EVENTS: African Diaspora Inaugural Ball

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Anyone who paid any attention to what was going on in DC from November 5, 2008 to January 20, 2009 knows that there was an inaugural gala for every cause, group and theme possible. The African Diaspora Inaugural Ball was successful in attracting almost 600 attendees by using an integrated marketing strategy and event planning which—in a period of only SEVEN WEEKS—included:

• Managing event logistics and vendors;
• Producing a 90 minute show which included several performing artists, and guest speakers (Les Nubians, Angelique Kidjo, Congressman Donald Payne, Tracey Neale, etc.), as well as special effects and lighting;
• Creating a compelling brand, media kit and marketing materials;
• Developing consistent message: "Educating, Empowering and Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders";
• Effective use of social media (we helped grow ADC's Facebook page from 900 to more than 4000 users in a span of seven weeks);
• A PR strategy which garnered the event local, national and international media coverage (video, online, print);
• Media sponsorship which provided for in-kind advertising in both print and online publications;
• An interactive contest that gave participants opportunities to win free tickets to the Ball;
• A dynamic, informative web site and engaging e-newsletter;
• A viral word-of-mouth strategy which, up to today, has people still talking about the Ball.