Omega House in Rio

As the dust settles on the 2016 Summer Olympics, we take a look back at some successful sponsorships. From Samsung’s enhanced virtual reality to Airbnb’s exclusive suite rental in the Olympic Stadium, there was no shortage of head turning, innovative activations at this year’s games in Rio. One luxury brand we were particularly impressed with drew upon its 84 year Olympic history to create unforgettable experiences in Rio...and beyond.

Leading up to the Games, luxury watchmaker Omega released their “Rio 2016” collection of three limited edition timepieces “inspired by the glory, triumph and unbreakable unity that brings the world together.”

Building upon the 2012 location in London, the Omega House opened at the Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim on Ipanema Beach, a remarkable three-story building with a terrace and panoramic views onto the Atlantic Ocean, exclusive only to members. Guests mingled on an all white terrace decorated with black and white photos of Omega’s long history with the Olympic games and two-story rope swings. The second floor of Casa de Cultura was adorned with a large collection of timepieces (1,000 of which were donated by a local physician) on display in four themed rooms. 

To showcase Omega’s long history with space exploration and the Speedmaster, Omega hosted a “Cocktails in Space” party at the house with Omega ambassador, Buzz Aldrin. Guests were greeted by a giant luminescent moon and hostesses in futuristic attire offering cocktails in space ration hydropacks made with ingredients astronauts actually bring to space. 

We leave you with these inspiring words from Buzz Aldrin:

“It’s the same thing that drives everyone who wants to appreciate what they stand for. What they can do. What their contribution may be. It may be small. But you want it to be the best that you can do. We’re all working towards something. And I can put that into other words. We explore, or we expire. You’ve got a choice.”

Choose well!
-DTE

Photo Credit: ©OMEGA Ltd.  

Schneetag

Schneetag is German for "snow day" - and one of the most ridiculously entertaining events. Going on its 8th year this April 10th, Schneetag is one of the four annual festivals that close Aspen's ski season. During this event the most courageous build themed contraptions and "fly" them downhill. It doesn't end there, they then head off a jump and across an ice cold 75x20 foot pond at the bottom of the hill.  

This event is not one to miss! Teams of four sign up knowing the consequences are a little chilly. Though the event is lighthearted and full of laughter the teams have strict rules! The "vehicle" must be 100% human powered, weigh less than 400 lbs (including weight of the person "driving") and measure less than 10 feet wide. 

Before the teams cross their fingers and fly downhill they must perform a short skit. Themes can range from animals to celebrities. One of our favorites may be the Miley Cyrus impersonator who slid downhill...on a wrecking ball. 

The judges score teams based on costumes, theme, creativity and flight time. We imagine Schneetag is much funnier when you're not the one in the ice cold pond! If you are ever looking for a guest judge, you know who to call ;) See Schneetag in action here.

Happy Flying!
-DTE 

Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass, Where to Ski and Snowboard

The Chinese Lantern Festival

The Chinese Lantern Festival is over 2,000 years old and is the 15th day of the first lunar month. (This year, it is February 22nd in the Gregorian calendar) This marks the end of the Chinese New Year holiday and the first full moon of the year, which is no coincidence. The importance behind the full moon is it represents Spring is on its way back! During the Han Dynasty, China's Emperor Han Ming Di liked how monks lit lanterns to honor Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month so he ordered everyone to light lanterns on that evening, and it eventually became the lantern festival. 

In addition to lanterns, the Chinese celebrate in other ways. One tradition is lion dancing. Lions are seen as protectors, traditionally warding off evil and keeping people safe at the same time. The lion dance is performed at significant Chinese festivals throughout the year.

Chinese also eat tangyuan, which are round rice dumplings with sweet fillings. The round shape of the dumplings represent a family's wholeness and togetherness. Another tradition is solving lantern riddles. The lantern owner will write a riddle and attach it to their lanterns. This becomes a game for those who try and guess because if they are right, they receive a small gift from the owner. At your next celebration try incorporating riddles and rewarding your guests! 

Happy lighting, dancing & eating!
-DTE

Photo Credit: GirlWhoWouldBeKing

No more yellow snow!

As New Yorkers, we rarely get to enjoy one of best parts of winter... fresh, clean snow! Who doesn't like diving into snow and making a perfect snow angel? In the city, that's a daredevil's task. Now imagine a snowball clean enough to eat that you get right here in NYC, you can't ... can you?  

Thanks to MKG, an experiential marketing company, some New Yorkers were lucky enough to get their hands on some "pristine balls" this past December. BizBash highlighted MKG's campaign, which ran with the tagline "New York's only filth-free snowballs" and included a branded truck roaming the streets of NYC. To complete the experience, individual snowballs were handed out in branded packaging with the custom hashtag #pristineballs and MKG's social media handle. 

To prove the snowballs' freshness, the ingredients label (or lack there of) showed what was not included in the "pristine balls": dog urine and cigarette ashes. We got a kick out of this experiential marketing campaign that MKG pulled off flawlessly. Congratulations MKG, the glory of winter in NYC has been restored!  

Duck!
-DTE

Photo Credit: BizBash

Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year celebrations involve a lot of eating. Much like numbers, foods have very specific meanings to the Chinese. Foods eaten during the festivities are chosen based on how they represent luck, longevity and success.

The word for Fish in Chinese sounds like the word surplus. Whole fish is a staple dish at a New Year's dinner because it is believed if you have saved a lot during the current year, you will save even more the next year. Longevity noodles are also eaten during the new year, for well, longevity. The length of the noodle symbolizes a long life.

For something a bit sweeter, oranges are eaten because they represent good fortune. Orange in Chinese sounds like the word success, another reason why they are consumed during the new year. May this year bring many unique experiences your way!

Happy Year of the Monkey!
-DTE

Photo Credit: Chinese New Year In.