Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
HITEC 2011 – A Room with a (Automated) View
Posted by Jeff Gurtman | Filed under Design, Interactive, Uncategorized
Austin, TX-Flat panel displays, bacteria-resistant remote controls and guestroom automation were all the rage at this year’s HITEC show in Austin, Texas. This makes me happy, as I think we are finally reaching the point where technology is beginning to make things easier versus more complex (for both guests and operators). I recall a stay a few years back at a luxury hotel in Manhattan where I was supplied a device that controlled the window shades, climate, television, telephone and even the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign. In my mid-20s and tech-savvy, I remember being so excited to lie on the bed and watch the window shade open and close. Like a character in a James Bond movie, I thought to myself, “I could get used to this.” However, I spoke too soon. The device was confusing, the signal intermittent and the sensation less than fulfilling. If I was frustrated at this “amenity,” I couldn’t imagine what my mom would have thought of it.
At HITEC 2011, I saw a glimpse into the near future of technology and it looked pretty good. Convergence devices that are functional and serve to not only make a guest’s stay more convenient but help operationally as well, reassure me that we are creating innovation with a purpose. Through energy saving technology that automatically adjusts climate and lighting, we are heading in the direction of saving money in the long run. With device designers taking cues from smartphones and erring on the side of simplicity, I have high hopes for the guestroom of the future. The key is to make these technologies meaningful for both my mother and me.
Five Great Messages I Saw at IMEX Frankfurt
Posted by Bob Prewitt | Filed under Design, Technology, Tips and Trends Series, Travel, Uncategorized
IMEX Frankfurt is a great tradeshow for the international meetings industry. A key element is that the show hosts meeting buyers (brings them in for free) and real business is done. Last year (2010), over $2.1 billion worth of meetings were booked. This year, the number will be even higher.
The show has terrific energy and is lots of fun. Everyone seems to understand that we are in the hospitality business and that it ought to be fun. Lots of great food and wine and smiles and laughs. But the backbone is that real business is being conducted.
I walked the floor nine different times and I decided to identify the five best messages (branding) put forth by Exhibitors. I chose them for their attention-grabbing quality and positive portrayal.
Here they are:
The Estonia booth: This Baltic State has created a stunning booth through the use of banners that float at seemingly random heights and make you feel like you are walking in a bucolic yet primeval forest. Some of the banners are high in the air and expand the sense of space in the booth significantly. Others are at ground level and thus create separate spaces – but not really. The whole thing works and, in comparison to some of the more complex structures, is affordable.
The Brazil booth: The backdrop of the booth is a very large – wide and tall – wooden matrix of square shelves. Within the shelves are displayed Brazilian artifacts – anthropological art, sculpture and traditional tools and utensils. Just beautiful in its simplicity. And then cocktail hour arrives and the booth turns into a celebration of the sensuality and sexuality that is inherent to Brazil. We all want to hang out there.
Congress Alliance’s “Orange Lady”: This one you have to see to believe. An attractive and stately woman is tinted orange from head to foot. It’s like a Day-Glo orange that seamlessly covers every inch of her – hat, face, dress, legs, shoes, etc. Weirdly appealing.
The Portugal booth: The combination of high tech and old-time artisanal makes for a perfect combination of modern messaging and cultural heritage. A large digital display that begins on the ground for five feet and then takes a vertical/right angle change of direction and goes six feet high shows graphic and photographic images and then announces the scheduling of various tastings of Portuguese products like olives, olive oil, bread and wine. The tastings are fun and informative.
The foie grois served at the Paris booth for lunch: Giant loaves of pate shaped exclusively from foie grois. The real thing. Absolutely delicious. With the right, minimalistic accompaniments. And Parisians hangin’ in the booth who acted like this is an everyday occurrence – no big deal.
HSMAI Honors Dana with Platinum
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Uncategorized
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presented Dana Communications with the Platinum Adrian Award at a black-tie gala held at the New York Marriott Marquis on January 31. In its 54th year, the Adrian Awards showcases industry achievers and ROI-producing materials. The Platinum Award commemorates one of the highest achievements of this prestigious international competition.
