Big Idea is honored to take home two gold awards and two prestigious platinum awards, the highest recognition, in the 2021 MarCom Awards. The International MarCom Awards has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions for marketing communications professionals in the world.

Big Idea garnered a gold award for the rebranding of MMI, The Money Management Institute, the nonprofit industry association representing financial services firms that provide financial advice. Another gold award recognized a beautifully-illustrated annual report covering five years of work by a non-profit organization funding programs to help people and communities around the world to resolve conflicts. Big Idea was honored to receive platinum recognition for the naming, branding, identity system and brochure created for Executive IQ, a leadership development program by MMI, The Money Management Institute.

 

“Big Idea has built a reputation for delivering outstanding creative to our clientele. The bar we have set for ourselves is high. Being trusted to lead the rebranding effort of a reputable organization like MMI and its Executive IQ program is its own award. Securing gold and platinum recognition from the MarComs, that has raised the bar even higher.”
—Pablo Pedro, Creative Director, Big Idea

 

The 2021 MarCom Awards saw over 6,000 entries from 39 countries. The awards recognize an extensive breadth of professionals featuring Fortune 500, international agencies, and creative individuals.

Big Idea garnered three silver Davey Awards for 2021. Two silver awards were received for the brand refresh of MMI, the Money Management Institute and its new leadership program Executive IQ, which was also named by Big Idea. A third silver award honored a beautifully-illustrated integrated crisis communications campaign for a legal institution.

 

“Big Idea is especially proud of the mission critical communications work we created for our clients during these challenging times. It is an honor to receive accolades from our industry peers on the creative quality of that work. We share these honors with our client partners and the entire extended team that helped produce them. I believe now, more than ever, that creativity and big ideas help us all to communicate on important matters.”
— Steve Defontes, President, Big Idea.

 

The annual International Davey Awards honors the achievements of agencies who derive their success from “big ideas” rather than stratospheric budgets. The 17th Annual Davey Awards received over 2,000 submissions from ad agencies, public relations firms, and creative professionals. The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) determines the winners from a panel of invite-only judges featuring industry giants such as Disney, Microsoft, Spotify, PGA Tour, JP Morgan, GE Digital, Conde Nast, and more.

In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis if you’re wondering “What is the right strategy for me?” Here are some thoughts that may help.

 

Why right now is the best time to upgrade your digital marketing strategy

Steve Defontes, President, Big Idea Advertising

There’s no question, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy. The fallout for businesses, organizations and workers is still uncertain. Many question whether all of their advertising and marketing efforts should be paused or how to move forward. If you’re wondering “What is the right strategy for me?” Here are some thoughts that may help.

While nothing of this magnitude has impacted the world in most of our lifetimes, crises, both minor and major, impact businesses often. A minor crisis like a legal issue within an organization can affect a company’s reputation or sales. A much larger crisis, like a natural disaster, can impact an entire country or economy.

In our experience, organizations that maintain or expand communication and marketing efforts are often better equipped to bounce back and improve their trajectory post-crisis. One such client suffered a devastating hurricane, destroying homes and businesses and taking a serious toll on tourism. By investing in marketing during the reconstruction they saw a massive return to business as soon as they reopened. Within 12 months their results were record-breaking, exceeding their pre-crisis best figures by more than 20%. Their marketing investment took them from devastation to growth, providing stability for many industries, businesses and communities.

Due to the pandemic people around the world are isolated and are spending increasing time on their devices. Digital and social media will be more effective than ever at reaching people where they are.

Our advice:

1. Create a plan.

If you don’t have an effective digital marketing strategy in place, you can use this time to build a program. Start communicating with your audience even if it is just one ad or one social post. As the crisis subsides, you’ll be prepared to increase your communications and grow.

2. Invest in Digital.

Digital channels are very cost effective, even a small attribution to boost your content can increase its visibility and allow you to target only those who are most interested. There’s no point in creating content that no one sees. Economics are challenging in a crisis but smart marketers know they have to invest some money.

3. Be sensitive to the needs of the crisis.

During the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve become more critical of the tone of voice and images we use. Photos of handshakes or people who are not social distancing may not be the right fit and judgment and review are required. Consider what you can do for your audience, not what they can do for you.

