AmbientX Latest News

AmbientX Latest Newshttp://www.ambientx.co.nzumbracoThe latest news and views from the world of experiential marketing, from the FLUXX team.en1934Kim Crawford BGOXmas comes late for FLUXX team Summer seems to be gripping on for dear life as we enter Autumn - and it's just as well as we finally got around to having our FLUXX Xmas staff party… in March...   We also took to the streets of Auckland and Wellington in March to kick-off the latest Mercury Energy TV commercial with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.243770509045844.55310.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">buskers</a> who not only sang but rewarded passers-by with treats! Summer seems to be gripping on for dear life as we enter Autumn - and thank goodness as we finally found time to have our FLUXX Xmas staff party… in March. Better late than never. We chose to use this belated occasion to come together and pelt director Mark Pickering with paintballs. Any excuse will do. See photos <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.258089540947274.58795.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">here</a>. It was also a chance to mark the end of our first year as FLUXX. Happy Birthday us! Check out our new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/FluxxExperiential?ob=0&feature=results_main" target="_blank">showreel</a> featuring some memorable moments from the past 12 months. In more recent news, we've been busy activating for various brands at festivals, events and on the streets of NZ, including Kim Crawford - which is fast-becoming the wine of choice for premium events nationwide. This time we took the purpose-built KC bar to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.240285552727673.54488.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">The Big Gay Out</a> and Devonport Food & Wine Festival, where visitors got to indulge in the winery's Regional Reserve range. Elsewhere, beer and music lovers nationwide got to experience luxurious activation zones created by our PMI team for Christchurch's Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Auckland's NZ Beer Festival and Highlife's Sounds of Summer. EMANZ Update: Street Activation As current chairperson of EMANZ, Mark Pickering has been working hard with likeminded members, ATEED and the Council for many years to create more open and controlled brand spaces for...   As current chairperson of EMANZ, Mark Pickering has been working hard with likeminded members, ATEED and the Council for many years to create more open and controlled brand spaces for activation in Auckland City. Now as street trading laws go under review, Auckland Council has asked EMANZ to consult with them, creating the effective dialogue that is so crucial to the future of experiential marketing in Auckland. From here on, EMANZ hopes to work more closely with the Council to create fun and engaging brand experiences on Auckland streets, benefiting both clients and the general public. Look out for more updates coming soon. 1950Auckland activation1941Movies By MoonlightGood energy for Mercury We were thrilled at the start of the summer to be selected by Mercury Energy to leverage their sponsorship of Auckland Council's Movies by Moonlight series of events. To do this we created...   Children were kept occupied and engaged with toys, colouring books, and a children's story corner. While our expert photographers captured all those magical moments on camera, ensuring a fully immersive brand experience for Mercury Energy and their customers. We were thrilled at the start of the summer to be selected by Mercury Energy to leverage their sponsorship of Auckland Council's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.230191823737046.52320.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">Movies by Moonlight</a> series of events. To do this we created luxurious environments for the outdoor VIP areas, rewarding Mercury Energy customers by giving them the best seat in the 'house', going the extra mile to make their cinema-watching experience comfortable and unique. We used giant bean bags for snuggling up with friends and loved ones under a blanket; popcorn and sweets on demand; a designated VIP toilet to avoid the long queues in the general public area; and branded state-of-art instant hand warmers as the temperature dropped. The latter proving very popular and something people were keen to take away with them to reuse again and again. We also created interactive brand theatre and theming for each movie, with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.247503912005837.56244.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">brand ambassadors</a> dressed in anything from Puss In Boots to Pink Ladies from Grease. 1946Warehouse StationeryWarehouse Stationery 'Uni Games' It's our third year working with Starcom and Warehouse Stationery to create fun and interactive zones for new students embarking on university courses. Once again we took the infamous 'Uni Games'...   As always, the games provided the brand entertainment that students look for at O-Week events, a chance to have fun and win big. FLUXX teams reported queues stretching for miles each day so it was no surprise to learn that the Warehouse Uni Games were voted the 'Most Fun Event' on campus during O-Week. It's our third year working with Starcom and Warehouse Stationery to create fun and interactive zones for new students embarking on university courses. Once again we took the infamous <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.245066492249579.55619.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">'Uni Games'</a> brand experience to O-Weeks nationwide, inviting students to get amongst it by having fun with stationery and maybe meeting some future friends along the way. These Olympic-themed games included file stacking races, a pen game, paper basketball and colouring competitions. Up for grabs were iPads and stationery items - much desired by any student starting out. 1913Mud Fest LaDeDaRain fails to dampen brand power It's been a crazy start to the summer at FLUXX with brand activations at music festivals across the country. Our ears are still ringing from a weekend of activity at Laneway festival in Auckland and Raggamuffin in Rotorua, where...   