Dana’s winning entry was created for Millennium Hotels and Resorts to promote awareness of and interest in Millennium’s We Love Agents® travel agent rewards and recognition program. Agents were asked to participate in the MUriel Makeover contest. MUriel, the program’s beloved cow mascot, highlights Millennium’s GDS code: MU. The strategy was to increase excitement among agents with a limited budget. During the time of the contest promotion, 11,513 agents visited the WeLoveAgents.com website, 877 agents downloaded the entry form, and 77 took the time to design a new MUriel. What’s more, 721 new agents joined the program, leading to a 7% increase in agent bookings. The entry can be viewed at www.adrianawards.com.
Dana also received a Silver Adrian Award for its Check-In On Us promotion for Sheraton Hotels, and a Bronze for the I “like” Turtle Bay Resort social media campaign.
Why We Love Moms
Posted by Bob Prewitt | Filed under Advertising, Social Media, Tips and Trends Series, Uncategorized
Unicast Reveals Tips for Holiday Advertising to Prized Demographic on Mom Blogger Sites
Posted by Marketwire on 12/2/10. Source: Unicast
According to leading industry research firm eMarketer, 32.3 million moms with children under 18 go online at least once a month. Furthermore, research shows these “Chief Home Officers” make 85% of all brand purchases in the U.S., and it is estimated that in less than 10 years, women will control two-thirds of all consumer wealth, with purchasing power soaring to $40 trillion. Considering this, marketers can’t afford to miss out on or make mistakes in reaching out to this demographic.
Following are Unicast’s tips for launching the most effective online ad campaign for household decision makers this holiday season:
1. Do not overlook the value of marketing to moms online. Moms in particular tend to do more activities online than women without children, including listen to music (62% moms vs. 42% women without children), watch TV or movies (56% vs. 46%) and look up entertainment options (60% vs. 40%) (per Unicast 2010 “What Women Want From the Web Report”). This means there is that much more opportunity for them to see your ad.
2. Understand the unique publisher of your ad. Because a lot of ads are done directly by the blogger, it takes a bit more effort than just using a network. Although there are some mom-specific ad networks out there, 91% of mommy bloggers sell ads on their sites, and 40% report self-powering them.
3. Create an experience versus a sales pitch. Women are hungry for content that they can relate to, and a lot of advertisers have become smarter about producing content that brings readers to a branded experience, not just a sales pitch for a product.
4. Ask “Why?” and “What?” All too often, marketers don’t consider the reasons moms actually come online when they develop their campaigns. But, “why” has a huge impact on “what” and “where” an ad should run. What women do online:
• 76% plan to connect with friends and family
• 67% will keep up with news
• 64% plan to shop for sales/compare prices
• 59% intend to entertain themselves (play games, listen to music or watch TV/movies)
• 48% will research travel/vacations
5. Target with care. Heather Flett of RookieMoms.com notes moms especially appreciate when ads are targeted correctly. When reaching moms at the appropriate time with the appropriate content, they are much more likely to click-through.
6. Offer incentives. Moms are still in a tough economic environment, so now more than ever they are looking for discounts, sales, free shipping offers and giveaways for holiday products that don’t break the budget. Offer these incentives and promotions so that they are more attractive.
7. Prime your audience for engagement and interaction. Women notice ads for items they’re already interested in, but positioning and first reactions are key. Erin Taylor of themombuzz.com notes that eye-catching and interactive ads are a tried and true trend. In a survey of moms that read mom blogs, the top five descriptions for their favorite blogs were “budget oriented, informative, humorous, relatable and fast to read,” according to eMarketer.
8. Consider realistic timing. Know when moms will be in the height of the season to notice your online ad. For example, while Back-to-School and Black Friday are highlighted shopping seasons and designated days with deep discounts as a driver, don’t forget most shoppers will buy closer to the holidays.
To read this full article on Marketwire, click here.
Be smart about your smart phones while traveling
Posted by Charisse Gallagher | Filed under Uncategorized
From The New York Times Travel Section
Practical Traveler: Avoiding a Large Phone Bill When Traveling
UBIQUITOUS connectivity has its downside, especially when it comes to the price of using your cellphone abroad. The proliferation of smartphones and the increased use of data have made it easier than ever to rack up huge communications bills while traveling overseas, even on a short trip.
