Posts Tagged ‘Event’

HatlingFlint wins eight ADDY Awards

By Josh Hoffman, February 8, 2010
2010 Gold Awards and Judges Choice Award

2010 Gold Awards and Judges Choice Award

HatlingFlint recently won eight ADDY® Awards at the American Advertising Federation of Central Minnesota awards ceremony held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010. The ADDY Awards recognize creativity in numerous forms.

Pediatric Home Service’s Thrive Campaign received a gold award and also won the Judge’s Choice Award. The Thrive Campaign consisted of videos, a direct mail piece, ads and a microsite. The agency also received a gold award for Illustrations from the HatlingFlint Circus posters.

PHS Thrive Campaign and HatlingFlint Circus Illustrations

PHS Thrive Campaign and HatlingFlint Circus Illustrations

Silver award recipients were the Blattner Energy website, Glenn Metalcraft photos, the HatlingFlint Circus posters, a video of Tyler’s Success Story for Pediatric Home Service, and St. Cloud State University’s MBA Engaged Marketing campaign.

The award-winning pieces will advance to the district competition in Minneapolis on March 19-20.

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Fargo aglow with Hollywood version of Madison Avenue

By Kim Kemmer, December 10, 2009

On the day of our 61st annual Christmas client party, one may be consumed with the thought that tonight will be a step back to the future in this year’s theme of “AdMen and AdWomen.” Our themed Christmas party for clients, suppliers, partners and friends is a long-standing tradition in Flint Group culture.

This year’s theme of course, is in homage to the popular television show, now in its third season. A brief background for those who may not have noticed the fervor; “Mad Men” is an AMC period drama centered on Madison Avenue advertising executives in the early 60’s.

Our 2009 Client Holiday Party: "Admen Yourself" at http://www.flintcom.com/holiday/

Our 2009 Client Holiday Party: "Admen Yourself" at http://www.flintcom.com/holiday/

Historically, the early 60’s was a noteworthy time in advertising history. Some industry experts cite the period as a highpoint, “with skinny ties and fat budgets.” Others look to the era as a turning point of advertising decay and rebirth. Interestingly enough, one needs to read only an industry article or two to note emerging patterns that are reminiscent to the time period of the television series.

For those who experienced the era in real-time or who have heard the story from those who did, a recent article in Advertising Age puts the television series, “Mad Men” in perspective. “Those things did not happen that way” – Ken Wheaton as quoted in the November 2, 2009 article, “Real London Fog Adman Not Happy About “Mad Men.”

When asking Flint staff about past client parties, perhaps the same is true, that “those things did not happen that way.”

Happy Holidays.

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The 7 Deadly Sins of Presenting

By Lee Massey, December 1, 2009

You’ve spent hours finding the perfect presenters for your event. You’ve flown them to your venue, briefed them about your employees, your corporate culture, your business model, your goals for your event.

You’ve written speeches for your senior management team and rehearsed them to perfection.

You’ve spent a lot of money preparing graphics, videos and handouts.

Your event begins and suddenly, you feel that horrible tightness in your stomach. The microphone is squealing. The projector is too dim and the screen is too small. You see the attendees squirm in their seats, your CEO gives you “that look” and at that moment, you’re the captain of the Titanic.

Been there? Well, here are the “7 Deadly Sins of Presenting.”

  1. Using an inadequate sound system
  2. Not properly illuminating your stage
  3. Using a screen that’s too small for the size of your audience
  4. Using type, pictures or graphics that are too small or busy
  5. Not providing image magnification for large audiences
  6. Not controlling your environment
  7. Not consulting a professional service provider

What do you think? Do you have any to add to this list?

Media Productions is a partner of the Flint Group.

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Media Productions and WestmorelandFlint Partner for Fashion & Fundraising.

