Southwest Airlines, Millennials and Music

Wouldn't it be great if companies could tap into the ideas of student entrepreneurs, and bring to the forefront brilliant ideas that the Millennials have in business? And then take those ideas and bring them into fruition? It sounds like a far-fetched idea, but that's exactly what Southwest Airlines did in their Recess 2016 Spring Tour.

Mix Music and Business to Attract New Entrepreneurs

Mid April (April 5 through April 18) Southwest Airlines reached out to 18 universities and colleges to find current student entrepreneurs. Southwest Airlines gave the students the opportunity to meet with the biggest investors and venture capitalists in the country to pitch their startup ideas. These entrepreneurs were then entered into a bracket style competition to compete for a cash prize of $250,000.

After each stop on the tour, the students were invited to an after party concert which featured artists such as Tory Lanez, GoldLink, and Lil Dicky. The concerts and party atmosphere of the competition's after party attracted students to consider the message that Southwest Airlines had to offer: “Your ideas are important and we want to know what you think is important to your generation.”

A Win-Win Situation for All Involved

In Southwest Airlines' Recess 2016 Spring Tour, everyone who participated was a winner. It encouraged Millennials who are naturally more attracted to innovation to team up with investors and venture capitalists, thus networking the two groups. It helped Southwest Airlines develop loyalty among the Millennials that are the most brand loyal generation to come along. Southwest Airlines fostered further loyalty with offering round-trip airline tickets as giveaways.

By introducing new companies and new brands to college students, it is likely to foster brand loyalty in those students throughout their lives. This is vitally important when considering that college students are often the business leaders of tomorrow. By introducing the college students to investors and venture capitalists, it gives the students a deeper understanding how business works and what's required to take their brilliant idea all the way to a product or service. At the very least, it gives the college students inroads into investors and venture capitalists.

Creating Loyalty through Innovation

Because the Millennials embrace technology and innovation more than previous generations, it's important for companies to position themselves as innovators. Millennials look for new technology when considering their brand loyalty. Consumers often form their brand preferences while they are young, which is why it is imperative to reach the Millennials now. Through Recess 2016 Spring Tour, Southwest Airlines has created an appealing way to reach Millennials in an unique venue.

Friskies Teams up with Grumpy Cat at the 2016 South by Southwest Festival

On March 12 and March 13, 2016, at the South by Southwest interactive (SXSWi) festival, Friskies well known mascot, Grumpy Cat, graced the crowd with an appearance to promote its most recent wet cat food product, Cat Concoctions. This new product has unusual flavor combos for the curious cat, like cod in cheesy bacon flavored sauce and chicken in creamy crabby sauce. The Inspiration Behind Cat Concoctions

“For the launch of Friskies’ Cat Concoctions, we really thought it was important for people to understand the product proposition—the fact that this line of cat food was inspired by cats,” said the brand manager at Friskies, Jessica Nichols. “And since people aren’t actually eating the product, having this tangible, physical event really helps bring that concept to life. Live experiences allow us to connect with media and consumers in a fun and unique way that really resonates.”

Friskies at South by Southwest

This year marked the fourth year that Friskies and Grumpy Cat teamed up at SXSWi to form a fun experience for consumers. Feline fans were able to enjoy food, music and fun photo opportunities. Music sensations Ryan Cabrera and Blake Lewis combined talents and stopped by to sing a soft, endearing rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" that almost turned Grumpy Cat's frown upside down. Check out the You Tube video for the sweet harmonies of a Platinum selling recording artist and a runner-up from season six of American Idol. Very calming indeed!

Some Frisky Photo Ops

A fan favorite of the event was the official Friskies' spokes cat herself being on hand for a meet and greet. Quirky, fun props were available for fans to pose with alongside Grumpy Cat. Some of the silly items included a hat in the shape of a clamshell and crab claws you can slip on. There were also signs with phrases such as, "Strike a frown." For even more photo fun, a selfie station was available. At the station, participants were able to do a mash-up so that their faces were combined with Grumpy Cat's world famous scowl.

Ultimately about 1,600 festival goers attended the Friskies event. Those who could not attend were able to follow all the fun on Friskies' Instagram and Snapchat accounts or to join the online activity with #CatConcoctions. Social channels also featured Nala and Waffles, Grumpy Cat's fellow friends.

