Toronto's "Trekkies" were able to fill their summer nights with interactive games and drinking at the CNE's Star Trek bar.
The unique venue was a part of a larger 2016 exhibition called 'Star Trek: 50 Artists. 50 Years,' which paid tribute to the impressive legacy of the galactic franchise. As the name of the exhibition suggests, it featured the work of 50 different artists from 10 countries, who expressed their fandom through a variety of mediums. Both 2D and 3D pieces were on display at the exhibition, and collectibles could be purchased at a connecting pop-up shop.
After guests got their fill of art, they could head over to the Star Trek bar to refresh and relax. As trivia nights happened frequently, guests had the chance to improve their knowledge of the franchise and meet other like-minded individuals -- making it a great alternative to typical Toronto clubs.
Galactic Fantasy Bars
The CNE Opened a Star Trek Bar with Trivia Games to Appeal to Franchise Fans
Trend Themes
1. Fantasy Themed Bars - There is an opportunity for bars to create immersive environments around popular fantasy franchises to attract niche communities.
2. Interactive Art Exhibitions - Art exhibitions can leverage interactivity to create unique experiences for visitors and increase engagement levels.
3. Pop-up Shops - Using pop-up shops to complement exhibitions or events is an effective way to monetize merchandise and drive additional revenue.
Industry Implications
1. Bar and Nightlife - The bar and nightlife industry can take advantage of popular franchises to create unique and immersive environments for fans.
2. Art and Culture - The art and culture industry can explore the use of interactivity to create unique and differentiated experiences for visitors.
3. Retail and Merchandising - The retail and merchandising industry can utilize pop-up shops as a means to monetize events or exhibitions and drive additional revenue.