How do you engage consumers, have them not only remember your brand but also leave inspired and keep you top of mind after the fact? You think outside of the box and you host a trunk show, feature some kick a$$ entrepreneurs from the worlds of style and entertainment as panelists, add a performance by the city’s own Golden boy Oscar winner and let guests leave with a goodie bag while keeping an open bar flowing all night, thats how.
Saturday (3/28) night had all of that and then some at the Chicago stop of #TanquerayTrunkShow event held at Ovation. With an eclectic guest list included Dave Jeff, Happy Lewis, Steve Green, Luvvie Ajayi, Karyn Watkins, multiple guests in attendance were overheard saying this was a “live party” and “best party of the year so far” and I would have to agree, heck I stayed as late as I could seeing I had to run Shamrock Shuffle the next day.
The night began with guests mingling, making faces in the tanqueray photo booth and swaying to music from DJ TimBuck2.
Then Coltrane Curtis, founder of Team Epiphany who flew in that morning from Ultra in Miami, got on the mic to begin the panel portion of the program. The program was focused around the “Entrepreneurial Spirit” with panelists Ronnie Fieg, founder of KITH NYC, Jason Geter CEO of Grand Hustle and Striver’s Row clothing line and Maxwell Osborne, Co-founder of Public School NYC and Black Apple.
The topics discussed included: rapid success in building a brand; how to stay on course and stay true to your brand; identifying talent and the type of people to hire to help you grow your business. Keep an eye out for that post to come.
While entering the venue guests were handed a card and following the panel, were informed that the card would allow them one item from one of the brands represented (Strivers Row, KITH NYC, Black Apple).
As if that wasn’t enough, the evening capped off with a performance by Oscar winner Lonnie Rashid Lynn aka Common. He went through a few of his hits and even freestyled by pulling a lucky young lady, Renee, up on stage.
“Our goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of successful entrepreneurs, while enjoying some great cocktails and compelling music along the way.” Keith Scott, Tanqueray Senior Brand Manager.
The night was exceptional except for that small incident where a certain Chicago magazine fashion editor got a bit rude “I’m only here for Maxwell” yes we were all there for Maxwell and the other fashion panelists.
The six city Tanqueray Trunk Show national campaign kicked off in NYC in January and will make future stops in Detroit and Houston.
Were you spotted on the scene? Check out our Facebook album and tag yourself
Photo cred: Holly Max Myrick
