Many of you read my previous blog about the My Black is Beautiful tour 2009 and what my thoughts were surrounding the event. I mentioned that I had been contacted by the PR firm handling the event, Footsteps Group, and gave them my feedback on what I thought could be improved. I was honestly flattered that their company had found my blog and asked for my opinion. Most bloggers are dying to have someone seek out our 2 cents. Their firm was extremely professional and receptive to everything I had to say and at the end of our conversation I left thinking that I was able to help make a change for their 2010 event. Now, I think the idea behind empowering black women in phenomenal and had been let down by how the event was executed, so to feel as if I "had a say" was really rewarding. Well, to top things off I was contacted once again by their company and told they'd be sending me a gift. I didn't know what to expect but when the fed-ex package arrived at my house I was thrilled to see what was inside: a t-shirt, tote, leather planner, wrist band and personal letter were waiting for me! I immediately thanked the company. It's not every day that companies not only acknowledge the true value of, but also follow-thru with, good pr. Many thanks to the Footsteps Group for making this Chicago blogger feel special!
Showing posts with label My Black is Beautiful tour 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Black is Beautiful tour 2009. Show all posts
Jul 22, 2009
Public Relations 101
Many of you read my previous blog about the My Black is Beautiful tour 2009 and what my thoughts were surrounding the event. I mentioned that I had been contacted by the PR firm handling the event, Footsteps Group, and gave them my feedback on what I thought could be improved. I was honestly flattered that their company had found my blog and asked for my opinion. Most bloggers are dying to have someone seek out our 2 cents. Their firm was extremely professional and receptive to everything I had to say and at the end of our conversation I left thinking that I was able to help make a change for their 2010 event. Now, I think the idea behind empowering black women in phenomenal and had been let down by how the event was executed, so to feel as if I "had a say" was really rewarding. Well, to top things off I was contacted once again by their company and told they'd be sending me a gift. I didn't know what to expect but when the fed-ex package arrived at my house I was thrilled to see what was inside: a t-shirt, tote, leather planner, wrist band and personal letter were waiting for me! I immediately thanked the company. It's not every day that companies not only acknowledge the true value of, but also follow-thru with, good pr. Many thanks to the Footsteps Group for making this Chicago blogger feel special!
Jun 4, 2009
Follow-Up : My Black is Beautiful Tour
I previously blogged about and was looking forward to attending the 2009 My Black is Beautiful Tour sponsored by Proctor & Gamble. I registered for the event and when Saturday morning came I was excited to see what all they had in store for us attendees. Forever the prompt and on time friend, Jenna beat the rest of there and acted as our "eyes and ears", divulging precious information. So, some people have been wondering how things went and I want to be blunt about it:
1. The lines were insanely long. I'm talking about lines being wrapped AROUND the block... only to reveal another freaking line!! Flats were a must as people braved standing in lines for over 2 hrs to get to the front (to make matters worse it was raining off and on).
2. After waiting in lines for that long, at the door some people were told that if they hadn't registered for the event they would not be allowed entry. *crickets* The event website closed the registration after a certain point but informed people that they could still attend the event.
3. Despite having the event be advertised from 11a - 7p, by 1230p things were still not set up nor were the speakers even there yet. On top of that, the venue was small and could not comfortably hold the amount of people that showed up.
I know that people like free anything... but I think that they should have charged for this event. Even if it was only $10, that fee alone would have reduced the crowd. On the flip side I do agree with what the people at Proctor & Gamble were hoping to achieve... but if they are going to make an event of this magnitude free to the public, to reduce the chances of having a cluster fuck / free for all, they need to open registration to a certain amount and once that number is reached close it off.
The overall attitude and vibe I received from the event that it was a slight hood operation and waste of time.
**I was actually contacted by someone from the PR company handling the event and gave my suggestions. I'm hoping that they step things up for next year.**
1. The lines were insanely long. I'm talking about lines being wrapped AROUND the block... only to reveal another freaking line!! Flats were a must as people braved standing in lines for over 2 hrs to get to the front (to make matters worse it was raining off and on).
2. After waiting in lines for that long, at the door some people were told that if they hadn't registered for the event they would not be allowed entry. *crickets* The event website closed the registration after a certain point but informed people that they could still attend the event.
3. Despite having the event be advertised from 11a - 7p, by 1230p things were still not set up nor were the speakers even there yet. On top of that, the venue was small and could not comfortably hold the amount of people that showed up.
I know that people like free anything... but I think that they should have charged for this event. Even if it was only $10, that fee alone would have reduced the crowd. On the flip side I do agree with what the people at Proctor & Gamble were hoping to achieve... but if they are going to make an event of this magnitude free to the public, to reduce the chances of having a cluster fuck / free for all, they need to open registration to a certain amount and once that number is reached close it off.
The overall attitude and vibe I received from the event that it was a slight hood operation and waste of time.
**I was actually contacted by someone from the PR company handling the event and gave my suggestions. I'm hoping that they step things up for next year.**
May 27, 2009
My Black is Beautiful
Saturday, May 30th the My Black is Beautiful tour will be rolling into Chicago. This free event will feature a celebrity discussion panel moderated by actress Tasha Smith (panelists include Angela Bassett, Michaela Angela Davis, Daphne Valerius and Troi Tyler), keynote speech by actress A.J. Johnson, and performances by Lalah Hathaway and Eric Roberson. There will also be various "conversation rooms" where topics such as financial management, self-esteem/inner beauty and health/wellness will be discussed. For those looking to get pampered:~ makeovers will be provided by the Cover Girl Queen makeup studio
~ facials and skin analysis by the Olay Skin is In Studio
~ basic salon services by the Pantene HAIRmony Salon
~ color consultation by the Clairol Beautiful Collection
Other event features include:
~ healthy, beautiful smile challenge with Creast-Pro Healthy
~ style challenge by Tampax
~ spoken word in the Let it Flow Lounge by Always
~ yoga classes and health screenings in the Healthy & Wellness pavillion
Door open at 11am and the event runs until 7pm. While the event is free registration is required. Please click here to register or visit:
www.myblackisbeautiful.com/tour_events/2009/chicago.php
After the event I will be a hosting a "keep the conversation going" dinner at Leona's on Taylor St. This is a way to keep the spirit of sisterhood alive and converse about the various topics of the event. If you'd like to attend please shoot me an email.
Location:
My Black is Beautiful Tour 2009
UIC Forum - Main Hall
725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
Leona's
1419 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
*4 blocks west of Racine
www.myblackisbeautiful.com/tour_events/2009/chicago.php
After the event I will be a hosting a "keep the conversation going" dinner at Leona's on Taylor St. This is a way to keep the spirit of sisterhood alive and converse about the various topics of the event. If you'd like to attend please shoot me an email.
Location:
My Black is Beautiful Tour 2009
UIC Forum - Main Hall
725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
Leona's
1419 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60607
*4 blocks west of Racine
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)