Four Festive Cities to Visit This Holiday Season

From the top of Maine to the southernmost coast of Florida, destinations alongside America’s eastern seaboard are ready to provide all of the holly jolly experiences you crave. Read on for four festive cities you can visit this holiday season.

Ogunquit, Maine

December at Cliff House Maine is chocked full of holiday cheer. Guests can look forward to gourmet S’more bars, themed viewing of holiday classics like “The Polar Express“ and Christmas Cookie decorating. A partnership between the hotel and Nubb’s Lobster Shack offers a delicious and fun seaside escape, complete with a private igloo and curated menu of seasonal favorites.

Enjoy a cozy meal in a private igloo at Cliff House Maine.

 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

For those searching for the ultimate holiday travel experience, look no further than Portsmouth, NH. Visitors can finish up their holiday shopping tax-free at any of the local businesses along High Street, or head to Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth to shop among the wreath-lined streets. Celebrated for its distinct cuisine, Portsmouth offers culinary offerings at several of the most popular restaurants, including “12 Days of Christmas for Beer Lovers” at Row 34, and prix fixe menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at many of the celebrated haunts, like Anneke Jans.

Ice skaters enjoying Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth.

 

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk will host the second-annual WinterFest on the Wisconsin (aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus), a truly spectacular light display with over 1.5 million lights illuminating the historic ship. This year will feature new holiday experiences including The Grinch and Santa sightings, live music, and a lighted boat parade on Saturdays. Joining Norfolk’s festive lineup of holiday events this year is the Virginia Zoo’s ZooLumination, bringing animals to life with the help of thousands of LED lights! The larger-than-life experience will feature 29 inflatable animal sculptures that come to life at night with a stunning visual experience.

Winterfest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus.

 

Charleston, South Carolina

For the perfect Southern holiday this December, visitors can stay in the city’s newest, luxury boutique hotel – Emeline or the brand-new 153-key Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, located on Isle of Palms. From exploring Charleston’s historic homes decked for the holidays and driving through two million lights at the Holiday Festival of Lights, to watching the annual Holiday Parade of Boats in the Charleston Harbor, travelers can enjoy a number of festive events and activities all month long. Guests can also celebrate the season while visiting Charleston’s historic sites, museums and cultural organizations that comprise the Charleston Heritage Federation (CHF). In fact, the organization recently relaunched their Essential Charleston Passport online, offering visitors a digital ticket to travel back in time and discover the city’s cultural mainstays. The passport includes admission to CHF’s five remarkable historic houses, the country’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Place, the oldest preserved plantation house at Drayton Hall and more, which will all be festively decked out for the holidays.

The festive streets of Charleston, SC.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/12/22/four-festive-cities-to-visit-this-holiday-season/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG’s Best Spots for Seeing Fall Foliage

Saying goodbye to summers warm months is always hard, but falling into fall is the time vivid reds, bright yellows, and deep browns take over the green leaves and brings blockbuster of color. See a selection of destinations that are the best for fall foliage below.

Cashiers, NC (Jackson County)

In the mountains of Western North Carolina, visitors can experience one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country – the Shadow of the Bear. This naturally occurring phenomenon makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 p.m. mid-October through early November just outside of Cashiers, North Carolina in Jackson County. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley and grows until it finally evolves into the bear as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain – what many geologists deem to be the oldest mountain in the world.

Outside of this special event, which also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March, Jackson County is the best destination to view fall foliage due to its unique location tucked between the Nantahala National Forest and on the edge of the country’s most-visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fall in Jackson County is more eye-popping than your average autumn escape and beckons leaf peepers from across the nation.

Marquette, MI

On the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan is a community where nature’s assets are on display through scenic vistas, rugged trails and rushing waterfalls. With 30% of Michigan’s land mass and only 3% of its population, the Upper Peninsula town of Marquette is nestled in dense forests that turn a combination of fiery reds, golden hues and pops of orange – there is no better Midwest destination to explore the outdoors while enjoying the bounty of Fall colors.  Outdoor activities range from hiking to fat tire biking on the city’s many trails to fly-fishing.  From unique dining experiences, award-winning craft breweries and a thriving art scene, Marquette embraces a culture anchored in artisanship and ingenuity.

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe National Forest, just 15 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza, is a site to behold year-round; however, in the latter half of September, the Aspen trees that dominate the forest turn a bright gold color that makes it especially beautiful. The peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower above the high desert offering a breathtaking vantage point of Santa Fe’s natural landscape. Ahead of ski season, Ski Santa Fe opens its main ski lift exclusively on weekends and holidays in September for visitors to take in a birds-eye view of the foliage throughout the valley.For those who prefer to stay within the downtown area, the cottonwoods and other deciduous trees along the Alameda Street walking path and Santa Fe River also turn gorgeous autumn colors by mid-October.

Sacramento, CA

Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento, California, is a culinary force featuring bustling restaurants, a thriving public art scene, and interesting Gold Rush history. What some may not realize is that the typography and climate in the region creates impressive opportunities for vegetation – from grapes to apples – and in autumn, vibrant trees. Visitors traveling east on US-50 through Folsom will soon arrive at the perfect place for flannel shirts, cider, and Instagram-worthy scenery. Comprised of over 50 orchards, the Apple Hill region offers vibrant foliage and impeccable fall vibes for visitors pursuing leaf-peeping, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. Surrounded by Sycamores and oaks, Apple Hill remains one of the most popular fall destinations in Northern California. Due to the more temperate climate, harvest typically begins around Labor Day and can run until the beginning of December. The changing colors can be enjoyed on nature walks, or while taking advantage of the local activities including golf, wine tasting, and shopping from the local farm-to-table vendors.

