[arrl-odv:21957] Centennial activities and "stuff"

Sean Kutzko reports on planned PR activities having to do with the centennial as follows: 1) Allen continues work on two video projects. The first is the Centennial video. Allen is working with a local, well-respected videographer to compile a history of ARRL over the last 100 years. QST Editor Becky Schoenfeld has agreed to be the host of the video. She has extensive theater and acting experience, spanning nearly three decades. It is a great strategic move to feature a young, active female operator as the host of the Centennial video. The second video project, "I Am The ARRL," features clips from numerous ARRL members at work and then doing something radio related. They identify themselves and their radio interests, then tag it with, ".and I am the ARRL." We have received several video submissions already and plan to have a staging area at the convention where members can take 10-15 seconds to be included in this project. Pins that say "I Am The ARRL" will be given away to those that take part in the campaign. 2) The PR Committee is planning several PR-related seminars on the Friday of the convention. John Amodeo will give a presentation on "How To Appear On Television," Mark Kraham will offer "How To Interview With A Reporter" (which will also feature mock interviews), and a third as-yet undetermined track. Each session will be 45 minutes with some time for questions at the end. 3) Plans are to have an audio booth available on the convention floor, complete with some stock audio PSAs. These PSA's would include a 5-10 second "hole" of space to allow members to record a promo for their own club and take the completed PSA with them to use on the air in their local markets. 4) Sean Kutzko launched a "Google Doodle" campaign within the PR community the week of August 5.. A Google Doodle is a special set of art that appears on Google's main search page to commemorate an event in history. We are campaigning to have a Google Doodle on the Friday of the Convention to celebrate 100 years of ARRL. Sean provided a form e-mail for PR folks to use in the campaign and sent it out to over 500 members of the ARRL's PR reflector. Response has been keen so far. 5) The ARRL Timeline of the last 100 years will be on our web site and is now on display at ARRL HQ. Printed copies of the timeline are being considered to be used as promotional/membership recruitment tools during 2014. Numbers printed will depend on budget. Regarding centennial things for sale, we have heard from Harold about publications. Bob Inderbitzen says that he is moving quickly through the planning to introduce ARRL Centennial merchandise: pin, patch, sticker, decal, neck tie, scarf, mug, polo shirt, t-shirt, sling bag, challenge coin, hat, etc. There will be no shortage of ARRL Centennial logo items, according to Bob. We have seen the call for convention presentation proposals on the web site. Dan Henderson is encouraged by the quality of programming that has developed thus far. We don't want to do anything to undercut attendance at the National. However, realistically many members will not be able to come to the National. Consequently, in consultation with the host Directors, Bob Inderbitzen is working with the sponsors of the country's largest conventions to amp up the ARRL presence with a centennial theme. These conventions are Dayton, Orlando, Seaside, Ham Com, Pacificon, and Huntsville. Except for Pacificon and Huntsville, these conventions take place before the National, so a heightened presence gives opportunities to draw people's attention to the National. 73 - Kay N3KN
participants (1)
-
Kay Craigie