B-to-C Events

To promote the second season of “Shear Genius ” cable net Bravo last month offered New Yorkers free blowouts by the show’s 12 contestants in a one-day Times Square pop-up hair salon. The first 100 guests in line for a blowout received a gift bag brimming with Nexxus hair products.

A key design element: 10 uniquely-themed salon chairs designed by art students at the New York School of Visual Arts.

The concert sponsorship activation model has become for the most part a rather formulaic platform. Hit folks in the parking lots set up near concession stands before the first set and serve up some branded love after the encore wraps up. Nuff said papi.

It says something about the power of event marketing that big-time TV networks are no longer relying only on their own form of media to get the word out about their programming. More and more big and small networks basic cable stations and premium pay stations alike are all turning to experiential to promote shows. To create buzz for mid-season replacements reality shows election coverage—you name it—networks are taking it to the streets to hook in viewers and entice media buyers.

At the Minnesota State Fair friendly folks of all ages strolled along taking in the treasures of an all-American fair—the second largest in the nation after Texas. With food on a stick in hand (anything your sick mind can conjure up they have it on a stick) and the wholesome sounds of Richard Marx (Midwest native son) carried in the breeze the heartland seemed to march to the sound of a slower drumbeat. We on the other hand had to pick up the pace to bring you the best brand experiences. Like hearty Midwestern farmers if brands sowed there was plenty to reap.

To create buzz for new series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars ” Cartoon Network is hitting eight malls through Nov. 9 with activities targeting kids and tweens (adults can play too). The network picked malls to reach an across the board demo in one shot.

“We also wanted the opportunity to get foot traffic with the traditional Star Wars franchise fans now adults and some parents ” Brenda Freeman cmo-young adults and kids media at Turner Broadcasting’s Animation told Buzz.