Archive for the ‘Dana News’ Category
Dana Welcomes New Interactive Director
Posted by Dana Communications | Filed under Dana News
Dana Communications recently welcomed Chris Buckelew to the role of Interactive Director. Buckelew brings a strong background in digital strategy, custom application development, Internet marketing, mobile solutions and social media. To the benefit of Dana’s clients, he also comes with deep knowledge of hospitality management and operations.
As Interactive Director, Buckelew has been tasked with mapping out detailed, cutting-edge digital strategies for Dana’s clients. Dedicated to working closely with each one, Buckelew assesses individual digital presence objectives and applies his innovative approach to reach those goals quickly. He collaborates closely with Dana’s creative and media teams to ensure client projects are precisely aligned with current technology trends and best practices for the industry.
“As the technology behind the Internet continues to evolve and become more accessible, Dana is positioned to take advantage of the current trends and leverage them to the client’s advantage,” said Buckelew. “I’m excited to be part of the Dana team and to continue the growth of the Interactive Department.”
Along with a Bachelor of Science from Johnson & Wales University in Hospitality Management, Buckelew boasts 17 years in the field. His experience spans working for industry leaders such as Benchmark Hospitality International, The Procaccianti Group and Cendyn, as well as roles with companies like TAICHIUSA, Norton Supply Company and The Palace at Somerset Park. His previous positions allowed him the opportunity to work with great industry brands including The Chattanoogan Hotel, Lansdowne Resort, The Forrestal Hotel and Turtle Bay Resort.
“We’re excited about having Chris on board not only because of his depth of experience in digital strategy and interactive operations, but also because of the way he comes to this role from a hospitality perspective,” said Lynn Kaniper, Partner and COO of Dana. “He’s forged relationships and connections in this industry, bringing knowledge and ideas that directly match the needs of our clients.”
According to Buckelew, “Our goal is to shift as much development as possible to open-source solutions, allowing us to create a robust, scalable and cost-effective presence for our clients. It also enables us to place equal focus and resources on optimization, strategy and marketing, providing a complete interactive promotional package. In this way, we can tap into Dana’s full scope of services to make the most of our client’s interactive efforts.”
News from IMEX America 2011
Posted by Chris Buckelew | Filed under Dana News, Meetings, Updates
IMEX America is well underway in fabulous Las Vegas. Watch video headlines from Tuesday and check out 2:30 for a clip of Bob and the the team giving our Pink Socks + Pocket Protectors presentation at a campfire session on the tradeshow floor. Nice Socks, Bob!
Check out more IMEX America Videos here.
Dana Communications Wins Four Magellan Awards For Excellence in Travel Marketing
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Advertising, Awards, Dana News
Hopewell, New Jersey. The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honor the best in travel and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Dana Communications proudly received four awards for 2011, including two Gold and two Silver Magellan Awards:
A Gold Magellan Award in the Travel Agent/Agency Category for “Wrap Yourself in Westin.” This Advertising/Marketing Campaign motivated travel professionals to experience and sell Westin Hotels & Resorts. The one-week campaign engaged 8,401 travel professionals, added 4,000 new registrants and reached nearly 15% of the entire travel professional market in North America, far exceeding the stated goal of our client.
A Gold Magellan Award in the Hotels and Resorts Category for the Turtle Bay Resort “Wedding Wars” Campaign. This Advertising/Marketing Campaign partnered with Wedding Wars, the entertaining VH1 reality show, to promote this Hawaii resort as a dream wedding destination. Dana’s campaign drove viewers to a landing page to vote for their favorite couple and link to the resort for information and reservations. The results included impressive returns in room reservations and revenues, plus requests for the exact wedding ceremony featured on the TV show.
A Silver Magellan Award in the Hotels and Resorts Category for Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s 2012 PGA Play Promotion. This Print Advertising Campaign promoted a one-week opportunity to play The Ocean Course, host of the 2012 PGA Championship, under major championship conditions. Dana’s campaign leveraged the prestige of the PGA event, generated valuable revenue, promoted year-round packages and positioned our client as the East Coast’s premier golf destination.
A Silver Magellan Award in the Hotels and Resorts Category for the Turning Stone Golf Resort & Spa “Turn Around” Campaign. This Advertising/Marketing Campaign for a well-known casino destination in Verona, NY, promoted the resort’s lesser-known resort offerings. Banners, direct mail, email, web, print and television advertised attractive value packages to increase business for the resort’s award-winning golf courses, spa and Lodge. The email component was especially powerful, outperforming industry averages by as much as 50%.
