Bobblehead Series Honors All-Time Top 10 RockiesBDA co-founder and CEO Jay Deutsch spoke with 850 KOA Denver, the radio home of the Colorado Rockies, about the team's special bobblehead promotions for its 20th anniversary season. The Rockies partnered with BDA to create bobbleheads of the All-Time Top 10 Rockies, as voted on by fans.
|
Coco Crisp Bobblehead Does the 'Bernie Lean'The dance that became a fan sensation as the A’s rallied to the 2012 AL West title is now captured in bobble form. Scheduled for June 29, Oakland’s Coco Crisp “Lean” bobblehead giveaway certainly ranks among the most creative promotions for the upcoming baseball season.
|
Rocking the Needle to Save LivesClose to 500 BDA employees and business partners packed the Space Needle for our second annual Rock the Needle event in support of domestic violence awareness and prevention. Eighty employees earned the opportunity to climb the Space Needle staircase, from the base to the observation deck.
|
BDA Honors Top Suppliers for 2012The results are in for this year’s BDA Supplier Awards, voted on by BDA sales, product development, logistics and operations staff. Winners represent Hit Promotional Products, Cutter & Buck and Alpha Shirt.
|
Stepping Up in the Wake of Superstorm SandyWhen Superstorm Sandy ravaged the Northeast, Bank of America acted promptly to provide aid to its employees.The financial services leader teamed with BDA to deliver blankets, water, batteries, diapers, trash bags and other basics to associates impacted by the storm. A day after receiving the request, trucks were en route from the BDA Midwest Fulfillment Center in Plainfield, Ind., to distribution sites in New York and New Jersey.
|
Spreading the Halloween Spirit with Spooky In-store PromotionThe National Retail Federation says Halloween will be an $8 billion industry this year, with seven in 10 Americans celebrating and spending an average of nearly $80 per person on costumes, candy and decorations. Hershey’s is helping spread the Halloween spirit with an interactive in-store promotion.
|
BDA Nabs Printing Award for Ford Collection CatalogBDA earned gold honors in the Detroit Club of Printing House Craftsmen’s 2012 Gallery of Superb Printing Awards for The Ford Collection 2011-12 merchandise catalog. Our in-house creative team in Troy, Mich., designed the catalog, which features images and descriptions of more than 150 officially licensed Ford products developed and sourced by BDA.
|
All-Star T-shirt Activation Adds Color to Pregame CelebrationOur handiwork was on display during last night's MLB All-Star Game broadcast. On behalf of MLB corporate partner Chevrolet, BDA was tasked with coordinating the production, delivery and in-stadium setup of 43,500 red, white and blue All-Star Game T-shirts. The effort gave the pregame festivities a decidedly patriotic feel.
|
IDSA Conference Encourages Designers to Break Through BoundariesLast week’s IDSA Western District Conference delivered on its theme of “evolving design practice.” We explored how the role of industrial design is evolving and expanding by breaking through the traditional boundaries. Today, industrial design is influencing diverse areas, such as politics, music, film, fashion and business strategy. Following is a taste of what the presenters shared over the two days.
|
‘Project Runway’ Meets PillsburyHigh fashion was on the menu at this year’s Pillsbury Bake-Off. Former “Project Runway” contestants Althea Harper, Kara Janx and Carol Hannah Whitfield were commissioned to create aprons for the 45th event. The ladies were given the Bake-Off logo, then tasked to “make it work.” Once Harper’s apron was deemed the winner, BDA was called on to translate the custom design into a mass-produced piece.
|
Notes from the International Home + Housewares ShowBDA hit last week’s International Home + Housewares Show in search of new sources for eco-conscious housewares and holiday gifting ideas. The four-day show at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center featured nearly 2,100 exhibitors from 125 countries displaying the latest products for all areas of the home, both inside and out.
|
Ford’s Octane Academy Builds Brand Affinity with Action Sports FansMotocross icon Brian Deegan gave action sports enthusiasts their first glimpse of Ford’s limited edition F-150 ATV developed by BDA and KYMCO USA. In a video promoting the new Fuel TV series “Octane Academy,” Deegan tours his Metal Mulisha compound in Temecula, Calif., from the seat of a Blue Flame Metallic “Built Ford Tough” ATV.