White Mountains, NH

With fall quickly approaching, New Hampshire is gearing up for another epic season of leaf peeping. Known for its picturesque landscape that becomes increasingly beautiful with the arrival of autumn, the Granite State has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Visitors can experience the ultimate road trip as they uncover glorious views of New England’s famous foliage from the comfort of their car. Within the White Mountains, the most popular scenic drive is the Kancamagus Highway, commonly referred to as “the Kanc”). From Conway, the Kanc offers 34.5 miles of stunning mountain scenery through the White Mountain National Forest. In Lincoln, you can either turn north onto I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and its soaring mountain peaks, or continue west on Route 112 through Kinsman Notch to Route 302, which heads to Bath, Lisbon, Littleton, Bethlehem, Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods, home of the Mount Washington Hotel. Rt. 302 continues east through Crawford Notch and past some of the most spectacular scenery in the East. Additional scenic drives can be found here. 

Cliff House Maine (Cape Neddick, ME)

Nestled across 70 oceanfront acres atop Bald Head Cliff on the southern coast of Maine, Cliff House Maine offers guests unrivaled experiences that are accessible, exceptional and spectacular. One of America’s most celebrated coastal resorts, the 186 guest rooms and 40 luxury suites, in addition to a classically restored New England cottage with a front porch overlooking the ocean, are an ideal spot for fall leaf peeping. Within a short drive from the resort (less than an hour), Maine’s natural tapestries can be enjoyed at: Rachel Carson’s Wildlife Refuge in Wells: Established in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of 11 divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. Laudholm Farm: Trails feature signs to help you find your way, identify plants and animals, understand the natural and cultural history of the site, and explore the changing leaves. Parson’s Way: A serene and somewhat secluded environment, featuring sweeping views and picturesque landscapes of fall leaves juxtaposed against the blues of the ocean. Fort Williams Park: Beautiful free park with walking paths with the nearby Portland Head Light – the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine. Mt. Agamenticus: Scenic vistas, fragile habitats, and distinctive trail system. Mt. Agamenticus is unlike any place else on earth and contains a very Authentic East Coast environment.

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/10/28/roundup-of-lhgs-best-spots-for-seeing-fall-foliage/
via https://louhammond.com

Four New Clients Join Lou Hammond Group – September 2021

Lou Hammond Group (LHG) announced four new clients for public relations/corporate communications, strategic planning, branding and digital marketing:

Jukes Cordialities – Launched in 2019 in the U.K. by internationally acclaimed wine writer and taster Matthew Jukes and his co-founder Jack Hollihan, Jukes Cordialities is a unique category of sophisticated beverages for discerning adults, with complex flavors assembled by the olfactory and sensory expertise of a professional wine taster.

Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Located some 20 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte, it encompasses five municipalities; the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and towns of Harrisburg, Midland and Mt. Pleasant. Known as a hub of engaging experiences, the destination is home to premier motorsports entertainment, shopping, family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, charming downtowns, and so much more.

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, one of London’s most affluent and exclusive neighborhoods, the hotel is a five-star luxury property where history and sophistication meet. Owned and operated by global luxury hospitality company Jumeriah Group, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, previously known as Jumeirah Carlton Tower, opened at the end of July with a new name, design features and amenities after an 18-month $137 million renovation.

SquareMouth – America’s fastest growing travel insurance comparison website that has helped over two million travelers find the best travel insurance policy for their trip at the lowest possible price. With decades of expertise, a multi-award-winning customer service team and industry-leading technology, SquareMouth allows travelers to save money and time by instantly comparing and purchasing a travel insurance policy from every major provider in the U.S.

Lou Hammond Group is an award-winning full-service marketing communications firm representing premium brands globally. The company, founded in 1984, is headquartered in New York with offices in Atlanta, Charleston, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Tampa. Visit www.louhammond.com.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/09/28/four-new-clients-join-lou-hammond-group-september-2021/
via https://louhammond.com

Crafting a Crisis Communications Plan

A crisis is defined as a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion when problems must be solved or important decisions must be made. So how does this translate in the world of public relations and communications?

From a negative review to a natural disaster to a global pandemic, a PR crisis can come in all shapes and sizes, some having a large impact or others that may slide under the radar unnoticed. Crises can happen at any turn and with little to no notice. And in today’s world, the power of social media and going viral can turn any crisis into a #PRnightmare.

So how do we avoid the pitfalls of bad publicity? Having a team of PR pros on your side to protect your brand’s hard-earned reputation is an invaluable asset. Should the unthinkable ever occur, the below strategies are a few tools we utilize at Lou Hammond Group to navigate crises efficiently and successfully, no matter the size.