By Lee Massey, October 28, 2009

Several weeks ago, Media Productions and WestmorelandFlint helped maurices, a national fashion retailer with corporate headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota and 700+ stores in 43 states, launch Rescues & Runways. Rescues and Runways is a national campaign that paired fashion and fundraising to help animal shelters and the homeless pets they serve. It was the first in a series of similar events to be staged at maurices stores nationwide. The Duluth event not only helped needy animals find new homes, but it also treated eager onlookers to animals strutting their stuff down the runway, each escorted by a well-dressed model.

maurices-5

The event was staged in the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, in front of the maurices’ store. The venue offered a unique set of challenges for the Media Productions team. A 20’ x 20’ skylight was located directly above the best location in the mall to produce the event. The team climbed to the roof and covered the skylight with heavy gauge black plastic to block out the sunlight and allow for creative and colorful lighting on the style show stage. Sound also required creative attention to overcome the echo-prone environment of a shopping mall.

Media Productions designed and assembled all production elements needed for the show including staging, scenery, audio, lighting, and even pipe & drape to build dressing rooms for the models.

WestmorelandFlint helped coordinate promotional aspects of the event to garner an abundance of regional and national media coverage. Additionally, Flint Interactive built the website that promoted the event and is being used nationwide as the other 700+ maurices stores hold their events.

The results of the first event were outstanding. Nearly 50 cats and dogs who were being cared for by Animal Allies found new homes as a result of the event. Donations for local animal shelters poured in for a full month following the event—brought in by people in exchange for a 20 percent-off coupon to maurices. The event and campaign raised awareness and increased volunteerism for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the local shelter. And as a result, maurices became synonymous with a great cause.

To see videos, please click here. For more photos of the event, click here.

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Deadline for the end of the world has been extended

By Debbie Morrison, October 26, 2009

d_day

December 21, 2012, is the deadline when the world is coming to an end. However, there appears to be a little wiggle room here. Evidently the Mayans, who are credited with “publishing” this deadline, have added an asterisk to that date, explaining there is a lot more to the story.* It seems Hollywood has added some drama. Go figure.

aztec calendarBut the drama that comes with meeting deadlines is very real. And there are many days where it becomes obvious that some of these deadlines are just not going to be met. It’s at that point in time when we learn the difference between “published” deadlines and “real” deadlines.

Published deadlines are very valuable. They help us set goals, get organized and establish milestones that need to be reached along the way. But even our most well-thought out plans can hit a snag, or time suddenly passes by and before you know it, that published deadline is no longer possible to achieve. When this happens, anxiety begins to set in, co-workers get crabby, mistakes are made and there is unhappiness everywhere. But this situation also opens up opportunities, and that’s when real deadlines are set.

Real deadlines force everyone involved to stop and reevaluate what really needs to be done and how the team can pull it off. The previously discouraged team is re-energized, united for a common purpose and mobilized to accomplish the seemingly unattainable task at hand. Together, they work smarter, use their creative talents to employ unconventional problem-solving techniques, and, in the end, have a huge sense of accomplishment and reason to celebrate a job well done.

Publishing deadlines is great and always the preferred means by which to reach a goal. But deadlines will be missed and when that happens, it doesn’t mean the goal cannot be achieved. Just figure out what really needs to get done and work smarter – together. Then enjoy life and don’t worry about it. After all, it’s not the end of the world.

So, what are you planning to do on December 22, 2012?

*For more about the end of the world see MSNBC http://ow.ly/vH93


Aztec calendar photo credit courtesy of Santa Fe College

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6 Ideas for Effective Trade Show Marketing

By Elizabeth Hansen, October 5, 2009

Beyond a booth and giveaways

Trade shows are amongst the most expensive sales and marketing tactics, and your time at a show doesn’t deliver immediate sales results. Yet exhibiting and participating in the right shows should remain part of most organizations’ plans.

