Having Fun and Making the Most of Industry Recognition
Client satisfaction is the gold standard in the agency world… but peer review comes a close second. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) St. Louis Quill Awards recognize the best communication efforts in the region. Judged by members of other IABC chapters from across the country, this award celebrates area professionals who successfully executed marketing, public relations and communication projects.
This year’s St. Louis Quill Awards were hosted at the globally-recognized Magic House. Fittingly, the theme of the night was “Presto!” and honored the magic of our industry. The cocktail hour, sponsored by CGPR, featured signature cocktails made from client brands Pearl Vodka and Rebel Yell Bourbon, and a magician to entertain the crowd. Best of all, our client teams joined in the festivities with us.
CGPR was recognized for our work with Luxco on the brand introduction of Blood Oath Bourbon, and for the overall communications program celebrating the Gateway Arch’s 50th anniversary. Both awards earned top honors with the Award of Excellence in their respective campaigns. Here’s a bit more about these two winning campaigns:
Overall Communications Program: Gateway Arch 50th Anniversary
On October 28, 2015, the Gateway Arch celebrated the 50th anniversary of its completion. We worked with our clients, Bi-State Development and the National Park Service (NPS), to execute a high-level public relations campaign to commemorate this historic milestone, focusing on securing significant opportunities that highlight specific Arch themes such as history and travel. These opportunities included a national media relations campaign (which included securing a segment with Natalie Morales from the “Today Show”), a heavy social media push and a strong community relations program.
Our results were impressive: more than 2.1 billion media impressions; all-day coverage of the anniversary from nearly every local newspaper, broadcast and radio outlet; and strong social media engagement on the day of the anniversary.
It was a pleasure working alongside our colleagues at Bi-State Development, the National Park Service and Dovetail in successfully executing this campaign. We share this award with them.
Brand Introduction/Communication Management: Blood Oath Bourbon
Luxco launched the ultra-premium Blood Oath Bourbon series, and its first Pact, in the spring of 2015, amidst a bourbon boom. We worked with the client to generate awareness for the new brand in a somewhat saturated market and launch the brand with plenty of industry buzz. Our tactics included media relations, building relationships with bourbon bloggers, hosting launch events in select cities and offering samples for review.
Our award entry focused on the challenges of the industry as well as our tactics to overcome them.
Our results? More than 11 million impressions and more than 60 blog posts and news stories about the product surrounding its launch.