Linking sponsors and programs, missions and messages, is just part of what we do here at The Dunstan Group. Connecting all of the above to big, community impact projects makes getting results even more rewarding. Open Streets 704 is that kind of project; coordinating an activity-based brand, a series of events, and an all-new sponsor in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Wanting to get the most marketing from your budget isn’t a new ask. This is where we get creative, and can have a little fun along the way. And whether you’re a Fortune 50 company or a nonprofit, the goals are similar: you want people to engage with your brand for all the right reasons, to meet them where they are, and maybe even create some surprises along the way.
Open Streets 704 is a brand that’s about being active, connecting people, and having fun outside. Branded and logo’d frisbees, shoe tags, banners, and bike lights were a perfect fit for giveaways and marketing opportunities leading up to their events.
“What’s really important about marketing Open Streets 704 is associating the event with a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Al Bangoura, who’s part of the team behind Open Streets 704. “It’s about connecting them with the activity and each other, and turning them into advocates for their community.”
So you know, “open streets” events close roads to traffic for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, creating an opportunity for folks to use them for other activities, like outdoor games, cycling, and walking. Open Streets 704 is Charlotte’s version of the same, with the first two events drawing more than 25,000 people. (The next event is Sunday, May 7. Find out more at openstreets704.com )
“Giveaways for Open Streets 704 are more than just for branding,” added planning team member, Monica Holmes. “They give depth to our message and help us cultivate a culture of outdoor activity and the importance of open space.”
And what about that “surprise” along the way? Open Streets 704 coasters were a fun and inexpensive way to put the brand in restaurants and breweries in a space with little competition besides beer labels and sodas. Cheers to that!
Want to get creative with your brand or event? Simply start with a call to The Dunstan Group!
