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October 24th, 2011 by Marie Efthymiou

How to host a hassle free event (with the Hoff) . . .

So, what could be better than spending a day with The Hoff talking to an enviable stream of journalists about the launch of Clintons new Celebrity Fastcard – video greetings cards for mobiles and MMS – and hosting a showbiz event at No5 Cavendish Square that’s resulted in great coverage.  Quite frankly, nothing.

Having dealt with multiple stakeholders, celebrity brand ambassadors and the cream of the UK celebrity and showbiz press, here are our top five tips for throwing a top party:

1. Never lose sight of why the event is taking place! Whilst it’s important to get the styling, canapé and cocktail selections right, it’s so much more important to keep the bigger picture in sight: What will the press want to get out of it? What will get people talking – before, during and after the event? What opportunities exist for creating as much content around the event as possible?  Will it deliver the right brand and commercial value for our client?

2. Always consider how to get longevity from your event. Whilst the event itself may be over in a few hours, video content, interviews, photography – and more – captured at the event, will give you a reason to talk about your cause for longer. Likewise, consider how else you might get further leverage from the event by involving consumers via competitions to attend, hosting live twitter feeds and debates, installing webcams etc.

3. Never scrimp on quality when capturing content at events, which are often noisy and badly lit for photography and film; this isn’t a job for a flipcam! You only have one chance to get the content that you need, so ensure that it’s professionally handled.

4. Organisation and communication are key – in equal measures. Every team member should have clear responsibilities but it’s equally important that daily updates amongst the whole team take place, as each detail will affect another. A comprehensive running order with even the smallest details listed should be accessible to everyone involved and kept updated.

5. Consider a ‘B plan’ for every detail so that you’re prepared when more photographers than anticipated turn up, when VIP guests arrive early – or late or when the champagne runs out earlier than expected! However, the most important element to a successful party and creating a big impression in a small amount of time, is being quick to adapt and react to the unexpected; some things you just can’t plan for!

For a sneak peek of the party and The Hoff in action click here to see what went on.

One week on and to date the launch event has generated over 45 items of coverage including broadcast, online and national print including the Daily Star, Daily Express & Metro plus over 2,700 new Facebook fans engaging with the brand on the Clintons Facebook page.

Celebrity Fastcard went on sale today exclusively at Clintons stores nationwide and on their website.

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December 8th, 2009 by Speed Budapest (Matt)

Accenture and the roaming eye of the Tiger‎

Finding fulfilment at every step

Tiger Woods - finding fulfillment at every step

Another day, another celebrity makes a fool of themselves. This time Tiger Woods has been a bit of a naughty boy allegedly knocking up at least 10 extramarital notches on his bedpost. Not great news then for Accenture, the global IT services company which has sponsored the professional golfer since 2003, featuring him in much of the company’s print, broadcast and digital adverting.

It’s not the first time that a celebrity has damaged a brand by doing or saying something a bit stupid and it won’t be the last. But sometimes it’s not just the advert that can get companies in hot water; it’s where the ad has been placed. Marks & Spencer discovered this earlier this year when the company quickly decided to pull it’s advertising from the Daily Mail’s website after users spotted it appearing alongside Jan Moir’s homophobic article about Stephen Gateley’s death.

Only time will tell if Accenture, Nike, Electronic Arts and the other brands that Tiger Woods represents will continue to back the star. But what’s clear is that businesses need a contingency plan in place to deal with the transgressions of celebrities.