Ben Thomas, SHRM-PMQ’s Post

We are half-way through spring! Outdoor events are popping up everywhere! From outdoor festivals and trade shows to corporate picnics and community gatherings, spring offers a plethora of opportunities for you to connect with your audience. To make the most of these events, I have listed a few popular giveaways that capture the essence of the season while leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Apparel: T-shirts, hats, and jackets featuring your company logo. Outdoor gear and accessories: Items such as Umbrellas, water bottles, and tote bags offer bold, eye-catching designs that reflect the vibrancy of the season. Health and wellness items: Items such as sunscreen, lip balm, and hand sanitizers are always a useful hit. Technology accessories: Items such as phone grips, charging cables, and Bluetooth speakers are not only highly desirable but also offer ample branding opportunities. Giveaways aimed at children: Items such as coloring books, crayons, and toys are sure to delight young attendees and keep them entertained while their parents interact with your brand. Reusable tote bags: Eco-friendly and practical, these bags are perfect for carrying essentials during outdoor events. Seed Packets: Embrace the spirit of spring by handing out seed packets as promotional giveaways. Choose flowers or herbs that are easy to grow and provide instructions on how to plant them. Sunglasses: Keep attendees stylish and protected from the sun with custom-branded sunglasses. Insulated Water Bottles: Help attendees stay hydrated during outdoor events with custom-branded insulated water bottles. I look forward to personalizing products for you soon! [email protected] #springpromotionalitems #CustomLogo #marketingtips

Who do we help turn dreams into reality?  When it comes to creating unique souvenirs and branded merchandise, companies that want to leave a lasting impression choose us. We craft not just products – we create experiences. Here are 10 key audiences that trust LUVRE: -Global Business Leaders (Fortune 500) For those who know the art of the perfect gift. We create elegant, personalized solutions for employees, partners, and VIP guests. -Hotels Where Luxury Lives Unique souvenirs, candles, robes, and accessories that guests take home as a piece of the experience. -Cruise Lines – Voyages with Character Gifts for passengers, branded retail items, and memorable souvenirs reflecting the spirit of the journey and brand. -Restaurants and Cafes – More Than Just Food Branded tableware, packaging, and stylish accessories that turn every detail into art. -Conferences and Exhibitions – Moments That Last Stylish merchandise for attendees, saying: “This event changed everything.” -Museums and Galleries – A Touch of History Souvenirs inspired by art and culture that guests want to treasure forever. -Immersive Shows and Theaters – Magic Beyond the Stage Themed gifts that make the show unforgettable, from accessories to unique collectible items. -Fashion and Beauty Brands – Style in Every Detail Exclusive accessories and packaging that become a fashion statement on their own. -IT Companies and Startups – Inspiration in the Details Merchandise that speaks to innovation and bold ideas: sleek gadgets and accessories with personality. -Charities and Nonprofits – Purpose with Soul Eco-friendly products or collections that carry values and inspire change. We turn every idea into a story worth sharing again and again. Reach out to us – we’ll make your brand unforgettable! With LOVE. #uniquesouvenirs #brandedmerchandise #premiumgifts #luxurysouvenirs LUVRE AGENCY

In the last month we've disrupted two major London events, The Chelsea Flower Show and Taste of London Festival, and given away 60,000 samples. Are we ready to do it all again? Absolutely not. We're broken. Was it worth it? 100% Yes. My takeaways: FOLLOW YOUR CONSUMERS NOT YOUR CATEGORY NORMS We were not a natural fit for either event - The Chelsea organisers were pretty nervous about having a laundry brand - but that is where the magic happens - we reached more prime target consumers across both events than we would have ever done elsewhere. Any without any other laundry competition in sight. We also won an award for at Chelsea for the best retail innovation. ;) INVEST IN SAMPLING LIKE A BEAUTY BRAND Fragrance is our superpower, but while META is great for effective reach, there is no better sales pitch, or advert, than trying our product for yourself. It's worth it. Also, people love a free sample. LAUNDRY CAN BE EXCITING Doing the laundry is inescapable. It's a fact of adulthood. Doing the laundry with incredible botanical fragrances designed by perfumers. It's a game-changer. People want to make the mundane more magical, they just need the products to do so. EVENTS ARE TIRING. Seriously.... standing for hours at a time in your mid-30s is tough. You'll find me sitting down for the foreseeable.

