Sports enthusiasts and fitness lovers across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) had a great time participating in Devils Circuit’ (DC), which has been positioned as one of India’s first and biggest obstacle running series. The event was hosted on 21 February 2016 at Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel. Devils Circuit, as a sporting event, was launched in 2012. It brings in a unique format, which combines sports with entertainment. A typical ‘Devils Circuit’ edition includes running across a 5-kms long raw terrain interspersed with 15 military style obstacles. An individual-based event, this is open for participation to both corporate as well as non-corporate enthusiasts. “It was a pleasure to host so many enthusiasts at India’s premier Amateur Sporting Event, ‘Devils Circuit’ at Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel,” said Niranjan Hiranandani, MD, Hiranandani Communities. “This event, the Chennai edition of which was hosted at our project, Hiranandani Parks, Oragadam, Chennai; was totally ‘in sync’ with the concept of ‘community living’,” he added. Homes are not just about square feet of constructed space, but about the community which is made up of residents and the activities that bring them together. For Niranjan Hiranandani, ‘community living’ is when a resident does not just live in an ‘apartment’ or a ‘living space’, but shares – and enjoys – the positives of the location and its social infrastructure with neighbours who are like him/ her, fellow members of the ‘community’ created in that location. It was this aspect which came to the fore during the Devils Circuit event on 21 February, arguably the ‘first-of-its-kind’ televised corporate challenge to determine the Fittest Corporate in the country. The event was organized for the first time in Mumbai and the MMR, the venue being Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel. “We look forward to more such events which will promote healthy competition and healthy citizens. I particularly like the aspect of the event not just promoting a healthy lifestyle, but also being a superb ‘team building’ activity,” added Niranjan Hiranandani. The event showcased the sports-activity related aspect of the master planning at the project. “We have conceptualized ‘community living’ at Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel. It will go beyond the aspect of home owners merely being neighbours,” said Niranjan Hiranandani. “It is about being part of something larger – a community comprising residents of that township/ complex who will share a very special relationship with each other and with nature. I co-relate community living with being close to nature. At the integrated townships, we have created in Mumbai’s Powai and in Thane, we have created living spaces amidst greenery, and not merely include greenery in living spaces. The same will be replicated at Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel,” he added. “It will be a very different lifestyle which will be enjoyed by residents who will live within the community, and share the experience called life – much like the experience of participating in the Devils Circuit,” said Niranjan Hiranandani. “Events like Devils Circuit make life interesting; are among the different aspects which re-define ‘Community Living’,” said Niranjan Hiranandani. “Hiranandani Fortune City, Panvel, is an apt example of green, mixed-use townships. While setting the ‘benchmark’, the township will go on to become a ‘landmark’ of ‘community living’,” he concluded.
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Stars of Industry awards is known as one of the finest forum bringing together marketers, custodians, advertising and creative honchos from the countries best brands. The sixth CMO Asia stars of Industry Awards was hosted by the Stars of the Industry Group and 94.3 FM on the 20th February 2016 at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai. A global platform that aims at recognizing talents, excellence in service, innovation, aspiration and customer centrism as a crux for competitive edge in the Industry. NeoNiche was recognised as the “Most Admired Event Management Company of the Year 2015”. At the same forum, NeoNiche also won the awards for the “Most Admired Creative Event 2015” and “Most Admired Event for IT 2015”, wherein they created a larger than life, unconventional and holistic event experience for Google for Work, SMB Seminar and Gartner Symposium ITxpo respectively. In other categories Infosys, UTI Mutual Fund, Reliance Capital, HDFC Bank, HCL Technologies, L&T Infotech, Marico, Nvidia and others were also felicitated for their excelllence. The winners were carefully chosen by an eminent jury of industry veterans after scrutinizing the nominations for various criterion like Innovation, Marketing program, Best practices, Media Mentions, Execution, Crisis management and resolutions.