“Dana submitted four entries and is extremely proud to have received a prestigious award for each entry,” said Lynn Kaniper, Dana’s Creative Director and COO. “This competition attracts outstanding work from top travel agencies worldwide, so winning four Magellan Awards demonstrates Dana’s creativity and the results we achieve for our clients in the travel industry.”
A leading lifestyle marketing agency, Dana has offices in New York City, Hopewell, New Jersey, the Carolinas and Los Angeles, California. Dana’s clients include some of the most impressive brands in travel and hospitality. For additional information about Dana Communications, visit http://www.danacommunications.com or contact Jeff Gurtman at jgurtman@danacommunications.com or 609.466.9187 x136.
Planning Session Down in Swingtown
Posted by Jamie Smith | Filed under Dana News, Training, Travel
Recently Dana headed down to Virginia for a 2012 planning session with our clients at The National Conference Center (NCC). It’s always great to combine business and fun, and our trip to Leesburg was just the right mix.
NCC is really emerging as a thought-leader in meetings and training. The center itself was purpose-built for learning, so the facilities are great for focused sessions. But what really sets NCC apart is their innovative management and marketing teams. It was great to experience some of their new programs, like Food for Thought, a food and beverage program that offers a big selection of healthy, brain-friendly items to keep guests alert and feeling their best during meetings. Interesting themes rolling out are a new generational learning program and more ways to meet green. Keep up with what’s next at the NCC blog.
An added bonus to our productive meetings was a night of food, drink and classic tunes as we headed over to Wolf Trap to catch The Steve Miller Band. Blankets and picnic food were spread out, then The Joker himself hit the stage, playing all his hits along with a set or two of the blues.
Creative sessions, an entertaining night — what more can you ask for? Can’t wait until the next time we meet up, and wonder when Skynyrd rolls through VA again…hmmm.
Dana Communications Selected by Rose Hall Developments Ltd. in Jamaica
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News
Rose Hall Developments Ltd. has contracted Dana Communications to redesign the websites marketing its real estate offerings, golf and special events business in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Founded by the late John Rollins of Wilmington, Delaware, Rose Hall is being developed by the Rollins family as one of the Caribbean’s finest resort communities.
Rose Hall’s real estate opportunities include wooded, hillside and beachfront homesites overlooking lush fairways and the Caribbean Sea. The centerpiece of the property is the magnificently restored 1770 Rose Hall Great House. This elegant mansion and its grounds are a popular venue for weddings and special events, and guided tours give visitors insights into the fascinating history of this plantation home. Three golf courses, including the fabulous White Witch and the seaside Cinnamon Hill courses, and several luxurious resorts and spas are available for Rose Hall residents and visitors.
Dana Communications is redesigning the look and refreshing the content of the Rose Hall website (www.rosehall.com) to promote this West Indies destination for island living, vacations, weddings and special events. A leading hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency, Dana Communications celebrated 30 years in business in 2010. Dana has offices in New York City, Princeton, New Jersey, the Carolinas and San Francisco, California. For additional information about Dana Communications, visit http://www.danacommunications.com or contact Jeff Gurtman at jgurtman@danacommunications.com or 609.466.9187 x136.
Dana Communications Brings New Brand Identity to Emerging Trend in Commercial Real Estate
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News
Emerge selected Dana Communications to rebrand and market its expanding collection of New York City space solutions. Dana is currently rolling out the company’s new brand identity, starting with an updated name, Emerge212 Boutique Space, and new website at www.emerge212.com.
Emerge212 Boutique Space offers fully furnished, fully wired Boutique Office Space at two Midtown locations with attractive short-term leasing terms, as well as Boutique Virtual Space, a virtual office option with a Manhattan mailing address and the coveted 212 phone number. The company also finds innovative uses for vacant commercial real estate in New York City with its new Boutique Concept Space, a portfolio of nontraditional spaces to use for experiential marketing campaigns, events, pop-up stores and film locations.
