Eastco Gala Review
Helping clients go to the next level communicating their value to the world is what we successfully do day in and out. Last week we had a chance to see if we could do it for ourselves. We put on a Gala event to celebrate and communicate the value of our new California Road Studios to a very tough Western New York market.
I viewed this as a test. Our company tends to be so intensely client-focused that our own marketing takes a back seat. To rally for our own cause was a challenge. Long story short – it’s great to report that the team that constantly serves others was able to care for themselves. We had a few benchmarks and thankfully all were met with flying colors:
- Attendance was excellent (especially since we targeted half our list to carefully selected prospects – strangers who are very busy movers and shakers). Additionally the media covered the event in TV, print, and radio.
The quality of the event overall — as reported by the attendees — was among the best they’d experienced. Beautiful design, interactive studio walk- throughs, specially designed foods (including chicken wing chowder & hand made cookies and candies of our logos), gift bags, prizes, a red carpet, personalized green screen photo shoots to later be e-mailed to attendees, and much more. Observing the event, there was a constant flow of laughing, happy, interested & even excited attendees!- Our people. One leading figure who I’d never before met told me all the glitz was great but the real way to judge a company is by its people. She went on to rate her experience with our staff as “amazing” (if only she knew that days earlier everyone was undergoing event training and overcoming nerves!). Of course, the ultimate test for these type of events will be whether any attendees actually do business with us as a result. I’m confidant several will, as we’ve already been contacted for proposals. We are doing creative follow up, and time and metrics will tell. But for now, the afterglow is sweet and I am really proud of our tremendous people who spent months in preparation.
Last thought: Right after the guests left we had a family party for employees and their families to see what their loved ones actually DO at this place! This part of the Gala alone was worth all the expense and effort. It was a warm time to build on old and create new relationships, and brag on employees to their loved ones!