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BC Web Wise has recently expanded its creative team with the appointment of Nicole Braganza as Creative Director – Copy, who will be based out of Mumbai. Reporting to Chaaya Baradhwaaj, Founder-MD, BC Web Wise, Nicole will play a key role in reinforcing the agency’s capabilities in all creative spheres. The appointment is a homecoming of sorts for Nicole. She has previously worked with BC Web Wise for 5 years, last as Associate Creative Director, before leaving for a brief stint with Grey Group in 2015. Nicole’s appointment is about focused attention and creative synergy across the agency’s client portfolio. In her new and larger role, she will hold responsibility for copy for all brands. The extra edge and zeal that she brings, along with her diverse and extensive digital experience are a welcome addition to the team, as the agency continues to focus on creating meaningful brand experiences that are crucial to clients’ success in today’s concentrated digital ecosystem. Commenting on the appointment, Chaaya Baradhwaaj, Founder-MD, BC Web Wise said, “Nicole’s one of the best creative resources in digital advertising today, and has spearheaded many of our award-winning campaigns. I am so happy to have her back. She is full of zeal and enthusiasm, and always brings fresh creative ideas and a keen understand of the way digital works, that finally helps us deliver clutter breaking work.” Speaking about her new role, Nicole commented, “When you wake up every morning looking forward to going to work, you know you’re at the right place. The energy at BC Web Wise is infectious and I’m thrilled to be back. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with a team that is immensely talented, dedicated and fearless.” Nicole started her career as a copywriter with Tribal DDB in 2009 before moving on to her first stint with BC Web Wise in 2010. Her creative portfolio includes award winning work for brands such as HUL, Sunsilk, Nanhi Kali, and Mothers Recipe. Founded in 2000 and led by Chaaya Baradhwaaj, BC Web Wise is best known for its strategic brand solutions and world-class creatives. It is amongst the few independent agencies in India with a vast and reputed client portfolio including Hero MotoCorp, Hindustan Unilever, ASUS, SanDisk, Pidilite Industries, ITC, Godrej Consumer Products, IDFC, Ruchi Soya and Emami among several others. The agency’s digital solutions range from website development and online marketing to media planning and buying, and extend to mobile platforms and web-based outdoor digital installations.
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The 1st ever action packed Comic Con Express Pune driven by Alto K10 organized by Comic Con India received positive response from fans from all age groups. The 2 day convention took place over the weekend of February 20-21 at Deccan College Convention Hall. The event featured the best of Comics, Television, Films, Gaming, with tons of Books, Merchandise, Action figures and comic book artists from across India and the world. Workshops and Interactive Sessions every hour at the dedicated stage area with exclusive launches of Comics titles, book signings, competitions etc. Comic Con Express Pune hosted the biggest Cosplay contest ever held in the city! Famous International Comic Book guests Ivan Brandon & Peter Nguyen attended and took part in special sessions at Comic Con Express Pune. Ivan Brandon is the Author of Marvel Comics’ Secret Invasion, Deadpool Team- Up & Wolverine: Rot and more. Peter Nguyen is known for his work in Batman Arkham Unhinged. This was the first time ever that Comic Con India brought International Comic Book guests to an express version. “Thank You Pune for welcoming us & making our pilot show a great success! We hope to be back next year with a bigger & better show, with lots more for fans in the city!,” said, Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India. From Batman to Superman to famous Manga characters, we witnessed all the superheroes and comic characters come alive as fans dressed in their favorite costumes!! They not only received attention from the audiences, but also interesting prizes from Comic Con India. Each day, winners got chosen from five categories – 1. Comic book/graphic novel 2. Animated Series/Movie 3. Manga/Anime 4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy and 5. Gaming. The two day fest saw many interactive and playful sessions, but the one session that everyone in Pune loved was the Session with Charuhas Pandit, the author of Chintoo comic strip. At the convention, HarperCollins India conducted a special session with famous Artist & writer Bharath Murthy. All the budding artists and writers in the city got to learn a lot from this session as Bharath Murthy taught tips and tricks & discussed different aspects of making comics. The two day fest saw a special fan session with The Cast and crew of Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive Cast. Also, Maruti Alto K10 organised special performances by Fictitious Kings United dance group & Azeem Banatwalla, Writer, Stand-Up Comedian From East India Comedy at Comic Con