Jack Links Celebrates National Jerky Day In Brooklyn

One of the best ways to celebrate National Jerky Day was displayed in Brooklyn, New York. Jack Links decided that they were going to have an Ultimeat Meatathon event and it took place on June 11 and 12. It’s a “beefy series” of physical challenges thanks to a 612 foot obstacle course that was rolled out. Jack Links decided they really needed to do it up big. After all, this is the fifth year for the company celebrating National Jerky Day, which began in 2012 to celebrate how Americans love the meaty snack. A health and wellness theme was used this year, asking people to be physical as opposed to jerky, which was the standard in years past. There was also the tagline for the brand to be considered: feed your wild side.

As the director of marketing for Jack Links said, they wanted to not only feed but also fuel that wild side. A healthy snack is in order when people want fuel and that was the goal of the event.

The obstacle course is unlike any other. It began with a Forest Stump Jump and then there was the Jerky Traverse Climbing Wall. For those who didn’t want to climb, they could also go into the Squatchie Zone and perform 10 burpees. After this, people had to climb up a cargo net and land on a cushion that had the adequate name of a “meat cloud.” Then there was a Jerky Crawl maze and a Hangry Gauntlet.

Quite a few people were out of breath getting through the obstacle course, but when they ended, they were led to a photo op and then on to samples of jerky as well as plenty of Jack Links. The leaders within each category also were able to snag a medal. A medal that was actually made of meat.

Jack Links has a unique approach to marketing. They want to convey their brand in person and therefore they prefer one on one marketing that is “in your face.” They don’t want to be all about the TV ads. Instead, they want to focus on being about the consumer.

It doesn’t seem fair that Brooklyn gets all the excitement. The people of Miami love their meat, too. After all, those within Miami certainly have a wild side and it needs to be fed as well.

Obviously, we need a Meatathon in Miami. This would make it a great way to celebrate National Jerky Day every June. Soho Studios would be happy to host such a thing if Jack Links decided to take it out of Brooklyn, or even make it something that was available throughout the rest of the country. After all, with meat clouds, meat medals, and a complete obstacle course, how could anyone resist?

Engaging Millennials to Increase Exposure

The Millenial generation, also known as "Generation Y," is composed of those born from 1980 to the early 2000s. A corporation's events can become more successful by attracting a broader base of attendees. This generation is quickly becoming more and more critical to an event's success, as they're known as the young professionals in the company. Many of them, though still young, are real power players and significantly influence the company's success. Check out these four strategies to attract Millennials to an upcoming event.

1. Keep it casual.

Most Millienials aren't into the frills of a formal affair. Their generation is sometimes noted for wearing jeans in the work environment and enjoying open offices that allow for easy collaboration with colleagues. Make the event appealing to them by keeping it informal and in a relaxed environment.

2. Make the event an interactive experience.

Group interaction and collaboration are very important to most millennials. Make sure to extend the invitation with a "+1," so they can bring a friend or partner along. About 70% of Millennials have never married. Consider making the event even more interactive with a concert or some type of fun race.

3. Place a strong emphasis on social media.

Prior to the event, market it with social media. Offer discounts to followers. Post related videos and photos to build excitement for the event. Include content that is interactive and shareable. Develop a hashtag specific to the event. At the event, attendees can then interact and post messages with the company's brand. Once the event has ended, send a blast out with thanks, results of the event, or promotionals. Grab even more Millenial attention by inserting a QR code on all marketing materials. Such a code can scan the user directly to the registration or company's home page.

4. Make the event one with social awareness.

Millenials are aware of the greater social good. Make the event a "green" event to appeal to the environmentalists. Having a portion of the proceeds designated to go to local charity is another way to appeal to Millenial's sense of social awareness.

If all these strategies are implemented, the event is likely to be filled with those wearing high tops, men with buns or ponytails, and young eager faces. Considering this population makes up approximately one-third of the workforce in the United States, this group simply cannot be left behind. Make sure you make it a point to bring in the young, professional and fun crowd to have a successful event!

Four Ways the Smartwatch Will Impact your Next Event

As the technology industry continues to evolve, the events industry must continue to keep up with the demand as well.  One of the products to hit the market, and become popular, in the past few years is the smartwatch. Since Apple,Inc., released its version, the popularity of this connected wearable technology has continued to grow more popular every year.  With so many spectacular events occurring on a daily basis,  each event experience must be better than the last.  It's a given that organizers know these little gadgets will be at their next event.  But what type of effect will they have?  Here are a four ways that the smartwatch can and will affect your next event.   Sharing In An Instant

One of the best parts of the smartwatch movement is how connected everyone is to social media. Not only do they log on constantly to check updates on various events and “likes”, but people are more willing to share what they are up to in an instant. This ability to tell the world exactly what are you doing at all times is even easier with a smartwatch on your wrist. Attendees can update their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts in real time.  They can also send photos and stream live on apps like Periscope.  This can help create a buzz about your event and generate a greater interest in the company.