And in other news, we've been selected by Mercury Energy to create a series of themed VIP areas at the upcoming <a href="http://www.moviesinparks.co.nz/films/moonlight.asp" target="_blank">Movies by Moonlight</a> events in Auckland. We'll be rewarding fans and Mercury Energy customers with special treats at these events throughout the summer, so look out for us as you kick back on a pillow for that timeless summer tradition of watching a flick under the stars. Get amongst it by voting for the <a href="http://www.moviesinparks.co.nz/films/detail.asp?ID=655" target="_blank">People's Choice movie</a> - GREASE is the word, we reckon.   It's been a crazy start to the summer at FLUXX with brand activations at music festivals across the country. Our ears are still ringing from a weekend of activity at <a href="http://auckland.lanewayfestival.com.au/" target="_blank">Laneway</a> festival in Auckland and <a href="http://www.raggamuffin.co.nz/" target="_blank">Raggamuffin</a> in Rotorua, where the crowds get bigger, better and more engaging every year. We took on the mud and won for successful New Year activations at <a href="http://ladeda.co.nz/" target="_blank">La De Da</a> in Martinborough and <a href="http://www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz/?sid=80" target="_blank">Highlife</a> in Matakana. And thankfully the sun came out for the last Big Day Out ever in Auckland, where we helped Motorola Defy bring fans closer to their passion - music! In the coming weeks, we'll be activating at <a href="http://www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz/?sid=74" target="_blank" title="The Sounds of Summer">The Sounds of Summer festival</a> in Devonport, as well as the <a href="http://greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz/" target="_blank">Christchurch</a> and <a href="http://www.beerfestival.co.nz/" target="_blank">Auckland Beer festivals</a>. Aside from the usual festival rush, November and December saw us undertake our largest ever supermarket sampling campaigns for Kim Crawford and The People's Wine. Both brands enjoyed pre-Xmas sales boosts thanks to our highly trained brand ambassadors, who greeted browsing shoppers with delicious food and wine matching samples (courtesy of Delmaine Foods). You can see our crew in action <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_Yxg3sranA&list=UUnCk6K_QlKBcMkZJOp7V8uQ&index=2&feature=plcp" target="_blank">here</a>. 1917Motorola Foam DomeMotorola challenges BDO revellers Hot off the launch of Motorola's new 'festival proof' smart phone the <a href="http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/XW-EN/Consumer-Products-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/MOTOROLA-DEFY-XW-EN" target="_blank">Defy</a> - we got together with Peer Group Media and Funworks to create the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFqQMc3ec3E&list=UUnCk6K_QlKBcMkZJOp7V8uQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Motorola Defy Foam Dome</a>...   Hot off the launch of Motorola's new 'festival proof' smart phone the <a href="http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/XW-EN/Consumer-Products-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/MOTOROLA-DEFY-XW-EN" target="_blank">Defy</a> - we got together with Peer Group Media and Funworks to create the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.216280218461540.49637.128784920544404&type=3" target="_blank">Motorola Defy Foam Dome</a> at <a href="http://auckland.bigdayout.com/" target="_blank">Big Day Out</a> festival in Auckland. The dome encapsulated everything the Defy could withstand: liquids, knocks, shocks and non-stop dancing! Music revellers got to enjoy the sounds of some of NZ's up and coming DJs, while cooling off from the heat in a dome filled with foam. Our brand ambassadors were on hand to show festival-goers the Defy phone in action, as well as hand out cool merchandise and temporary tattoos. Check out photos of the dome in action <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.216280218461540.49637.128784920544404&type=1" target="_blank">here</a>. 1925Heineken Holland HugsGlobal Insight: Heineken spread some love Here is a great example of how to link social media with experiential: having received one million 'Likes' on Facebook, Heineken sent their brand ambassadors out to bars across Holland to...     Here is a great example of how to link social media with experiential: having received one million 'Likes' on Facebook, Heineken sent their brand ambassadors out to bars across Holland to give back a little love to their consumers! Watch the video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smO1onPkA3Q" target="_blank">here</a>. 1895Festival crowdThe season of festivals dawns Summer is here and it has brought a rush of excitement with it at FLUXX HQ. Brand activation briefs are pouring in for the ever-increasing number of music festivals and events happening across NZ and we're thrilled to be...   We'll be working throughout the Xmas/New Year break but for those of you heading off for a well-earned rest - a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you all from the team at FLUXX. See you on the other side! Summer is here and it has brought a rush of excitement with it at FLUXX HQ. Brand activation briefs are pouring in for the ever-increasing number of music festivals and events happening across NZ and we're thrilled to be taking our client's brands to many of these events in early 2012. Once again, our head honcho <a href="/who-we-are/key-people-mark-pickering.aspx" title="Key people: Mark Pickering">Mark Pickering</a> took the opportunity to share some important insights on <a href="http://www.stoppress.co.nz/opinion/2011/12/the-summer-of-brand-love-begins/" target="_blank" title="Summer of brand love begins">brand activation during the festival season</a>. <a href="/contact-us.aspx" title="Contact us">Contact us</a> to discuss how we can help you and your brands get into these events and provide some real brand engagement for fans. In other news, we have another new team member to shout about with <a href="/who-we-are/key-people-cleo-kranenburg.aspx" title="Key people: Cleo Kranenburg">Cleo Kranenburg</a> joining the ever-growing FLUXX team as Campaign Executive and Talent Manager. She's already busy coordinating staff and campaigns for Kim Crawford and The People's Wine. 1908EMANZ logo largeEMANZ Update: Quarterly Meeting Last week saw the top agencies in the experiential field come together at the <a href="http://www.experientialmarketing.org.nz/" target="_blank" title="EMANZ website">Experiential Marketing Association of NZ</a> forum to discuss best practice and improving our work for our clients...   