Express Pune. Comic Con India had special surprises for gaming and tech enthusiasts at Comic Con express Pune. DSK International took a special sneak peek session on how video games are made, and Huion conducted a special India Launch of Huion Giano WH 1409 Graphic Tablet, the largest in the world followed by a live demo of Digital Art by renowned Artist Mr. Dnyaneshwar Jagadale by using Huion Graphic Pen Tablet. Comic Con Express Pune saw 2 Exclusive Comic book title launches. Speech Bubble Entertainment released their Comic Book titled “Taranath Tantrik – City of Sorrows – Part 4 and Holy Cow Publishing launched their finale comic to their best selling series, “Shaitan issue 04”. Also, Penguin Books India re-launched their supernatural thriller titled “Ghosts of Kingdoms Past.” Some of the leading participants at the Comic Con Express Pune were Campfire Graphic Novel, Amar Chitra Katha, Holy Cow Publishing, VIZ MEDIA by Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins India, Scholastic India, Speech Bubble Entertainment, ICBM!! At the convention, fans got to buy merchandise from the best and most exclusive merchandisers including Graphicurry, Fukvaas, Hoozinc, Planet Superheroes, Bushirt, Sheepstop, Macmerise, Being Indian, FROG, The Future Wear, Wear Your Opinion and lots more!! Comic Con India is dedicated to creating unique events and giving the fans, exhibitors and partners a platform to celebrate their undying love and passion for comics & pop culture. Comic Con India is dedicated to expanding India’s popular culture by creating high profile events that cater to fans of not only comics, but also, gaming, movies, television, merchandise, toys & more.
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For almost a decade now, the subject of marketing efficiently for millennials has been a key focus for brand marketers and their businesses. As a result of which marketing budgets shifted unevenly from ATL or a more engaging BTL medium. But what most brand marketers have not realized so far is that while they continue to focus on millennials, that segment of consumers are grown up today. These consumers are now entering into thirties and for a marketer now is high time to focus its attention to the more younger and far advanced generation making its mark-Generation Z. Generation Z is represented by the group currently aged 12 to 19 (born between mid 1990s to early 2000s) and this target audience segment is actually refreshingly different from millennials. They are well connected with the internet and hence are aware of what’s going on in the world and they do not fall for the same marketing gimmicks that millennials did as Generation Z has learned from their experiences. Where Millennials saw the marketing dynamics change very closely, Generation-Z is born into a new and advanced era of technology and hence cannot be easily charmed. Hence, brands today need to have a different and a more comprehensive marketing strategy for target them. These set of consumers will in no way respond to promises made through costly TVC’s, they are also most likely to not have a look at the front page advertisement on papers that you paid a bundle for as their world is online. Generation Z is that segment of prospective consumers for brand that will only respond to elevated experiences and engagement as and when they come through a medium that is trending. So if you are wondering what kind of campaigns are expected to work for Generation Z? We have the answers outlined for you. A recent study suggests that currently, almost 80 percent of Gen Z’s use at least one social media platform every day. Social media use, coupled with the modern consumer mentality to filter out traditional advertising, has lead to a shift that is changing the advertising landscape. This shift is forcing marketing professionals to ask themselves how they can adapt to new mediums in order to reach their target audiences in the most effective way possible. An example of new medium of this TG influence is the app Snapchat which is very popular among people below 20 years of age. Hence, to target this set of audience recent movies like Ted 2 and Mission Impossible have capitalized on Snapchat marketing opportunity by creating filters for users to integrate into their personal pictures. Companies like McDonalds too have followed the bandwagon and have rolled out successful Snapchat integrated campaigns for itself. Another way to get the attention of Generation Z is to invite them to be a part of your brand through social media ambassadorships, influencer campaigns and virtual focus groups. This will not only help you reach out more aggressively in the segment but will also create a sense of loyalty regarding your brand in them. Marketers today should realize that Generation Z is an interesting yet challenging demographic to engage with and a generic marketing strategy to target them is simply not enough. This segment represents an audience which is an early adapter of change, more technologically advanced audience and more dynamic than any other set of consumer and hence a new and more engaging marketing strategy needs to be devised to target them.
