news.
ext.54 is committed to being aware of the most innovative and meaningful experiences going on in the world around us. Here are some of our favorite stories, articles, happenings and a few things we're up to. Feel free to write us and let us know what you think! info@ext54.com
11.21.11 Magnolia Bakery on 190 North
Just in time for Thanksgiving, check out Magnolia Bakery on 190 North and don't forget to place a Thanksgiving order for the holiday! Some of our favorites are the Pumpkin Pie, Banana Pudding, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Snickerdoodle cupcakes, and Apple Pie.
11.10.11 20th Anniversary of The Magnificent Mile Light's Festival
If you're in Chicago on November 19th, don't miss The Magnificent Mile Light's Festival! It's going to be another amazing year of music, activities and special performances to kick off the holiday season for the whole family!
10.31.11 Storefront Company is coming soon
Steve Harris and Claudia Gassel have teamed up with Chef Bryan Moscatello to create Storefront Company, located at 1941 W North Avenue, in the Wicker Park neighborhood. Slated to open in January 2012, Storefront Company will feature Farm Cuisine | Modern Cooking by Chef Moscatello, who was named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine. Stay tuned for more information!
Check out the buzz!
10.17.11 Magnolia Bakery Halloween Treats
Don't miss out on these "frighteningly" delicious classics:
Pumpkin Pecan Cupcakes | pumpkin cake with maple cream cheese icing topped with toasted pecans
S'mores Cupcakes | honey graham cake and a chocolate filling with meringue icing
Pumpkin Spice Cake | pumpkin, dried cranberries and aromatic spices enhance this delicious cake with caramel cream cheese icing
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie "Pie" | 2 mini pumpkin spice cakes sandwiched with a maple cream cheese icing
AllSaints is pleased to announce their alliance to Not For Sale, the international non-profit anti-human trafficking group. The partnership will commence with the launch of a capsule Not For Sale t-shirt collection, designed and produced exclusively by AllSaints. The line will be available in the United States late October in AllSaints stores and online. Proceeds from this capsule collection will benefit Not For Sale's work to combat human trafficking globally, and products will promote the shared vision of Not For Sale and AllSaints to prevent forced labor and end human trafficking.
9.27.11 Magnolia Bakery is coming to Chicago!
Summer is officially over, but Chicago is heating up with the grand opening of Magnolia Bakery, the iconic New York City bakery renowned for its array of classic American desserts. Opening on September 30th, the Chicago location is the bakery’s eighth location worldwide and is conveniently located in Block 37 at 108 N. State Street; it is Magnolia’s first Chicago store.
The new Chicago location’s decor, like its New York, L.A. and Dubai counterparts, encompasses the brand’s vintage American look and feel. Patrons are invited to enjoy Magnolia’s nostalgic atmosphere at one of the store’s 22 seats.
Magnolia Bakery prides itself on baking the old-fashioned way: Everything is made from scratch on-premise, all day, every day, using only the finest ingredients. Magnolia Bakery customers are welcomed to the store by the aroma of freshly made desserts, including mouth-watering cakes, luscious pies, creamy banana pudding, cookies, mini cheesecakes and fresh-from-the-oven breakfast muffins. From Double Crust Pies ($24) and Strawberry Icebox Cake ($24) to Red Velvet Cake ($55, 3-layer) and S’mores Cupcakes ($3.25 each), Magnolia harkens back to the flavors and traditions of classic American baked goods.
Magnolia Bakery first opened on a quiet West Village corner in New York. Now owned by Steve and Tyra Abrams, the Bakery has thoughtfully expanded from one store to eight, including its Chicago location. In addition to Chicago, Magnolia has five stores in New York and one in L.A. and Dubai.
Check out the buzz!
9.10.11 Fashion's Night Out - AllSaints Chicago
AllSaints celebrated Fashion's Night Out with an unheard of 20% off all merchandise, Tanteo Cocktails, music by Avi Sic and a flipbook station.
Check out the buzz!