Get in contact with <a href="mailto:mark@fluxx.co.nz" target="_blank" title="Email Mark Pickering at FLUXX">Mark Pickering</a> to find out more about how working with EMANZ agencies can reap benefits in the mall space. Last week saw the top agencies in the experiential field come together at the <a href="http://www.experientialmarketing.org.nz/" target="_blank" title="EMANZ website">Experiential Marketing Association of NZ</a> forum to discuss best practice and improving our work for our clients. As chairman, <a href="/who-we-are/key-people-mark-pickering.aspx" title="Key people: Mark Pickering">Mark Pickering</a> announced to the body that after discussions with Westfield and AMP/Kiwi Income Malls, EMANZ member agencies will be allowed special benefits - including more flexible site rates. This means working more closely with mall property owners to improve methods and communication, getting the best out of activations for our clients and their brands. 1903AMP Do Your Thing AwardsAMP awards Kiwis doing their thing BREAKING NEWS! AMP's Do Your Thing campaign for the Scholarship Programme has just been listed as a finalist in the RSVP Awards 2012. Great reward for AMP and their hard working agencies on this project...   This year we assisted in bringing the previous winners of the awards to the fore by showcasing the <a href="http://www.doyourthing.co.nz/alumni" target="_blank" title="AMP Scholarship Alumni">AMP Scholarship Alumni</a>. The levels of interaction across all of the social media channels exceeded all expectations this year and we look to grow our audience with new ideas to help Kiwi's achieve in 2012. Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/AMPdoyourthing" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing Facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing Twitter">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/FluxxExperiential" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing YouTube">You Tube</a> to see what we have been up to. BREAKING NEWS! AMP's Do Your Thing campaign for the Scholarship Programme has just been listed as a finalist in the <a href="http://www.rsvpandnexusawards.co.nz/2011-Finalists" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing finalist">RSVP Awards 2012</a>. Great reward for AMP and their hard working agencies on this project. Our year-long work on the AMP Scholarship programme culminated in an unforgettable event held at the Auckland Museum function centre in the Domain. Check out photos of this fabulous night out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.182862461803316.42382.128784920544404&type=3#!/media/set/?set=a.272890866089824.64613.116289038416675&type=3" target="_blank" title="AMP Awards Photo Album">here</a>. Our work managing the social media channels for the <a href="http://www.doyourthing.co.nz/" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing">Do Your Thing</a> campaign has been critical in the continued success of the programme and we are proud to be associated with such an amazing bunch of Kiwi's who continue to 'Do Their Thing' around the world. 1899Peoples Wine at TasteTaste buds tempted by Constellation Wines The Taste of New Zealand event provided FLUXX with a great opportunity to showcase the best in experiential activation to locals and RWC visitors to the country. We activated for a number of client brands, including Kim Crawford and The People's Wine...   The most talked about activation at Taste of NZ came from The People's Wine tent, where thousands of people took the opportunity to design their own label and win a year's supply of The People's Wine. Queues gathered and wine flowed, as the huge throng of creativity took over the tent. An unprecedented high standard of label entries drew onlookers in for the duration of the event and beyond as people took to social media to judge and discuss the activation. The finalists and winners can be seen at The People's Wine <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/ThePeoplesWine" target="_blank" title="Peoples Wine Facebook page">Facebook page</a>. In late October, the Taste of New Zealand event provided FLUXX with a great opportunity to showcase the best in experiential activation to locals and RWC visitors to the country. We activated for a number of client brands, including Kim Crawford and The People's Wine. Our new 'white-label' mobile bar was also on display at the event, showcasing Foster's and Treasury Wine Estate brands. Check out footage of these activations on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/FluxxExperiential" target="_blank" title="FLUXX YouTube page">YouTube page</a>. Once again, our amazing Kim Crawford bar unit provided a focal point for this premium range of wines. While Giappo's unique range of specially developed gelatos - using food and wine infusions - ensured Kim Crawford's tasting tent was one of the busiest at the event. 1874The Echo TempleKyocera: The Echo Temple <div> With the summer music festival season fast approaching, here's an activation from oversees that caught the attention of brands and agencies worldwide...           </div> With the summer music festival season fast approaching, here's an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufro55cTp7w&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" title="Echo Temple">activation</a> from oversees that caught the attention of brands and agencies worldwide.                 1770HP WintergardenRugby World Cup ignites brands Thanks to all those who popped in for a nosey around our new office and a vodka jelly shot (themed on the colours of the FLUXX logo). It was exactly the kind of eccentric carnage we envisaged for our office warming party, complete with famous FLUXX-loving DJs...   