22 Apr Event Marketing Strategies Celebrates 35 Years of Business!
This year, Event Marketing Strategies (EMS), an experiential engagement agency, is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Established in 1981 by president and founder Jeff Milgrom, Event Marketing Strategies (formerly known as Milgrom & Associates) is one of the most tenured sponsorship and event marketing agencies in the nation. A huge accomplishment considering, nearly half of the population in the United States hasn’t even hit this milestone yet! The company’s rich history began 35 years ago, initiating some of the first sponsorship and event marketing programs the country had ever seen. For perspective, around the same time EMS emerged, the word “internet” was first used and MTV began broadcasting music videos 23 hours/day…
“It feels like we’ve been creating experiences since the beginning of time.” – Jeff Milgrom, President & CEO
A Look into Our Past
At the forefront of corporate sponsorships and cross promotions, EMS started out by assisting with the launch of HBO and Showtime in the Columbus market for Time Warner Cable, in addition to the development of sponsorships for local telethons. By its third year, EMS secured its first major deal with Jovan, the title sponsor for a Kenny Rogers Tour which was recognized as one of the first product-centered sponsorships in America. And in 1985 EMS landed a client it still serves today, the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair—a true testament to the company’s credibility and knowledge of the industry. Over the years, EMS has teamed up with a long list of clients including Ohio-based Fortune 500 companies like Nationwide, American Electric Power (AEP), and Kroger, among many national and regional brands.
“We are truly an extension of our clients, we always have been and always will be.” – Drew McCartt, SVP
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, EMS is relying on its creative roots to push toward developing more out-of-the-box, open-ended campaigns in order to stay relevant in the ever-changing event marketing space. The company is now directing its energy toward experiential in all forms—creating experiences that stimulate deep connections and lasting memories for consumers that transcend the actual experience.
“We now bring our clients incredibly unique experiences tailored to their needs and desired outcomes—whatever that may look like! The transition has allowed us to develop crazy cool experiential programs for more forward-thinking clients like Z Gallerie and PIADA.” – Maggie Ellison, Director, Creative Experiences
How We’re Celebrating
Throughout the years, the local Columbus community and giving back have been core passions of EMS and its employees. EMS has been recognized for its service and dedication many times over, through its volunteerism, and commitment to boards of trustees and committees for a variety of non-profit organizations.
In turn, to celebrate, EMS recently launched the 35 for 35 campaign—a commitment to completing small but powerful actions throughout the year to reward the community that has so graciously supported the business. EMS kicked off the initiative by purchasing 35 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from an ambitious Girl Scout who leads her troop in cookie sales in the greater Columbus area. The team gave away the boxes to nearby businesses as a thanks for their partnership. This spring, EMS will donate 35 flats of flowers to a local community center in need of some spring pep, followed by a donation of 35 strollers to the YWCA Family Center. This fall, the team will provide 35 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need, 35 bags of dog food to a smaller local pet rescue, and 35 coats and sleeping bags to the homeless.
“While we love the tie into our 35th, we’ll enjoy the smile on the faces of those we help in the process much more.” – Stephanie Maupin, Director, Operational Excellence
About EMS
Event Marketing Strategies is an experiential marketing agency that helps companies make unique and memorable connections with their audiences, with a focus on education, outreach and messaging. We offer single services including: sponsorship management and strategic activation, brand ambassador staffing and social media integration, as well as the development and build-out of comprehensive experiential campaigns. We look forward to continuing to stake our roots in the Columbus community and creating engaging experiences across the nation for the next 35 years!
For inquiries, please contact Maggie Ellison, SVP
dmccartt@eventmarketingstrategies.com
614 792 5600 x 303