|
BDA Recognizes Top Suppliers for 2011The results are in for this year’s BDA Supplier Awards, voted on by BDA sales, product development, logistics and operations staff. This year's winners represent Alpha Shirt, Pro Specialties Group and LogoMark.
|
Gaming Accessories for the Entire FamilyGetting the whole family together can be a challenge, especially considering everyone’s unique interests. One group activity that’s more popular than ever is video gaming. The newest POWER A controllers for PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii were the focus of a recent segment on the morning show, “The Balancing Act” on Lifetime Television.
|
Our Top 10 Holiday Gift GuidesBeing a company that’s dialed in to emerging retail, product and technology trends really pays off during the holiday shopping season. We’re authorities on gift-giving. Whether it’s putting together themed gift baskets, presenting ideas for high-end executive gifts or managing a Fortune 500 organization’s entire holiday gifting program, BDA knows how to make the season bright.
|
Banding Together to Support U.S. Job GenerationStarting today, Starbucks stores across the country are collecting donations from customers to stimulate hiring among small businesses through the coffee company's “Create Jobs for USA” program. Donors who contribute $5 or more receive a red, white and blue wristband with the message “Indivisible.” BDA was brought in to oversee development of the wristbands.
|
St. Louis Embraces the Rally SquirrelThis year's MLB playoffs are all about the Rally Squirrel. BDA delivered 40,000 rally towels featuring the beloved critter to the St. Louis Cardinals for Game 3 of the NLCS. BDA has already delivered more than 1 million towels this postseason, with the World Series still to come.
|
Drawing Inspiration from ‘Urbanized’ DocumentaryInspiration may come from objects, actions or the very people who will use the product. We can be motivated by color in nature, the human body, a latch on a toolbox or button on a cell phone. Every designer approaches a problem in a different way and every day is different because design is inherently an emotional process. Going to a gallery opening, car show or a film like “Urbanized” is a great way to geek-out professionally and look how others in the industry are attacking similar design problems.
|
Martha Stewart Meets Betty CrockerTwo titans of the culinary world came face to face for the first time this month when Martha Stewart visited Betty Crocker Kitchens. Longtime BDA client General Mills wanted to mark the occasion properly. What better way than aprons?
|
‘X Factor’ Sponsors Using Merchandise to Engage ViewersLast week’s “X Factor” premiere was the biggest fall debut for Fox in five years—drawing 52 percent more viewers in the network’s target demographic of 18 to 49 year-olds than Fox’s programming on the same night a year earlier. Simon Cowell’s Syco Television and FremantleMedia, the production companies behind “X Factor,” are bringing BDA along for the ride.
|
An American Flag for Every NFL FanStars and stripes forever. That was the scene in stadiums across the country over the weekend as fans ushered in another season of pro football. The opening Sunday of the NFL schedule coincided with the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, creating a unique opportunity for the league to pay tribute to victims and survivors of the attacks. The NFL called on BDA to manage a league-wide gate giveaway of American flags.
|
POWER A Rocks the PAX Prime 2011 Game ConventionAir Flos, Batarangs and Mini Pro controllers, oh my! This year’s PAX Prime gaming lifestyle convention, located in downtown Seattle, Wash., received its first POWER A visit, and what a visit it was. POWER A showcased a select collection of the hottest products from its fall line-up and received great feedback.
|
Seeing Green at the Seattle Gift ShowEco was everywhere when BDA visited the summer edition of the Seattle Gift Show earlier this month. Event organizers delivered a significantly expanded selection of green, sustainable, organic and recycled goods. “The Pacific Northwest region has long been a leader in the green movement and the Seattle Gift Show is committed to meeting area retailers’ need for earth-friendly options in product and design,” said Doug Miller, president of Urban Expositions, the group that produces the show.
|
3D Like You’ve Never Seen BeforeAs one of the few approved suppliers and licensees for RealD, a global leader in 3D technology for movie theaters, BDA is at the forefront of the 3D experience. More than 17,500 screens worldwide are RealD 3D-enabled. Through our licensing agreement, BDA can create custom RealD glasses for our clients’ promotions.