No sooner had we finished off our work at NZ Fashion Week for Kim Crawford and PMI before we moved into overdrive with campaigns for Hewlett Packard, Ford and Eleven PR/Adidas at the RWC. You might have also seen our team at the Brits on the Beach event on the beautiful Coromandel. In agency news, our FLUXX team has grown by two with the arrival of <a href="#" target="_blank" title="Key people: Mike Lane">Mike Lane</a> as Director and <a href="/who-we-are/key-people-kristy-warren.aspx" target="_blank" title="Kristy Warren">Kirsty Warren</a> as Campaign Manager. Both have been instrumental in ensuring we continue to set the highest standards of creativity and production during our busiest period ever! Thanks to all those who popped in for a nosey around our new office and a vodka jelly shot (themed on the colours of the FLUXX logo). It was exactly the kind of eccentric carnage we envisaged for our office warming party, complete with famous FLUXX-loving DJs Rachael Sabin and Cyril Orson, jam jars of Victorian punch and impromptu battles on the table football. You can find the photographic evidence of these absurdities and more on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ambientx" target="_blank" title="FLUXX on Facebook">Facebook page</a>. In other news, September and October saw our FLUXX: Ideas in Motion team put through their paces with activations for a number of our clients, including at Taste of NZ. 1865HP Wintergarden FacePaint1HP plants greenhouse of technology Hewlett Packard and Intel invited FLUXX: Ideas in Motion to bring the experiential element to the HP Winter Garden dome down at the Wynyard Quarter in October...   Hewlett Packard and Intel invited FLUXX: Ideas in Motion to bring the experiential element to the <a href="http://www.hpwintergarden.co.nz/downloads/hp-wintergarden-events-pack.pdf" target="_blank" title="HP Winter Garden">HP Winter Garden</a> dome down at the Wynyard Quarter in October. The HP Winter Garden was created to engage consumers in HP's newest technology; reinforce its focus on sustainability; and reward its channel and business partners. The tropical greenhouse dome housed a Kokako Café that opened to the public during the day for the public to browse, print, communicate, engage and relax in. On selected evenings the café opened up into a geo-dome where 200 HP business customers could enjoy rugby focused hospitality from HP. Over 15,000 people visited the dome during the RWC. The activation was a huge success for our client, demonstrating the power of experiential for technology brands.   1867Ford 30 Days of FashionFord finds its Focus at 30 Days of Fashion Ford asked FLUXX to provide talent to power interaction at their stand at 30 Days of Fashion in October. We delivered an enthusiastic, professional team of brand ambassadors who drove customers to the event...   Ford asked FLUXX to provide talent to power interaction at their stand at <a href="http://www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.nz/win-an-all-new-ford-focus.htm" target="_blank" title="Ford 30 Days of Fashion">30 Days of Fashion</a> in October. We delivered an enthusiastic, professional team of brand ambassadors who drove customers to the event. These customers entered a competition to win the latest Ford Focus over the period of the event. During the RWC we also provided drivers and hosts for the international and national Ford teams as they attended games at the RWC. Our team could be seen looking after our guests, keeping them entertained and driving them from games to restaurants and their hotels.   1780Kim Crawford Fashion WeekCatwalks to Supermarkets with Kim Crawford For the past 12 months we have been heavily involved with Kim Crawford Wines; leveraging their sponsorship of NZ Fashion Week and individual designers through events and supermarket sampling. In doing so, we have been connecting the brand directly to their target market and driving sales.   For the past 12 months we have been heavily involved with Kim Crawford Wines; leveraging their sponsorship of NZ Fashion Week and individual designers through events and supermarket sampling. In doing so, we have been connecting the brand directly to their target market and driving sales. Putting the experiential back into sampling, we provided a 'red carpet' VIP entrance to stores and showcased designer shows on iPad screens at the sampling stands. High-end brand ambassadors roamed the aisles giving out samples, raising awareness of the wine varieties and educating consumers. Kim Crawford's sales figures went through the roof, exceeding all targets, and consumers enjoyed the kind of in-store experience that creates theatre rather than the mundane. 1817FLUXX logo in shotsOur first three months as FLUXX Spring has sprung in New Zealand and so have we! AmbientX has blossomed into FLUXX: Ideas in Motion and we've moved to bigger premises in Newton, Auckland. Mark Pickering, founder and creative director of AmbientX....  We've also been working with Weet-Bix to boost the All Blacks performance at the recent Tri-Nation Series by engaging with the fans at the games. And finally, you may have seen our Cluster Crisp brand ambassadors out in force this July, bringing moments of magic to commuters as they brave the cold. Nothing like an early dose of surprise and delight to start the day in the right way! Spring has sprung in New Zealand and so have we! AmbientX has blossomed into FLUXX: Ideas in Motion and we've moved to bigger premises in Newton, Auckland. Mark Pickering, founder and creative director of AmbientX, chose the name change in May after outgrowing his Ambient Advertising roots in Parnell. He continues to lead our familiar team of staff and clients towards an exciting future with FLUXX. Read more about the revamp <a href="http://www.stoppress.co.nz/news/2011/05/what-the-fluxx-pickering-says-au-revoir-to-ambientx-starts-afresh-with-experiential-focus/" target="_blank" title="FLUXX Ideas in Motion">here</a> and expect to hear more about our office christening party in the coming weeks! Besides our reincarnation this winter, we've been hard at work doing what we do best: delivering exciting campaigns to music festivals, fashion events, supermarkets, pavements, playing fields and through social media across the country. It's our second year working on AMPs Scholarship Programme and we are prouder than ever to be helping Kiwis achieve their dreams. Our hugely successful <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AMPdoyourthing" target="_blank" title="AMP Do Your Thing">AMP Do Your Thing</a> social media campaign continues to be invaluable to applicants. Here we bring past, present and future winners together and give them the forum they need to share their amazing ideas, dreams, advice and achievements. 1847WeetBix ScrumGuinness World Record for Weet-Bix Kids In July we teamed up with Sanitarium and Beat Communications to create some media noise around the launch of Weet-Bix's 100% All Black campaign. We like to think big at FLUXX, so we set out to create a campaign that would break the Guinness World Record for the largest rugby scrum ever!   