Preparation

Navigating a crisis is something that every organization should be prepared to face at some point in its operational life cycle. Developing a crisis communications plan allows you to respond quickly, efficiently and confidently. An effective plan will 1) designate a spokesperson for all media relations and to whom you will attribute media statements to 2) identify your key audiences 3) distinguish the best communication channels – whether social or traditional – to reach your target audiences and 4) inform all employees, board and team members of the above protocols so that communication efforts are streamlined.

Key Messaging

Once an emergency, disaster or misstep occurs, it is important to gather all the facts in order to craft your response. Every situation varies but leading with transparency and honesty is always recommended for when a public statement is necessary. The best responses typically address the key facts – the who, what, where, when and why – as directly as possible. To put it simply, sharing what your company has done, will do or when an update should be expected without placing external blame is the hallmark of any effective response. By creating these holding statements in advance, you are setting your company up to respond to any situation promptly and confidently.

Delivery

The saying – delivery is more important than the content – rings true in crisis communications. While content informs our audiences, its delivery can cause the message to be interpreted entirely out of its intended context. With that, the importance of how you choose to share your message cannot be over emphasized.

The delivery of a crisis statement can find itself taking many forms, but the first pivotal decision can be boiled down to whether you want your message shared proactively or reactively.  The benefits of a proactive approach allow you to get in front of the situation. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner people move on it from it and retain their trust in your brand. On the other hand, the benefits of a reactive approach allow a company to monitor the public sentiment and avoid shining additional light on an already negative situation. The particular crisis will inform your decision on how to time sharing your company’s response. Media training for executives and spokespersons is another tool we often recommend so that messaging can be practiced, tailored and effectively delivered in those more traditional interview settings.

Find Your Audience

Once you have established what your message is and when you want to deliver it, you will need to identify who you want it to be shared with – from stakeholders and employees to customers and media. Effective and swift communication with your target audiences is critical to a successful crisis strategy – whether you are sharing the protocols internally with executive leadership, informing stakeholders on the next steps and plan of action or communicating with the media publicly. Perhaps your crisis communications strategy is to share your holding statements with a few, targeted media that are familiar and friendly with your brand. Regardless of who your audience is, your messaging should be tailored to address their specific needs.

And let’s not forget about social media here. Businesses now more than ever rely on social media to communicate directly with consumers. This direct line of communication can be an asset, as well as a potential risk, and needs to be navigated thoughtfully. Having a presence on social media makes brands completely accessible to the opinions of the public, which brings us back to the importance of transparency and honesty in your key messaging.

Monitor

A crisis communications plan should be treated as a fluid, living strategy that can evolve with the needs of the company. This is why it is imperative to monitor public sentiment both during and well after a response is made to a crisis. Understanding various viewpoints and tracking how they evolve will only strengthen a company’s response. These viewpoints can range from the general public, a business’ customer-base, the media or even competitors. Having a firm grasp on what others are saying about your brand and its actions through the crisis will allow you to not only address but curtail further negative commentary. By critically assessing how your response was received, companies are provided the opportunity to learn and grow as for future crisis planning and better meet the needs of their stakeholders and customers.

The above strategies create a solid foundation for a successful crisis communication plan. The ultimate takeaway though is to create a strategy and stick to it. Take a sincere and honest approach. Communicate with transparency and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow from the situation.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/08/24/crafting-a-crisis-communications-plan/
via https://louhammond.com

4 Tips for Post-Grad Networking

Those four years of college fun fly by quicker than most of us anticipate. The end of one season of life is just the beginning of the next. For newly graduated professionals, especially those eager to start their career, a strategic approach to networking will open the door to opportunities that may have seemed beyond reach. 

As a recent graduate and new hire at Lou Hammond Group’s Charleston office, I know that the experience can be challenging at times. Take a look at four personal tips on how to network after college, which helped ease this transition period in my life. 

Don’t be afraid to use the shotgun approach.

Some people graduate from college knowing exactly what they want to do and where they want to work. However, most of us (like myself!) have no idea where to start and that is okay. My advice is to cast a wide net. Candidates stand a much better chance of getting an offer when they apply for more positions. College majors are designed to equip you with a wide variety of industry-related skills, so do not be afraid to look at non-traditional roles in your desired field. 

Networking is your friend.

Ask for help and use your connections to collect new contacts in your desired city. Professors, LinkedIn and alumni resources are extremely valuable and can help you establish meaningful connections. Your professors are a great place to start because they know you on a personal level and are more likely to keep in touch on LinkedIn regarding future opportunities. Professors tend to have wide networks themselves, so they can likely introduce you to their personal contacts in the industry of your choice. Also be sure to take advantage of your college’s alumni association, which can assist as you build your resume and keep you informed about career events in the area. This will open further opportunities for you to network and develop as a professional – even if it is just for practice. Your parents’ friends remember what it was like to be young and new to the job world, so they understand what you are going through and want to help.  You never know what connections these people might have, so reaching out and asking for help could establish some important connections. 

Understand that not all industries have the same process for hiring. 

I was constantly comparing my job search to that of everyone around me when I graduated. However, what I did not realize is that every industry has different workloads, structures and hiring practices. It is important to understand the industry you want to work in so that you can set realistic expectations and avoid feeling discouraged.

Be yourself.