9.9.11 Water Tower Place Celebrates In Fashion!
Water Tower Place celebrated In Fashion with style for two weeks featuring the WTP In Fashion Lounge. Treats were provided by PopChips, VitaminWater, SmartWater, Kind Bars, Grey Goose, Food Life and Wow Bao. Guests also got a chance to attend exclusive events hosted by LuAnn de Lesseps, Gretchen Rossi, Teresa Giudice! Water Tower Place also made shopping feel good by designating the WTP In Fashion Lounge as a Dress for Success drop-off location. Check out our facebook page for more images.
Check out the buzz!
9.2.11 An AllSaints Summer
As we end the summer we look back at a wild and crazy AllSaints summer! Didn't get to come out and play? Check the above video out and see what you missed. Be on the look out for some bigger and better AllSaints Spitalfields experiences in 2012! Check out our facebook page for more images.
8.17.11 Water Tower Place Announces the In Fashion: Lounge
Shop, Unwind & Celebrate from August 26th through September 8th at Water Tower Place’s In Fashion Lounge on Level 3. Check your bags with the In Fashion concierge, hydrate with a stylish refreshment and RSVP to one of the Real Housewives events hosted by LuAnn de Lesseps, Gretchen Rossi, Teresa Giudice while on the complimentary lounge Wi-fi.
How do you get on the List?
Spend $100 at Water Tower Place, bring in a donation for Dress for Success, follow Water Tower Place on Twitter or RSVP on Facebook for access to the lounge.
For more information, visit: www.shopwatertower.com/events
8.08.11 Lollapalooza and the Deboniar Social Club After Parties!
The 20th Anniversary of of Lollapalooza was amazing and ext.54 helped celebrate with a series of after parties at Debonair Social Club. After amazing performances by Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, The Joy Formidable, Walk the Moon, Cults, Fitz & the Tantrums, The Kills, Lykke Li and so many others at the festival; Debonair held a series of events featuring OK GO!, Ana Calderon, Friendly Fires, Cobra Snake, The White Lies, Elijah Wood, and a great surprise from Crystal Castles!
Check out the buzz!
7.25.11 AllSaints Vintage Pop-Up @ Wicker Park Fest
It was a fantastic weekend at Wicker Park Fest with the AllSaints Pop-Up! We met a lot of great people, shared the AllSaints brand and had a few bands make an AllSaints appearance. Not to mention the AMAZING AllSaints After Party at Deboniar Social Club! Our favorites from the weekend? Make sure to check out: Wild Flag, Flosstradamus, Empires, California Wives, Midnight Conspiracy, Everest and the Wavves (they like AllSaints too).
For pictures, check out the AllSaints and ext.54 facebook pages!
7.11.11 AllSaints Spitalfields Announces Vintage Pop-Up Shops in Chicago!
On the heels of the brand's first Chicago store opening at 700 North Michigan Ave., AllSaints announces a unique mobile pop-up concept featuring a selection of the brand's iconic archive styles from past seasons. This initiative will debut in Chicago this summer in support of the brand's entry to the Midwest.
The AllSaints "Vintage" Pop-Up Shop will be hosted in a large custom branded shipping container that will appear at several of Chicago's popular festivals and happenings taking place throughout the summer. The container will mimic the distinct aesthetic of the massive 11,000 square foot Michigan Avenue store and will be stocked with the "vintage" styles sold at up to half price off.
Don't miss the AllSaints "Vintage" Pop-Up Shop at: VitaminWater UnCapped Live Pitchfork Weekend, Wicker Park Fest, and other locations to be announced on AllSaints' Twitter or Facebook.
6.23.11 AllSaints Spitalfields opens on The Magnificent Mile!
AllSaints, the acclaimed British fashion brand known for its unique offering of sharp edge, directional clothing, opens its Chicago flagship on Michigan Avenue today! The new store is located at 700 N. Michigan Avenue and boasts 11,000 square-feet of accessories and apparel collections for men and women. The store has a distinct, individual feel and identity featuring wood paneled floors, exposed whitewashed brick walls, ram skulls (the brand’s logo) and vintage fixtures such as printing presses, looms and Singer sewing machines.
Check out the buzz!
Stay tuned for some other fun AllSaints Chicago announcements here and on Facebook or Twitter!