In July we teamed up with Sanitarium and Beat Communications to create some media noise around the launch of <a href="http://www.experientialmarketing.org.nz/case-studies/weetbix-rugby-scrum-world-record/" target="_blank">Weet-Bix's 100% All Black</a> campaign. We like to think big at FLUXX, so we set out to create a campaign that would break the Guinness World Record for the largest rugby scrum ever!  Working with NZRU officials, Guinness World Records, the All Blacks, media and the rugby clubs themselves, the campaign proved to be one of FLUXX's most challenging operations yet. A total of 202 eager kids turned up and took part in the event, which was an achievement in itself. After three attempts at the scrum, the cheers rang out across Auckland and news channels nationwide - we had set the new world record! Just goes to show - NOTHING stops a Weet-Bix kid! No rest for the wicked Any other agency might be resting on their laurels on the back of a double win at last month's APMA Star Awards. Not us! Find out about our latest wins Any other agency might be resting on their laurels on the back of a double win at last month's APMA Star Awards. Not us! We've been hitting the new biz treadmill hard and have picked up some rather significant client wins as a result. We put on our thinking caps to come up with experiential and sponsorship leverage ideas for AMP. The challenge? To bring their 'Do Your Thing' Scholarship Programme to life through events and social media. Meanwhile, Sanitarium, who loved the experiential work we've been doing on their Up & Go and Cluster Crisp brands, have asked us to manage the activation for the upcoming Marmite centenary campaign. Thanks, don't mind if we do. And what better way to top of all of this boasting than with a cheeky tipple! On the back of a two way pitch last month, we picked up the Constellation Wines Kim Crawford brand and ongoing activation work for Beam Global's Russian Standard Vodka brand. Cheers! 1732Sanitarium Coconut Cluster CrispAX hosts workshop in Sydney Our chief experiential guru Mark Pickering was in Sydney in November to host a workshop for industry bods. Our chief experiential guru Mark Pickering was in Sydney in November to host a <a href="http://www.campaignbrief.com/2010/11/mark-pickering-set-for-sydney.html" target="_blank">workshop for industry bods</a> in partnership with the Communications Council. In an information packed day, Mark blew away some myths about experiential, and instead discussed why experiential is a key tool in the brand manager's toolbox. He showed how experiential campaigns can be effectively measured and delved into the exciting world of experiential by looking at award-winning case studies from around the world. In short, he showed exactly what the experiential buzz is all about - and how it can be used to grow more active consumer engagement for brands. 1267Ambient XOf course you can measure experiential! Mark Pickering's recent article for Aussie media and marketing site mUmbrella argues that the return from experiential marketing should be as measurable as any other discipline. Mark Pickering's <a href="http://mumbrella.com.au/of-course-you-can-measure-experiential-36270" target="_blank">recent article in mUmbrella</a>, the Aussie media and marketing site, argues that the return from experiential marketing should be as measurable as any other discipline. Here's a sample: 'As a practitioner of a new form of marketing I am constantly told by marketers and agency suits, experiential cannot be measured. Frankly, that's complete twaddle. 'The fact is that when planned and implemented effectively, experiential is one of the most measurable media around and one that can provide unique insights into consumer and brand behaviour when used with targeted campaigns and clear objectives.' 1373Mark PickeringA totally tropical July The AX team bring the Caribbean spirit to a dreary July morning - putting a smile on many commuters' faces for Sanitarium's new Coconut Cluster Crisp. Commuters in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were jolted out of their dreary morning journey by our beaming brand ambassadors for Sanitariums new Coconut Cluster Crisp interactive sampling campaign. Our team, clad in Hawaiian shirts, clutching ukaleles and playing tropical music brought a smile to many a sleepy face as they handed out over 37,000 samples and brought the Caribbean spirit to the morning commute. The tropical theme was so at odds with the cold winter morning that it broke the ice and turned busy, time-poor travellers into warm, receptive, prospective consumers. This entertaining campaign serves as another nail in the coffin for the traditional approach. Simply handing out product is dead: lets hear it for live brand engagement. Now where did I put my suncream? 1732Sanitarium Coconut Cluster CrispIf it looks too good to be true... ...Then it's probably AX! Flight Centre launch of their new Student Flights campaign with us - and prove that there is such a thing as a free lunch. ...Then its probably another AmbientX campaign! Our recent work with Flight Centre on the launch of their new Student Flights campaign proved that there is such a thing as a free lunch. How do you engage students who are overexposed and numb to the usual marketing messages?We went back to basics with a free ride, free lunch and giveaways all wrapped up in one memorable brand experience. A party bus with music, free energy drinks and bubbly brand ambassadors picked up over 700 students from downtown Auckland and took them on a memorable ride to AUT and Auckland Uni where the journey ended with a sausage sizzle on campus. Well fed, informed students and a happy client. All in all, a good day at the office Id say. 1733Flight Centre Student FlightsDig out your jandals - summer's here! Want to reach loyal consumers and activate your brand at this year's summer festivals: LaDeDa, R&V, Laneways, Splore-City and Coro Gold? Get in touch with us now! AmbientXs extensive global experience and insight in the area of brand entertainment means we are, once again, at the forefront of brand activation at this summers music festival. Were currently looking to take brands to the following events: LaDeDa, R&V, Laneways, Splore-City and Coro Gold. If you have a brand that's targeting this loyal community of consumers, were here to build that partnership and activate at the event, so give us a call on +64 9 303 4480 (NZ) or +61 2 8572 3914 (Aust). Were looking forward to a long hot summer over at AmbientX HQ. Heres to a good un! 1376R&VJoin us for an experiential marketing seminar As one of the experiential agency voices at the CAANZ Marcomms Leadership Group, AmbientX would love to have your company at the MLGs first seminar on experiential marketing at An Evening with Mike Mizrahi. As one of the experiential agency voices at the CAANZ Marcomms Leadership Group, AmbientX would love to have your company at the MLGs first seminar on experiential marketing at An Evening with Mike Mizrahi on Thursday 27th May from 5:30pm onwards. This is a unique chance to hear seasoned event director Mike Mizrahi speak candidly about the industry and share how a number of globally recognised experiential events (including that rugby ball under the Eiffel Tower) were brought to life. Tickets and more info are available <a href="http://www.caanz.co.nz/content.php?pid=26&sub=344">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you there! 