Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Digital Transformation and Social Media: Notes from Boulder Digital Works
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Design, Media, Social Media, Uncategorized
This is a really interesting presentation given by Ed Boches, at the Boulder Digital Works conference. The folks at DANA greatly appreciate his willingness to share with the digital community to further our collective understanding. Please scroll through the presentation and feel free to comment!
[slideshare id=3735846&doc=bdwfinalcopy-100415085609-phpapp01&type=d]
Dana Communications Selected as Agency of Record for the National Conference Center, Leesburg, VA
Posted by Lynn Kaniper | Filed under Uncategorized
The National Conference Center (NCC) has selected Dana Communications to market its meetings and events business. As one of the nation’s largest conference destinations, NCC convenes events for corporations, associations and government agencies. It also hosts social and corporate events at West Belmont Place, an elegant special events venue adjacent to the Center.
Located on 110 scenic acres just 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., the National Conference Center offers 250 meeting rooms and 917 guest rooms, plus a dining court, sports bar and fitness center. The Center specializes in training sessions, executive summits, board meetings, sales conferences and government education. It recently announced a contract on the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule for core meetings business, providing meetings, training and events for government agencies and departments. NCC is a member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) and will host this group’s annual meeting in 2011.
Dana Communications will provide integrated marketing services for the National Conference Center to promote its events capabilities and highlight its innovative initiatives that include environmentally friendly “green” practices and healthful “Food for Thought” dining options. Dana’s services will include consultation and planning, e-marketing and website support, advertising and graphic design as well as media planning and placement. Dana Communications is a leading hospitality and travel lifestyle marketing agency currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. Dana has offices in New York City, Princeton, NJ, the Carolinas and San Francisco, CA.
NEW! Visual Search Engine
Posted by Charisse Gallagher | Filed under Uncategorized
A new search engine has entered our world—Spezify
Spezify is a new search engine tool that displays your search results as a huge graphic page, founded by Felix af Ekenstam and Per Persson of Stockholm Sweden. “We mix all media types and make no difference between blogs, videos, microblogs and images. Everything communicates and helps building the bigger picture.”
It is a lot of fun to play around with and see what visuals appear with your choice of word. I find it a bit mesmerizing and could get completely lost scrolling around in this new search world!
This post comes via the blog Graphic Statement.
‘Buying the Intern T-Shirt’, The Office is Abuzz
Posted by JStephens | Filed under Advertising, Culinary, Dana News, Hospitality News, Interactive, Uncategorized, Updates
Hello again everybody,
Friday means blog day, and in that case, welcome to another edition of my Jake-the-Intern blog. This morning was a big morning in the DANA office. Last night a number of senior members from the DANA team arrived home from pitch to a potential client. After a solid week plus of hard work from nearly everybody, we were happy to hear the pitch went well. But, what made the morning even better, was a phone call from the client informing us that we have been hired on four distinct fronts, and are in the running for their agency of record!
Becoming an agency of record for this client would be a huge feather in the collective DANA cap. Speaking of caps, this new client is known to have real feathers in theirs. Sorry I can’t give you more details, rules are rules.
Personally, it was interesting to see the pitch process come full circle. During the last two weeks I played my part and prepared research materials about the client, their competition, and web demographics amongst others. As I watched the all the pieces come together in turn, it was neat to see an idea flourish into something tangible.
On another front, today I learned a lesson in comp making. Always always always triple check your pages before you glue them down. In the midst of making a double-gate fold brochure for the printer I mistakenly switched around a number of pages, ultimately rendering my final product worthy of only the recycling bin. In my defense, yesterday was the first time I made a comp of anything. In the end, I fixed my mistakes, even if it took re-doing 2/3rds of the project, turning a mish-mash of pages into a cohesive final project, just how the designer intended. Next time, I’ll make a miniature print out to follow from the get go.
Sorry there aren’t any pictures this week. It seems that I have been neglecting my digital camera and needs new batteries.
Be safe,
-Jake
‘Buying the Intern T-shirt’, Party Up in Here!
Posted by JStephens | Filed under Advertising, Culinary, Dana News, Hospitality News, Interactive, Uncategorized, Updates
Happy Friday interweb. The weekending countdown is on, and what better way to end it than with a mildly humorous and occasionally informative blog about being an intern. This weeks topic…the DANA summer barbecue!
This is how we do.Preparing the food. Notice the apron.