6.06.11 Equinox Fitness Beach Volleyball Challenge!
Starting this week Equinox Fitness has partnered with the Chicago Sports and Social Club on the Beach Volleyball Challenge! Every Thursday night through July 28th between the hours of 5 to 8:30 p.m., you can challenge the Equinox Beach
Volleyball Team for a chance to win a one-month membership to one of
four Chicago area Equinox clubs of your choice. All you have to do is sign up at the Equinox Challenge volleyball court located on
North Avenue Beach.
Check out the buzz!
5.19.11 NoMI | KITCHEN | LOUNGE | GARGEN | SPA
One of our favorite places in Chicago re-opens this month after five-months of remodeling, NoMI! The restaurant, along with the rest of the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago,
has evolved to provide a full-circle experience for diners and hotel
guests. The revamp revealed a new NoMi that’s warmer and more inviting with lavish touches here and there. The white tablecloths have been replaced with leather accented
wooden tables sat atop a restored mosaic tile floor. The extensive wine
cellar now seats private parties of up to 12 and includes more than
5,000 bottles of wine and a newly added cheese cave. The raw bar also
has an intimate and de rigueur chef’s table.
Not only are they back, but as part of the launch they have selected 13 Brand Ambassadors. One of which is our very own Joel Morales! Check out the mention on NoMI's blog: http://comethinkin.com/page/3/
5.04.11 Marlowe Celebrates their Spring Collection with the Lyric Opera of Chicago!
Marlowe celebrates their new collection with an event of wine and not-to-be-missed fashion benefiting the Lyrioc Opera of Chicago this evening! Ten percent of proceeds will support Lyric Opera's Wine Auction 2012. Purchases of $500 or more will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a special bottle of Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir and a signature Marlowe cashmere stole.
4.28.11 EQUINOX Fitness Clubs and The Joffrey Ballet Partner!
Keep your workouts on point with six-weeks of Pilates-focused ballet by dancers of The Joffrey Ballet. Traditional movements are performed at a more rapid pace for a fluid, comprehensive workout. Former ballet experience is not required.
Thursdays at 7:30p.m.
April 28 - June 2
Plus, mention Keep Fit Ballet at Russian Pointe (333 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 222), and receive 20% off your purchase.
EQUINOX GOLD COAST
900 N. Michigan Ave.
312.254.2500
Check out the buzz!
4.05.11 EQUINOX Fitness Clubs introduce Soldier Field 10 Mile Saturday Training
Equinox Fitness Clubs will help you train for the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile!
Saturday workouts are led by Equinox's Personal Trainers, all of whom have graduated from the proprietary Equinox Fitness Training Institute. The Equinox training sessions are free to all members of the Soldier Field 10 Mile training program, and will take place each Saturday at 9am.
Please plan on arriving by 8:40am each week with proper I.D.
The weekly training sessions will take place at two convenient locations:
EQUINOX Highland Park, 799 Central Avenue – 847.681.7777
EQUINOX Lincoln Park, 1750 North Clark Street - 312.254.4000
The weekly sessions offer cross training through scheduled runs, Group Fitness classes, training tips and Q&A.
Trainees will have access to Equinox facilities and amenities on the day of training, including Group Fitness classes.
Locks not provided for locker rooms.
3.20.11 SXSW: 25 years strong
It's Sunday, the last day of SXSW and we can't help but reflect on the
great week of events, shows, friends and people watching. From Jack
White pop-up concerts to Duran Duran after parties to Rachel Ray music
lounges and Kanye West teaming with Jay-Z, we've had quite the ride and
can't wait to share our experiences and new ideas with everyone!
We've also discovered a band we hadn't heard of and are now obsessed with! Check them out: Geographer.
3.10.11 in-fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival
The Magnificent Mile will hold the first shopping festival in the
nation, reinforcing The Magnificent Mile's reputation as a shopping
mecca! The festival will feature large-scale celebrations and
district-wide in-store promotions in the catagories of fashion, beauty,
lifestyle, culinary, technology, and culture.
Read more about it from the Chicago Tribune here: Chicago Tribune Article PDF
2.15.11 ext.54 must have: Jambox Portable Speaker by Jawbone
Travel + Leisure Design Award winner for Best Tech Accessory, the Jambox Portable Speaker is all we've been able to talk about here at ext.54 for the last week. Wonder who'll walkl into the office with one first? Check out this and other great must have's in March's Travel + Leisure.