Funkshion Returns to Miami

One of Miami's favorite organizations, the Funkshion Fashion Show, returned to host their Fall/Winter fashion this March, and for the first time they chose right here in the Wynwood Arts District as their home base. Funkshion is Miami's Fashion Week, held three times throughout the year. Taking great pride in their Miami home, Funkshion believes in serving as a connecting force between the Latin American and US fashion markets. One thing many love about Funkshion, is how well they showcase both established and emerging names in fashion. And as their name suggests, in representing the fashion world in Miami, they set themselves apart from other fashion weeks around the world by always being sure to bring the funk. Music and art are integrated into the events, including live DJs at many of the shows to get the audience dancing in their seats.

The Winter/Fall show ran from March 16-19, 2016 with a packed schedule. Highlights included opening night's discussion, "DESIGNED IN MIAMI," with internationally celebrated designers based in Miami discussing what it takes to find success in the fashion world in Miami and beyond.  Friday's fashion event, "EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!!" inspired by the Richard Linklater film in theaters now was also a great highlight. Stars of the film made an appearance, including Blake Jenner, Ryan Guzman and Tyler Hochelin. As with every fashion week that Funkshion hosts, one of the most beloved events is the Emerging Designer Series in which incredibly talented new designers who are just coming on to the scene are able to present their work in a high-profile show at no cost. March's show was no exception, with plenty of designers you'll surely be hearing from in the future.

Funkshion Events always welcomes the public to attend.  All of the events are free, one would just need to RSVP beforehand. As the Funkshion Fashion gears up for its next event this July, this is something to keep in mind. In true Miami style, they'll be celebrating swimwear in the event which runs from July 13-17, 2016. If you're a swimwear designer over the age of 21 then consider entering the Emerging Designer Series. One designer will be winning a trip to New York Fashion Week.

Funkshion Fashion Week is a great way to celebrate so much of what makes Miami great.  It brings established artists together with the newest talent and connects diverse cultures. The area is still buzzing from this event, and cannot wait to see what the next show has in store.

Jeep Reaches its Audience in an Inspiring Way

Do you have a story about your Jeep? Would you share it with the world? Jeep fans are some of the greatest when it comes to adventure and telling a good story. So, on the 75th anniversary of the Jeep, Jeep wants you to share your story with the world using the hashtag #MyJeepStory and post it on their website. Jeep's Latest Campaign

Jeep's latest campaign, My Jeep Story, is sure to go viral. Jeep has a solid group of die-hard aficionados who have raised their Jeep ownership into a cult-like status. These people use their Jeeps for all sorts of adventures. They prove the legendary toughness of the Jeep by taking it places where most car owners would never consider. It is these dire hard fans Jeep wants to hear from through social media and across the Internet. Jeep started out the campaign with stories from and about celebrity Jeep owners on their microsite. Furthermore, they encourage Jeep owners to tell their stories on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Jeep even gives instructions for how to tell the world your Jeep story.

Big Names about Jeeps

Jeep has enlisted the singer, Ciara, to talk about Jeeps. Her father would tell her stories about driving a Jeep during Desert Storm. The Jeep made an impression with Ciara as she grew up to drive a Jeep product as well. Her love of Jeeps comes out in this YouTube video where she tells her own Jeep story. Jeep also includes some stories regarding historical features and their Jeeps. On the microsite are Jeep stories about Marilyn Monroe, Mark A. Smith, and George Speaker and encouragement for you to share your own story and be a part of Jeep history.

Getting People to Talk about their Jeeps

This campaign is part of a year long campaign to herald Jeep's 75th anniversary. Jeep will feature 75 of the stories by the end of the campaign (for the 75th year anniversary), and all stories will be immortalized both in social media and on the microsite. Lest you think that the brand will only cover the historical and serious side of the Jeep, Jeep's story sessions cover favorite canines, summer fun, and military appreciation as well.

Jeep launched the 75th year campaign with two spots during the 50th Super Bowl. Furthermore, they are donating $1.4 million to the USO, which is also celebrating its 75th year anniversary.