On Wednesday night, the DANA staff came from near and far; really, some people came all the way from North Carolina, to the garden-scaped Lambertville backyard of DANA’s president Bob. As people meandered inside and out, there was an uplifting feeling in the air. The dress was casual, as was the conversation. For most of the evening and into the night, the DANA staff talked, laughed, joked, debated, chattered, gossiped, babbled and rattled on. Set against a refreshing summer evening and the musical styling’s of varied acts like Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, and Steely Dan the DANA staff enjoyed the bountiful smattering of food that was available.
part of the meal
To eat, we had salmon, lamb, ribs, approximately twenty-three different types of pasta salad, fruit salad, a “leafy green” salad, potato salad, and other summer favorites like cookies, brownies, chips, dip, raw veggies, and from all reports a smokin’ hot buffalo cheese dip. Mostly everything was “super delicious”
Enjoying the conversation
Upon entry guests were encouraged to have an umbrella drink. Thankfully it didn’t rain because those umbrellas were a little too small. Aside from that, the bar was stocked with beers and fine wines for everyone to enjoy. I was given a root beer. I think it’s pretty exclusive I was the only one to have it. Maybe it was imported?
If you learn anything from this, as I hope you would, know that hospitality people know how to have a party. From food to the drinks, to the atmosphere and attitudes, the night was a great success on all accounts. And if you are wondering what to do with hotel shower caps, take a tip from seasoned professionals and save them. They come in very handy when you have lots of dishes to cover before refrigerating.
Take it easy Internet,
-Jake
‘Buying the Intern T-Shirt’, My empty cubicle
Posted by JStephens | Filed under Advertising, Culinary, Dana News, Hospitality News, Uncategorized, Updates
Welcome back Internet. Today is a sad day, for at 5:00PM EST, I will have an empty cubicle. My only other cubicle mate, Stacy, will be moving on to another job, in another town, in another state starting Monday. And as for me, I will be left on my own. If I had my way, I would turn the space into a private office. All I would really need is a door. Oh, and a nameplate of course! As per the suggestion of a co-worker, I will be getting saloon doors. If you want to get a matching set, here is the link. http://www.saloondoorsemporium.com/.
In other related DANA news, I have been diligently working on a large research project for a potential client. Now I can’t really give you any specifics, but I can tell you that I have been busy learning about cultural tourism, feeder markets, visiting trends, and local attractions. I have to give thanks to the Google Insights machine for all its help making pretty graphs and the statistical data.
Aside from that I have been enjoying my time here at DANA. I can usually count on refilling the water cooler every week. Too bad there isn’t always someone ‘water cooler talk’. I was expecting that to be a bigger part of the ‘office’ experience. But in the long run, I guess that doesn’t really matter; the cake that was sitting on the kitchen counter more than made up for the absent cooler talk.
On a final note, the more I think about how I portray DANA to the outside world, the more I think you could use another perspective. Sooooo, today I took the liberty of playing paparazzo. Below are some candid shots from around the office. Sorry about the quality. It’s tough being sneaky in a bright blue shirt.
Outside the main door.
Some of DANA's creative department
This is one of DANA's Art Director's. He told me not to photograph him, so I had to.
This is DANA's Senior Interactive Developer Max. He requested to stay anonyous
High above Hopewell
Way in the back there is DANA's president, Bob. I snuck this picture from the 3rd story fire escape
This is Jorge. Now I have a use for all that fish food.
So long Internet,
-Jake the Intern
Ready for some GOOD news? An Irresistible Offer + Intelligent e-Marketing = RESULTS
Posted by MHollman | Filed under Uncategorized
Even in the current economic climate, online travel bookings in 2009 are projected to grow 10.5% and reach $116.1 billion (eMarketer.com). Getting your share of this growth will depend on smart e-marketing that generates top-line revenues by enticing new and existing customers.
Here are a few examples of Dana campaigns that have delivered impressive ROI. A key to their success? A compelling offer that motivated the target audience to act immediately.
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- Naples Bay Banner
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- Starwood Pro
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- Heldrich Valentine’s Day Email
To create smart e-marketing, Dana’s copywriters make an offer they can’t refuse. Here are the secrets:
Offer them real value. The mood of the moment is about making every dollar count. Your customers must immediately perceive the value of what you’re offering, whether it’s a great rate, an extra night free or credit for hotel/resort amenities. Make sure your offer has genuine value and put it front and center in your promotion.
Show them the benefits. A romantic dinner, a spa treatment, a vacation getaway — all provide the emotional sustenance and mood-lifting experiences we crave in these uncertain times. Highlight these benefits to convince your customers to make this discretionary spend.
Give them a convincing reason to respond. Encourage your customer to make a decision now, not tomorrow. Create urgency by limiting availability or putting a cut-off date on your offer. Above all, create a compelling call to action. What phrase motivates you more: “Click for more information” or “Book your spot on the beach now”? We don’t know about you, but we’re heading for the sun.
