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The independent spirit spawned nearly 20 years ago by Seattle’s grunge movement still lives on at Bumbershoot—one of the nation’s largest arts and music festivals. In the shadow of the Space Needle sponsoring brands set up camp in an effort to grab a few minutes with finicky music lovers between performances by emerging artists and indie favorites including this year’s headliners Beck Band of Horses Stone Temple Pilots and Death Cab For Cutie.

For brands looking to stage events for consumers or employees the answer may be as close as their neighborhood movie theater. During off-hours those cushy seats and cup-holders are just sitting there empty; the big dark screen is just begging to light up with a movie or simulcast. Add in the efficiencies of reaching potentially thousands of people via a network of theater locations and you’ve got an opportunity that may just be worth exploring especially in this age of global warming and carbon offsets.

Japanese clothier Uniqlo set up shop in the heart of Times Square on Nov. 18 to introduce its Heat Tech thermal underwear line to the U.S.  From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. New York’s huddled masses were invited to jump into a queue for a chance to receive a free pair of the brand’s signature lightweight thermal long johns or long-sleeved t-shirts. 

Now in its 14th year the once scrappy and alternative sporting event driven solely by youth and counter culture is being populated by 30-somethings who have homes jobs and kids of their own. Yet despite how much the first-generation fan base has changed its attitude remains the same—rebellious. (How else to explain all the pierced and tattooed parents jumping out of their hybrids with toddlers wearing skull and crossbones tees?) Can X Games sponsors continue to connect with a multi-generational audience that wants to forever stay just outside of the mainstream?

Now in its second year on the road the NBA on ESPN RV Tour will double its reach from 20 games to 40 games to promote ESPN and ABC’s expanded coverage of the NBA season. Games are broadcast on Wednesday and Friday on ESPN and starting in January on ABC on Sundays.