Game of Thrones at the Annual South by Southwest 2016

Game of Thrones has been one of the most talked about cultural phenomena over the last half decade, seeming to only grow in popularity each passing year. Those who attended SXSW were able to see an up close view some of the of the GoT phenomena. GoT is produced by HBO, and appearing at SXSW was the Hall of Faces. This exhibit brought to life, or perhaps to death, a symbol of GoT, and turned a normal San Antonio street into a symbol of the violence and mayhem GoT fans have come to expect, and to love.

As part of the series, the faces of the dead seen at the Hall of Faces, presumably all suffering their demise from an executioner’s swing of a sword, can be seen as a warning to the enemies of the state. At SXSW, fans were able to join the macabre scene and have their own face digitally installed in the ghoulish hall. The Hall of Faces wasn’t just a one-off exhibit for SXSW, but it will instead travel the world, going to Europe, and then returning to San Diego in time for Comic-Con.

In addition to seeing and even joining the Hall of Faces, there was a chance to experience a hologram that was a simulation of Melisandre’s flame, which fans of the show know she uses like a crystal ball. The hologram, created by Dreamoc HD3, was 30 seconds of exclusive content visible through those flames. Viewers were able to learn more about what happened to Jon Snow, or at least gain a few more hints as to whether Jon Snow is really dead or not.

Fans 21 years old or older were then able to try some grog. Not grog, but a beer called Ommegang’s Game of Thrones: Iron Throne blonde ale. Presumably the beer has a shorter nickname to make it easier to order at the local bar.

A vice-president of consumer marketing at HBO, Joanna Scholl said that part of the reason GoT went all out for this display and interactive content was not only to please fans of the show, but to impress non fans that might be influential in areas of technology and social media. These wielders of influence might become fans of the show themselves, or influence other people to become fans. Scholl said, “We wanted to bring something that was state of the art and allow them the opportunity to engage and share content from the show.”

The sixth season of Game of Thrones will premiere on HBO April 24. By that time, thousands of people will have been able to become a part of the Hall of Faces if they have chosen, enjoyed Melisandre’s magical flame, and even enjoyed a drink of Iron Throne blonde ale. Certainly by April 24, those people will ready for the premier.

"America's Best Breakfasts" Tour Hits the Miami Scene

Breakfast is hitting a level of popularity in recent years that rivals all other meals. There are endless options to have if you love breakfast or brunch. If you are in the Miami area than you can enjoy the tour of “America’s Best Breakfasts.” This event is put on by SoBe Food Fest Creator, Lee Schrager. It’s in celebration of his new cookbook by the same name featuring local recipes from coast to coast. What’s Included With Your Ticket

With your admission ticket you also will receive a copy of this third cookbook,”America’s Best Breakfasts: Favorite Local Recipes From Coast To Coast.” This cookbook is a compilation of 75 of the best breakfast recipes that Lee discovered on a cross country road trip he took a few years ago. His philosophy on breakfast is that it’s obviously, “the best meal of the day.” The fact that no other meal allows you to wear a bathrobe while eating is another one of his takes on this very important meal. Of course, it’s preferred that you get dressed for the “America’s Best Breakfast” Tour.

Where Is The Event?

The event itself takes place at the Magic City Casino with over 40 of the best South Florida restaurants participating. There will be walk up brunch stations all over the casino to sample all kinds of unique breakfast foods. Some favorites, and some that are going to be new to your palate. So if you enjoy Egg Benedict, waffles, and savory bacon galore you aren’t going to want to miss this chance to nosh on breakfast fare that will tantalize your tummy. Some of the key restaurants involved are 27 Restaurant and Bar, DIRT, Palomilla Grill, and Novecento. Although that’s just a taste of which restaurants are going to be there. Check the entire list to find out if your favorite breakfast dining spot is going to be a featured participant.

Not Only Brunch

It’s a 21 and over event only on account of the fact that the Bloody Mary bar, featuring Tito’s Homemade Vodka and the Mimosas, will be free flowing with your pre-purchased ticket. What brunch is complete without these tasty drink options? Some people even say it’s the best part of brunch! Don’t worry though, non alcoholic options will be available as well as coffee and juice.

Buy Your Tickets Early

Get your tickets early to this “Can’t miss food event”, where the lineup of sweet and savory treats will be overflowing in this walk up brunch spectacular! Check out the “America’s Best Breakfasts” event page that will give you all the details you need to purchase your own tickets. It’s Sunday, April 24th at 11:30 am, so mark your calendars now to make sure you don’t miss this popular Miami experience.