1267AXAX award nominations Last month saw AmbientX and our partner agencies MediaEdge:CIA and JWT nominated for our experiential work for the Campbells Velish Soup Kitchen and Ford Fiesta campaigns. Last month saw AmbientX and our partner agencies MediaEdge:CIA and JWT nominated for our experiential work for the Campbells Velish Soup Kitchen and Ford Fiesta campaigns. Fingers crossed and watch this space for more award nominations and results in the coming weeks. We're delighted that Paula and Erina, our campaign management team, have this month embarked on the internationally recognized APMA Experiential Marketing Diploma course, ensuring that we'll continue to deliver the best ideas and campaign management for our clients in the future. 1517ford fiestaCarlsberg mixes Tuborg with tuk-tuks Carlsberg in the UK is heralding the start of the summer festival season with the launch of its 'Urban Blitz' experiential campaign. Carlsberg in the UK is heralding the start of the summer festival season with the launch of its 'Urban Blitz' experiential campaign. Geared to drive sales of its Tuborg beer product, the campaign builds on the brand's close ties with music, staging a series of Tuborg-themed gigs in more than nine UK cities including Leeds, Bristol and Reading. To cap off the events, Tuborg branded Tuk-Tuks will transport gig-goers bertween venues, with the drivers passing out �1-off vouchers to passengers. 1267AXKids love Sanitarium Up&Go moon hoppers To leverage its co-sponsorship of Weet-Bix Tryathalon events across NZ, Up&Go wanted to create an experiential zone that would really engage kids - and refresh parents. Summer and autumn saw 11 highly successful Weet-Bix Tryathalon events rolled out across NZ, with over 17,000 kids attending with their family and friends. To leverage its co-sponsorship of the event, Up&Go wanted to create an engaging experiential zone that would engage those kids not involved in the main event and give parents some entertainment and enjoyment during the day. We devised and set up moon hopper races and offered parents free Up&Go products to keep them energised over the day. And what a result! Thousands of kids got involved in the races and over 3,900 people sampled Up&Go at the events. Sales increased significantly on days surrounding the events and new product variants were successfully trialed on the days of the activity. 1653Up&GoGrant's Whisky and lawn bowls: direct, targeted brand engagement Grant's wanted to increase brand awareness, distribution and trial of their product and create real advocacy for the brand through grass-roots support of the bowls community. AmbientX's campaigns target a variety of consumers and brands and back in 2009 Blackwoods and their client Grant's Whisky asked AX to engage with older consumers and whisky drinkers through experiential activity at lawn bowls clubs across NZ. Grant's wanted to increase brand awareness, distribution and trial of their product and create real advocacy for the brand through grass-roots support of the bowls community. The Grant's Corner-To-Corner social bowls game was devised and over the five months of the campaign AmbientX managed to sign up 84 clubs, with over 1,600 members taking part in the activity each week. Consequently, Grant's Whisky has seen significant sales uplifts across bowling club bars and in local off-trade accounts and are looking to repeat the campaign again this year with potential to take this concept global. 1652Grant's WhiskyBallentines... leaving an impression Pernod Ricard's Scotch whisky brand Ballantine's, together with international pavement artist Julian Beever, created a visual experiential campaign at London Heathrow. Pernod Ricard's Scotch whisky brand Ballantine's, together with international pavement artist Julian Beever, created a visual experiential campaign at London Heathrow. Using street art, the "<a href="http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/974766/Ballantines-whisky-brand-partners-artist-Julian-Beever-Heathrow-campaign/" target="_blank">Leave an Impression</a>" experience saw a huge bottle of Ballantine's appearing to sink into the floor. Coupled with sampling at a nearby station, passengers could taste a tipple of the Ballantine's range and enter a competition to win a Ballantine's branded watch. In addition, passengers could watch the complete development of the drawing on the terminal's digital network. 1648Ballentines... leaving an impressionDon't get trollied! AmbientX and Auckland City Council took to the city in shopping trolleys to educate and encourage party go-ers not to drink and drive. <div style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; border: medium none; float: none;" id="4CA76FC4342FC073_description_rp"> AmbientX Brand Ambassadors, armed with a solid message from Auckland City Council and their branded vehicles of choice (shopping trolleys) took to Auckland City, educating and encouraging party go-ers not to drink and drive and to take a cab home if they were indulging in a few summer beverages. Brand Ambassadors distributed over 3,000 discount vouchers for Auckland taxis, capturing a wide range of punters, from post-work pub patrons through to young party go-ers. </div> 1645Auckland City Council don't get trollied!Clean and fresh at Splore At this years Splore festival we helped festival goers keep clean and fresh with Primal Earth shaving gel and moisturiser. At this years Splore festival we helped festival goers keep clean and fresh with Primal Earth shaving gel and moisturiser. 