As festival season is upon us, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re attending for the music, networking, or simply to unwind, here are some must-have items for your festival checklist: Comfortable Footwear: Long days on your feet require you to choose something for comfort and support. Hydration Essentials: Staying hydrated is crucial. Carry a refillable water bottle or hydration pack to keep yourself refreshed throughout the event. Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun with a good quality sunscreen of your choice, a wide-brimmed hat, and eye protection. Your skin and eyes will thank you! Portable Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged to stay connected, capture memories, and use navigation apps. A portable power bank can be a lifesaver. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Pack layered clothing for warmth and a rain poncho just in case. Snacks: Healthy snacks can keep your energy levels up. Think granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit for quick and easy nourishment (if the venue allows it). Compact Bag: A small backpack or bum bag can help you carry your essentials hands-free, making it easier to move around, especially in crowded spots. Ear Protection: Protect your hearing with a good pair of earplugs, especially if you’ll be near loudspeakers. Hand Sanitiser and Wet Wipes: Keep your hands clean and fresh, especially when facilities might be limited. Identification and Essentials: Always have your ID, festival tickets or wristbands, and a payment card for vendors that might not accept cash. Attending a festival can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation, so all that's left to do is ENJOY! #FestivalEssentials #TravelManagementServices #FestivalSeason #Networking #EventTips

Brand Dedication, Scalability, and the Power of Simplicity I had the privilege of attending the We Work Well Inc conference at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. It was a whirlwind of face-to-face conversations, both with familiar faces and new connections. But more than the networking, it was the insights from the brilliant speaker lineup that left a lasting impression. Three high-touch brands—Life Time Inc., Equinox, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts—each brought their unique voice to the stage, sharing wisdom on scaling, brand integrity, and the importance of fundamentals. What resonated with me most was their unwavering dedication to their core consumer. In an age where many brands attempt to appeal to everyone, it was a refreshing reminder that trying to be a brand for everyone means being a brand for no one. Lifetime: Longevity as a Super Trend 🎤 Jeff Zwiefel Longevity is no longer just a trend; it’s a super-trend. But delivering a full-service wellness experience at scale is no small feat. High-touch at scale is challenging, and the complexity of scalability requires an approach that remains simple at its core. Equinox: Precision Over Speed 🎤 Matt Delaney “You are only as good as your most recent opening.” This reminder from Equinox emphasized that the member experience is at the forefront of everything. Sometimes, inaction beats action. It’s not about being the first; it’s about being right. Equinox focuses on calculated decisions rather than rushing to be first in the market. Precision often trumps speed when it comes to delivering consistent, high-quality service. Four Seasons: Flawless Fundamentals and EOI 🎤 Michael J Newcombe Four Seasons offered a refreshing perspective on honoring tradition and delivering the fundamentals flawlessly. Their philosophy is clear: before anything else, “make sure the orange juice is fresh and the coffee is hot”. In other words, focus on perfecting the basics before chasing innovation. They also introduced a concept that deserves more attention—EOI, or Effort on Investment. We talk about ROI constantly, but what about the effort required to implement new ideas? We need to weigh the potential return against how difficult it will be to execute. This is a valuable framework and something I will consider when making decisions moving forward. These three brands, each with its own unique voice, shared a common thread: they are laser-focused on their core consumer. The power of a clear brand voice and unwavering dedication to a defined consumer base was a theme echoed across these powerhouse presenters. This alignment with their core values is what fuels their success, and it’s a lesson all organizations should take to heart. Scalability may be sophisticated, but simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. #Scalability #Simplicity #BrandVoice

Show Business There’s been a lot of talk on LinkedIn about Outdoor industry shows- what’s needed, when, who. Buying shows vs the gathering of the community. Unfortunately much of the conversation has focused on either/or instead of yes/and. I believe there’s room for a mix of events that serve different needs and audiences. A welcoming hybrid event/events for insiders (retailers, vendors, buyers, marketers) and enthusiasts (campers, hikers, climbers, runners, bikers, paddlers, birders). Large Brands could welcome it as they’ve got line extensions covering multiple outside endeavors. Emerging brands could welcome it as they could be colocated with like-minded or oriented goods. Retailers might embrace a “one-and done” event instead of multiple trips to brand HQs and niche shows a, b, and c. Enthusiasts could find community and excitement about emerging tech. Competitions and demos and concerts to bring like-minded folks together. Livestreams to build the pipeline for future years and engagement now. We have bits and pieces of this now across locations, companies, and user groups. Who can step up to bring it all together? Lest you think this is an unachievable dream state, I say- look outside the box- I went to SEMA last week. Massive show (I walked 11 miles on a one-day whirlwind). The first 3 days are trade only. The last day opens up to the paying public. ($150) On the last day Vendors could hide items that weren’t ready to share yet, and get insights from enthusiasts after booking orders, enjoying fellowship and education earlier in the week. It all closed with a drifting show and outdoor concert. And an hours-long “cruise” of show vehicles which was free and attended by thousands! It would be Awesome!