|
BDA Rides Shotgun with Twizzlers Traveling FamiliesBDA always goes the extra mile for our clients. In the case of Twizzlers Candy, that added up to about 10,000 miles this summer. For the Twizzlers Landmark Summer™ promotion, BDA supplied such road trip staples as Twizzlers-branded GPS units, digital cameras, National Park guidebooks, beach towels and more.
|
Countdown to the London 2012 Summer Games is OnOne year from today, the 2012 Summer Olympics will commence in London. BDA is already gearing up for the Games. We’re proud to be partnering with such global Olympic sponsors as Proctor & Gamble, Coca-Cola and GE and Team USA sponsors like Kellogg’s, Anheuser-Busch, Citi and TD Ameritrade.
|
BDA Day of Difference Supports Eight Puget Sound CharitiesThis past week BDA employees took part in the first annual BDA Day of Difference. Two months ago, more than 400 employees were split into eight teams and were given 60 days to identify a charitable organization and how they could most help that charity. The efforts culminated on Thursday, July 21 when the company spent the afternoon onsite at locations across the Puget Sound region.
|
HBO Finds a Merchandise Powerhouse in ‘True Blood’“True Blood” is fast becoming both a ratings and merchandise bonanza for HBO. The vampire drama’s fourth season premiere last month matched its series-high performance of 5.4 million viewers—a 6 percent rise from last season’s premiere. Now comes a Variety report that the cable hit’s DVD sets continue to perform well in a down market and other “Blood”-branded products are a sensation with fans.
|
MLB FanFest Offers History, Highlights and GiveawaysNow in its 21st year as part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week, FanFest is five days of history, highlights and hands-on activities celebrating America’s favorite pastime. BDA was front and center as the world’s largest interactive baseball fan event filled the 500,000-square-foot Phoenix Convention Center.
|
Opening a Company Store in 10 StepsPrint and web catalogs may be the bread and butter of branded merchandise programs, but don’t discount the impact of a physical company store. From location to merchandising to floor plans, BDA's retail stores division manager Amanda Hubbard outlines the process for opening an onsite retail outlet.
|
POWER A Controllers Draw Rave Reviews at E3With a phenomenal product lineup featuring our officially licensed Batarang PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers, there’s no doubt that POWER A was hot at this year’s E3 Expo. Key media outlets like G4TV, Gamespot and IGN stopped by to get their hands on our Batarang, Air Flo and Mini controllers—all receiving rave reviews.
|
BDA-designed T-Shirt Rocks ‘Preserve the Parks’ CampaignIn support of Nature Valley's 2011 “Preserve the Parks” campaign, BDA produced T-shirts worn by actor Josh Holloway and fellow volunteers at a kickoff event near Joshua Tree National Park. Funds from the five-month campaign will focus on projects in six U.S. national parks.
|
BDA, NFL Teams Share Best Promotional Merchandise Practices at Inaugural Football Think TankBDA hosted our first annual Football Think Tank last week, with over a third of the NFL’s teams participating in the two-day workshop at Seattle’s Qwest Field and BDA Headquarters in Woodinville. The event is an opportunity to share best practices, encourage communication across teams, discuss the latest marketplace trends and more.
|
Oakland A’s Caps Travel to U.S. Soldiers in KuwaitSome of the Oakland A’s home-game caps BDA produced for a gate giveaway made the trip from the Bay Area all the way to Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Athletics shipped hats to the U.S. Army's Bravo Company Task Force 3/197th Field Artillery Soldiers (aka "The Night Riders"), for the filming of a special Memorial Day pregame message.
|
Scotty McCreery Crowned American IdolContestants and judges come and go, but BDA's relationship with the American Idol franchise has been a constant. Through a partnership with FremantleMedia, the production company behind Idol, BDA has been producing licensed branded merchandise for the ratings giant since its debut.
|
Girls Scouts Hand-Place Final Four Seat CushionsIn celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Girls Scouts, the NCAA invited local troops to help set up Reliant Stadium for the Final Four. Scouts placed more than 76,000 seat cushions, produced by BDA, on seats prior to the semifinals of the men's basketball tournament.