Scheduling Made Easier

With all the apps geared towards scheduling, an event marketer is able to get their entire team on board quicker to make their event run smoother. If things need to be changed, all your attendees can be notified as quickly as possible with the connect-ability of the smartwatch. It’s much better than trying to run around and track everyone down when you can just send out a group message to get all your people on the same page.  

An Integrative System

Not only does the smartwatch work well on its own, but the variety of integrated systems you can connect with at events and trade shows are amazing. Think about scanning codes with the flick of your wrist, and being able to check-in an attendee in less than 5 seconds, thus cutting down lines and wait times.  Need to make an important announcement?  Attendees can get up-to-the- minute information sent to their wrists while you are attending the event.

The Ease of Video Marketing

It’s a snap now for event planners to incorporate videos into their events and presentations. If everyone has a smartwatch or even a smartphone to access these video presentations, it allows more information to be shared through all the attendees with ease.  Sell more sponsor ads and get your attendees involved.  If something is missed at the event, you can easily look it up on your integrated smartwatch later on.

These are only four ways that smartwatches will make an impact.  With technology and innovation changing everyday, there are plenty more reasons to come.  What are some of the ways you think it will make an impact next?

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.

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.

Hermes Party

As 2015 comes to a close, Soho Studios would like to wish everyone a Happy New year. 2015 was a great year for us, so in the spirit of celebrations we would like to share with you some photos and videos of the best party at Soho Studios of 2015.

Pain Cave 101 by Trek Bicycles

Many bike athletes face considerable difficulty during off-season training. Fortunately, ride alternatives exist. Trek Bicycle Store has created an initiative called Pain Cave 101, and it’s offered extensive options for bike enthusiasts and general athletes alike.

Indoor Outreach

Trek Bicycles has created a unique opportunity with Pain Cave 101, utilizing its brand image, products and services to launch an indoor outreach initiative. Trek Bicycle Store’s experiential marketing event offers year-round fitness programs for novice and expert cyclers alike. Wahoo and CycleOps trainers are on standby, assisting event-goers throughout the Trek Bicycle’s way of life.

Trek Bicycles, dedicated to helping cyclists reach their fitness goals, has focused on creating a customer-centric indoor fitness model. The brand’s partner, The Labs USA, offers a new approach to facility courses and sign-up options. The Labs USA is a new Trek Bicycles associate and partner, and the Pain Cave 101 event is incredibly useful for the partnership’s premier public appearance.

Product Promotion with Ride Enhancement

Pain Cave 101 is a Trek Bicycles resource for new product promotion. Winter is a notoriously bad season for cyclists and is responsible for sales drops. Pain Cave 101 steers the Trek Bicycles fan-base indoors, where action can meet reaction in the form of connectivity and sales offers. Training gear and gadgets are provided, and discount offers, of course, are always available.

The Trek Bicycles Customer Loyalty Program

Pain Cave 101 fares well when partnered with the Trek Bicycles Customer Loyalty Program. The program, marked from Trek Bicycle Store purchases, enhances buyer-to-consumer relationships with five-percent discounts, dedicated staff assistance and a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. Pain Cave 101 introduces an interesting angle to the Trek Bicycles scheme, as the brand’s 30-day price protection program offers significant flexibility to customers trying out the season’s newest deals and offers.

Trek Bicycles continuously keeps its clientele in “tip-top shape,” imbuing its shops with a stay-in vibe. Now, Pain Cave 101 heightens this virtue, targeting a massive consumer base with sales guarantees, options and complimentary service programs. The Midwest’s seasonal issues don’t extend to a brand with such inert customer loyalty, and they’re unable to hinder a brand harnessing such a powerful marketing strategy.

Community Roots and Future Outreach

Trek Bicycles opened in La Vista, NE in 2002. An advocacy group at first, the brand’s dedication to consumer support and youth cycling programs has supported a variety of fundraisers, community events, competitions, commuter challenges and bicycle share programs. The Pain Cave 101 program proposes the brand’s newest angle—a shop-centric approach to consumer marketing in an incredibly mobile industry.