2.01.11 Equinox Fitness Clubs
Another pleasant surprise while working with the most recent addition to our client family! Check out Equinox Fitness Club's amazing campaign video by Terry Richardson!
1.28.11 The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association - Annual Report and Brand Video
Next week GNMAA debut's their 2010 Annual Report and Brand Video. This year's annual report captures GNMAA's commitment to its members while their first ever brand video provides an insightful introduction to the association's dynamic community.
1.04.11 Introducing JACKarcher
JACKarcher is a modern and innovative media company providing a new form of online
culture through thought-provoking humor, a wicked sense of style and
stunning visual concepts. Bi-weekly features and daily curated
content — originating from some of today’s brightest and forward looking
experts — are full of stories on topics ranging from fashion and music,
and politics and sports, to art and travel.
Check it out at: www.jackarcher.com
12.13.10 Happy Holiday's!
ext.54 would like to wish everyone the best during this holiday season. Thanks to all who have allowed us to be an extension of their brands this year. We look forward to working with all of you again.
Warmest Wishes
ext.54
11.26.10 John Galliano + Christmas = a Christmas Tree for Claridge's
Yes, you are reading it right, John Galliano has designed the above Christmas tree for one of our favorite London hote's, Claridge's. The "Under the Sea"-themed design will be on display at the hotel until January 5th.
11.10.10 The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival!
Make sure to check out the 19th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris on Saturday, November 20th! This year's entertainment includes family favorites like: Allstar Weekend, Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Crystal Bowersox and KT Tunstall!
Find out more at: www.magnificentmilelightsfestival.com
10.27.10 Check out The Magnificent Mile's new Foursquare Brand Page!
Explore The Magnificent Mile on Foursquare with their new brand page full of insider tips. Check back often for chances to enter exclusive contests and recieve special offers from over 800 businesses!
Friend The Magnificent Mile at: www.foursquare.com/themagmile
10.13.10 Guggenheim and BMW Partner to Create an Urban Lab Project
The Guggenheim has partnered with BMW to launch a global initiative that will bring “labs” that are part architectural installation, part think tank, and part event hub to nine cities around the world over the next six years. Conceived as a vast and deliberately open-ended R & D project, the program will consist of three globe-hopping mobile structures, each with its own distinct theme, architecture, and graphic identity.
The first 5,000 square foot BMW Guggenheim Lab will be installed in North America in late summer 2011 and will present programming into the fall of 2011. The theme of this first cycle is Confronting Comfort: The City and You, depicted above. For more information go to BMW Guggenheim Lab or join the discussion Twitter and Facebook.
9.28.10 Public Relations in the Digital Age
With the latest social media tools and networking capabilities, there has been a great deal of debate about how PR is changing. Some speculate that the discipline is due to become obsolete, others advocate a revamped approach, and still others merely see today’s PR environment as a small offshoot of how we have always done it. The fact is that the days of writing press releases and email spamming them out to massive lists of reporters and journalists are behind us. Journalists are taking back control of their in-boxes. It's time to look at public relations differently.
Outreach is the area that is most affected by the digital age. The old way was to “dial for dollars” and spam out press releases hoping for a bite. Today the whole thing changes. Meeting and building relationships with press is key. Understanding what they are interested in and how they prefer to communicate is priceless. Some writers have even started to prefer receiving pitches through Twitter?!
Technology has also greatly changed the landscape of public relations. Taking advantage of traditional methods as well as adding micro-releases via social PR sites such as Soapbox or PitchEngine, podcasts and viral videos adds a lot of punch to an otherwise dull approach.
The lesson? Be wary of publicists that insist on doing it the "old school" way.
9.14.10 Viral Videos Done Right: Old Spice
Viral videos have been used often in the last few years to create brand awareness, however none have been as well executed as the "Old Spice Man" commercials of the past year. The campaign has received 1.5 billion impressions since its launch in February, including 130 million video views. Twitter followers are up 3200%, according to McBeth. Google searches are up 2200%. Facebook interactions are up 800-1000%. And traffic to the Old Spice Web site is up 350-500%.
