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Branded Ice-Breaker

Brands step in to aid new college students in real-life socialization

Implications - One of the most difficult things about post-secondary education in North America is the social component, especially for a generation who does most of their socialization online. Brands are stepping in to help break the ice for new students with events that present networking opportunities. This positions the brand as helpful and insightful, as campaigns of this nature shine a light on a less-discussed difficulty.
Workshop Question - How can your brand enhance or contribute to the college experience for younger consumers?
Trend Themes
1. Campus Brand Ambassadors - Brands are training college-aged students as brand ambassadors/reps to act as on-campus marketing agents and promote products involving new on-campus initiatives.
2. Tailgate Marketing Events - Brands are focusing on marketing campaigns specifically targeted at college-aged audiences that create a fun, social experience during tailgate events.
3. Campus Innovation Events - Brands aim to provide immersive, interactive experiences to college students through virtual reality, contests, and other campus events that showcase new technology or unique services.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing and Advertising - Developing innovative ways to promote higher education and to connect with students of different academic institutions to boost brand awareness and recognition.
2. Entertainment and Music - Capitalizing on tailgate parties to bring live music to college students and promote brands and campaigns in the process through campus tours.
3. Retail and Ecommerce - Brands are creating immersive experiences on college campuses through partnerships with student organizations, promoting the brand's products and involve students in new performance and marketing initiatives.
4.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
7 Featured, 59 Examples:
490,341 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Sep 16 — May 18
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Collegiate Ball Pits
Collegiate Ball Pits
Kijiji Launched a Ball Pit for Adults at Toronto Frosh Week
Students across Toronto, Canada joining in on the events of Frosh Week were invited to jump into a colorful ball pit for adults provided by Kijiji. Inside the ball pits, students across five... MORE
VR Campus Activations
VR Campus Activations
Facebook's VR Tour is Giving Students a Chance to Test Out Samsung Gear VR
Having officially kicked off back in October, Facebook’s VR tour is officially in full swing. With events running until the end of January, now is the perfect time for consumers to test out... MORE
Virtual Staring Contests
Virtual Staring Contests
Kit Kat Brazil Awarded Students with Chunky Bars for Outlasting Opponents
Kit Kat Brazil recently created a campaign that merged technology, games, and chocolate on two university campuses across Sao Paulo. The campaign, which was for the Kit Kat Chunky bar, engaged... MORE
On-Campus Cookie Giveaways
On-Campus Cookie Giveaways
Insomnia Cookies' Student Events Feature Campus Marketing Reps
Insomnia Cookies is a snack brand aiming to give students real world, promotional job experience through its Campus Marketing Rep program. The marketing rep role requires students to “seek out... MORE
Freshman Marketing Events
Freshman Marketing Events
CollegeFest 2016 Took Place at Fenway Park for Local Students
CollegeFest 2016 was held at Fenway Park in Boston and focused on being one of the premier marketing events for local college students to come out for. Featuring live music and lots of giveaways,... MORE
Lingerie Brand Campus Representatives
Lingerie Brand Campus Representatives
The PINK Campus Reps Promote Victoria's Secret at Colleges
In an effort to reach a younger demographic, global lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret trains PINK Campus Reps to promote the brand on college campuses. The program is designed as an extension... MORE
College Town Tailgate Parties
College Town Tailgate Parties
The Bud Light Down South Tailgate Tour Takes Live Music to Colleges
The Bud Light ‘Down South Tailgate Tour’ was a roving country music concert dedicated to celebrating the South’s favorite day: Saturday. The Bud Light-sponsored concert and brand... MORE

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