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EWI Worldwide

EWI Worldwide Grows Events Division with Hiring of David DiPuma

Posted byKatie
We're pleased to share that we've hired David DiPuma as Creative Producer and Event Manager in our Events Division. DiPuma will be responsible for developing the creative strategy and integrated approach to clients’ event experience while helping them achieve overall program objectives.

Prior to joining EWI Worldwide, DiPuma ran his own consulting and marketing agency, where he provided business and event marketing strategies and event production for a variety of well-known corporations, including CIBA Vision, Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Network, Novartis, Points of Light Institute, Spanx, the College Board and Wal-Mart. DiPuma is also an accomplished speaker and session facilitator at meeting industry conferences and meetings nationwide, involved in the Georgia Chapter of Meeting Planners International (GAMPI) and is the recipient of multiple awards for his contribution and expertise in the meetings and events industry.

DiPuma will be based in Atlanta, Ga.

Please just us in extending him a warm welcome!
 
 

Event Marketing Summit: Embracing the Revolution

Posted byKatie
Next week, we'll be joining hundreds of industry peers at the Event Marketing Summit in Chicago.

We're excited about this event for a number of reasons - to learn about the latest in the industry, talk about trends, benchmarking in the industry and more - and one of the topics we're most interested in is how technology is changing the industry and the way that we approach live events.

We hope you can join us at the Tuesday 8 a.m. keynote, "Disruption at the door: Change is on the way." Scott Schenker, VP-Global Events from SAP will be presenting how digital and social media are causing a fundamental shift in events - and though it hasn't affected the industry full-force, the change is in motion.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this POV - and will blog about what was shared after the keynote. We'll also be live-Tweeting throughout the summit, so please follow us at www.twitter.com/yourstoryalive.

 
 

Making social media work smarter for event marketers

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?
 
 

Four Things to Know about iPads at Live Events

Posted byKatie
 When you think “technology” and “trade show” – it’s hard not to think iPad.

Regardless of the industry or specific event, this iconic tool is showing up everywhere, and for good reason. It’s adaptable, allows for personalization and as a consumer-facing tool, it can be a less expensive option than others available on the market. And, according to a recent whitepaper by TBA Global, Gartner predicts that the number of iPad users could increase to 100 million by 2012, with an average of 6,000 new iPad apps available each month.  

For many, the fact that this tool is quickly becoming ubiquitous is good enough reason to jump on the bandwagon. However, before you sprint to your closest Apple store, follow the next four best practices to ensure that your technology tools are being used in a strategic, thoughtful way that reflects your brand:

Know your audience: How do you want your consumers to interact with your brand? How can you transform your brand in such a way that the technology reflects your values while being engaging, informative and an extension of your sales team?

Content is king: In any platform, this old adage holds true. Just as your communications need to always add value to the interactions customers have with your brand, this needs to be carried over to your iPads and any other technology to bring to the floor. No matter how cool the app you made is, if it’s not smart, don’t bother.

Get your team together: According to the whitepaper TBA Global published, “Welcome to the iPad,” tech experts are a must if you’re going to undertake the app endeavor. Build a clever program, test it, work out the kinks and have ample feet on the ground at your next event to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

Data: Determine what you need and why and make sure that it works seamlessly with your existing data management or CRM system. Remember that data is only as good as the next step – whether that be sending information to your reseller, dealer or product teams so that they can follow up quickly, or, your'e able to address customer pain points in a timely fashion.

No matter the execution – product demos, lead retrieval, educational, social media engagement or reporting  – make the most of your technology investments by starting with strategy and remaining true to your brand.

 
 
About YSA

A place where creative folks and clients, account people and strategists gather to discuss Live Communications and its singular ability to create deeper, more meaningful relationships between

customers and brands. 

 

So pull up your keyboard and raise a few questions, share some ideas, provide a little inspiration.  Oh, yeah... and get comfortable.  After all, it's your place.

 

Developed by the creatives of EWI Worldwide, www.ewiworldwide.com.


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