Much of its success has to do with its diversified approach to the campaign, not relying on just releasing a video to make it successful. A clever idea and script were able to make Old Spice's contect humorous, appealing to audiences that caught the commercial on TV or YouTube. Old Spice supported this attention with actionable "buy one, get one" coupons at retailers, resulting in up to 30% increases in year over year sales. As if that weren't enough, Isaiah Mustafa (the Old Spice Man) was given an online persona through an aggressive Twitter campaign that included answering 87 targeted Twitter questions through short videos. Finally, the campaign won an Emmy for Outstanding Commercial.
Creating a viral video of your own? Keep the following in mind:
• Be unique and compelling.
• Everyone loves a good laugh. If appropriate or possible, involve a little humor.
• Be timely and relevant. Major news, a new movie or upcoming sporting events are great opportunities to piggyback on momentum.
• Use compelling or trending keywords. Does iPad fit into your subject?
• Promote your video through thought leaders. Do you have an opportunity to incorporate Foursquare, Mashable, celebrities or other notable social media gurus?
• Have an actionable tie-back that supports a brand goal. Sales, registration, likes, follow, etc...
8.17.10 Checking In: Foursquare and Your Business
Join us Tuesday, August 31st from 4pm - 5pm for a Greater North Michigan Avenue Association Educational Seminar hosted by ext.54's Joel Morales! At this session, learn about what Foursquare has available to you to help build your business. Transportation to GNMAA's Membership Connection will be provided immediately following to Zed 451. Check-in on Foursquare and get a special gift!
RSVP at gnmaa.com, as space is limited.
8.06.10 Galapalooza 2010
Parkways Foundation hosted the forth annual GALApalooza on Thursday, August 5th at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park. More than 700 people attended raising over $265,000 for youth programming and the renovation of Moore Park. The official preview party of the Lollapalooza Music Festival, GALApalooza featured an evening cocktails by Grey Goose, culinary creations by Limelight and David Burke's Primehouse, and entertainment by DJ WhiteShadow and Hot Chip. We had a great night amongst friends and clients alike. Hope you can join us next year!!
7.29.10 Buy a tie and give a child a school uniform
FIGS is a California-based tie maker that donates a school uniform to a needy African child for each purchase on its site, allowing those in poverty-stricken areas to attend school where a uniform is necessary. The company sells a wide variety of neckwear—in varieties including Italian silk woven, pure British woolen and fine wool tartan—at prices ranging from $105 to $140 each. Custom ties are also available.
7.20.10 Lifestyle Branding 2.0
In today's ever-growing mobile and tech landscape, accessibility and convenience has greatly affected the way we should approach lifestyle concepts. Consumers respond more favorably to organic approaches of brand integration, rather than abrupt displays of over branding. By offering uniquely relevant and timely experiences, you secure loyalty and attention from a willing audience.
The following are examples of successful Lifestyle 2.0 strategies guaranteed to leave a mark,
- Smartphone Apps: This strategy offers consumers a branded service that can live on their smartphone.
Accessible to them at any time. Services can range from location services to brand specific experiences.
- Social Responsibility: By integrating a community supporting message or initiative, your brand will be
helping your audience help others. A top of mind motivator to many consumers today.
- Pop-Up Branded Spaces: Activating branded spaces in connection with a launch or special event such as
music festival offers a valuable opportunity to directly interact and assist consumers with your brands services.
Combining these and other strategies with a comprehensive marketing plan will assure your brands longevity and success. Contact ext.54 today to find out more about any of the above initiatives or consult on what is right for your brand. Email us at info@ext54.com.
7.06.10 Jenny Holzer Sneakers to Benefit Whitney Museum
In a fantastic example of art and retail partnerships, Jenny Holzer and Keds will debut the KedsWhitney Collection, a limited-edition line of canvas kicks emblazoned with a vintage Holzerism ("Protect Me From What I Want"). On Thursday, the shoes will be available in high-top ($75) or low-top ($70, pictured) versions in black, white, and gray colorways. They'll be sold exclusively at keds.com and bloomingdales.com (as well as at select Bloomingdale's stores), with all of Keds' profits going to benefit the Whitney Museum of American Art. The sneaker brand, which is positioning itself as "America's Blank Canvas," is sponsoring the museum's summer season, including the Whitney Live series of Friday night performances. "It's great that Keds and the Whitney are friends," said Holzer in a statement announcing the partnership. "I have a renewed respect for shoe designers." More artist Keds are in the works, with editions by Laura Owens and Sarah Crowner slated for release in September.
