Royal Sonesta Harbor Court/Light City Baltimore
Purple Dot Public Relations
SITUATION: Light City Baltimore, a spectacular 8-day light arts festival, came to the Inner Harbor in April 2016, bringing thousands of local residents, artists, non-profits, musicians and tourists to participate in and enjoy the festival. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, an upscale hotel in Baltimore’s downtown area, was seeking creative ways to become involved with the festival as a way to gain greater awareness in the market and to support cultural projects of significance.
SOLUTION: Purple Dot PR worked with the event organizers (Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts) and the hotel to formulate a plan that included mutually beneficial events and special promotions. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court hosted VIP pre-tour gatherings at the hotel’s restaurant with complimentary appetizers and a specialty “light inspired” drink and provided reduced rates for the nationally recognized DJs and artists participating in the event. In exchange, Royal Sonesta received banner placements around the festival, inclusion in social media and press materials, and inclusion on the VIP invitations.
RESULTS: Through the VIP tours, the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court gained access to over 200 professionals, including Baltimore’s TOP executives at Legg Mason, Whiting Turner, BGE, T. Rowe Price, Southwest Airlines, Baltimore Development Corporation and the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, where the Governor’s wife was in attendance. In addition, the hotel received social media recognition, logo on collateral materials and a huge banner at the popular DJ stage where thousands saw the “official hotel” sign. As a non-profit, the Baltimore Office of Promotions & the Arts was able to save costs by using the restaurant for VIPs and providing rooms for special guests attending the event. The cross promotion was a huge success and showcased creative thinking and cooperative partnerships.
SOLUTION: Purple Dot PR worked with the event organizers (Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts) and the hotel to formulate a plan that included mutually beneficial events and special promotions. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court hosted VIP pre-tour gatherings at the hotel’s restaurant with complimentary appetizers and a specialty “light inspired” drink and provided reduced rates for the nationally recognized DJs and artists participating in the event. In exchange, Royal Sonesta received banner placements around the festival, inclusion in social media and press materials, and inclusion on the VIP invitations.
RESULTS: Through the VIP tours, the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court gained access to over 200 professionals, including Baltimore’s TOP executives at Legg Mason, Whiting Turner, BGE, T. Rowe Price, Southwest Airlines, Baltimore Development Corporation and the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, where the Governor’s wife was in attendance. In addition, the hotel received social media recognition, logo on collateral materials and a huge banner at the popular DJ stage where thousands saw the “official hotel” sign. As a non-profit, the Baltimore Office of Promotions & the Arts was able to save costs by using the restaurant for VIPs and providing rooms for special guests attending the event. The cross promotion was a huge success and showcased creative thinking and cooperative partnerships.