I promise it is not cliché when I say this. Interviews can be nerve wracking, so it is often hard to feel comfortable and confident. Always remember that your resume is there to reference when you are not sure what to say and come prepared to discuss situations and roles that reflect your personality and strengths the most.  It is encouraged to add a little anecdote to ease the tension and allow the interviewers to get to know you better, and always be transparent with the company about your knowledge and experience. If you do not know something then be honest and tell the company that you are open, willing and excited to learn. This does not come from reciting your resume, but instead shines when you are being yourself in a way that shows you are professional and poised even when nervous. 

Remember: Trust the process and you will ultimately find a great fit.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/07/13/4-tips-for-post-grad-networking/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG Client Summer Events

Summer festivals are back! After many events were cancelled or held virtually in 2020, many events are returning to in-person in summer 2021. See a list of summer festivals happening in some of our LHG destinations below.

UNwineD, Panama City Beach, FL – June 4-5, 2021

UNwineD is an award-winning culinary event held in Aaron Bessant Park, featuring craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition, followed by a live concert. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined/.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, Panama City Beach, FL – June 4-6, 2021

The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam brings the best of today’s country music to the beach. Previous artists include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and Eric Church. As the sun begins to set, free shuttles will take guests to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/.

FestivalSouth, Hattiesburg, MS – June 5-26, 2021

Hattiesburg’s FestivalSouth is an annual, multi-week festival presenting a variety of musical and other arts-related entertainment aiming to transcend social, cultural and economic lines. Events include a live concert by Motown Downtown Revival, a music theatre mashup Broadway in the ‘Burg, an International Ballet Competition Showcase, and A Night at the Opera. FestivalSouth offers exceptional performing and visual artists enriching and engaging Hattiesburg’s vibrant cultural community. For more information, visit www.visithburg.org.

Summer Light: Art by Night at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC – June 9-Aug. 21, 2021

Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina’s premier botanical garden, will hold an event series allowing after-hours access to the historic gardens. Summer Light: Art by Night will feature nine lighted art installations throughout the sculpture gardens and arboretum, live music and food vendors. The event begins June 9 and continues every Wednesday through Saturday until Aug. 21. In addition to the ethereal lighted displays throughout the grounds, Brookgreen’s indoor gallery spaces will be open and a pianist will play nightly on Anna Hyatt Huntington’s baby grand piano. For more information, visit https://www.brookgreen.org/.

Art Week, Marquette, MI – June 21-26, 2021

The City of Marquette Arts & Culture Division is excited to present the 2021 City of Marquette Art Week. Art Week is an annual event held during the last week of June that kicks off the summer event season. Local artists, organizations and businesses are invited to come together and collaborate on a series of free arts and cultural programming for the community including concerts, workshops, performances, exhibits and more. For more information on Art Week, visit www.mqtcompass.com or https://bit.ly/2PSH0XT. The 2021 City of Maquette Art Week is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Marquette Trails Festival, Marquette, MI – June 25-27, 2021

Whether it is biking, hiking or running, Marquette Trails Festival is a fun-filled weekend that celebrates the many outdoor adventures that the area has to offer. Featuring mountain bike races, trail running races and socials, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All proceeds from the event support the Noquemanon Trail Network trail building program. For more information on the Marquette Trails Festival, visit https://marquettetrailsfestival.com/.

Real.Fun.Fourth, Panama City Beach, FL – July 3-4, 2021

Panama City Beach will hold the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast for an all-American weekend of Independence Day celebrations during Real.Fun.Fourth. Friends and family can gather on their beach in red, white and blue to enjoy an electrifying firework show.

International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe, NM – July 7-18, 2021

This summer, the showcase of global folk art traditions is back in Santa Fe, with 160 master artists from 53 countries descending on the city to put together a temporary gallery of handmade folk art traditions. Visitors can shop craft goods of a wide variety of handmade forms, textures and designs such as textiles, jewelry, beadwork, basketry, wood carvings, ceramics, rugs, glass and metalwork, sculpture, mixed media, toys and more. Meanwhile, a variety of live music performances and culinary offerings will round out the experience for visitors as well. For more information, visit https://folkartmarket.org/.

Blueberry Festival, Marquette, MI – July 30, 2021

Washington and Front streets will be bustling with sidewalk sales during 2021’s Blueberry Festival. Downtown restaurants will satisfy cravings for blueberry fare, from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer, while many downtown shops will offer “blue” specials. This year’s festival has been scaled back to better comply with COVID-19 best practices. The festival will not have outside vendors as in past years, which will allow the focus to be on showcasing the wonderful shops and restaurants that comprise downtown Marquette. For more information on the Blueberry Festival and modifications to accommodate COVID-19 safety precautions, visit https://www.downtownmarquette.org/downtown-events/blueberry-festival.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara, CA – August 4-8, 2021  

Since 1924, a five-day festival celebrating the Spanish history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions of Santa Barbara has taken place at the beginning of August. This year’s in-person events are back after the celebration was fully virtual in 2020. This year, the lineup of pageantry and dance-filled events that make it the largest annual festival in Santa Barbara will be available for visitors to experience in person and will feature virtual components viewers can experience from home. The festivities kick off on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, with traditional flamenco and folklorico dance performances at “Fiesta Pequeña”, while two days later “El Desfile Historico” is a large parade honoring Spanish traditions with colorful floats, marching bands, traditional horse-drawn carriages and carefully coordinated equestrian groups, just to name two highlights. For more information, visit https://www.sbfiesta.org/

Railbird Music Festival, Lexington, KY – August 28-29, 2021

Returning after its successful debut in 2019, the Railbird Music Festival will be held at the Keeneland Racecourse and will feature Grammy Award-winning headliners, culinary demonstrations with Lexington’s top chefs, plus exclusive bourbon tastings. The festival takes its name from a “railbird,” a horse racing enthusiast known for hanging on to the rail as the horses come barreling down the track. For more information, visit https://www.railbirdfest.com/.