Where I live, many new hotels are coming up. From the billboards, they are all international brands, but I can't see how different they will be from one to another and wonder if there is enough demand to support their business. That makes me think of similar stories in other industries. In sportswear, giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour dominate. But there's a twist: some brands have transcended mere merchandise to build cult-like followings. Brands like Reebok and Under Armour once dared to challenge the giants. They sprinted ahead but eventually hit a plateau, unlike brands like Lululemon, ALO, and ON, which have mastered standing out. Why? The industry is crowded, and differentiation is critical. Let's lace up our sneakers and explore how this applies to the hospitality industry: Hospitality can learn from this playbook and start crafting the memory: * Find Your Niche: Who feels left out? Solo travelers, eco-conscious guests, digital nomads? Cater to them. * Embrace Unconventional: Be the Hoka of hotels—quirky, unexpected, and memorable. * Create Community: Host themed events to connect guests. Make them feel part of something special. * Deliver Excellence: Like Nike's swoosh, make your mark consistently. * Surprise and Delight: Leave handwritten notes and offer local treats. Create moments guests will remember. #UniqueHospitality #BeyondTheNorms #CultFollowing #AuthenticExperiences #HospitalityMagic #StandOut

💌 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 Luxury brands often talk about themselves first. "Our new Summer collection has landed." "Discover our made-to-measure service." "Book your luxury spa treatment." Problem is, this approach misses customer engagement. As a consultant, I help Luxury brands become more customer-centric. This includes rethinking marketing messages. See the difference: "Looking for a wardrobe upgrade? Our Summer collection has you covered." "Want something unique? Explore our made-to-measure service." "Need a break? Book your luxury spa treatment now." Addressing the customer’s needs directly captures attention. Adopting customer-centric messaging allows to engage audiences more effectively. And create stronger emotional connections with Luxury brands. ⬇ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜❓ 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.

𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅 💡 I recently stumbled upon the 𝘼𝙟𝙞𝙤 𝙇𝙪𝙭𝙚 website and was completely fascinated by what I found. As someone who admires luxury brands across various segments, from fashion to automobiles, I was thrilled to explore their offerings. When I clicked on the 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 drop down button, I was amazed to discover that they feature over 650+ brands on their platform! This was a delightful surprise, and I came across so many new brand names that I had never heard of before like Behno New York, Cult Gaia and Zimmermann to name a few. As I browsed through the site, I realized how much there is to learn and discover in the world of luxury brands. From niche fashion houses to globally renowned labels, each brand had something unique to offer. This exploration was a reminder of the endless opportunities for learning and growth available to us if we stay curious and open-minded. This experience also highlighted the value of digital platforms in making such discoveries accessible to everyone. The internet is a treasure trove of information, and with a bit of curiosity, we can uncover a wealth of knowledge that can inspire and inform our passions. So, whether you’re a luxury brand enthusiast like me or have any other interest, I encourage you to explore, learn, and stay curious. You never know what fascinating discoveries await you! 🌟 #LuxuryBrands #LearningEveryday #StayCurious #AjioLuxe #BrandDiscovery #DigitalLearning #LinkedinForCreators

We’re thrilled to share that Jackie Aina, a leading beauty and lifestyle influencer, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Crown Royal in a brand integration on the TV show Extra! 🌟 This marks a significant milestone for Forever Mood, Jackie’s renowned lifestyle brand, as it introduces their first-ever product collaboration. The star of this exciting partnership is an exclusive blackberry scented candle, designed to capture the essence of both Jackie Aina’s signature style and Crown Royal’s sophisticated allure. This luxurious candle is not just a product; it’s a sensory experience that embodies the elegance and richness of Crown Royal whisky, seamlessly integrated into Forever Mood’s distinct aesthetic. Why is this collaboration so special? The collaboration between Forever Mood and Crown Royal represents a perfect synergy of beauty, lifestyle, and luxury. The blackberry scent is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the same depth and complexity as the whisky it’s inspired by, delivering a full-bodied fragrance that enhances any space. Jackie Aina’s commitment to beauty and quality is evident in every aspect of this collaboration. This unique candle not only showcases her personal touch but also highlights how brand collaborations can create meaningful and memorable experiences for consumers. Catch the full product placement on Extra to see Jackie Aina and Crown Royal’s collaboration in action. We’re excited to see how this innovative collaboration resonates with both brand enthusiasts and lifestyle aficionados alike! https://lnkd.in/gvu7B32H #BrandIntegration #ProductPlacement #JackieAina #ForeverMood #CrownRoyal #Lifestyle #Luxury #Collaboration #ExtraTV #Innovation #productplacementlosangeles #productplacementnewyork #productplacementlondon #entertainmentmarketing