2008

Conference prompts some rethinking

A half-day communications conference, developed and presented by Imaginasium, drew 30 business professionals to De Pere’s SC Grand on June 26. Rethink: A Fresh Take on Connecting with Your Customers focused on the changing ways in which businesses need to communicate with customers. In addition to the following presentations, the conference concluded with a roundtable discussion among all participants.

  • “10 Keys to Brand Alignment: How to Rally Your Team to Tell Your Story” presented by Imaginasium President, Patrick Hopkins
  • “Communications 2.0: Bringing Conversation Into the Mix” presented by Imaginasium Director of Brand Strategy, Annette Pannier
  • “Big Tent Creativity: New Ways of Connecting with Your Audience” presented by Imaginasium Executive Creative Director, Joe Bergner and Brand Distribution Manager, Marla Maney

    • Rethink Conference

    In addition, the conference’s special guest speaker, Dana VanDen Heuvel, presented “Telling Your Story Through Digital and Social Media.” A nationally recognized expert on blogging, podcasting, and interactive trends, VanDen Heuvel creates digital marketing strategies that engage customers. Click here to visit his website.

    “Rethink gave us the opportunity to share new developments in the ever-changing challenge of connecting with customers,” commented Annette Pannier. “It’s becoming more of a conversation between business and consumer, not just a one-way transmission of information.”

    Patrick Hopkins discussed the importance of aligning a company’s brand internally first, before taking it to the customer. “If your people aren’t on the same page and view the brand solely as a marketing device, they aren’t going to consistently deliver your story,” he said. “That’s the experience that will keep your customers coming back,” Patrick added.

    “It’s vital to remember that the message can’t be separated from the medium. They go hand-in-hand these days,” said Marla Maney. “And, you must deliver your message in a creative way. If you don’t stand out in the minds of your audience, you’re wasting their time and your money,” added Joe Bergner.

    Rethink Conference Materials

    As for another conference? One is already in the works.

    “Rethink was a successful event, and well worth the time we invested. We hope to continue this kind of sharing of information and ideas.” Patrick said.

    If you’re interested in learning more about Rethink, or any upcoming Imaginasium conferences, contact Denis Kreft at 920-431-7872, or email here.