February 23, 2012 1:52 PM
Posted byKatie

When you think about extending a brand's presence beyond the show floor, social media is a natural go-to answer. However, when listening to a Webinar earler this week on the
Event Marketing institute's EventTrack 2012: Event & Experiential Marketing Industry Forecast & Best Practices Study, I was surprised to learn the study found that "the relationship between events and technology is emerging. Only 28 percent of brands say their social media efforts are very integrated with their event and experiential marketing currently, although 49 percent say these two mediums are somewhat integrated."
What does this mean? Everyone sees the value of social media, but it's application is still in its infancy, despite seeing an explosion of growth in the past three years (see
Pinterest and music streaming sites like
Spotify,
Grooveshark for latest boomers). According to the study, the most opportunity for social media - and the areas they are most interested in seeing evolve - are those applications that help enlist influencers and build the company database.
How you can get ahead of the curve:
- Keep using social media to spread the word. One of the best advantages of social media is that it's widespread, accessible and reactive, so you can get news out in a matter of minutes when needed. This becomes especially handy when
- Do your homework and see who is making the most noise in your (and your clients') industry. They may already be your brand evangelist - and arming them with the right resources and information can go a long way. The Ford Fiesta Movement is the example that always coming to mind, where Ford gave consumers a Ford Fiesta and asked them to complete a different mission every month. (Read more at Business Week)
- Help people convert. When I'm interested in a brand, I often try to wallpaper my resources. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and their blog are all locations I want to track to make sure I don't miss out on a word. Make sure that your (and your clients') community isn't missing out, or you could be missing an opportunity waiting to be converted. This doesn't mean that you need to sell them on your next special, but it can open the conversation and get you and your team thinking about what questions this community might have and how you can fulfill them.
What are some forward-thinking social media applications you've seen in the event space?
February 22, 2012 5:02 PM
Posted byAdam Sweet
My sister, the Queen of Positivity in my life, recently shared this wonderful article about the power of smiling. I hope you enjoy! Its principles were featured at the TED conference.

http://thehealthylivinglounge.com/2012/01/16/smile-more-and-feel-lighter/
February 07, 2012 1:12 PM
Posted byAdam Sweet

The NAMM show, referring to the National Association of Music Merchants, is the most unique tradeshow I’ve attended to date. It includes domestic music product retailers as well as international associations of commercial businesses, and manufacturers. NAMM is much different than auto shows and way different than health care shows; it is a collective of passionate people and companies to showcase new products, innovations, and have a lot of fun.
NAMM is a show for the music world. Since I am not an instrumental musician, most experiences were out of touch for me. Experience was something I watched more than participated in. There were plenty of areas for attendees to use new products like drums, guitars, accordions, and many other instruments. However, the most effective experiences for me involved headphones. The partnership between a video screen and a set of headphones is understated, but extremely effective. It allows you to be in your own world, separate from your surroundings.
There was an intimacy at this show that was visible; people were emotionally tied to what they were doing musically. These instruments were an outlet for their inner self, and just walking down the halls was an experience for me because I got to listen to these people’s souls’ projected through music. It was really wonderful. That alone was enough for me to say that this show was experientially great!
NAMM showcased an ability for a message to be conveyed in a number of ways. We as designers in the exhibit industry can learn from the show how important it is to truly make an impact on our visitors. Target your audience, plan your attack, and execute with intent.
For more information on NAMM including membership information, news, and event dates, visit
www.NAMM.org.
December 29, 2011 9:40 AM
Posted byEli
Michael Peck’s work is layered both in meaning and technique.
He creates a tension that is both disarming and disturbing in the same moment. The
contrast and the push/pull of light and dark in composition as well as subject
matter of wonder juxtaposed with moody and deep contemplative landscapes are hypnotizing.
The monochromatic watercolor keep us focused on what is in front of us leaving
the past behind. Timeless. Fantastic! Check it out.
http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/michael-peck-within-the-layers-documentary
December 27, 2011 1:39 PM
Posted byEli
December 27, 2011 1:30 PM
Posted byEli
December 21, 2011 9:40 AM
Posted bySteve Riley
Hotel Shampoo, a record, a place, and a way to use your "free hotel shampoo."
November 04, 2011 1:34 PM
Posted bySteve Riley

i love way this form reminds us how tiny we really are as it teeters over you. no decoration. just thought.
November 04, 2011 8:29 AM
Posted byEli
A stunning example of nature in all of its beautiful and unpredictable
glory. A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and
most fleeting phenomena.
November 03, 2011 8:41 PM
Posted byAdam Sweet
Some very cool office décor for creative spaces. I like the juxtaposition of super ornate
surroundings with modern furniture and fixtures. Although the Azure space is
something out of a Dr. Suess story.
Happy imagining!
Next >>