|
New POWER A Website Goes LiveIf it’s been a while since you’ve visited the website for POWER A, the consumer electronics division of BDA, now’s the time to stop by. We just unveiled a complete redesign.
|
BDA Picked to Supply NFL Draft Gifts and GiveawaysNo one went home empty-handed from last week’s NFL Draft. The league and its sponsors called on BDA to provide gifts and giveaways for fans, players, VIPs, event staff and volunteers.
|
BDA Spring Fling Raises Funds for Rivkin CenterSpring Fling at BDA is all about fun, fundraising and friendly competition among coworkers. The purpose is to raise money for the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. And in true BDA fashion, we make it as entertaining as possible.
|
BDA Aids Bank of America's Japan Relief EffortBDA joined forces with Bank of America and Costco to contribute to the relief efforts underway following the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Bank of America wanted to send care packages to its 1,700 employees and their families in Japan.
|
BDA Educates Factories at Compliance Partnership Summit in ShenzhenBDA strives to be the best in all facets of the promotional merchandise business: pricing, on-time delivery, innovation and quality and safety. To better align with our overseas associates, today BDA is hosting our fourth annual Compliance Partnership Conference at the Nanhai Hotel in Shenzhen, China.
|
BDA Recognizes Top Performers for 2010BDA co-founders Eric Bensussen and Jay Deutsch handed out prizes to 2010's top performers to cap last week's AMP festivities at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. Employee of the Year honors went to import buyer Stanley Tang, who was instrumental in executing the launch one of the most sought-after gifts of 2010—a graphics tablet for the Nintendo Wii.
|
We're Ready to AMP it UpBDA is officially AMP'd. We've expanded and rebranded our National Sales Meetings to include all BDA departments. Moving forward, these semiannual meetings will be known as AMP: Alignment to Maximize our Potential. Our inaugural Winter AMP set the bar high for the future.
|
Five Marketing Trends to Watch in 2011So what will 2011 bring? As the global economy struggles to correct itself, marketing experts seem to agree—2011 is the year to expect the unexpected. Marketers will have exciting opportunities to expand their reach into new directions, and here are five trends we'll be keeping our eye on in the coming year.
|
BDA's Top 5 Products from the 2011 PPAI ExpoBDA product developers headed to Las Vegas last week for the advertising specialty industry's largest annual tradeshow, the 2011 PPAI Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This year's show featured more that 3,300 exhibitor booths, giving attendees the chance to preview the latest offerings from more than 1,400 supplier companies.
|
POWER A Previews What's in Store for 2011 at CESPOWER A, the consumer electronics division of BDA, offered select members of the video game media a peek at our upcoming product line at last week's CES 2011 in Las Vegas. We set up shop in a suite at the MGM Grand and invited industry experts to demo our newest controllers for Xbox, PS3 and Wii.
|
BDA Extends Contract as MLB's Preferred Merchandise AgencyToday we're celebrating our announcement of an extended agreement with Major League Baseball Properties: BDA will continue as MLB's premium merchandise agency of choice for an additional four years.
|
Burton Sports BDA-produced Cat Cap in Victory LaneAfter holding off Clint Bowyer in a photo-finish to win the second 150-mile Gatorade Duel qualifying race leading up to last week’s Daytona 500, Burton traded his helmet for his favorite hat: The Worn to Perfection baseball cap, from the BDA-managed Cat Store.
|
Four Top Finds from the Seattle Gift ShowMore than 3,000 brands were on display at last week's winter edition of the Seattle Gift Show at the Washington Trade & Convention Center. BDA walked the showroom floor on the lookout for emerging trends, up and coming local companies and individual gifting ideas.
|
BDA Scouts Golf Trends at PGA Merchandise ShowBDA researched the latest product trends in golf manufacturing at the 58th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla. Nearly 1,000 golf companies and brands were represented at the Orange County Convention Center, offering a preview of what’s new in golf equipment, apparel and accessories.
|
For media inquiries, please contact Barokas PR: (206) 264-8220 | bda@barokas.com