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Thanks, from Brandemonium!

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Now that Brandemonium is over, we finally have a chance to step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the outcome. That’s when you realize all the people that contributed to your success and proper thank you is in order. Our keynotes, speakers, and panelists did a great job. We’d like to thank them for the time they took to share their knowledge of and passion for branding and marketing. Now that we have the thank you train started, we have so many others to thank. Our sponsors and exhibitors are a critical component of our success. They make all the amenities and more possible. Then there are the volunteers who give their time to fill all the staffing gaps. Sorting badges and stuffing conference bags is not the most glamorous job, but the volunteers do everything with a smile on their face. Also, there’s the staff. They’re never given enough time or resources, but somehow manage to pull things off without breaking a sweat. You guys rock! Finally, we’d like to thank...

Top Places to Eat in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a foodie town. We have some great chefs and restaurants that are not to be missed. If you recall from an earlier blog , I explained the five sections of Greater Cincinnati – OTR, CBD, The Banks, Covington, and Newport – and how to get around. I’m going to make two to three suggestions for each section of town. Over the Rhine (OTR) Salazar Restaurant & Bar ( 1401 Republic St ) – Intimate and exquisite. Chef Jose Salazar will challenge your palate. The Eagle OTR ( 1342 Vine St ) – Fried chicken with a side of hot honey sauce? Yes, please! Oh, you did NOT just put brown sugar bacon on my plate. Central Business District (CBD) Jean-Robert's Table ( 713 Vine St ) – Jean Robert is the culinary master in town. Many of the great chefs and restaurants got their start with JeanRo. Sotto ( 118 E 6th St ) - David Falk is another brilliant chef and he and his staff live by BPA - Blow People Away. That is precisely what this Italian restaurant will do. Jeff Ru...

Brandemonium 2018 Programming Highlights

Forbes Magazine recognized Brandemonium as a "Must See" conference in 2018 .  With some of the biggest and most disruptive brands in the world represented, it's a worthy recognition. Our speakers and panels will encompass the building blocks of brand marketing over 5 conference tracks: Content & Design; Data & Technology; Experiential Marketing; Omnichannel/Retail, and Strategy. They will offer learnings and insights into the future and evolution of branding.   Some of our many branding "rock stars" include the following speakers: Scott Galloway, Founder L2. Scott is a Professor at the NYU Stern School of Business where he teaches rand strategy and digital marketing and was named “One of the World’s 50 Best Business School Professors” by Poets & Quants in 2012. He is the founder of Red Envelope, Prophet Brand Strategy, and L2 Inc. Kim Bartley, CMO White Castle. Kim is responsible for all activities associated with marketing and advert...

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Brandemonium Experience

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With 8 keynotes, 50 sessions, and hundreds of attendees, Brandemonium may seem overwhelming. Relax! We have some tips, so you can get the most out of it. First, download the Brandemonium app (available for iOS and Android). You can build your schedule, rate speakers/sessions, interact with attendees, and receive important push notifications. Second, follow us on social media. We have a social media army sharing great bits and pieces of content, so you can keep up with everything that’s going on. You can find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn at /go2brandemonium. Three, try and take a break from work. Sounds crazy but live in the moment. Only check messages during lunch and before happy hour. Let family, friends, and colleagues know you are here to learn and network. (A nice way of saying, “Leave me alone for a few days.”) Four, meet new people. Don’t be afraid to approach a stranger or group of strangers and introduce yourself. One of the great ...

Top Places and Things to Do in Cincinnati

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There is a sign in the Hotel Covington that best sums up the region: If these United States are to be considered a body, then Ohio would be the Heart and Kentucky the Soul. October is a great time of year to be in Greater Cincinnati. The weather is comfortable and dry and there are a lot of great activities and events. After Brandemonium has wrapped up each day, put on some comfortable shoes, a light-weight jacket, and start exploring. Since you’ll be staying at The Westin in the Central Business District, the first thing to do is cross Fifth Street and enjoy Fountain Square. The iconic Genius of Water statue that sits atop the Tyler Davidson Fountain is THE Cincinnati landmark. (Sorry, Carew Tower, Roebling Suspension Bridge, and Union Terminal. It’s true.) Besides, Fountain Square is where Cincinnati gathers to celebrate, and it’s programmed year-round. Head on over the Walnut Street and you’ll see a street car stop. ( Download the app  to make riding super easy....

Where Brands are Birthed and Burnished

When P&G started selling soap in 1891, they didn’t name it P&G soap, they named it Ivory and branding was born. P&G is now the biggest consumer packaged goods (CPG) company in the world. When you consider the largest grocer (Kroger) and largest department store (Macy’s) is headquartered in Cincinnati, a narrative begins to take shape. When you consider all the ancillary businesses in Cincinnati that serve these companies – from marketing to package design – the narrative becomes clear: Cincinnati is a brand hub. Brandemonium co-founder Kevin Canafax wanted to bring a signature event to Cincinnati. After many brainstorming sessions, it was a speech given by Jerry Kathman, former CEO of LPK, about Cincinnati’s branding prowess that was the catalyst for Brandemonium. I was lucky enough to be Kevin’s first call after hearing that speech. We spoke about a conference, but the idea of a festival of brand activations and experiential marketing that would make Brand...

Top Five Reasons to Attend Brandemonium

Here are the top five reasons you should attend Brandemonium, the world’s premiere branding conference: 5. "Branding" was born in Cincinnati. Today the "Queen City" is recognized as one of the coolest, most hip cities in America. Don’t just take our word for it. MTV  and The New York Times agree. 4. Brandemonium is the ONLY conference and festival dedicated exclusively to "all things" branding. 3. Participating iconic brands include Facebook, Arby's, Smirnoff, Salesforce...need we say more? View our speaker line-up here . 2. Presenting not one, not two, but FIVE tracks focused on emerging brand trends: Strategy, Omni/Retail, Data & Tech, Content & Design, Activations & Experiential Marketing. 1. Branding is an experience..."Are you Experienced?" We hope you can join us for Brandemonium on October 2 – October 5 in Cincinnati, OH. Register here now . Connect with us on Facebook , Instagr...