Festival Indonesia, Australia’s largest Indonesian-Australian exhibition, was staged over three days at the Royal Exhibition Building in August. Working with the Indonesian Consulate and Festival Indonesia Inc., CI developed a campaign to promote the astonishing breadth and diversity of Indonesia’s culinary and cultural delights, its breathtaking tourism destinations and outstanding business opportunities. Two-way trade between the two countries in 2006-2007 was estimated to be $10.4 billion, and it is predicted that by 2020, Indonesia will be the world’s fifth largest economy.

We worked with Festival Indonesia Inc. to develop its key messages and communication goals, source and write up successful case studies and run an effective online publicity campaign – e-newsletters and blogs targeted to appropriate communities – together with a highly successful print and broadcast media campaign, which helped draw the crowds. We also assisted in confirming a key Gold Sponsor for the event, Villa and Hut.

“Festival Indonesia is a great opportunity for Australian businesses to secure one-on-one time with Indonesian exporters, business and government leaders,” said Franz Madlener, Director Villa and Hut, who believes some of Australia’s biggest opportunities lie “not only in what Indonesia can make for us, but in the businesses we can set up in Indonesia”. Put simply, he says, “Indonesia is the next China” (The Age, Aug.28 2008).

SBS played a major role in the pre-publicity of the event, as well as setting up an onsite broadcast over the weekend. Twenty-eight interviews with performers and delegates were recorded during that time, bringing colour and fun to the Museum forecourt.

Feature articles appearing in The Age, Herald Sun, MX, Asian Executive and local papers were supported by radio advertising and pre-event interviews. Festival Indonesia was highlighted on Channel 9’s Postcards, and also made international headlines in The Jakata Post.

Connecting Images prepared a comprehensive report of the 2008 event, and has developed a detailed timeline to assist a seamless production in 2009.

Have an upcoming event that would benefit from a professional promotion strategy? Arrange to come in for a chat by calling (03) 9819 2566.

Event management can be a tricky business. While it can require months of thorough preparation, organisation and planning, this should not be a deterrent. A special event can be a fantastic, fun and very strategic way to celebrate a myriad of achievements such as a product launch, corporate entertainment or a new service.

If managed well, and incorporated as a cohesive part of your business marketing activity, special events also offer great opportunities to achieve powerful branding, positioning and strengthen relationships with your clients.

A special event can get the message out to a targeted group of customers, business partners, new business leads, and media contacts all at once.

It doesn’t have to be a lavish affair in order to be an affair to remember. Even a small event injected with creativity and professionalism can bring big results.

Some of the things you will need to remember for a truly memorable event include:

* A strong/catchy theme
* Updated or ‘clean’ invitee database (including key media contacts and dignitaries if appropriate)
* Guest speakers
* Designing and distributing invitations
* Mail out
* Managing RSVPs – follow up.
* Venue coordination and liaison – make sure the venue is very clear about your expectations!
* Signage and decorations
* Speech writing and MC
* On-the-day greeting and registration
* Event photography and video coverage. (Make sure lighting is appropriate)
* Entertainment
* Catering and beverages
* Media and marketing campaign to leverage your commitment

Connecting Images has much experience in creating and promoting a wide range of events. To discuss the possibilities contact either Merilyn or Cal on (03) 9819 2566.

On August 30, our long-term client ASSA ABLOY Australia, the company behind leading lock brand Lockwood®, held the public launch of its multi-million dollar site redevelopment in Oakleigh, Victoria. Designed by respected Victorian architects Baldasso Cortese, the new site includes a ‘Centre of Design Excellence’ for the research and development of innovative technologies, and an expanded manufacturing facility. ASSA ABLOY’s investment ensures that its icon lock brands will remain on Australian shores, signifying a commitment to both its people and the Australian economy. The facility will play an integral part in ASSA ABLOY’s global manufacturing process.

Connecting Images worked alongside ASSA ABLOY to manage the event launch. We developed the event theme ‘Local Skill – Global Strength’, designed and produced the stylish invitations (complete with individual ‘swipe cards’ signifying the technological advances in locks since the Lockwood® brand was established more than 60 years ago), implemented the invitation mail out, managed the RSVP database, assisted with the welcoming and registration on the day, handled the speech writing, and conducted a successful media campaign.

We attracted a range of targeted media contacts to the site launch with a variety of story angles to appeal to business media, architectural and trade publications, online media and local, state and national major daily newspapers. We prepared releases for human interest media about the extraordinary long-term work and personal relationships forged at ASSA ABLOY (more than 60% of ASSA ABLOY Australia’s employees have been with the company for more than 10 years), and for business media about ASSA ABLOY finding it cheaper to manufacture some products here in Australia, than in China or India!

This successful media campaign generated more than 20 confirmed articles.