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A Reverse Buyer-Seller meet- Exportech 2016 was organized from the 29th to 31st January at the Convention Centre Mela Ground in Gwalior. The event was hosted jointly by Confederation of Indian Industry and Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Nigam Ltd (MPLUN) to uphold government’s objective to encourage exports from MP where manufacturers intending to expand into the export market found access to interested international buyers. The event was a strategic decision by the government to efficiently intervene in the market as a facilitator of sorts and seeks audiences from as many as 21 different countries. This helps spread awareness about the potential of domestic industries in the area, between this and the export incentives provided at a later stage, the result is local industries better ability to compete in the global market. The event was inaugurated by Yashodhara Raje Scindia minister for Commerce, Industries and Employment, govt of MP on 29 January and was concluded on 31 January. There were in total 60 pacts made during RBSM and 196.49 crores are expected out of these pacts. While sharing the story post event Shailendra Singh, CEO, Ascent Brand Communications Pvt Ltd was thrilled to quote that the prestigious event mandated to us through a systematic tender process basis our rich credentials of handling government events and on top of it last year’s Exportech 2015 too was managed by us. There was mammoth task in hand as we had a challenge of handling 3-day event with lot of precision owing to the involvement of major stakeholders like CII, secretary level people, diplomats, foreign delegates, ministers of state and central, high level bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, industrialists etc. There have been multiple sub events like 121 meetings amongst buyers and sellers, presentations on pre-scheduled topics, inauguration ceremony, closing ceremony, guest arrival and departures, product exhibition of 125 stalls, dinner and lunch for delegates and exhibitors etc. during 3-day event.
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Party monsters, dance music freaks, club kids, and college students came out in droves to Mumbai and Bengaluru pitstop of the Mad Decent Block Party over the weekend. Mad Decent, the American record label helmed by Grammy-nominated & AMA winning producer Diplo who has worked with artists like Madonna, Usher, M.I.A, Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber brought America’s dance music event to India for the very first time over the weekend. Diplo’s label Mad Decent has the star power and curatorial credibility necessary to field a serious contender. Fans clamored for a superlative weekend whose soundtrack ran the stylistic gamut from trap to tropical house as the venue reverberated with sounds from Saving My Life, Teach Me How To Dougie, Light It Up, Ready For Your Love, Faded amongst others. The group pushed their fascination with global dance music to the fullest while honoring their newfound pop tracks such as “Lean On,” while jumping off of banisters and surfing the crowd in a giant human hamster ball. EDM fans from across India relentlessly shimmied, hula hooped and gyrated in electric energy throughout the entire 6-hour Diplo dance party amidst the kaleidoscopic ambiance. Big Gigantic sound tracked the sunset with tropical house and a live warbling saxophone over glossy, skating melodies. American producer Giraffage sampled familiar hip-hop choruses including multiple Drake, Sean Paul, remixes to a dizzying degree of haunting synth trap. British house-music duo Gorgon City showcased their nu disco dupstep soundscape, amping the audience with their poppy remixes. Diplo led the end-of-the-summer blowout to an explosive smash with his trio Major Lazer, featuring Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Diplo started by throwing out a bunch of swag including whistles and bandanas into the crowd. A quartet of female dancers came out and flanked the stage performing seamlessly-choreographed dance routines. Confetti cannons, water guns, flags, exotic dancers twerking and Diplo’s crowd zorbing brought an element of showmanship usually lost in live EDM. With both delirious fans and exhausted artists taking to social media afterwards to extol the weekend’s festivities, the inaugural edition of Mad Decent Block Party was enshrined as a memorable experience for all involved. Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn says, “This is our 10th anniversary year which is a matter of celebration in itself as an intellectual property. This season we intend to deliver differentiated products for our loyal dance music patrons. Sunburn would have never been what it is today without the loyal patrons. This association with Mad Decent Block Party is the first step towards our mega celebrations.” Mad Decent has been a pioneer in introducing eclectic and fantastic regional sounds from Brazil, Angola and famously Jamaica amongst many other countries into clubs and dance floors across the world with the very first Mad Decent Block Party taking place in a street in Philadelphia, USA back in 2008. Over the last few years, Major Lazer has become a staple at all big music festivals around the world – Coachella, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork and has gained notoriety as a fun-filled stage act. A Major Lazer show is party central, whether at a concert or a festival. Expect confetti guns that shoot colourful confetti into the crowd, inflatable animals that bounce around, constant blowing of vuvuzelas and dancers twerking and shimmying their way across the stage to the sounds of moombahton, reggae, trap hip-hop and even pop. Diplo zorbing across the crowd is a classic sight at any big Major Lazer show.
