B-to-C Events

National mall owner Taubman has partnered with Broadway musical “Wicked” in a two-year program that will put displays and promotions in seven Taubman malls in markets where the musical will be on tour. The promo kicked off on March 12 at Sunvalley Shopping Center near San Francisco, then in mid-April will travel to Northlake Mall in Charlotte, NC, then make five additional stops before wrapping up next fall.

Dove Chocolate partnered with women’s internet site iVillage and Gallo wines, among others, to create an Afternoon of Indulgent Moments. The four-hour event, held on Mar. 9 at New York City’s Chelsea Market, offered busy women a feminine, relaxing, friendly and sophisticated environment that served as an oasis from the stresses and challenges of city life.

When it comes to generating buzz through live events, the nation’s biggest cities are often a brand’s first choice. But even in a busy metropolis like New York City, host to countless annual parades and marathons, it takes extra attention to detail to minimize the disruption.

Getting a few of the right reporters to cover an event used to be good enough. These days, companies are adding blogger- targeted experiences to their p.r. and event programs in order to give their message extra reach and credibility. But once bloggers are on site, it takes more than a swag bag to keep them tuned in. Brands need to show that they read the blogger’s blogs, they know what’s going on in their lives and they understand their unique interests and needs. Sound like a lot? It is.

Virgin Mobile promoted its Baltimore and Washington D.C.-based Freefest during this year’s SXSW in Austin inside (and outside) a tricked out residential home on Eighth Street. Though it’s not an official sponsor of the festival, Virgin rode the momentum of the popular event using the house as a hospitality locale to host industry folks, entertain fans (and recharge their phones, courtesy of LG) as well as showcase artwork. The party was on each night with free drinks, live djs (including heavy hitter Diplo) and surprise guests like actor Bill Murray and pro athlete Rick Thorne.