6.29.10 Larry King Leaving His Show This Fall
CNN's 9 p.m. host Larry King has announced that he will be leaving his nightly talk show this Fall. King, who has been a staple on CNN for 25 years, will transition to a part-time role at the network, hosting occasional specials tied to breaking news and events.
King will discuss his decision during tonight's edition of "Larry King Live."
6.22.10 Fitness as a Lifestyle
After a very competitive run in Central Park this morning and the upcoming weeks meetings, I've quickly realized just how much fitness has become such a large part of everyone's lives. Everything from GroupX Fitness classes, triathlons, marathons, personal trainers to nutrionists, yoga, and pilates. We all have our preferred means to an end. But, along with this growing personal trend, there are several brands jumping on the bandwagon to provide us with accessories we can't live without; iPod's, Nike+, Lance Armstrong, SmartWater, VitaminWater, Vita Coco and many others.
With so many options and accessories, picking your choice of fitness lifestyle can be as exhausting as a 60 minute SPIN class. However, as we all experiment with the never-ending ways to reach our goals, remember that it's all about reaching your own personal goals...not reaching full Cobra Pose because the guy next to you can. Stay tuned for some of our favorite fitness choices soon....
6.07.10 Design Geek Travel Destination: Pantone Hotel
Over the past couple of years, Pantone has been actively branching outside of their standard operations, getting involved in branded side-projects and licensing deals. Or in their own words: "colorful, design-driven products to touch and tempt consumers". Now they've gone even bigger, with the launch of the Pantone Hotel, just opened in Brussels. Designed by Michel Penneman and Oliver Hannaert, the hotel features rooms and meeting spaces inspired by their color chips, sparingly highlighting them in various ways as they're surrounded by white walls, white bedding, white everything. They also have a Pantone Lounge, offering you drinks like Pink Champagne 12-1107, Lemon Drop 12-0736 or the Daiquiri Green 12-0435, as well as on-site "Color Consultants" to help you out with whatever pressing color issues you're having.
5.31.10 Foursquare - One of our favorite things!
Just a little over a year old, Foursquare is a location based social network that incorporates gaming elements.
Users share their location with friends by “checking in” via a smartphone application. Meant as a game and for users to "discover" their city, points are awarded for checking in at various venues. By checking in a certain number of times, or in different locations, users can collect virtual badges. In addition, users who have checked in the most times at a certain venue will be crowned “Mayor” until someone surpasses their number.
Foursquare offers businesses a "real time" opportunity to communicate with consumers through various platforms and strategies.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about how this and other strategies could be valuable to your integrated marketing efforts. info@ext54.com
5.24.10 Honoring the "First Lady" of PR, Betsy Plank
Betsy Plank, often referred to as the "first lady" of PR, passed away yesterday at age 86.
A resident of Chicago, Plank was the first woman to be: elected president of the Publicity Club of Chicago; serve as president of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and head a division of Illinois Bell. She rose to the ranks of executive vice president of Daniel J. Edelman, Inc. (now known simply as Edelman), before joining the Bell System in 1973. She was director of public relations planning at AT&T before going to Illinois Bell (now AT&T Illinois) to direct external affairs.
5.23.10 How Blogs And Social Media Agendas Relate And Differ From Traditional Press (Pew Research)
According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, the stories and issues that gain traction in social media differ substantially from those that lead in the mainstream press. Of the 29 weeks that they tracked blogs, Twitter and YouTube, the three shared the same top story just once. That was the week of June 15-19, when the protests that followed the Iranian elections led on all three. CyberJournalist: Not only do the stories and issues that gain traction in social media differ substantially from those that lead in the mainstream press, but links shared in Twitter are much less likely to be to traditional media outlets than the links in blogs.
