B-to-C Events

Consumers usually have a pretty clear idea about brands. Mention Q-tips and women associate the product with cleaning their babies’ ears or removing rings of mascara from their eyes. Coleman brings images of coolers stocked with sodas and beer for family camping trips or backyard barbecues. State Farm like a good neighbor is there or so the ad copy goes. But when that brand perception becomes outdated or no longer adequately reflects the attributes of the product event marketing is a powerful tool to change that image in consumers’ minds.

Verizon Wireless connected with Memphis' African-American community by engaging the enthusiastic choristers from Miracle Temple Sanctuary Apostolic Deliverance Temple and Holy City who vied with finalists from six other congregations in a musical extravaganza called How Sweet the Sound. The gospel-hour-meets-reality-show sing-off drew 11 000 supporters all rooting for their favorite choral group.

To promote its Way2Save high interest savings plan Wachovia last week hit the road with a 12-city tour that gives consumers a chance to win $2 000. The bank’s Way2Save Challenge Tour features a three-story high 26-foot-deep money booth in which contestants get a chance to grab as much play money as possible.

Soft Scrub recently wrapped a 38-city tour as a sponsor of the Dancing with the Stars tour which ended its winter segment this month and kicks off again in June.

Travelers flying AirTran Airways out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Feb. 12 were greeted by a pit crew of Danica Patrick look-alikes. Four brand ambassadors sporting branded Andretti Green Racing t-shirts and Patrick’s signature long dark locks helped whisk customers through check-in by carrying luggage assisting customers at ticket kiosks and offering directions. Once they were checked in customers moved on to security by crossing a faux finish line marked by two checkered flags.