Event Marketing

I love my job! I was commissioned to create 11 large-scale illustrations featuring Winged Monkeys for the Performing Arts Center’s “Wonderfully Wicked” Gala on Feb. 6, 2009. The Wizard of Oz-themed musical “Wicked” ran in Appleton, Wisconsin through Feb. 28th. Steve Quinn, the Tour’s Company Manager, actually asked to meet the Artist, and later offered this generous endorsement:

“Scott – After three years on the road of attending Wicked themed parties across the country, nothing quite caught my eye like your flying monkey pieces did at the Appleton gala of Wicked.  The images captured a nice playfulness about our show, and immediately struck my eye as being reminiscent of some of the characters Maurice Sendak created in “Where the Wild Things Are.”  Our entire company loved them!  Keep up the good work!” – Steve Quinn, Company Manager, Wicked Tour

While the displays were only up for the single-evening event, much like the Lion statues from 2007’s Lion King events, the Monkeys are being “adopted” by businesses and institutions around Appleton. Most of the pieces are 8 feet wide or larger, created at “normal” size (18-inches wide) and printed to canvas banners at Exhibit Resource of De Pere.

It was a privilege and a great opportunity to be included in the project along with some of the best artists in the area.

- Scott Alberts

This post was originally published on Scott Albert’s Freelance Artist blog with a follow-up post “Wicked” continued: The Two Glindas

Throughout the year, I receive requests from groups and organizations seeking product donations and sponsorships for events. These events are primarily related to the hobby industry, more specifically to scale modeling. I support as many events as possible, but there are times I simply toss the request in the trash because the request was written by a boob.

Some authors come across as simply begging. Others don’t know the name of their own organization or how to spell it properly. A word of advice: If you’re running a first-class event, take the time and effort to send out first-class marketing materials, even if all you’re sending is simply a well-worded letter.

I produce quality products, therefore I want them represented in like fashion. Any event that has a well-documented history, is represented by a reputable organization or promises to promote my products will get consideration of my support. If the request for support is of poor quality, what does that say about the event itself? If you are going to invest the time and effort … Do It Right! Don’t send out materials that won’t paint you in the best light. Have several sets of eyes review the materials for flaws…especially the spelling of your organization’s name!

Many an event has failed to launch because of amateur promotional materials. Even when operating on a budget of nothing but good will, those willing to spend the time to do the work can do a first class job. If they aren’t willing or able, then find those who will and can.

Bottom line: if your event marketing materials are of poor quality, the perception conveyed is that your event is not worth supporting. After all, your potential sponsor is also looking for something in return…brand awareness and new customers.