Bolstering Annual BBQ Event Alongside Location Change

CHALLENGE:
From a backyard Barbeque to a local airport field, The Hartford Rib Off — a 2-day barbeque festival for a cause — needed to grow their 500+ attendees, increase awareness of their organization, all while shifting the venue to Hartford’s Riverfront.

SOLUTION:
First, we started with the data. The Hartford Rib Off’s troves of data allowed us to tell compelling stories and position the event’s founder as one of the most charitable men in Hartford. Working the calendar, we sustained relevance in news cycles and cast The Hartford Rib Off at the center of charitable storytelling and sales-making moments like Hartford’s Finest Hours (and many more across the year). To successfully bring awareness of The Rib Off into new markets, we partner with local businesses, infusing the Rib Off with human interest, and educate the most important media and influencers about who The Hartford Rib Off is and what they do.

OUTCOME:
The Hartford Rib Off successfully doubled its ticket sales in one year by aligning itself with businesses looking to make an impact and share in the charitable endeavor. With this genuine and community-driven approach, the event turned attendees into hungry evangelists who mark their calendars every year for the big BBQ.