Commonwealth Games fever hit the Connecting Images office in March, with Lynda Cooke from the team volunteering in Media Services.

Based at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Lynda (causing confusion with twin sister Lauryn) provided journalists from around the world with results, flash quotes, official statements, opportunities for interviews and press conferences with athletes competing in the swimming, diving, table tennis and squash events.

This full-on experience strengthened Lynda’s day-to-day activities at Connecting Images in further understanding the needs of the media. “It was a thrill to participate in Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games in this way, and also be able to forge new relationships with local and international journalists from the Herald Sun, The Age, AFP, Reuters and AAP. Something I will remember for years to come!” says Lynda.

Media darlings Lauryn & Lynda

Clever marketing creates the ultimate buzz! Extravagant packaging and visual merchandisingabounds. Bling H20, described as “pop culture in a bottle,” is the world’s first water to come in limited-edition, frosted, corked bottles hand-decorated with genuine Swarovski crystals. Around US$100 for 750ml of bottled water – and it sells!

For the third consecutive year Connecting Images has worked with long-time client Profitable Hospitality, to run its New Trends Study Tour to Chicago and Las Vegas, supported by industry partner Restaurant & Catering Australia.

The 11 day tour in May was bigger, better, and more successful than ever! Led by Profitable Hospitality director, hospitality management expert and educator Ken Burgin, 30 of Australia’s most progressive hospitality professionals experienced behind-the-scenes visits to leading restaurants and catering facilities in Chicago and Las Vegas.

They also attended the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago – one of the world’s largest foodservice trade shows and a breedingground of fascinating new ideas and products. At the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas the group met Master Chef Raemond Hoffmeister, who served as the Executive Chef for President Ronald Reagan when he was Governor of California.

The increasing success of this well organised premium educational experience has already resulted in confirmed bookings for the 2007 tour, and attracted international inquiry. Thanks Ken, for your commitment to the big picture and for the opportunity for Connecting Images to work on yet another very exciting project!

Ken Burgin, Managing Director of Profitable Hospitality, with Brad Brennan, Commander’s Palace Las Vegas, and Sam Facchini from the Nevada Restaurant Association, Las Vegas.