“Emerge212 is redefining commercial real estate with an innovative product line that appeals to focused, image-conscious and proactive entrepreneurs. We wanted a marketing partner who would help us break out of the standard office leasing marketing mold and guide us to a sophisticated, client-focused brand image and message,” said James Kleeman, Emerge212’s Director. It made sense to turn to Dana, a leader in hospitality marketing, for insight into reinventing eEmerge into Emerge212 Boutique Space.
“We discovered that Emerge212 offered many parallels to the boutique hotel industry: small, unique, personalized, experiential,” said Bethany Diddle, Senior Account Manager at Dana. First order of business was to update the name to Emerge212, which speaks to the emerging trend in space solutions and the company’s strong NYC identity.
Emerge212 is a wholly owned subsidiary of SL Green Realty Corp., the city’s largest office landlord. Dana Communications is a leading hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency with offices in New York City, Princeton, NJ, the Carolinas and San Francisco, California.
We’re Spreading the News—Mary Dees Won a NYC Trip for Two!
Posted by Dana Communications | Filed under Dana News, Social Media, Tips and Trends Series
Our fan Mary Dees, Sales Manager at Golfweek, is the lucky winner of our NYC Getaway Contest. Mary says she’s looking forward to getting reacquainted with the Big Apple during her upcoming two-night stay.
She tells us she loves Broadway too, and this time, she’ll be staying right in the heart of it at the Millennium Broadway Hotel. There she’ll enjoy star treatment, a stylish guest room with a big-city view and easy access to theaters, Fifth Avenue shopping, museums and much more.
She and her companion will also dine at Apiary, a sophisticated sanctuary featuring a seasonal menu created by Executive Chef Scott Bryan and a 300-selection global wine list, an extensive micro-brew beer list and artisanal cocktails.
Mary promises to keep in touch and fill us in, so stay tuned for more details about her trip.
Dana Brings on Board New Vice President, Strategy
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News
Dana Communications welcomes Jeff Gurtman, the agency’s new Vice President, Strategy. Gurtman brings over nine years of technical and business strategy experience, making him a valuable addition to the Dana team.
Gurtman is known for creating solutions and technical applications that repeatedly reinforce brand excellence with hospitality clients, and his sales and media savvy promote effective relationship building within the industry. He has developed strong relationships with brand managers, general managers and directors of sales and marketing.
“I am looking forward to working with a longstanding creative innovator whose stellar client list and team of passionate professionals are unsurpassed in the market,” said Gurtman. “I am confident that together we will continue to innovate the hospitality, travel and leisure industries with best-of-breed branding, marketing and interactive solutions.”
A veteran of the hospitality industry and a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Gurtman comes to Dana with a successful history at hospitality firms including Coyle Hospitality Group in New York, and Host Hotels and Resorts (formerly Host Marriott Corporation) in Maryland.
Prior to joining the Dana team, Gurtman oversaw the design and development of brand measurement programs and product innovation at LRA Worldwide, a leader in hospitality research and one of the innovators of the new concept of Customer Experience Management.
“Jeff is a perfect fit for Team Dana, as he brings a unique set of skills,” said Bob Prewitt, President of Dana Communications. “Not only is he the ultimate professional, but he really enjoys what he does and is fun to work with.”
Gurtman is well versed in social media, and his background is complemented by his experience as a television host appearing on several networks, including Discovery Channel’s TLC and the Travel Channel.
With Jeff’s strategic planning, new business development and team-building know-how as a guide, Dana expects to bring a fresh perspective and successful results to all current and future accounts.
IMEX Group appoints Dana Communications to support IMEX America
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News
IMEX Group has appointed New York based direct marketing agency Dana Communications to work on the launch of its inaugural IMEX America exhibition. The new trade show for the international meetings, incentive travel and events industry will take place October 11 – 13, 2011, at the Venetian Palazzo, Las Vegas. Dana’s appointment follows a three-way tender. The budget is undisclosed.
Dana Communications have been tasked with creating US-centred direct marketing campaigns incorporating email, direct mail and inserts for the trade show. The initial campaign aim is to drive attendee numbers and raise awareness about IMEX America’s many benefits to meetings and events industry buyers and exhibitors.
Oliver Hone, marketing director at the IMEX Group, said: “As our marketing department is UK-based we realised it was important to bring in an American agency for the launch of IMEX America; one that could communicate our messages in a way that resonates fully with our principal audiences in North America. Their job is to convey our unique trade show model in a way that educates and supports what we intend to be a revolutionary new approach to doing business in the meetings, events and incentive travel sector,” says Hone.
