Posted on Thu, Dec 22, 2011
You’re at a huge concert event, using your phone to update your status, upload pictures, and tweet about that awesome band you just saw. Then all of sudden you hear that dreaded ‘beep’ indicating your phone’s battery is about to die. What are you going to do? How are you going to stay updated with the world for the rest of the day? Don’t worry; Energizer and Pro Motion are there to save the day!
You may not know this, but Energizer has several portable charging solutions. You’re not alone. Not many people knew about Energizer’s Energi to Go portable chargers, that is until three years ago when Energizer turned to Pro Motion to start a sampling program where they attended events like Lollapalooza, CES and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Events. The program served as an awareness generator driving word of mouth about the product. And just like its pink bunny counterpart, the Energizer Energi to Go Sampling Program keeps going and going and going.
For the third year running, Pro Motion and Energizer joined forces to save thousands of consumers and keep them connected with a charged up phone. This time around Pro Motion focused on concertgoers and sent street teams to Lollapalooza in Chicago and LouFest in St. Louis to hand out free Energizer Energi to Go portable chargers to attendees. Pro Motion selected these venues because the event attendees rely heavily on their phones during these all day and multi-day events. Once their phone batteries are drained they are out of touch and this is a huge challenge for the target demographic. By providing a portable charge Energizer was able to cut through the clutter at the events to make a memorable and lasting impact on the consumers.
The 2011 program brought a new product demonstration component to the mix with the use of the portable charger XP4001, Energizer’s powerful portable battery capable of providing simultaneous charging for two devices at once. At LouFest, Pro Motion was set-up in the “Chatterbox” tent, a haven for consumers to stay connected with their social media during the concert. It was here that iPhone users could charge their phones via the XP4011 courtesy of Energizer.
As with the first two programs, the 2011 Energi to Go Sampling Program was a big hit. Pro Motion brand ambassadors distributed more than 24,000 chargers at the two concerts. And with its continuing success, it doesn’t look like this program will lose its charge anytime soon.
Posted on Fri, Oct 21, 2011
Pro Motion and Marketing Agency, Fathom Communications Bring ‘Incredible’ Tour to Canada
It’s no question the buying public is fascinated and even borderline obsessed with technology. The demand is so high, that by the time you get what you assume is the newest version of a product; the next model comes out a week later. We like the most technologically advanced, yet simple to use products in our lives, even if that means buying a new phone every 6 months.
There is, however, something consistently popular with consumers. That would be ice cream. Just visit an ice cream parlor on any hot day during the summer and you’ll see extremely long lines of anxious adults and children alike, waiting to get a taste of their favorite flavor. Put “tech and treats” together and you’ll discover a quite brilliant means to increase brand awareness and drive to retail call to action.
I know what you’re thinking. Technology and ice cream are seemingly unrelated to marketing. That is until Fathom Communications and Pro Motion launched the recently completed HTC Incredible S Treat Truck Tour.
This summer, the HTC Incredible S Treat Truck Tour took to the streets of Canada, making stops in high traffic areas in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto to spread the news of the new HTC Incredible S Smartphone (the technology). The Treat Truck visited each market for four days, where they distributed ice cream treats and branded collateral to consumers (the treats). Once consumers were hooked by the delicious treats, Brand Ambassadors demonstrated how the Smartphone worked.
“We were extremely excited to have the opportunity to again partner with Fathom Communications in launching this unique tour to get the word out about the new HTC Incredible S Smartphone,” says Pro Motion CEO Steve Randazzo. “Pro Motion and Fathom Communications have partnered together on many client programs since 2003, including Sony Ericsson, Hasbro, LG, Washington Mutual Inc. (WaMu) and Gatorade. The success of the HTC Incredible S Treat Truck Tour proves you really can have your cake, or in this case ice cream, and eat it too.”
The treats were not only a welcome refreshment in the dog days of summer, the wrappers of the ice cream treats also gave consumers the chance to win the new HTC Smartphone. And the collateral material distributed contained a drive to retail call to action. That is, interested consumers received an incentive to visit any participating Bell or Virgin Mobile to request a demo from a sales rep. After the demonstration, the individuals were given a scratch off ticket for another chance to win prizes. Prizes included tickets to concerts and sporting events, $50 prepaid card, song downloads or a year supply of treats.
