Ideas + Inspo

13 Brands On Our XP Radar Right Now

We've been heads down on something for Cannes and it has us thinking hard about brands doing experiential well right now. So we made a list. It's not definitive. It's not ranked. It's not sponsored. It's an honest accounting of the brands that get experiential* right: some legacy giants, some fast climbers, all of them in the zeitgeist. *Our definition of experiential is the intentional act of gathering people in a way that tells a story — one that culminates in feelings, growth, learning and connection. The best brands on this list understand the power of IRL, but also that the story doesn't end when people leave the room. Bandit Running Running is having a moment. Bandit got the memo. Bandit was founded by runners and built for runners—and it shows. Their West Village store opens at 7am, has lockers for group runs, plus a café and a screen for watching races. The Bandit Grand Prix drew 1,200+ athletes and 1,000 spectators to the Brooklyn Storehouse in 2025—and it’s back for 2026. Think F1-style racing with heats, a DJ, food and a 3K final under lights. And back in 2024, the brand’s Unsponsored Project — providing 35 athletes at the...