While cycling experiences low repurchases—because cyclists infrequently purchase materials beyond water bottles and enhancements—experiential marketing is vital to any shop’s success. Trek Bicycles has nailed the industry’s marketing needs, standing as an innovative leader for other cycling providers. Midwest cycling, as a whole, is contingent upon community outreach. Here, Trek Bicycles surpasses expectations while proposing a new brand partnership. Always proposing total satisfaction, Trek Bicycles will likely achieve great success with Pain Cave 101.

Cover Your Bases Pub Crawl Promotes Chicago Cubs

Experiential marketing extends to sports teams, delivering the Chicago Cubs to local audiences, breweries and city streets. The May 2016 Cover Your Bases pub crawl, known to Chicago patrons as “CYB,” is the pro baseball team’s distinctive public promotion event. Cover Your Bases, celebrated in Wrigleyville annually since 2009, extends the team’s Winter Crawl Events Twelve Bars of Xmas to spring months and to new avenues.

A May Rundown

April and May are prime promotional times for Major League Baseball, and the Chicago Cubs regularly utilize promotional strategies to highlight the city’s finer establishments. Highly conducive to connecting the team with its loving audience, the Cover Your Bases pub crawl is dedicated to the past-time beer-and-baseball phenomenon. The National Anthem, a first pitch pub arrival, a seventh inning stretch and colorful rewards are highlights of the event.

The Cover Your Bases Famous Photo Frames

Where direct promotion is considered, the Chicago Cubs have outranked rival teams by offering a specialty photo frame series. Fans hanging with the Chicago Cubs are rewarded with photo opportunities, signatures and a special place upon Chicago’s finest pub walls.

The Cover Your Bases pub crawl insists event-goers wear jerseys, baseball hats and league gear, promoting both the Cubs and the league alike. While each pub location is in the heart of Cub territory, White Sox fans are similarly welcome.

Widespread Visibility

The event’s photo walls don’t end its visual promotion. Its Photo Scavenger Hunt spreads fans across each bar’s interior, maximizing Chicago Cub exposure. Four to six prizes are rewarded—depending upon winner count—and on-stage group competitions pit team fans against one another. Hot dog eating, softball passes, bat passes and frozen t-shirt contests are all included.

Twitter provides exclusive coverage through the #CYB2016 tag, expanding Wrigleyville bar exposure. The 15 locations lead to the legendary Murphy’s Bleachers, where fans will recognize Waveland and Sheffield’s Wrigley Field. All Festa-based events are covered through Bud Light, giving the the Chicago Cubs extra appeal to beer-lovers, both in-bar and out. Goose Island Craft Beer, too, plays host to the event, linking Chicago Cub exposure on Twitter to fan favorite crafts.

Festa Parties Place as a Provider

While the Chicago Cubs chiefly power the Cover Your Bases event, their link to Festa Parties is powerful. Festa Parties is well-known for its high-end customer entertainment and engagement services. The Twelve Bars of Xmas aka TBOX and The World’s Most Spectacular Pub Crawl among its favorites, Festa Parties never fails to make a splash in Chicago. Cover Your Bases benefits from Festa’s other outreach programs, reaching critical acclaim from cross-market beer and pub crawl lovers.

As the Chicago Cubs gear up for their newest season, the Cover Your Bases Event drives viewership and brand purchases. Baseball gear located at Sheffield’s Wrigley Field certainly gains increased attention, as event tailgaters commonly attach the location to the event’s cross-town crawl. The Chicago Cubs have displayed an extraordinary knack for promotion in the past—and this year’s crawl is no different.

The 7th Annual Kindle Awards and Gala

Marketing efforts are often celebratory efforts. The 7^th Annual Kindle Awards and Gala dedicates its time to the corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, contributors and individuals responsible for Kindle’s fame. The awards ceremony honors Kindle’s extensive user-base—one defined by its content variety and unique additions to the ever-growing platform.

A Pre-Holiday Bash

Taking place December 4 in Memphis, the Kindle Awards and Gala places emphasis on industry professionals while boosting its visibility. Due to the many entrepreneurs involved with the Kindle platform, a dedicated ceremony is absolutely conducive to the brand’s success. Well-known for its self-publishing platform, Kindle’s “give back bash” spreads support for the many sourced professionals responsible for its fame.

Featured on The Loretta McNary Show, the 7^th Annual Kindle Awards and Gala will feature two businesses and 38 individuals who’ve soared to new heights, helping Kindle and its users alike achieve great product use. The honor ceremony aims at entities who’ve gone the extra mile, impacting the nation with Kindle-based operations.