Once the tour was completed, the HTC Team reached over 56,000 people, distributed 24,000 ice cream treats and 32,000 branded collateral. And thousands of consumers had the opportunity to have a hands-on, face-to-face demonstration of the features of the HTC Incredible S. The street teams generated PR buzz and the story was picked up 5 times leading to over 350,000 additional impressions.
As the results show, consumers responded enthusiastically to this unique experiential marketing tour. It received positive responses from consumers including: “I can't believe they are giving away ice cream! I love HTC!" and “I love the other HTC phones. I am planning on getting one. I'm happy I got a chance to check one out."
The tour traveled throughout Canada over the course of the program.
Randazzo exclaimed, “the Fathom and Pro Motion team have worked together for so long we truly are the definition of synergy where 1+1=3.”
Posted on Mon, Sep 26, 2011
Experiential Marketing Company to Open Chicago Branch to Accommodate Growing Client Demand
Prompted by a spike in Chicago-based business, Pro Motion is heading north to open an office in the ‘Windy City’. The new branch will serve the needs of clients in the Chicago area and create opportunities to build upon existing clientele, as well as focus on building partnerships with brands and agencies in the Chicago area. To head the new branch, Pro Motion has tapped Tony Paske. The Chicago office will focus equally on business development and account service. The office opened at the beginning of September and is already servicing Chicago area clients.
Tony Paske has worked with Pro Motion for 6 years, overseeing several successful campaigns including work with Disney, CNN as well as Chicago area based Crown Imports and Bosch Power Tools. Currently his team is launching a national program for PlayON! Sports and Comcast XFINITY™ High School Sports. The team also recently wrapped up a national tour for gmc (formerly Gospel Music Channel). The tour kicked off in June at the Cable Show in Chicago.
“We’ve had enormous success in the Chicago area, and we think it’s only fitting to have an office there to better serve the needs of our clients,” says Pro Motion President Steve Randazzo. “We’re confident that with Tony’s experience managing national event marketing projects, the Chicago office will prove to be very successful.”
“Chicago is an event-savvy city where brands and agencies will be eager to experience the Pro Motion difference,” says Paske. “I’m also very excited to be so close to several markets where our national clients’ field programs are already taking place.”
Posted on Fri, Sep 09, 2011
An article about Pro Motion's New York Lottery Powerball Hole-in-One Sweepstakes events was featured in Event Marketer.
NY Lottery Gives Players a $1 Million Shot
The New York Lottery this year launched a program to promote its new Powerball game that challenges select finalists to hit a hole in one at local golf courses. Anyone who bought a ticket was eligible to enter the Powerball Hole-in-One Sweepstakes. The Lottery has selected the finalists who throughout the month of September will have the opportunity to compete in seven hole-in-one competitions across the state of New York for a $1 million grand prize or secondary prizes worth up to $1,000 in cash.
The goal is to increase excitement for the Powerball game and boost traffic and sales at the more than 16,000 lottery retailers during the promotional period. Participants had to buy a Powerball ticket and enter the sweepstakes at the New York Lottery website by Aug. 24. In a random drawing on Aug. 25, 25 semi-finalists were selected from about 70,000 entries to attempt to get a hole in one at golf courses in Albany, Buffalo, Long Island, New York City and Syracuse. Each golfer gets one chance to shoot a hole-in-one down the 150-yard fairway and win the grand prize. The three participants who get closest to the pin will win one of three runner-up prizes for $250, $500 and $1,000 in cash.
“It’s all about going out and having some fun,” Debbie Hewitt, director-promotions at New York Lottery, told Buzz. “The idea is to drive some awareness for the game and drive sales while we were at it.”
Posted on Fri, Jul 29, 2011
Pro Motion Partners with DDB New York to Launch the New York Lottery’s Powerball Hole in One Sweepstakes
Powerball Players Take A Shot At Turning a $5 Powerball Ticket Into One Million DollarsST. LOUIS (July 29, 2011) -- Pro Motion, Inc., one of the nation’s first and most successful experiential marketing companies, has joined forces once again with
DDB New York, to launch the New
York Lottery’s Powerball Hole in One Sweepstakes. Powerball players will have a chance to compete in seven regional Hole in One competitions this September for a $1 million Grand Prize or secondary prizes worth up to $1,000 in cash. This is the second promotion Pro Motion and DDB New York have activated for the New York Lottery this year.