Beyonce's Tour Sells Out and Brings Controversy

Mega pop star Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has become quite the controversial figure since Super Bowl 50. She used the big game as a platform to promote the Black Panthers and criticize police brutality. Beyoncé and her dancers donned black berets along with bandoliers during the performance. Yet her social activism certainly hasn't hit her in the pocketbook. Most of the stops on her upcoming Formation world tour have already sold out. The tour is scheduled to launch this month in Miami. It is the singer's first tour since her Mrs. Carter World Tour in 2013. Though most of the tickets to Beyoncé's tour sold out quickly, it appears as though she might run into some problems due to her willingness to take a stance against police corruption. Her alliance with the Black Panthers has resulted in the National Police Union, known as the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), deciding to boycott the singer's upcoming concert in Miami. It will be interesting to see how security is handled at a show of this magnitude. The concert is scheduled to take place on April 26 in the Marlins Stadium. Beyoncé has refused to comment on the matter as of this article's publish date.

The Miami chapter of the FOP made the decision to boycott Beyoncé's Miami show through a democratic vote. The local union's president, Lieutenant Javier Ortiz, actually called on police officers across the country to boycott all of the Formation shows. The FOP believes that Beyoncé improperly used her Super Bowl 50 platform to spread what the police union describes as an “anti-police message”. Police across the country clashed with the Black Panthers during race riots that took place decades ago. Lieutenant Ortiz has not stated whether the boycott of Beyoncé's Miami concert is applicable to police officers across Miami, those who work in Dade county or only those who are members of the union.

Beyoncé's Formation World Tour will likely take place without a hitch. Beyoncé could hire private security for the event. It is also possible that enough police officers or non-union officers will make themselves available for the Miami show and any other shows that are boycotted by the police. Fans will undoubtedly have a blast at the show regardless of the political activism surrounding the tour. All in all, the tour's producer, Parkwood Entertainment, has sold just under one million total tickets. A number of shows have sold out in addition to the Miami date. The demand for tickets is so strong that seconds shows have been scheduled for May 28 at Chicago's Soldier Field and July 3 at Wembly Stadium in London. Fans who want to put a positive twist on the somewhat negative energy surrounding the show can do so by participating in the singer's #BeyGOOD initiative designed to support Miami's United Way program. Be sure to follow @beygood on Twitter to learn more.

Mountain Dew at All Star 2016

Marketing has evolved significantly in recent years to reach an increasingly diverse client base and accommodate changing industry trends. Events such as trade shows, for instance, are taking on entirely new dimensions designed to entertain, engage, and inform. An excellent example of modern marketing strategies that speak to 21st century culture is Mountain Dew's recent event at All-Star 2016 in Toronto.  This event was part of a customized campaign that began when the parent company of Mountain Dew, PepsiCo, signed with the National Basketball Association (NBA) as their official food and beverage sponsor.  What was different about the Toronto event was its essentially interactive nature, transforming it from just another trade show booth to a virtual reality art experience. Art Meets Basketball

Highlights of the event include a social media app that allowed participants and fans to enjoy one-on-one texting with basketball great Russell Westbrook  and ask him advice on fashion and lifestyle related issues. Other NBA superstars were well-represented at the three-day event, ensuring that Mountain Dew's area was always buzzing with fresh fun and excitement. Mountain Dew also hired emerging local artists to craft 3-D artwork featuring basketball themes using Google's Tilt Brush tool, and offered fans the opportunity to test drive the new app prior to its introduction to consumers in April. Live DJs kept things moving with music, and a Twitter-based promotion offered fans All-Star cards inspired by old school trading cards. A brand new television commercial starring several basketball stars was unveiled at the event.

Attendees were also offered the opportunity to vote for warm-up songs before Sunday's game and to create Vine videos to post. Mountain Dew products were available for sampling throughout the course of the event. Focus was on the lifestyle that revolves around the game rather than on-court performance of the players, creating a scene in which anyone can participate.

Fans living in areas other than Toronto weren't left out, either -- they were provided with the opportunity to enjoy the festivities via an interactive website.