Silent Auction, Red Carpet Arrival and Visibility

Kindle’s massive popularity, spurred on through Amazon, is no stranger to publicity and massive visibility. The event’s featured Red Carpet Arrival Photo Shoot has, in the past, extended the brand’s giving purpose to enthusiasts abroad. A promotional event for brand image and goodwill, media coverage is guaranteed. The Red Carpet Arrival Photo Shoot effectively ties together Kindle, its dedicated workers and external providers, kicking off an event ultimately dedicated to connectivity.

The Kindle Awards and Gala, this year, will feature a Silent Auction, too. Filled with entertainment, dinner, dessert and speeches, the Silent Auction is a place for dancing and grand performances, reservations required. Kindle’s height of fame is due to its extravagant brand image and total accessibility to entrepreneurs.

Leadership Development

The Kindle Awards and Gala similarly serve the brand’s development. A signature fundraising event for social etiquette, entrepreneurial leadership and philanthropic development group, Pink Eagles, the Kindle Awards and Gala matches organized training with its business direction.

Individual leadership drives Kindle’s success, and a public announcement of entrepreneurial expertise enhances its community standing. Content marketers, advertisers, writers and brand developers all utilize Kindle for self-promotion, directly increasing the brand’s popularity and usability. Kindle’s ability to thank leadership development sets a standard—one dedicated to the success of a community-supported content and Kindle’s unique platform alike.

Mellow Mushroom at the SweetWater 420 Festival

Mellow Mushroom is a continual food industry provider, targeting young audiences with delectable pizza, awesome events and a unique brand image. They’re teaming up with SweetWater Brewing Company to create the SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta, GA. Games, prizes—and, of course, plenty of beer and pizza—await on April 20th, 2016.

The Fest

The SweetWater 420 Fest takes part in SweetWater’s environmental conservation efforts. The brand’s common statement, “You can’t make good beer without good water,” is commonly attributed to their excellent, nationwide efforts. Their Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance partnership directly funds and raises awareness for the event, assisting community cleanup efforts alongside beer donations.

Intending to positively impact the community’s right to free water, The SweetWater 420 Fest prioritizes eco-friendly practices. Last year, the event reduced landfill waste by 30,000 pounds, diverting it through on-site, eco-focused activities. The SweetWater 420 Fest constantly offers volunteer-powered events, creating fun environments from pavilion restoration, park improvement initiatives, nature path reformation and venue cleanup. The Fest has currently donated over $120,000 in neighborhood and organizational funds, directed towards Park Pride, CPNO and Friends of Candler Park.

Partnerships, Outreach and Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom has expanded their brand since 1974. Their free-thinking brand image employs pizza, beer, family-operated events and grand journeys to facilitate the food industry’s growth. Greatly attached to the SweetWater 420 Fest, Mellow Mushroom’s latest franchise maneuvers will feature guest art contests, food booths and live events. The SweetWater 420 Fest is an excellent location, spanning across a large area capable of hosting a slew of activities. Of course, a multitude of branded merchandise will be available, boosting revenue alongside funds gathered from pizza and beer alone.

Mellow Mushroom also holds a unique opportunity in partnering with SweetWater Brewing Company’s other affiliates. SunTrust Bank, Happy Endings Productions, Centennial Olympic Park, Central Atlanta Progress and Park Pride have all assisted downtown Atlanta’s green lifestyle. Streetcar, too, has been involved, increasing the city’s ‘mobilized’ lifestyle. Mellow Mushroom, now, helps event happenings by prompting visitors to remove trash while planting plants and landscape throughout the event-hosting area.

The Mellow Mushroom Brand and Statement

From a brand perspective, Mellow Mushroom’s dedication to the SweetWater 420 Fest is incredibly telling. The restaurant has always been dedicated to mouthwatering food accompanies by world-friendly policies. SweetWater Brewing Company, aligned with the brand’s focus, makes an excellent partner.

Mellow Mushroom’s experimental marketing participation has granted it immersive access into the SweetWater Brewing Company’s fan foundation. Crafting unforgettable environments, the brand additionally gains from Twitter and Facebook appearances. Its ‘Fresh Tweets’ outreach program rings true to the SweetWater 420 Fest, tying up any loose ends while nodding, again, to the brand overlap between two eco-friendly entities.

Mellow Mushroom’s offered Mellow E-Club, famous for spreading event information, will likely propose options for future SweetWater 420 Fest attendees. Social Media, in the food and brew world, is an indispensable resource. As Mellow Mushroom gears up for its newest marketing opportunities, it’ll continue adhering to the SweetWater Brewing Company state of mind—one dedicated to community, happiness and great food.