“The goals of the Hole in One Sweepstakes are to increase awareness and generate excitement for the Powerball game, as well as boost traffic and sales at the 16,000+ lottery retailers during the promotional period,” said Steve Randazzo, Pro Motion Founder and President. “Our earlier promotion for the New York Lottery this year, the Minute to Win It Tour, was one of the top five most successful new ticket launches in the New York Lottery’s history. We’re excited to see if we can top that success!”
Participants must purchase a Powerball ticket and then enter the sweepstakes through the New York Lottery website by August 24th. In a random drawing on August 25th, the New York Lottery will choose 25 semi-finalists to participate in seven regional Hole in One events at golf courses in Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, New York City, and Long Island. Each participant will have one shot to score a hole in one and win the grand prize; the three participants coming closest to the pin will win one of three runner-up prizes including $250, $500 and $1,000 in cash.
Coordinating with DDB New York, Pro Motion will manage all seven regional events, from notifying the 25 semifinalists to set up and activation of each event on-site.
Posted on Wed, Jul 13, 2011
KOAM TV covered Pro Motion's mobile tour, The Gospel Music Channel's Uplift Someone America Tour, visit to Joplin, MO to help those affected by the tornado. Read the article below.
Jul 08, 2011
Reported by Angela Garcia, Reporter
The Gospel Music Channel visits Joplin to give donations to those affected by the tornado.
"When you're talking to families that have been through so much lately and you just say 'hey, I just want to offer you a word of encouragement' it goes a long way," says Angela Cannon of Uplift Someone America.
The Uplift Someone America tour bus is also going a long way to donate to communities in need.
GMC teamed up with feed the children and the Salvation Army in Joplin to offer food and personal items to storm victims.
Joplin resident Scott Olsen says help from those at GMC's Uplift Someone tour and the Salvation Army make him feel like he's not forgotten.
"There's about 45,000 people so we lost a good (cries) chunk of our neighbors so it really means a lot," says Olson.
Salvation Army leaders say the number of those in need in the Joplin area has increased since May 22, making it important for organizations like GMC to assist in relief efforts.
"A lot of the clientele that we're seeing we've never seen before because they were families that weren't in need but it's a lesson for all of us to learn that in a moments notice we could all be in need," says Joplin Salvation Army Captain Jason Poff.
Along with donating food GMC handed out bracelets reminding people to pay it forward.
"The Uplift Someone America Tour will stop at 20 different U.S. cities to inspire people to do kind and simple acts for one another."
GMC says they are fortunate to help recovering cities like Joplin but that people are in need everywhere.
"We know that people may have been hit and are having a hard time because of the tornado but people are going through hard times everyday," says Cannon. "Whether it's job loss, or you know, there's tons of things that happen everyday."
"It's a God-send really without some of these organizations I really don't know what I'd do," says Olson.
The GMC Uplift Someone America Mobile Tour started in New York in April and will wrap up their bus tour in Atlanta next month.
Posted on Tue, Jul 12, 2011
An article written by Pro Motion's Director of Marketing, Megan Zeik, was recently featured in PROMO Magazine. Read the article below.
We know that retail sampling is a great way to incent trial and purchase. But there are pros and cons. Let’s take a look at both sides.
The Advantages
Ease of Purchase Taking your sampling program directly to retail means that it is very convenient for consumers to make an immediate purchase, increasing sales.
Education Opportunity Sampling provides an opportunity for brand ambassadors to educate the store’s staff about the product so they are better informed when speaking with customers and to develop brand advocates at the point-of-purchase.
Reward Retailers Sampling generates excitement with consumers and boosts sales, building goodwill with retailers and providing a reward for the retailer to carry the product.
Less Distraction Activating at retail rather than at other events or in a guerilla location means that there is likely less competition for the consumers’ attention.
Sales Tracking Operating in store makes it easier to track sales connected to the program and provides a more accurate report of the program’s success.
