Top 100 Publicity Stunts in 2016

As these 2016 publicity stunts show, enticing consumers with out-of-the-ordinary campaigns can effectively increase awareness for the product, service or message that's being promoted.

For example, the 'Macho Craft Beer Bar' in Japan appealed to women with a love for burly men, marketing craft beer to them by loading the event with chiseled servers that they could interact with. A gas station in Russia hosted a similar event, giving away fuel for three hours to anyone who showed up in a bikini and heels. Although this request was widely condemned for its sexist nature, the many men who passionately took part in the dress code helped to make the campaign more comical.

To unite the nations involved in UEFA Euro 2016, Parisian advertising agency TBWA presented ads with body-painted subjects who had one another's flag transferred to the other in suggestive areas. Not only did this sensual ad manage to immediately capture the attention of passersby, but it carried a powerful message that promoted peace. For insight beyond these 2016 publicity stunts, see our FREE 2017 Trend Report.