:: Dana Launches Web Campaign for American Express Targeting Meeting and Event Planners ::
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Dana News, Design, Hospitality News, Interactive, Uncategorized
HOPEWELL, New Jersey – January 19, 2009 — Dana Communications recently created an interactive campaign for American Express to drive business for its Meetings and Events division.
American Express, a leading global payments, network and travel company, selected Dana based on the agency’s expertise in interactive marketing and its outstanding reputation in the hospitality industry. In particular, the campaign showcases Dana’s success with developing and writing corporate websites and with managing large-scale interactive projects.
Central to the campaign is a multifaceted website designed to capture the attention of meeting and event planners, promote the array of services American Express offers to Cardmembers, and encourage repeat online visits. Dana positions American Express as a one-stop authority that can help them plan and execute meetings.
A landing page portal leads to pages individualized to the needs of every target audience––corporate/association, independent and occasional meeting planners, as well as professional and occasional social event planners.
User-friendly with straightforward navigation, the website remains informative and thoughtful, efficiently covering topics such as payment solutions, planning resources and exclusive offers and rewards. Coordinating photography portrays the meetings and events lifestyle and personalizes the campaign.
The American Express Meeting Solutions website can be viewed at www.americanexpress.com/meetingplanning.
“This is an awesome partnership for a variety of reasons,” said Eric Welsh, Director of Dana Interactive. “It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our interactive know-how. It’s with a great client in American Express Meetings. It creates a platform that provides valuable information, and it positions Dana as a solid partner within the industry.”
Dana supports the website with a comprehensive campaign targeting meeting and event planners: banner ads, e-blasts and corresponding landing pages, plus search engine optimization and search engine advertising.
:: Dana Wins Silver and Bronze Awards in HSMAI Competition ::
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Dana News, Design, Hospitality News, Interactive, Media, Travel, Uncategorized
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has recognized Dana Communications for several winning entries in the 2008 Annual Adrian Awards competition.
Now in its 52nd year, this competition is the largest and most prestigious travel event of its kind. Entries are judged by teams of experts from all sectors of the industry, including advertising, public relations, media and Internet marketing, along with leading members of the travel community.
Dana received Silver Awards for both the Kiawah Moments campaign and the KiawahMoments.com website. Kiawah Island’s spectacular beauty inspires the campaign with breathtaking photography. The Capture Your Kiawah Moment theme portrays a memorable experience, leading into a story and then prompting readers to visit KiawahMoments.com––an interactive website––for the conclusion.
Dana’s “You’re So Here” print ad series for Ultimate Escapes Luxury Destination Clubs also merited a Silver Award. Arresting vacation lifestyle photos, with a global map overlay pinpointing destinations, give visual impact, while the tagline ”Experience the Vacation of a Lifetime, Every TimeSM” speaks to the brand promise of unforgettable vacations.
In addition, two Bronze Awards were granted for Dana’s notable work on projects for Millennium Broadway Hotel New York. These include the hotel’s Conference Center brochure as well as an ad insertion for its Hudson Theatre.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: Just Do It.
Posted by Eric Welsh | Filed under Advertising, Culinary, Dana News, Design, Travel, Uncategorized
Last month my girlfriend Kelley and I traveled to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for an extended birthday weekend. With promises of endless golf and peppered steaks I couldn’t resist her advances to travel the almost 300 miles from our NY/NJ area home. The drive during the fall months is captivating. I have heard growing up that the Hudson Valley had the best foliage in the East. I must admit, having seen with my very own 20/20 eyes, the colors of Pennsylvania Route I-70 are a close second, almost leaf and leaf.
Nemacolin is owned by Joseph A. Hardy, III, founder of 84 Lumber. His vision for this resort is clearly defined by his understanding of family, fun, food and relaxation. Sculptures abound from inside the wooded hiking trails to the mountain tops of the golf courses. One in particular of Mr. Hardy himself with his hand to his forehead overlooking a valley is truly symbolic. His mantra, “Nothing is impossible”, is a true testament to what he has created.
- Falling Rock
When you arrive in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern PA, you are greeted by 3,000+ acres of sprawling mountain and amazing landscaping. There are 335 perfectly situated guest rooms and a AAA Five-Diamond boutique hotel on property named Falling Rock. Kelley and I traveled to the boutique hotel to check-in and refresh. One of the amenities that they provide upon check-in is a personal butler to attend to your needs while you are staying with them. Brian, our butler, was intellectual, informed, made wonderful suggestions concerning our dining inquiries and was an overall “good guy”
View of Room (for some reason we got two beds?)