The Disadvantages
Traffic Limitations Depending on the retail location, traffic may be low compared to other possible events or locations. Traffic is often more concentrated on specific days and times and it is important to understand each location’s high-traffic patterns before scheduling an event.
Retailer Support A lack of retailer support can hamper the effectiveness of the campaign and make the program more difficult to activate.
Lack of Control It’s important to have enough product in stock for consumers to purchase onsite at the event and you must rely on the retailer to accommodate your requests. Equipment is often shipped to or stored at the retail location and is at the mercy of the store staff to execute properly.
Activation Limitations Activities can be restricted when activating inside or in front of a retail location. For example, a loud sound system may not be conducive to the shopping environment.
Space Limitations Space inside a retail location is at a premium and could limit the size of your set-up. Space in parking lots is reserved for consumers and varies greatly between each location thus also potentially limiting the size or your footprint.
Posted on Tue, May 31, 2011
An article about Pro Motion's Dr Pepper Snapple Group sampling program was featured in Ad Saint.
Sipping Samples
by Dewayne Nickerson
St. Louisians are whetting their whistles thanks to the Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) and to Pro Motion, a locally owned event management agency.
The companies kicked off their second sampling tour at the end of April, trying to bring awareness for HyDrive and Sun Drop and it’s going gangbusters.
This month and running through August, Pro Motion Brand Ambassadors will be going to over 200 locations across the city. They’ll be handing out samples at fairs, parks and various sporting events including River City Rascals games where DPSG is a sponsor.
Differing venues will have differing drinks s since each drink is aimed at different target audiences. HyDrive is low-calorie fitness water aimed at women. Sun Drop is a highly caffeinated citrus soda and is marketed more toward college students.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Dr Pepper Snapple Group on another sampling program,” said Pro Motion CEO Steve Randazzo. “Our Seven-month program last year visited 79 events where our Brand Ambassadors distributed more than 40,000 samples and 3,000 coupons. This year we expect even bigger results as we are adding a branded vehicle to draw attention to the tour. As a result, sales have been up 368% and 60% on Sun Drop and HyDrive respectfully in St. Louis.
The program has done well in the past and they hope to do even more in the future. This year Pro Motion has an even loftier goal of handing out 60,000 samples.
Posted on Mon, May 30, 2011
Experiential Marketing Company Taps Brian Randazzo as Project Manager Leading Successful 2011 Dr Pepper Snapple Group Sampling Program
Building off of a strong first quarter, Pro Motion is adding new talent and a fresh perspective to the team with the addition of Brian Randazzo as a new Project Manager. In 2010, Brian first tested the waters at Pro Motion serving as Brand Ambassador for the 2010 Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG) Summer Sampling Program. After proving himself an asset on sampling programs in 2010, his first project is leading the day-to-day operations of the already-successful 2011 Dr Pepper Snapple Group Sampling Program.
“First quarter was busy and we now have a very healthy pipeline of new business coming in, so we’re adding fresh talent to the Pro Motion team,” says CEO Steve Randazzo. “After working with Brian in 2010, I knew he’d be a great fit. His energetic personality and great work ethic have already proven to be real assets to our company.”
Brian is now responsible for day-to-day contact with his clients on event scheduling, inventory, and event recaps. He will also work as a Pro Motion Market Manager, attending all sampling events to manage Brand Ambassadors in order to ensure successful program activation.
Brian says he joined Pro Motion to get practical, hands on experience. While working as a Brand Ambassador in 2010, he found he excels in the Pro Motion work environment: where everyone works together to achieve the best possible results.
“I chose this career because marketing allows for creativity and passion,” Brian said. “And the experience that I can gain from working with so many creative and intelligent people here at Pro Motion is too good to pass up.”
In addition to his work at Pro Motion, Brian is also a dedicated blogger. As a professional in communications, he blogs not for professional gain but because it is something he is passionate about. As he states, “My blog is something that never has a deadline; I do it for me. If there’s something on my mind that makes me want to sit down and write about it, I will.”
Randazzo graduated from the University of Buffalo in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. For three years, he played baseball for the Bulls in the NCAA Division I, Mid-American Conference. Most recently he served as a Community Employment Specialist for the not-for-profit contract packaging company BCI.