Menu
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), a valuable community commodity organization has faced a real challenge for over two decades in terms of consumers understanding its role, reliability, and value as well as recycling strategies. The organization was looking for a unique solution to engage and educate local consumers.
Event Marketing Strategies partnered with best-in-class suppliers to design, fabricate and operate an innovative booth display at events featuring three interactive kiosks to effectively communicate the role of SWACO, as well as the services it provides, including business development and community outreach.
The educational yet engaging, interactive stations highlight the science and engineering practices behind the modern day sanitary landfill, outline ways to responsibly dispose and recycle everyday household items from paint to furniture, and provide new ways to convert trash into energy through modern technologies. Recycled aluminum, wood and plastic products were used to construct most of exhibit to reinforce sustainability.
The interactive tour has been activated by EMS Brand Ambassadors at target festivals, conferences, and community events in Central Ohio since 2012.
Having worked with EMS on community outreach programs and helping customers transition to a mobile app for purchasing bus fares, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) enlisted EMS as its trusted partner to provide event management, facilitation, and coordination services for their internal events.
Having worked with EMS on community outreach programs and helping customers transition to a mobile app for purchasing bus fares, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) enlisted EMS as its trusted partner to provide event management, facilitation, and coordination services for their internal events.
The largest of those events was the annual all employee appreciation event, the COTA Roadeo & Family Fun Day, hosted for over 2,000 employees and their family members. The one-day event entailed food and entertainment plus, the “Roadeo”, a bus competition with obstacle course where five finalists competed for a chance to win cash prizes and chance to compete at the national Bus Roadeo contest.
EMS was presented with a few challenges that included:
EMS embraced these challenges as opportunities to innovate and elevate the event experience. They worked closely with the project team and leveraged their established relationships with vendors to ensure a seamless transition to the new venue.
Key solutions included:
Comprehensive Planning: EMS developed a comprehensive event plan covering everything from marketing and activities to food and presentation programs. They worked closely with the COTA creative team to create signage and décor that aligned with the event’s theme.
Fresh Ideas and Vendors: EMS introduced an array of attractions, including roaming mascots, live animals, yard games, inflatable obstacle courses, caricatures, and photo opportunities. The food options were revamped including popular snack stations like Jeni’s ice cream, a local favorite! And pretzels that could be dipped in savory or sweet sauces were crowd pleasers.
Local Partnerships: EMS leveraged its community ties by collaborating with local organizations. The Columbus Crew SC brought Crew Cat and mini soccer, the Columbus Zoo hosted a PLINKO game with prizes, and COSI presented engaging science experiments.
Continuous Improvement: In the second year of event management, EMS used the initial plan as a foundation to create an even BETTER event. We incorporated feedback gathered from employees via post-event surveys, address all areas of improvement, and kept the most popular activities to ensure employees would return again the next year.
Since EMS took over event management, the COTA Roadeo & Family Fun Day experienced significant improvements:
This case study showcases how EMS’s event management expertise and innovative approach transformed an employee appreciation event, creating a more enjoyable and memorable experience for COTA’s employees and their families.
© Event Marketing Strategies. All Rights Reserved.