As planners we have the task of generating publicity for our special events.  Today’s launch of “A Dark Knight”  accomplished the mission of publicity for the movie, but perhaps not quite the way it was planned.  We can take note and learn from our industry peers on this story.    

The new Batman movie “The Dark Knight,” opening today, is expected to be a global blockbuster. But a local guerilla promotion by a San Antonio theater chain threatened to turn that Hollywood cliché into a literal bomb.

To generate regional publicity for the film, the Santikos Theater chain mailed out cakes studded with wires and iced with a phone number and the message “Call Me” to 25 local TV, radio and newspaper outlets. The cakes had cell phones baked inside, along with promotional materials for the film.

When users dialed the number iced onto the cake, they were to receive a text message instructing them to come to one of the Santikos theaters premiering “The Dark Knight.”
http://promomagazine.com/othertactics/news/batman_promo_bomb_squad_cake_0718/

In 2008, Québec City celebrates its 400th birthday!

The 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City has Canada-wide significance. It is an extraordinary opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the history of Québec City and of Canada.

The eyes of the world will be on Québec City, famed as a historic World Heritage Site and the cradle of French civilization in North America.

The celebrations are an opportunity to mark 400 years of unique historical and cultural heritage. http://www.quebec400.gc.ca/pc-ch-eng.cfm

Summer time fun.  Thought you might enjoy this challenge from Baskin-Robbins this month.

BASKIN-ROBBINS: is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with Lick-A-Thon events on July 17. Customers can challenge friends, family or community members to a “lick race” to see who can lick a scoop of Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream the fastest and become the ultimate Lick Champion at participating stores nationwide. The event dovetails off the company’s expansion of its Oreo menu line-up, which features 19 Oreo ice cream products.

Engage or Get Lost

The only place where the loner succeeds is in comic books.  If you’re Superman, Batman or Spiderman, you might be able to make on your own, but even then, life is an angst-filled experience.  The new superheroes are those who reach out to others.  They’re connectors, the networkers, the social contributors.  They’re the ones who see everyone – family, company and community – as a partner.  They’re the ones who organize the event that brings people together to support a cause.”  Mike Lipkin www.mikelipkin.com