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In a candid conversation with EE, Rahul Kathuria, Marketing Manager, PVR Limited reveals what makes PVR’s Director’s Cut an interesting venue for events and how the events fraternity can benefit from it.
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As part of its strategic expansion plans, Harley-Davidson India has recently unveiled its first mobile dealership on wheels – the ‘Legend on Tour’. This one-of-a-kind dealership has been designed by the world renowned Dilip Chhabria of DC Design. The experiential zone will feature motorcycles from the 2016 Harley-Davidson India fleet and genuine Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts and accessories along with merchandise. The ‘Legend on Tour’ will commence on a tour of the country starting February end making its first pit-stop at Mumbai followed by Pune, Goa, Bangalore and Coimbatore in the month of March. Commenting at the unveiling of ‘Legend on Tour’, Vikram Pawah, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India said, “At Harley-Davidson we are always looking for new ways to bring new riders to the brand and the sport of leisure motorcycling. We have an expansive portfolio of 13 motorcycles and ensuring the right motorcycle is available at the right place at the right time is crucial to a great customer experience. ‘Legend on Tour’ is a strategic step undertaken by us to expand the reach of our brand and we are delighted to have DC Design, design it for us.” Chief Designer of ‘Legend on Tour’ Dilip Chhabria said, “Designing the ‘Legend on Tour’ for Harley-Davidson India has been an absolute pleasure. We wanted to create something that is at par with the Harley-Davidson dealership in terms of its look and feel. The brand’s rich heritage has been a source of inspiration for us while designing the mobile dealership.” Brand and motorcycle enthusiasts can check out the ‘Legend on Tour’ from February 18-20 at 4th India H.O.G. Rally and India Bike Week 2016.
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MeraEvents, a 360-degree end-to-end event listing, promotion and ticketing technology platform, with its corporate headquarters in Hyderabad, has added to its talent pool two top honchos with successful careers and academic backgrounds. While Harmeet Gulati, who will be based out of Gurgaon, will steer the company to next level as the Chief Operating Officer, Ramana Reddy will be driving the growth as Head of Corporate Finance & Investments. MeraEvents has been growing at over 300% YoY in a very dedicated space of events in India and has aspirations to lead this growth sector according to Chennapa Naidu Darapaneni, Co-founder and CEO of MeraEvents. Giving details of the new talent acquisition by MeraEvents, Naidu says that the new talent would bring to table a greater value addition to take the company to the next level with high growth rate and enhanced business visibility. Explaining the reason for the move to acquire top talent from global corporates, Naidu says “what got us here will not take us where we want to”. The new talent will surely help the company optimise the processes and operations and get right investments for its expansion plans. Welcoming the two honchos on board, Naidu observes that their proven track record will help the company ride the next big wave of success. He said that the company expects to dish out more exciting information in the near future. Having a post-graduation in Finance from NIBM, Harmeet Gulati specialises in operational transformation, customer experience and strategic turnarounds. During his management consulting stint, he led assignments across geographies including North America, Middle East, Bahrain, Philippines, Bangladesh and Bhutan, apart from India. He was associated with ECS, PwC and in his last role, he was serving as a Director in the Strategy and Operations practice of KPMG India. Ramana Reddy, an Engineer from Madras University and MBA from Symbiosis, was already part of the raising of investments for MeraEvents. Ramana, who was also with ECS, PwC & KPMG, is a core strategist with hands-on global exposure across India, UAE, Oman, Denmark, Belgium, Spain and Romania. “MeraEvents is at a point of inflection in its growth trajectory and I am happy to be part of this growth phase. Apart from leading the northern footprint for MeraEvents, my immediate focus would be to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of its back-office operations and implement a world class customer service function. I will also help implement HR best practices to make MeraEvents as one of the great places to work for,” says Harmeet. Ramana points out, “MeraEvents now has a strategy to become the leader in events ticketing space and we will prove that growth can happen sustainably.”
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