1640Primal Earth Brand AmbassadorsR&V roundup This year's Rhythm & Vines Festival in Gisborne saw some exciting and engaging activation for Harvest Cider and Yellowglen Sparking Wine as the brands leverage their sponsorship of the event. This year's Rhythm & Vines Festival in Gisborne saw some exciting and engaging activation for Harvest Cider and Yellowglen Sparking Wine as the brands leverage their sponsorship of the event. Yellowglen this year took ownership of the VIP area which was renamed the Yellowglen Bubbly Lounge. The bubbles were flowing in a lounge area which hit the heights of luxury and entertainment, and which combined the best view in the house with some incredible crowd activations around NYE. The Harvest Cider Shack was another fun experiential treat which was mobbed with punters at the event. Festival fans took part in hilarious cider apple games to win prizes whilst trying Harvest Cider over ice at a specially designed bar and lounge. 1588YellowglenBooze and bags Ask any woman who's ever succumbed while under the influence and she'll recount the pleasure the comes from mixing shopping with alcohol. Ask any woman who's ever succumbed while under the influence and she'll recount the pleasure the comes from mixing shopping with alcohol. Liqueur brand Amaretto Di Saronno and Karen Millen have tuned into this deadly credit card combo to create a series of <a href="http://system.newzapp.co.uk/GPage.asp?LID=MjA3NzMyLDA=" target="_blank">experiential events throughout the UK</a>. 1267Booze and bagsLove it or hate it Yeasty goodness or downright nastiness? The iconic spread has delighted Cockney consumers in London. Yeasty goodness or downright nastiness? The iconic spread which has divided opinions for generations has delighted Cockney consumers with a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Lba8ldX3I&feature=related" target="_blank">Xmas Pop Up Shop on Regent Street</a>. Marmite lovers will can choose from over 100 Marmite-branded products or simply savour a round of toast with Marmite in their retro tearoom. 1576Marmite flagZombie nation Unless you're used to frequenting the city centre in the early hours of a weekend morning, you'd have been shocked to see hordes of the walking dead stumbling up Queen Street... Unless you're used to frequenting the city centre in the early hours of a weekend morning, you'd have been shocked to see hordes of the walking dead stumbling up Queen Street. The stunt, which we concocted to promote the launch of the new zombie game, Left for Dead, engaged the lunchtime shoppers with zombie shuffles and other non-dead antics garnering great publicity throughout the social networks along with <a href="http://www.3news.co.nz/Zombies-promote-Left-4-Dead-2-in-Auckland/tabid/892/articleID/131077/cat/347/Default.asp" target="_blank">this online spot on 3News</a> in the process. Proof, if ever it were needed, that AmbientX brings brands back to life!<a style="border-style: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; color: #2ab440; text-decoration: underline; font-style: normal;" href="http://cp.snipermail.co.nz/t/r/l/kislt/l/i"> </a> 1575Zombie NationAmbientX directors appointed judges for upcoming EFFIE Awards AmbientX Creative Strategist Mark Pickering and Group Managing Director Mark Fishwick have been appointed to judge the 2009 New Zealand EFFIE awards. AmbientX Creative Strategist Mark Pickering and Group Managing Director Mark Fishwick have been appointed to judge the 2009 New Zealand EFFIE Awards. EFFIE is the world's most widely recognized advertising effectiveness programme, being offered in over 30 countries across 5 continents. The New Zealand EFFIE Awards, in the short time they have been operating, have achieved outstanding success, recognising campaigns that have delivered superior results. AmbientX have been instrumental in bringing in the 'Best use of PR/experiential in a campaign' category to the EFFIEs as part of the newly established PR/Marcomms sub-committee at CAANZ. Both Marks are looking forward joining the judging panel and applying their knowledge and love of advertising to the awards, which recognise and enhance the effectiveness of advertising in New Zealand. 1373AmbientX director Mark Pickering1349AmbientX director Mark FishwickAmbient partners with Hoyts AmbientX's parent company Ambient Advertising has signed an off-screen marketing agreement with Hoyts Corporation in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership will see Ambient manage and activate campaigns using Hoyts' off-screen inventory, including experiential sites. AmbientX's parent company Ambient Advertising has signed an off-screen marketing agreement with Hoyts Corporation in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership will see Ambient manage and activate campaigns using Hoyts' off-screen inventory, including experiential sites. Ambient will roll out campaigns outside the cinema chain's on-screen and digital portfolio, enabling them to offer clients further opportunities to target consumers in the right environment. Meanwhile, Ambient has also been appointed as the exclusive sales agent of street media agency, Impact Media. It will represent the company's mobile media options including its unique 'spiderlites'. 1267Ambient partners with HoytsVelish Soup Kitchen goes live! We're launching a new experiential campaign in association with Mediaedge:CIA and the Food Bank Charity for the new range of Campbell's Velish Soups. Velish is a range of ready to serve vegetable soups that provides delicious vegetable goodness because they're made with quality ingredients. Check out a Campbell's Velish Soup Kitchen near you! Campbell's Velish Soup Kitchen dates and locations: Wellington 124 Willis Street, Wellington City Monday 15th June - Friday 19th June Opening hours: 11:30am - 2:00pm Auckland 12 O'Connell Street, CBD Monday 22nd June - Friday 26th June Opening hours: 11:30am - 2:00pm This June, AmbientX is launching a new experiential campaign in association with Mediaedge:CIA and the Food Bank Charity for the new range of Campbell's Velish Soups. Velish is a range of ready to serve vegetable soups that provides delicious vegetable goodness because it's made with real, quality ingredients, providing at least two serves of vegetables in every bowl! AmbientX and Campbell's will be setting up NZ's first 'pop-up' cafe sites in the CBDs of Auckland and Wellington, where consumers can come down, trial the new soup flavours and enjoy the ambience of the VELISH SOUP KITCHEN, or take away in convenient soup tubs. In addition to this, Campbell's are tying up with the Food Bank Charity to donate one soup for every sample given out to consumers. We need your help in telling people about this great campaign and charity so we'll be shouting about it on Facebook with photos, updates and kitchen chatter. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#/pages/Velish-Soup-Kitchen-Official/88425703379?ref=nf" target="_blank">Click here to become a fan on Facebook</a>. Watch out for more fun PR activities to support the camping including a 'tin pot band' performance and mobile soup stands on the streets of Auckland and Wellington. Tell your friends and we'll see you there! 1544Campbell's Velish Soup Kitchen with AmbientXShoppers try new Ford Fiesta AmbientX and JWT's experiential campaign for the new Ford Fiesta has just gone live at Sylvia Park. It's a superb campaign for Ford, utilising multimedia, green screen technology and BEBO to spread the word about this fiesty little car. Try the Ford Fiesta experience from Thursday to Sunday in a mall near you: Sylvia Park AKL: 14th May - 31st May Riccarton CHCH: 11th June- 21st June Queensgate WEL: 2nd July - 12th July AmbientX and JWT's experiential campaign for the new Ford Fiesta has just gone live at Sylvia Park. We've developed an amazing experiential marketing campaign for Ford, utilising multimedia, green screen technology and BEBO to spread the word about this fantastic little car, targeting 25-35 year old females. Consumers can visit the stand at shopping centres across NZ, sit in the car and then have a short film of them driving through a selection of outdoor scenes - some funny, others more visual. The clip is uploaded to a specially designed <a href="http://www.bebo.com/newfiesta" target="_blank">BEBO page</a> for consumers to share with their friends through all the social networks. Prizes of video cameras and other cool stuff are available to those who get involved in the activity. Consumers can also take the Ford Fiesta for a test drive with one of our highly trained Ford Brand Ambassadors, to find out more about the car. Some of NZ's top musicians have also joined the campaign and have provided their own interview clips which have been included on the BEBO homepage along with other highly creative visuals; all of which are shown on screen in the mall experience. This campaign is highly interactive and really builds word of mouth about the activity and the car in an appropriate way for the target market. 1517Ford Fiesta at Sylvia ParkRhythm and Vines Festival 2009 appoints AmbientX RnV this week confirmed the appointment of AmbientX as their marketing consultants for this year's three day festival beginning 29th December. RnV this week confirmed the appointment of AmbientX as their marketing consultants for this year's three day festival beginning 29th December. Having successfully raised attendance last year by 40% and helping to transform the event into NZ's best international music event AmbientX were once again chosen to help take the festival to the next level. AmbientX will work with the event to plan and implement their media and marketing campaigns, from traditional marketing strategies right through to street media and the full use of digital and social networking capacity. AmbientX will also help coordinate the sponsorship strategy and will be the event's sponsorship leverage and experiential activation partner this year. 1374Carl Cox1375CrowdSony Ericsson pulls out of Ibiza Rocks to run own events Sony Ericsson has pulled its sponsorship of flagship music event Ibiza Rocks to invest in its own branded entertainment events across the UK. Sony Ericsson has pulled its sponsorship of flagship music event Ibiza Rocks to invest in its own branded entertainment events across the UK. The new round of activity, dubbed 'Not as you know it', will include integrated promotion and is designed to give Sony Ericsson closer control over its highest budgeted marketing activity. The firm is also keen to have greater involvement with a UK event. It's part of the handset manufacturer's aim to position the brand as a leader in entertainment by extending its association with music to include general entertainment. Experiential event Pitch Black will invite 200 fans to a gig performed in total darkness to enhance the audio effect, while made-for-mobile video series Pocket TV will be distributed over 13 weeks for free. Richard Dorman, UK marketing manager for Sony Ericsson, said it was time to take more ownership of its events. "We've been involved with Ibiza Rocks for four years and it has worked really well. But one issue is it takes place in Ibiza," he said. "We wanted to set up and run our own Sony Ericsson activity rather than partnering with third parties." Dorman said the company's level of spend would increase following the changes. Sony Ericsson will work with creative agency Iris and media agency Mediaedge:cia on the push. Source: New Media Age 1393AmbientX newsAX live online! Welcome to our new website! Take a look around - you can check out our recent campaigns, learn more about experiential marketing and stay up to date with our news and views. Welcome to our new website! Take a look around - you can check out our <a href="/case-studies.aspx" title="Our work">recent campaigns</a>, learn more about <a href="/what-we-do.aspx" title="What we do">experiential marketing</a> and stay up to date with our <a href="/news.aspx" title="News">news and views</a> (delivered to your inbox, if you want). Find out more about the team in our <a href="/who-we-are.aspx" title="Who we are">Who we are</a> section, or if you'd like to join our team of Brand Ambassadors and Field Managers, you can check out what the job requires <a href="/brand-ambassadors.aspx" title="Brand Ambassadors">here</a>. 1267AmbientXFruju Sorbet Revital-ICEs at Big Day Out 4,500 product samples snapped up, with visitors wanting to buy product on the spot. 8,000 visitors who arrived in the Zone feeling hot, and left feeling refreshed, energised and chilled (how's that for brand alignment!). 4,500 product samples were snapped up by happy visitors, with many wanting to buy product on the spot. 8,000 visitors arrived in the Zone feeling hot and bothered, and left feeling 'refreshed', 'energised' and 'chilled' (how's that for brand alignment!). A prime location which guaranteed near-universal brand visibility at NZ's premiere music festival. The <a href="/case-studies/experiential-marketing/tip-top-fruju-sorbet.aspx" title="Tip Top Fruju Big Day Out 2009">Fruju Revital-ICE Zone at Big Day Out</a> was, it's fair to say, a roaring success. Well done to our Brand Ambassadors, to Tip-Top and the rest of the team behind the Zone. 1382AmbientX Fruju Sorbet Revital-ICE at Big Day Out