Touchdowns & Tunes, Paducah, KY – September 3-5, 2021

Touchdowns and Tunes Tailgate Party is a 3-day music festival where live country music meets televised college football to create the ultimate tailgating environment! This event will feature live performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, Ashleigh McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Parker McCollum, Eric Paslay, The Steel Woods, Larry Fleet, Kameron Marlowe, SixForty1, Walker Montgomery and Elvie Shane. Three dedicated zones will be showing televised college football games and offering tailgate games. Held in Paducah’s Carson Park, tent and RV camping passes are available. For more information and tickets, visit www.touchdownsandtunes.com.

 

 

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/06/08/summer-2021-festival-roundup/
via https://louhammond.com

Why Now Is the Time to Create New Marketing Benchmarks

Global market conditions impacted by the pandemic drastically changed consumer spending, buying habits and preferences. Businesses, in turn, had to change. We saw a surge of virtual offerings and experiences, media consumption and preferences shifted, and online products/services were favored over in-person engagement.

Six months into 2021, most brands are in a hybrid state with new and adapted forms of revenue. Now is the perfect time to reset and reaffirm what’s working. By gaining new insights from this year, we can establish new performance benchmarks for our marketing efforts and retool where necessary.

Below are three ways your marketing and communications teams can take immediate action to set new benchmarks.

Conduct an Audience Analysis

A deep dive into your core audience helps you understand who your consumers are, where they are coming from and potential areas for growth. Tools like PRIZM use your existing consumer data set (zip codes, emails, addresses) to create a holistic picture of your consumer. We like PRIZM for organizing our client’s audience into unique lifestyle segments and life-stage groups. For example, learning that a large percentage of your 2021 consumers are squarely in the mature year’s life stage group allows you to explore different tactics, creative and messaging, based on the preferences of most consumers in this stage of life.

Qualitative interviews focus groups or surveys are another way to analyze behaviors and sentiments.  Recently we conducted a national Ipsos survey for a client that wanted to confirm a hypothesis regarding the public’s adaptation to telehealth. Our client has a novel product offering for at-home wellness tests that can be ordered online – direct to the consumer. In our survey, we not only asked questions that gave us clues to new market potential on test types, but the platform allowed us to ask questions that provided insights into the public’s confidence in emerging telehealth and non-traditional testing.

Test Creative and Messaging

We all adapted our creative and messaging last year to reassure our consumers and build confidence in our brands. This year, with business activity on the rise, we may not want to revert back completely to pre-pandemic creative. Or maybe we do. Digital tactics like programmatic display, search engine marketing (SEM), social advertising, digital radio and email marketing are great tools to test strategies. A/B testing subject lines, comparing conversions for different calls to action (CTAs) or experimenting with new and different types of imagery are all ways to gain insight into what resonates with our consumers. In a recent B2B-focused digital campaign, we tested two CTAs and found one drove a much higher click-through rate and ultimately conversion. Now we are applying these learnings in future campaigns.

Evaluate Tactics

How and where your consumer interacts with your brand has likely changed. In-store transactions have moved to web and app-based sales. With that advertising tactics that used to drive revenue might now fall short. Review your current campaigns. How are they performing? Select two to three metrics to evaluate your campaign against at different points in time. This will give you a clear understanding of a campaign’s effectiveness and overall success.

Something to Watch

With the iOS 14 updates, keep a close eye on Facebook campaigns. If the ability for Facebook to track user behavior diminishes, its targeting and perhaps, more importantly, retargeting functions could lose efficacy.

Get inspired by the energy and activity of 2021 to improve your knowledge of your consumers – their wants, desires and interests. This is a good year to reset, dig into the data and pay attention to the emerging trends of your consumer’s media consumption, engagement and actions.

The goal is more than just getting eyeballs on your message, but also getting the right ones to notice your brand at the critical moment in their decision-making journey. Take the time to think wholistically across paid and earned media and across all offline and online channels. Then, measure, optimize and repeat what is working and try something new in place of what isn’t.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/05/25/why-now-is-the-time-to-create-new-marketing-benchmarks/
via https://louhammond.com

4 Personal Wellness Tips to Optimize Work Performance

Graduating college, moving 600+ miles away from home and landing my first PR job amidst the global coronavirus pandemic was a whirlwind to say the least. While I encountered many changes in the past year, I realized the importance of personal wellness and how it attributes to a positive work-life balance.

Since joining the team here at Lou Hammond Group, I have learned that the world of PR is fast-paced, ever-changing and like any job, can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, in my time getting acclimated to agency life, I joined a seasoned team of PR pros who demonstrate how to put your best foot forward each day and tackle those daily “to-dos”.