5.17.10 Elizabeth Fraiberg Debuts Fine Art Collection
Elizabeth Fraiberg, fine art photographer, works across different genres of photography from the literal to the abstract. Taking the everyday as a starting point for visual transformation. After much anticipation, Fraiberg will now be sharing her collections on fraiberg.com. Debuting the Abstract, Composite, Peculiar People and Places, and Sepia Collections.In addition to fraiberg.com, Elizabeth will be making show announcements in the near future.
5.11.10 GenArt Closes Its Doors
After 16 years, GenArt announced the very sad news that they have shut down their operation as of Wednesday. The nonprofit organization dedicated itself to featuring emerging talent in the fields of fashion, art, film and music. They launched the careers of some of today's greatest talent, i.e. Zac Posen, MGMT, Adrien Brody and many others. Their events were always creative and inspiring. The staff was innovative and a pleasure to work with. Good-bye GenArt, thanks for the great memories.
Keep up with GenArt's alumni and friends on facebook: RIP GenArt - You Will Be Missed.
5.10.10 Betty White Hosts Saturday Night Live. Social Media At Its Best?
Saturday Night Live climbed to its highest overnight rating in a year and a half this past weekend with Betty White as its host. Critics are praising her performance and NBC is reaping the rewards. After an aggressive Facebook campaign, led by fans not affiliated with White, and a viral Snicker's commercial campaign White has managed to break back into pop culture in her eighth decade in the business. Another perfect example of the power social media can harness.
5.7.10 The Illinois General Assembly Passes Historic McCormick Place Legislation Addressing the Needs of its Customer's.
The economics of the convention industry have been a strong focus point. Meetings and conventions held at McCormick Place support 66,000 jobs and generate $251 million in tax revenue each year. The customers who come to Illinois spend close to $8 billion in the state. Governor Quinn is expected to sign the bill that grants exhibitors the ability to do their own electrical work or contract it out, and bring in their own food for personal consumption.
Over the next few weeks and months, the CCTB and McCormick Place will continue to work closely with its current and prospective customers. CCTB President& CEO, Tim Roby, together with MPEA’s General Manager, David Causton, provide an overview of the new customer centric “House Rules” concept and elaborate on what it could mean for you and your exhibitors when conducting business at McCormick Place. You can access the webcast via the link below:
3.18.10 ext.54 and Jbar at The James
Check out Jbar's ad this week in Time Out Chicago and go in for one of their great nights!
3.14.10 ext.54 and The House of Marley
Check out the AMAZING press kit that ext.54 designed for The House of Marley's launch event tonight! The covers are made of wood veneer and is completely sustainable. A USB and pen well were placed in the back inside cover and blank pages inserted for giftees to write in, keeping with The House of Marley's "waste not" values.
3.1.10 ext.54 at Common Threads' World Festival!
Celebrating Common Threads' fifth year and Chef Art Smith's 50th Birthday, World Festival was a HUGE success! ext.54 was a part of the night's festivities with a sponsored table featuring Chef Brian Huston and The Publican!
2.26.10 GNMAA Dining and Nighlife Council Discussion on New Media
Join us on March 2nd from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at LUXBAR in for a panel discussion moderated by Joel Morales of ext.54! Guest panelists include Ari Bendersky, Co-Creator of foodie the app; Mohammad Saleem, Director of Social Media at Tribune Interactive and Audarshia Townsend, Journalist, Author and 312DiningDiva. We will be discussing topics ranging from how to approach bloggers for coverage, how apps can help your business to facebook and twitter best practices. All of this from the industry insider's themselves!
RSVP at www.gnmaa.com as space is limited.
2.11.10 SXSW - In It's 24th Year Promises Not To Disappoint
The SXSW MUSIC AND MEDIA CONFERENCE features a legendary festival showcasing more than 1,800 musical acts of all genres from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin. By day, conference registrants do business in the Trade Show including an agenda of panel discussions featuring hundreds of speakers of international stature. As we look forward to four days of musical inspiration and catching up with clients, partners and media, we are particularly looking forward to catching shows by The Ettes , Say Hi, and the not to be missed Angry vs The Bear (pictured above).