Bluegrass Group

Event marketing & management

The client

Bluegrass Group is a provider of outsourced IT support services to SMEs across the UK. I worked with them as their outsourced marketing department for four years and took them to a point where they needed full-time in-house support.

The challenge

Bluegrass had been developing its expertise in cyber security and wanted to position the company as the ‘go to’ expert in the South West (and beyond). To achieve this they need to raise brand awareness and demonstrate their expertise.

The solution

We decided upon a week-long awareness week, ‘Cyber Security Awareness Week’, in Exeter to alert businesses to the growth in cyber crime and educate them on how to protect themselves.

I provided all event marketing support working alongside Blanchard Media who delivered the PR element. My work included:

  • Preparing all the marketing materials for the event which included promotional flyers, 20-page programme, banners and handouts.
  • Promoting the event via the website and social media.
  • Email marketing campaigns to attract event bookings.
  • Setting up and managing the EventBrite booking system.
  • Attending the events to assist with their smooth running.
  • Follow up email marketing after the event.

Outcome

The event was a huge success and resulted in the following (within 10 days of the event ending):
  • More than 200 guests attended to hear 18 speakers at 11 events across six Exeter venues.
  • All the guest speakers have expressed their interest in being involved in a future event.
  • MPs and local business leaders including Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture; Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter; Karime Hassan, Chief Executive and Growth Director at Exeter City Council; Ben Rhodes, Chief Executive of Devon and Cornwall Business Council; and Michael Caine MBE publicly endorsed the event.
  • Potential clients have come forward asking to know more about Bluegrass’ services.
  • Existing clients have requested additional services.
  • A university has invited Bluegrass’ chairman to become a guest lecture for their Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship programme.
  • Press coverage was secured across a range of media including local business press and radio.
After the success of the first event I also marketed and managed Cyber Security Awareness Week for the next three years.

Client Comment

"I wanted to express my thanks for your drive and commitment before and during Cyber Security Awareness Week. Without doubt, your skills helped us create a very successful event – way beyond our expectations! You don’t just work for us, you are part of our team."

David Thomas, Managing Director

Contact
Straight Marketing
Tawny Bank, Maer Lane
Exmouth, Devon
EX8 2DE

01395 901116

info@straightmarketing.co.uk
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