The rooms are large with almost floor-to-ceiling views of Mystic Rock, their Pete Dye designed course. Several of the services the butler provides are covered under the cost of the room. Which is a relief to frequent travelers who know when an added service is really nothing of the sort. Upon request, the butler will draw your blinds each morning and run a bath full of soothing bubbles and candles, provide you an assortment of 8 different pillows each evening, provide complimentary beverages through-out the day, and retrieve the newspaper of your choice and deliver it each morning.
- Bath full of Bubbles!!!
After cleaning up, Miles Blundell (a PGA Professional and their National Sales Manager) gave us a tour of the entire property. Miles is younger fellow with dry wit and an understanding of meetings and events. His hospitality was unparalleled and hotel knowledge commendable. With that being said let me just cover the fun that is Nemacolin quickly with this…
- Woodlands Spa
- Mystic Rock / Pete Dye Course
- 18 Hole Links Course
- Shooting Academy
- Hummer Off-Road Driving Course
- Wildlife Academy
- Multi-million dollar art collection
- Cooking and wine classes each night
- A Zoo (Yes, they have lions, bears, mountain goats and even zebras.)
- An antique car collection and boat museum
- David Leadbetter Golf Academy
Now that Miles has shown us everything under the Nemacolin sun he offered us a round of golf. Knowing full well we weren’t of caliber to play the Mystic River course the following day; we mentioned we might be better off with a few lessons. He obliged with bravado by setting us up with Joe Neoparte (sorry if I botched your last name Joe!) of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Joe, a native of our area, (Westchester, NY to be exact) knew all about Winged Foot Country Club, our grandparents, and even our favorite place for martini’s on a Friday. After a few minutes of chit chat he tee’d us up and put us in front of the camera. While swinging our 7 irons he gave us minor tips on the fundamentals and then sat us down. By videotaping our swings he could put us on split screens mirrored to professionals to point out proper stance, angles and the finer points of completely missing the ball! By digitally comparing us it helped visualize what we looked like from the outside and make adjustments. Personally, I am aggressive and that was reflected in my swing. He broke me down and the stress left. All of a sudden I was almost swinging with ease. Following our lesson we played the back 9 of their Links course and the next day the front.
- 10th on Links
Breathtaking views and challenging holes. Joe, thank you for your time and the wonderful advice. We look forward to meeting up with you next time you travel home.
- The David Leadbetter Golf Academy
That night we drank at the Amber bar with Carolyn our drink specialist. On rare occasions, like my birthday, I am allowed to drink a few Makers Mark Manhattan’s. The three M’s always make me smile! Located just outside Aqueous, the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired restaurant, the Amber Lounge is a perfect start and finish to the night. Good people, entertaining conversation and mouth watering libations. Aqueous is considered an upscale steakhouse, but they have a wonderfully rounded menu. All items are locally raised and it shows in their rich delivery. I had a peppered porterhouse with blue cheese butter. Lautrec, located in the Chateau LaFayette, is Nemacolin’s pride and joy. The AAA Five Diamond for 2008 restaurant boasts table-side food presentations, custom champagne cart and an ingredient driven menu. The experience is one of a kind.
- The Amber Lounge from the lobby.
That Sunday we went to the “The Shooting Academy at Nemacalin Woodlands Resort”. After we got our rifles and 100 clays we proceeded to our golf cart to hit the range. Setting up on multi-leveled platforms with clays firing from left-to-right I took stance. Bob, a wonderfully entertaining old timer who resides just outside of Pittsburgh, taught us “non-shooters” a thing or two about gun safety and overall respect for the sport. After 50 clays (almost missing half) my shoulder and pride were sore. Kelley had hit more clays with her .20 than I had with my .12 gauge. It was memorable to say the least. Bringing a meeting to Nemacolin is a no brainer. There is something for everyone.
- 28/50
To conclude this entry I’d like to offer others in the New York / New Jersey area this advice—
Do not miss out on the beauty of Nemacolin. It may be 300 miles away but that’s alright. If it were in our backyard we wouldn’t appreciate it as much. Take the drive, use your driver on the Pete Dye course, drive a Hummer on the off-road course, drink a Manhattan if you’re from Manhattan and sit back and look around. It’s real, it’s outside of Pittsburgh and its paradise. Miles, Joe, Ian, Brian, Carolyn and Mr. Hardy thank you for the memories.
- Eric
Room with a view... of Mystic Rock.
*Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is NOT a client of Dana Interactive. Nor is this a paid advertisement.