Bob Prewitt, President at Dana Communications commented: “As a new model of trade show for the US market, this project presents an exciting opportunity for us. IMEX’s reputation for delivering outstanding exhibitions really does precede it and we are confident that our proactive and innovative approach together with our market knowledge of the hospitality and business travel markets will see the two companies fit really well together.”
Hone continues: “Dana – who style themselves as ‘hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing’ - have an impeccable track record in working for an excellent roster of clients in our industry. What’s more we have many clients and relationships in common with each other – many of whom they used to leverage a true understanding of the IMEX brand to help them prepare their pitch.”
About IMEX America
The new trade show for the worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel industry – the inaugural IMEX America – will take place October 11-13, 2011 at the Sands Expo at the Venetian/Palazzo Hotel. It will assure exhibitors of meeting and making business appointments on their booths with in excess of 2,000 highly qualified hosted buyers.
Being an IMEX hosted buyer means that IMEX America pays for all travel and accommodation costs for buyers who meet strict qualification criteria. The majority (80 per cent) of these hosted buyers will come from North America, with the balance from the rest of the world. In addition thousands of additional U.S. buyer attendees are expected to attend from across North America.
IMEX America has major partnerships in place with all the leading meetings industry associations around the world. IMEX America’s strategic partner and major educational provider is MPI. It is endorsed by DMAI and Site and has an Industry Partnership with PCMA.
Exhibitors and buyers can register at http://www.imex-america.com/users_prereg_interest.php
www.imexamerica.com
About Dana Communications
Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, Dana Communications is a leading hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency with offices in New York City, Princeton, NJ, the Carolinas and San Francisco, California. For additional information about Dana Communications visit http://www.danacommunications.com or contact Bob Prewitt at 609-466-9187 x 124.
Editors’ notes:
- IMEX America is America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events and takes place October 11 – 13, 2011 at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas.
- All IMEX America press releases can be downloaded from http://www.imexamerica.com/press.php
- High-resolution photos are available at http://www.imexamerica.com/picturelibrary.html and http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/imexphotos.html
- IMEX America is run as a part of the IMEX Group of exhibitions, which also delivers the award winning IMEX exhibition in Frankfurt, www.imex-frankfurt.com
Media contacts:
Kit Watts +44 (0) 1273 224956 Cell +44 7968 417518 kit.watts@imexexhibitions.com
John Sullivan +44 20 77364022 john.Sullivan@imexexhibitions.com
Dana Communications Is A Player In New Generation Of Marketing Golf
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News
While the number of golfers remains flat and corporate golf outings have sharply declined in the U.S., Dana Communications is experiencing an upswing in golf business. The hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency’s roster of golf clients has grown to include Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island Real Estate, Makena Beach & Golf Resort, PGA Magazine, Preferred Golf, Royal Isabela, The Golf Connection International, The Villas at Grand Cypress and Turtle Bay Resort. All in all, Dana represents over 20 top-notch golf courses in locations ranging from Puerto Rico to Maui to New Jersey.
“Like everyone else, golf has been hit by the current economy, but it hasn’t helped that it had become aligned with the luxury segment of our industry—which really felt the economic backlash,” says Dana President Robert Prewitt. “In addition to building back its business, golf has to fight the ‘luxury’ perception of exclusivity and pampering that is really not part of the true golf tradition. Remember, golf was invented by shepherds, not Donald Trump.”
Interestingly, Prewitt, an avid golfer himself, predicts that it will take the latest marketing technologies to help golf reestablish its grand old tradition. “The fact is, the golf world has been late to the game in taking advantage of the resources and services we already provide to our other hospitality and travel clients—specifically website development, e-marketing, social networking presence, PPC advertising, use of distribution channels and ROI analysis,” says Prewitt. “I’m excited about Dana’s role in helping craft the message about golf in this new marketing environment. To me, golf is the greatest of all games, and it needs to get back to its roots: being outdoors, experiencing nature, enjoying the health benefits and learning more about yourself.” Prewitt will be talking more about the future of golf at the PGA 2010 Fall Expo in Las Vegas on August 17-18, 2010, where he will lead a seminar on golf resort branding in the digital age.
Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, Dana Communications is a leading hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency with offices in New York City, Princeton, NJ, the Carolinas and San Francisco, California.