Based on what I have experienced during my time at LHG, and through my own trial and error, below are four strategies to invest in your physical and mental wellness so you can feel, and perform, your best:

Stay Organized

Starting your workday with clear goals helps keep job-related stress at bay. Prioritize which tasks are the most important for the day or week and assign deadlines to help keep track of your projects. Keeping an organized to-do list with work time and breaks scheduled out is a great way to create the foundation for a stress-free workday, especially when things get busy for you and your coworkers.

Staying organized will not only make it easier to tackle your weekly assignments but will also help ensure small items are not overlooked. Keeping a running list of to-dos, including both smaller, short-term items as well as long-term initiatives, will help you and your team prioritize and manage time more effectively.

Exercise

Countless studies have proven the numerous benefits of regular exercise. Not only is exercise important to maintain a healthy body weight and function, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says exercise has many benefits for our brains too. Exercise improves cognition, thinking and memory while stimulating production of endorphins, helping you to feel happier overall.

Keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and the key to finding a routine you can stick with, is finding the types of exercise you enjoy. All types produce similar benefits on your mind and body, and it is important to keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

I personally have really enjoyed exploring Charleston and all the outdoor spots the Lowcountry has to offer, from walking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, to jogging on one of our many nearby beaches, to walks along the Battery and historic brick roads. Exercise is more fun with friends, too! Grab a friend at lunch and head for a walk around the block. Not only will you benefit from the movement, but it is great to connect with others and take a few minutes away from the computer screen.

Balanced Diet

Just like exercise, your diet can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels. A nutritious diet, rich in micronutrients and complex carbohydrates will help your brain operate at peak performance and keep you energized throughout the workday. A recent study conducted by the University of Washington concluded that eating high-quality foods, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will nourish the mind and improve brain functions like concentration and memory. Focus on eating whole foods and micronutrient dense options like sweet potatoes, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, superfoods and lean proteins to offer your body the fuel it needs to tackle the workday.

Know When to Rest

Rest is one of the best things you can do for yourself to maintain a positive and productive mindset, and this includes everything from resting your eyes from the computer for a few minutes at work, to getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A lack of rest makes it more difficult to cope with stress and negatively impacts concentration and performance, whereas adequate rest has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and memory performance.

Sleep is your brain’s time to recover, and your performance at work will likely rise if you adopt good sleep and rest habits. Stick to a schedule and aim to get eight hours of sleep per night. Other beneficial forms of rest include meditation, taking a walk and shutting off your screens to take a brief break during the day.

The phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is overused for good reason. Prioritizing your own physical and mental wellness will help you find satisfaction and success in the workplace. By using some of these common tactics for work/life balance and focusing on the things within your own control, it will be easier to maintain a productive outlook and stay positive when faced with everyday stressors.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/04/29/4-personal-wellness-tips-to-optimize-work-performance/
via https://louhammond.com

Media Training 101: Five Tips for Consistent Messaging

No one knows your brand better than you and being able to communicate your company’s values, purposes and promises are paramount to your success. However, communicating effectively with the media is a skill that must be fine-tuned and practiced regularly. Even the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies regularly practice media training techniques. 

Media training helps ensure that key messages are conveyed clearly and effectively by company spokespersons to present your company in the best possible light. From in-person TV interviews to emailed Q&As with print journalists, communicating with reporters requires preparation and practice. Read on for our five quick tips on how to best communicate with members of the media. 

Prepare

As with any type of training, preparation is crucial. To prepare for media training, create key message points, fine-tune your elevator speech and think of relevant examples that support your key messages.

Stay on target

To ensure high impact delivery of your message, stay on point, be succinct and be positive. Lead with the important information and strong examples to prioritize key points.

Maintain control

To communicate a cohesive message, emphasize appreciation, clarification and corrections. For example, to show appreciation, consider phrases such as “Good question” or “Thanks for your interest.” For clarification or corrections, consider “I’m sorry, I misspoke. Let me rephrase that,” or “Let’s ensure I’m answering accurately. Will you repeat the question?” Lastly, remember that everything is always on the record. If an uncomfortable situation arises, consider responding “I’m sorry, I can’t go off the record.” 

Repeat the question

When participating in an interview, phrase your answers as quotable statements by repeating the question followed by your response. For example, if an interviewer asks, “Why is your company unique?” consider responding “My company is unique because…” This tactic affirms clarity and avoids unnecessary information.

Bridge and pivot

Bridges and pivots are important transitional strategies used to insert talking points or combat a lack of information on-hand. If you’re asked about a topic or question to which you don’t know the answer, pivot the conversation by saying, “I couldn’t tell you, but what I do know is…” If you would like to incorporate information unrelated to the prompted question, bridge your answer with what you want to say by using phrases such as “Yes, and what’s also interesting is…” 

At Lou Hammond Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive public relations and marketing services so you can confidently deliver your message to key audiences. Let us show you how we can take your media training to the next level and call us today!

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/03/31/media-training-101-five-tips-for-consistent-messaging/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG Black History Month Destinations and Landmarks

In honor of Black History Month, cities across the country are celebrating their black historical figures, remembering their civil rights journey and honoring the lives lost. See a selection of destinations for celebrating Black History Month below.