4. Be Authentic.

Despite being in the midst of a crisis people have not stopped being human. They need to laugh, to be entertained, to shop, to learn new things, and to collaborate and share joy with others. If your brand can contribute in an authentic and meaningful way, your content will find an audience.

Takeaway:

Even now, digital and social marketing allow you to reach audiences, create brand awareness and when possible, generate sales. Digital channels may be key to keeping businesses that can operate afloat throughout the crisis and employees off the unemployment rolls. Lack of competition may make digital and social media even more affordable and businesses that use these channels effectively are likely to recover more quickly from this crisis.

For more information or advice on your digital marketing program contact us at hello@bigideaadv.com.

In 2019 arrivals went on to break every record, with the highest arrivals in more than 27 years, a full 20% higher than their previous best year.

 

From adversity to advancement – Big Idea helps Anguilla achieve record-breaking year

Anguilla is an island popular among discerning travelers and celebrities alike, but this hidden gem was looking to shed the perception of being hard to afford and increase awareness against more well-known Caribbean destinations. Following hurricane Irma in 2017, Anguilla needed to rebuild tourism as quickly as the determined Anguillians were rebuilding the island. 

Following the introduction of a new, rebranded Beyond Extraordinary campaign by Big Idea the numbers quickly began to change in Anguilla’s favor. Q4 2018 saw a return to arrivals levels 295% higher than the year impacted by Hurricane Irma and just 532 visitors shy of their best recorded year.

In 2019 arrivals went on to break every record, with the highest arrivals in more than 27 years, a full 20% higher than their previous best year.

“We are delighted to have achieved our target of a 20 percent increase in arrivals over 2016,” said Donna Daniels-Banks, ATB’s chairperson. “We have a vision for our industry, a paradigm shift in how we sell Anguilla, with a focus on authenticity and the quality experiences.”

“Anguilla just had its best winter season in over 27 years. In February, the total of 9,289 tourist arrivals was the greatest number recorded for the month of February dating back as far as 1993, when Anguilla Tourist Board began tracking visitor arrivals. January 2019 also saw the highest tourist arrivals figure recorded for the past 27 years.”Travel Agent Central, May 16, 2019 

The integrated campaign was a new approach to paid marketing for Anguilla across social media, digital advertising, print advertising and a host of collateral, communications and events. The resulting digital engagement increases were often in excess of 600%. Through stunning photography and videography Big Idea highlighted undiscovered wonders of the  island through adventure, caves and cliffs, natural beauty and authentic experiences many did not expect from a Caribbean destination.

The Beyond Extraordinary campaign garnered a total of 7 industry awards from various competitions including The Davey Awards, The MarCom Awards, The Hermes Awards and The Global Trend Awards.

Learn more about this epic 2019 achievement in Travel Pulse

See more of the Beyond Extraordinary campaign here.

The Beyond Extraordinary campaign for the island of Anguilla garnered a total of 7 industry awards from various competitions including The Davey Awards, The MarCom Awards, The Hermes Awards and The Global Trend Awards.

 

Big Idea honored with Seven Industry Awards for Beyond Extraordinary campaign

The Beyond Extraordinary campaign for the island of Anguilla garnered a total of 7 industry awards from various competitions including The Davey Awards, The MarCom Awards, The Hermes Awards and The Global Trend Awards.

The integrated campaign was a new approach to paid marketing for Anguilla across social media, digital advertising, print advertising and a host of collateral, communications and events. Through stunning photography and video Big Idea highlighted undiscovered wonders of the island through adventure, caves and cliffs, natural beauty and authentic experiences many did not expect from a Caribbean destination. The resulting digital engagement increases were often in excess of 600%.

In 2017 Anguilla was impacted by Hurricane Irma and needed to rebuild tourism. Following the introduction of a new, rebranded Beyond Extraordinary campaign by Big Idea the numbers quickly began to change in Anguilla’s favor. Q4 2018 saw a return to arrivals levels 295% higher than the year impacted by Hurricane Irma and just 532 visitors shy of their best recorded year.

In 2019 arrivals went on to break every record, with the highest arrivals in more than 27 years, a full 20% higher than their previous best year.

See more of the Beyond Extraordinary campaign here.

 

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