Effective trade show marketing starts way before the show begins. Here are six tips to make the most of trade shows:

Trade Show

Six ideas for effective trade show marketing

  1. Do more than exhibit: Become a speaker on the agenda, moderate a breakout session, host an invitation-only event for key customers within the show timeframe to preview your new offerings
  2. Pre-communicate: If the show requires people to pre-register, get a list. Email or direct mail registrants, plus your own customers and prospects, giving them a reason to stop by your booth (see a new product, get a free guide).
  3. If you’re unveiling a new product or demonstrating something for the first time at the show, let media reps know about it in advance and have media kits and interview opportunities available.
  4. Distribute promotional items separate from your actual display area to drive participants to your booth (candy-seekers only want candy; unless you’re a candy manufacturer, find a more lasting, relevant item).
  5. Capture information from your prospects. Utilize surveys, kiosks, or mobile marketing to capture information to feed into your CRM system.
  6. Don’t expect immediate sales; Expect to nurture prospects: Subscribe them to your e-newsletter, invite them for a tour, schedule a capabilities presentation.

Are you doing any of these already? Do you have any other ideas or strategies to add to the list?

Photo courtesy of Eyeliam.

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A Three-Ring Circus of Beer, Food and Entertainment

By Bill Hatling, September 8, 2009

image1It’s the World Famous Tumbling Bros. Hatling & Flint Circus

September 24, 2009 • 4:30-8pm

Under the BIG TOP at 330 Hwy 10 South, St. Cloud, MN

Save-the-Date and Save Your Self-Respect for Another Day!
This is one big party under one big top, and it’s one night you won’t want to miss.

View Poster Designs »

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The Secret Ingredients to Marketing on a Small Budget

By Laura Sieger, September 2, 2009

Laura Sieger_72dpiSo you’re looking for the magic marketing recipe that will yield great results, quickly and cheaply? Maybe you’re searching for just “the one” secret ingredient that will change everything? Well, there is no quick fix to marketing but there are some key strategies that can lead to measurable results. The key is reaching the right audience at the right time with the right message. It’s about having a plan. 

Please join me as I present at the Chamber’s Small Business Development Series. Attendees will learn the following:

  • What’s on the menu? Learn about the various tools available and which ones may be best for you, including social media.
  • Why ala carte isn’t always a good option. Learn the basic elements of developing a plan.
  • How much does it cost? Learn about measuring your return on investment.

The Secret Ingredients to Marketing on a Small Budget
October 23, 2009
12:00-1:00
Chamber Conference Room

For more information or to register, visit www.duluthchamber.com.

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Maurices: Fashion + Fur = Fun!

By Jessica Stauber, August 27, 2009

rescuesRunwaysTalk about an incredible evening! We had the privilege of working with maurices to launch Rescues & Runways, a national campaign to help animal shelters and the homeless pets they serve. The campaign kicked off on August 26 with a fashion show at Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, featuring local models walking the runway in maurices’ fall fashions with dogs that were looking for a home.

Check out the video on Fox 21 News » 

Our partner, Media Productions of Fargo, helped design the stage, set up the runway and lights, and produced the event. Media cameras were there in droves, capturing this unique show that paired homeless pets with fashion. The crowd loved the idea, too, and packed the mall to catch a glimpse.

While I helped coordinate the media, I have to admit it was an easy sell. Not only was the idea behind the event unique and engaging, but also the models included at least one on-air talent from each TV station.

Was the event successful? Absolutely! Nearly 50 cats and dogs who were being cared for by Animal Allies found new homes by the end of the night. Similar shows will be held at all 733 maurices stores across the country throughout the month of September—we hope with similar results! While this evening is over, how can you get involved?

  • All this month, people can drop off donations of pet supplies at any maurices store and receive a thank you coupon for 20 percent off an item.
  • You can purchase a Friends for Life Charm for $5 at any maurices store from mid-September through October 31, and 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and its national shelter outreach program.
  • Volunteer at the shelter. From walking dogs to greeting and guiding adopters, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Learn more about Rescues & Runways and see great pictures and video from the show by visiting the website, programmed by another partner of ours, Flint Interactive.

Thanks, maurices, for this awesome campaign and all you’re doing to help homeless pets and animal shelters!

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