Montgomery, Alabama

Due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic and current social justice movement, an unquestionable longing for purposeful and educational travel has developed and amplified throughout the United States and the world. Montgomery, Alabama, also known as the birthplace of the civil rights movement, is the ideal destination to fulfill this demand during Black History Month. Bryan Stevenson – world-renowned lawyer, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of the book “Just Mercy” – believes that “until we reckon with our history…we will live in a nation where black people are marginalized, menaced, excluded and threatened.” For this very reason, Stevenson founded the National Memorial for Peace & Justice and Legacy Museum in Montgomery, which honors the victims of lynching and displays the history of slavery and racism in America. A must-visit site in February, the memorial recently announced extended nighttime viewing hours on the weekend and the museum just reopened with all new exhibits. Other notable civil rights experiences include the Rosa Parks Museum, Freedom Rides Museum, Dexter Avenue Church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached and more.

Natchez, Mississippi

With over 300 years of history in this small Mississippi River town, visitors can experience history where it happened. Natchez is home to Forks of the Road Slave Market, one of the largest slave markets in the country and The William Johnson House (operated by the National Park Service), which remembers the life of Johnson, a free man of color in antebellum Natchez who kept a diary for almost 16 years, which is now recognized as the lengthiest and most detailed personal narrative authored by an African-American during the antebellum era in the United States. Other important sites include Rhythm Night Club Onsite Memorial Museum, Zion Chapel AME Church (built-in 1858) and the newest edition – the “Proud to Take a Stand,” monument which was unveiled in late 2019 to recognize and honor the courage of numerous young civil rights activists in 1965.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria is a city steeped in black history and culture since its founding in 1749. To walk through the streets of Alexandria is to walk through America’s timeline of African-American history from colonial times to the Civil War to civil rights. During Black History Month in February and beyond, visitors can start exploring new black history tours and historical markers including the Manumission Tour Company’s newest guided walking tour route, the new eight-site Courageous Journey driving tour and the new African American Heritage Trail. Once done exploring, visitors can take part in Alexandria’s modern amenities and black-owned businesses.

Louisville, Kentucky

To celebrate the stories of the many African-American men and women that shaped the Louisville Experience, Bourbon City’s Black Heritage Unfiltered Truth Collection will open to the public in March 2021. Through six immersive, unfiltered experiences, visitors can journey back in time and explore the rich and engaging black heritage that built the culture of Louisville. Featured experiences include:
• Evan Williams: The Ideal Bartender Experience
• The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage – The Journey Into The Soul of Russell
• Frazier History Museum: From Enslaved to Empowered: Kentucky’s African-American Experience through Bourbon
• Locust Grove: Unfolding the Story – The Enslaved at Locust Grove
• Kentucky Derby Museum: Proud of My Calling, An African American Experience in the Kentucky Derby
• Roots 101 African American Museum – The Sankofa Experience

Paducah, Kentucky

Visitors to Paducah can tour the Hotel Metropolitan, a restored hotel that has hosted famous African-American sports figures and entertainers during segregation. After being turned away because she was a woman, 24-year-old widow Maggie Steed used her late husband’s name to open the hotel. The Hotel Metropolitan was the first hotel in Paducah operated by and for African-Americans. Guests over the years included many legends of the Jazz Age and beyond including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Ike and Tina Turner. Other notable guests included future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Harlem Globetrotters, and members of the Negro Baseball League, including Satchel Paige. Tours of Hotel Metropolitan are available by appointment.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Opened in 2009, Hattiesburg’s African American Military History Museum showcases the history and important role of African American soldiers, who served in every war since the U.S. was founded. The museum features an array of exhibits portraying Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen and servicemen and women from the greater Hattiesburg area, including the first African American naval aviator Jesse L. Brown. The museum is located in the only surviving USO built exclusively for African-American soldiers and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Providence, Rhode Island

From the early days of the Rhode Island colony to today, Providence’s Early Black History Walking Tour provides insight into the city’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, covering the period between 1636 and 1865. The tour was launched in January 2020 as an act of remembrance and honors the lives of those whose stories are only partially known, but who contributed significantly to the city Providence is today. Maps are available at Providence Visitor Center locations and a printable version is available on the Go Providence website.

New Haven, Connecticut

In 1839, New Haven, Connecticut became the final stop for a group of 53 Africans who had been abducted from their homeland to be sold as slaves. Held captive aboard the Spanish slave ship, La Amistad, the captives revolted and steered the ship toward North America in hopes of rescue. They were instead transported to New Haven to await trial for mutiny, murder, and piracy. After two years of legal battles, their case was successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1841 by former President John Quincy Adams and the Amistad captives were freed. In commemoration of the Amistad affair, the citizens of New Haven resurrected the Amistad Committee in 1988, resulting in the construction of an Amistad replica. The Amistad Memorial is one of the few stops in New Haven from the CT Freedom Trail.

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Brookgreen Gardens invites visitors to remember African-American history and contributions to this Black History Month by visiting its Lowcountry Trail. This self-guided walking trail follows a scenic boardwalk that crosses the hillside overlooking Mainfield, a restored rice field of a former plantation, the trail tells the story of the enslaved people who lived on the plantation. Along the trail are interpretive panels and figures, created in stainless steel by Babette Bloch, an award-winning artist, that serve as visually compelling landmarks and show the struggles of those who lived and worked on the plantation.

Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

The Gibbes Museum of Art invites patrons to support African-American artists by shopping at the Museum Store. The store features items from artists like Marcus Amaker, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate. Amaker has published eight books, has had his poetry studied in classrooms around the world, has recorded three albums with Grammy Award-winning drummer and producer Quentin E. Baxter and is selling his latest work, “The Birth of All Things,” in the Gibbes Museum store. The work is a 104-page poetry book about an eclectic mix of subjects: battle droids, Björk, black experience, beats, the blues, Bessie Coleman, a beautiful baby and more.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/02/17/roundup-of-lhg-black-history-month-destinations-and-landmarks/
via https://louhammond.com

Three New Clients Join Lou Hammond Group

NEW YORK, February 2, 2021 – Lou Hammond Group (LHG) is proud to announce new clients for public relations/corporate communications, strategic planning, branding and digital marketing:

imaware – A Texas digital health platform, offering access to precise testing that empowers individuals with remote screening and monitoring of their health. imaware provides essential healthcare service for conditions such as COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin, AL – A developer and major employer that operates numerous real estate entities and a portfolio of businesses that serve the community.

The Alida – a 173-room hotel situated on the historic Savannah’s River Street in the burgeoning Warehouse District offering The Lost Square outdoor rooftop living room, Rhett – a classic American Kitchen, The Trade Room industrial chic lobby bar and Keep Shop retail experience.

Lou Hammond Group is an award-winning full-service marketing communications firm representing premium brands globally. The company, founded in 1984, is headquartered in New York with offices in Charleston, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami. Visit www.louhammond.com.

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from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/02/02/three-new-clients-join-lou-hammond-group/
via https://louhammond.com

Global Wellness Summit Unveils 2021 Global Wellness Trends

Photo courtesy of STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

This week, LHG attended the virtual 2021 Global Wellness Trends Media Showcase where the expert Global Wellness Summit team and contributors shared this year’s emerging wellness trends. In the year emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, health and wellness is more vital and top of mind than ever. Read the nine wellness trends below with LHG’s snapshot of each.

“The 2021 GWS Trends Report captures the nature of the paradigm shift caused by COVID-19 and the myriad ways in which wellness has taken hold. It reflects the perspective of global economists, academics, futurists and CEOs of international corporations from related fields within the $4.5 trillion wellness economy, providing a powerful, informed set of predictions, researched and written by top journalists and thinkers.

Wellness has gone from being a nice to have to a must-have for all.”
– Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO Nancy Davis, Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director | Global Wellness Summit

Read excerpts online courtesy of Global Wellness Summit.

2021 Global Wellness Trends at a glance:

Hollywood and the Entertainment Industries Jump into Wellness

Snapshot: From music, TV, streaming fitness programming, meditation apps to podcasts – wellness captures global mainstream media attention and device dominance 2021.

The Future of Immune Health: Stop Boosting, Start Balancing

Snapshot: Long term immunity requires more than singular boosts. Immune health will center on healthy routines and lifestyles. Expect to hear more about a proactive, intentional focus on metabolic health, gut health, personalized nutrition, stress management, gut health, sleep quality, exercise and hydration.

Spiritual and Numinous Moments in Architecture

Snapshot: Similar to the prolonged immunity approach, this trend opts against fast interior fashion and fads to deliberately designed soulful architecture and interiors that meaningfully impact wellbeing

Just Breathe!

Snapshot: Breathwork emerges from a esoteric wellness phrase to a powerful health tool. Welcome a drug-free way to achieve clarity and calm that can help ease depression, anxiety, hypertension and chronic pain. Om to that!

The Self-Care Renaissance

Snapshot: Imagine a yin-yang of self-care and health-care. Proactive wellness and self-care become equally as significant and impactful as healthcare with innovative convergence and duality of the two to unfold.

Adding Color to Wellness

Snapshot: The wellness industry is whitewashed. It is necessary for wellness as a whole to reflect the global array of individuals. Substantive change is upon us with Black wellness at the forefront. Diversity and inclusivity in wellness is an overdue and essential focus.

Resetting Events with Wellness

Snapshot: The pandemic drastically disrupted the meeting and events industry, but as we gather again, wellness and attendee safety will be top of mind. Anticipate creative innovations to meet while mitigating risks and fostering engagement as social interaction for togetherness and relationship building runs eternal.

Money Out Loud

Snapshot: Financial health deserves a reboot as well. While money has long been a DND (do not discuss) topic, in a culture with authenticity reining supreme, a financial wellness awakening is upon us. Anticipate more honest, progressive conversations about money and its impact on wellness and how to improve that relationship.

2021: The Year of the Travel Reset

Snapshot: Post pandemic travel is all about “rebooting better.” Travelers will be intentional and mindful in travel choices. Travel and nature have the power to restore and as individuals resume travel – safety and purpose driven travel will be top of mind. Responsible tourism, supporting local communities, savoring natural environments and reigniting togetherness after time apart will be key.

Questions about these trends or how to apply them to your business? Drop us a line at lhg@louhammond.com. Stay tuned for more news on how LHG clients embrace wellness in 2021!

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/01/29/global-wellness-summit-unveils-2021-global-wellness-trends/
via https://louhammond.com