What This Means for Modern Businesses

The Mountain Dew event and others like it have thoroughly transformed the face of modern marketing strategies. Businesses can connect with and engage the public by crafting their own events in similar style. Here in Miami, Soho Studios offers a seamless combination of expression, flexibility, connection, and expertise for businesses seeking an adventure with experimental marketing Our campaigns provide impact, innovation, and inspiration. Please don't hesitate to contact us at your convenience to learn more about how we can assist you in crafting a vibrant marketing event that leaves potential customers wanting more.

Mastercard Priceless Miami with Chef Steve Santana

MasterCard cardholders have a very special opportunity to meet Chef Steve Santana for tortilla making lessons at his Miami restaurant, Taquiza, on March 18, 2016. The restaurant is located in the heart of South beach, in the HI Miami Beach Hostel (the old Eva hotel.) The charming street style taqueria has exploded in popularity since its 2014 launch. The tacos at Taquiza continually earn a spot on the "best of" food lists for Miami restaurants, drawing visitors from not only the Miami area but from all over the United States. In Mexico, a

Taquiza is a special event. Essentially, it means that people invite their friends and family over for a casual taco party. This casual gathering includes piles of fresh corn tortillas and all the tortillas ingredients on a central table where people can serve themselves. Chef Santana wanted the concept of this Mexican social gathering to carry over to his new Miami restaurant, and so Taquiza was born. Diners can order and eat at the restaurant, or they can order a to go package that includes everything needed for a traditional taco party in their own home.

By owning a MasterCard, you will earn earn entry into a truly unique experience - a tortilla making class with Chef Santana. Following the lesson, you'll enjoy a fun family style meal at Taquiza that includes pulled pork shoulder along with a menu of sodas from Mexico such as Agua Fresca and Jarritos. Tortillas are handcrafted from scratch every day, using only responsibly sourced ingredients. The blue masa corn that comes from Michoacán, Mexico is the centerpiece of the tortillas at Taquiza, and you'll learn how to create these culinary delights yourself.

The lesson will include not only a tortilla making tutorial and meal, but also an education on the different types of corn used in tortillas today and tips on how to recreate these amazing tortillas on your own at home. The most essential part of the taco is undoubtedly the tortilla, so the type of corn and the way that it's used is extremely important. Traditional Mexican tortilla making is truly an art - a lost art in many places - and that art is what Chef Santana will discuss and demonstrate during this lesson.

The tortilla making lessons will start on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. and will cost $15 per person. To learn more about the tortilla making lessons at Taquiza, visit the website today.

Miami Brain Fair

On March 12th, children of all ages attended an engaging event that showed them how the human brain works. Children in attendance had the opportunity to dissect a real brain, experience mesmerizing visual illusions and so much more. The event was an interactive and hands-on celebration of the human brain that ought to leave a lasting impression on your child. This event may be the first step in a child's scientific journey, making the event a great way to imbue your child with a love of science.

Here is a full rundown on the scheduled activities and programs at the annual Miami Brain Fair:

• Live Interaction With a Real Brain
• Engaging Brain Puzzles That Spark the Imagination
• Face Painting and Lively Puppet Shows
• An In-Depth Look at How Neurons Work
• Building a Neuron
• Brain Bee and Brain Jeopardy Trivia Activities
• And More

No matter what your child's interests might be, there is something to spark their unique sense of creativity, imagination and love of learning at the Miami Brain Fair. Best of all, your child might even walk away with a free helmet thanks to the event's bike helmet giveaway.

While children of all ages are the primary focus of the event, it is a great outing for the entire family as well. Parents enjoy the fair for reasons that are both entertaining and practical. In addition to receiving a valuable refresher course on the wondrous capabilities of the brain, parents can also expect to learn the following:

• The Best Learning Apps for Children
• Detecting the Early Signs of Autism
• The Best Brain Foods for Kids
• And More

Most importantly, parents enjoy seeing their child's eyes light up in awe-filled wonder as they marvel at the uniqueness of the human brain.

This year, the Miami Brain Fair was located at the Bank United Center Fieldhouse. Admission was free for everyone, making the decision to attend a true no-brainer. Parents who wish to make a full day of the event can also volunteer to serve at the fair as well. Visit the Miami Brain Fair website to learn more about this unique event.