to introduce Second Skin brand apparel to athletic-minded consumers and CrossFit enthusiasts at large sponsored events across the US.
Brand: Opal Apples
Pop-up orchard and selfie museum installation on Orchard Street in NYC to celebrate National Apple Day. Secondary activation on Fox and Friends. Featuring special tastings, 3-D photo experiences, virtual reality orchard tours, and more.
Project: #BallinOnTikTok College Tour
Brand: TikTok
To amplify awareness, downloads and use among the college demographic, TikTok hit the road to connect with students, celebrate the NCAA tournament basketball and give away free pizza.
Brand: Tourism Australia
Personalized augmented reality experience created for Tourism Australia
Brand: Scion (Toyota Motor Sales)
Scion iM + iA launch event on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. Event featured 3D projection mapping, proximity smartphone app, photo engagement, flight simulator and more.
Brand: Delta Airlines
Introduced consumers to new in-flight snack options by deploying pop-up vending machines across the country. Many hungry participants got more than just a bite to eat.
Project: Dealership Training Experience
Brand: Scion (Toyota Motor Sales)
Product training event to educate dealership sales associates on the new Scion iM + iA; included hands-on experiences both in the classroom and on the track.
Brand: Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pop-up interactive art gallery experience. Event featured local artists, personalized art creation stations, temporary tattoos, arcade games, live music and more.
Brand: Gordmans
An in-store fashion shows series that collaborates with local student organizations. Events leverage their insight and creativity to showcase new looks and retail product lines.
Brand: Scion (Toyota Motor Sales)
Consumer test-drive event held outside of the Portland International Auto Show. Attendees were welcomed to drive the entire Scion lineup during a 3-day exhibition.
Brand: Scion (Toyota Motor Sales)
Created a unique live +digital artwork experience using projection mapping and Wii remotes hidden in spray-paint cans to create digital graffiti art.
Brand: Scion (Toyota Motor Sales)
Series of track test-drive events to introduce the FR-S to Scion dealership sales staff. Featured hands-on tutorials with professional drift driver Ken Gushi.
Brand: Scion / theSLATE( Toyota Motor Sales)
Rally xD racing team "Special Stage" Party @ theSLATE; a pop-up lifestyle venue powered by Scion.
Brand: Scion / theSLATE (Toyota Motor Sales)
Weekly dance competition held at theSLATE, a Scion brand lifestyle pop-up venue in Portland, OR.
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