“Many leisure travelers with iPhones are going to Europe, not turning off their data and allowing their apps to continue downloading data,” said Ken Grunski, chief executive of Telestial, a company that provides wireless services for travelers. “U.S. travelers were already getting hammered with expensive voice calls that start at $1 per minute. I know of people that have returned home to $1,000 or more roaming bills.”
Luckily for tech-savvy travelers who want to stay in touch, there are ways to avoid spending a small fortune. Here are some options…
Read full article here: http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/travel/01prac.html
We Feel Fine.
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Interactive, Social Media, Technology, Uncategorized
In 2007, Jonathan Harris developed software that pinged blogs around the world to determine our collective feelings. This software found all the occurrences of the phrase “I feel” or “I am feeling”. This is amazing research to understand how people feel and perhaps target your message to them.
About this talk
Jonathan Harris wants to make sense of the emotional world of the Web. With deep compassion for the human condition, his projects troll the Internet to find out what we’re all feeling and looking for.
Dana Communications Grows Latin American Business With Addition Of Royal Isabela And The Golf Connection International
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Dana News, Uncategorized
Dana Communications has been selected to brand and market two Latin American endeavors: Royal Isabela, a private residential golf community in Puerto Rico, and The Golf Connection International, an Argentina-based guide for exclusive travel and golf instructional experiences. The addition of these clients to the Dana portfolio extends the hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency’s reach into the growing Latin American travel industry.
For both new clients, Dana’s experience in branding and marketing resorts, golf courses, real estate and travel companies in the U.S. was a key calling card—as American travelers will be a prime target audience. “Our challenge is applying our stateside marketing strategies without over-‘Americanizing’ the communications message,” says Robert Prewitt, President. “We want to accurately represent the wonderful culture, sense of place and passion for hospitality that both Royal Isabela and The Golf Connection International have to offer in a way that will relate to the needs and desires of the American buyer.”
With Royal Isabela, Dana engages in “Spanglish” to create a brand that blends the best of Puerto Rican and U.S. lifestyles in a high-end golf real estate development. Royal Isabela offers the climate, natural beauty and culture of the Caribbean with U.S.-based economy and real estate laws. In addition to its spectacular golf course, the project includes a Lodge, home sites, villas and resort amenities, all located on 1,600 acres of prime oceanfront property in northwestern Puerto Rico.
Promoting its trusted relationships with PGA Professionals and PGA Magazine is part of Dana’s strategy for The Golf Connection International. The group serves as an exclusive “gateway” between the hemispheres, organizing authentic high-end golf and adventure travel experiences for U.S. travelers in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay as well as coordinating intensive golf instructional programs for South American golfers at the PGA Center in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
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.
A Live Look at the Past
Posted by Charisse Gallagher | Filed under Uncategorized
When touring such a historic city like London, ever want to picture yourself there in a different century or see what the streets may have looked like before cars? A new (free!) iPhone app has been created to open a window to the past.
The Museum of London has released Streetmuseum, which takes their extensive art and photographic collections and creates a sense of altered reality. The app uses GPS or a map to lead you around London to various locations. Once you’re there, the app will recognize the location and the “3D View” function will overlay a historical photograph on the live video feed of the present, giving you a brief glimpse into how the past looked!
“This app allows the present and the past to collide and share their secrets. Streetmuseum opens up the city in new and exciting ways. The launch of the Streetmuseum app is an exciting development for the Museum of London.” – Jack Lohman, Director of the Museum of London.
I cannot wait for more museums to pick up this technology—this is just the beginning of where they can take this type of app. If I only had this in Paris a few weeks ago… Although using my imagination was fun too!
As seen on Buzz Beast
An Online Marketing Analysis—
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Interactive, Uncategorized
John Caiger has created a very cool presentation about online marketing. Use the arrows to navigate. It’s best to click “more” and go into full screen mode.
Now Premiering on Broadway!
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Dana News, Hospitality News, Interactive, Media, Uncategorized
From the Golden Gate Bridge to the sweet Carolinas, Dana is all over the map—and we’ve just moved our NY office to its new home in Times Square! We’re now boasting a brand-new address among the bright lights of Broadway.
To Contact our New York Office, call Jared Zech at 646.666.7016, or jzech@danacommunications.com.
