Browsing Tag

Las Vegas

Behind the Brand: Lenovo

It’s one thing to like an electronics brand on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

It’s quite another to learn about technology trends for the new year.

Name: John Swinimer (@jswinimer)

Position: PR & Communications Manager

Employer: Lenovo

Education: English, York University

Professional role model: John B. Challinor – Director of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé

Describe your favourite part of your job in 140 characters or less:

I’m a tech geek – what’s new and exciting for consumers. I enjoy communicating new ideas and stories. I value relationships with journalists.

How does Lenovo maintain top-of-mind awareness for Canadian consumers?

Lenovo works closely with top computer and electronics retailers to spread the news for consumers. Lenovo also has strong relationships with tech journalists who speak about Lenovo products to educate consumers about their purchases.

Favourite memory of attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas:

My favourite memory of CES is rekindling friendships with journalists and making new friends along the way. Bumping into Felicia Day was also pretty cool.

What is the most buzz-worthy product that debuted at CES 2013?

Not to sound too pretentious, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon table top PC received a lot of attention from journalists and critics at CES, and it won many awards.

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January 31, 2013 by

Urban Outfitters’ Grand Opening in London

After Blockbuster closed its doors, Urban Outfitters seized the opportunity to open its first London, Ontario location. Transforming the former video rental store into an urban shopping paradise required over eight months of construction followed by final touches done by the chain’s visual display team.

Their extensive preparations certainly paid off and district manager Sarah Leising is more than pleased with how the 8,000 square foot space looks now. Eager to see London’s students visit and shop with friends and family, she’s confident that the store’s uniquely “eccentric” environment will make it a hot spot on Richmond Row.

Although Urban Outfitters has grown to become an international chain, Sarah emphasized that they make an ongoing effort to be “culturally relevant,” such as through collaborations with local designers and organizations.

To connect with London’s music lovers, the store is hosting a grand opening party on Thursday February 7. The Elwins, Eternal Summers and Richie Blackz will perform on the second level from 6-8 PM. Get there early!

Sales associate and MIT classmate Stephanie Edwards is excited to work there, knowing that she can be herself and have fun on the job. Her co-worker Monique told me she’s equally jazzed about her part-time job because she likes the store’s alternative vibe and the flexible dress code for employees.

I’ve shopped at Urban Outfitters in Washington, Las Vegas, New York, Montreal and Toronto, so I can attest that Urban Outfitters has a great selection and I’m excited to monitor new arrivals at their London store.

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January 30, 2013 by

Behind the Brand: Mirage Resort and Casino

It’s one thing to “Like” a brand on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

It’s quite another to learn about who writes those updates.

 

To debut the Behind the Brand series, Danielle Deremo shares advice about social media marketing.

Danielle Deremo

Name: Danielle Deremo (@SuperDaniYell)

Position: Social Media Specialist

Employer: Mirage Resort and Casino (MGM Resorts), Las Vegas, Nevada

Education: Hospitality Administration, Northern Illinois University

Professional role model:

It would have to be Kristalina Steininger, (@kristalinas) she took me under her wing when I was an intern at MGM Grand and she was Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage Marketing. She introduced me to social media from a brand’s perspective and taught me the rules of the road when it comes to representing a business in the Web 2.0 arena. Since I’ve moved on from my internship and began working at The Mirage, she has been a close friend and mentor of mine.

Favourite Blog:

As a big foodie, I really appreciate My Drunk Kitchen and The Kitchn. I get all my entertainment from MDK and all my recipes from reading The Kitchn!

Favourite mobile app:

Besides the regulars of foursquare, Facebook & Seesmic for my Twitter accounts, I am a big fan of Reddit Is Fun, SoundHound, and Path. And although it’s not an App, I’m becoming severely addicted to Pinterest.

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January 23, 2012 by

Cher Makes Music History

As the only musician with #1 hits on the Billboard charts in the last six decades, Cher clearly knows what she’s doing. Her most recent hit, “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me”, from Burlesque, won a Golden Globe for best original song on Sunday.

Regardless of what Ricky Gervais thinks, Cher is an incredible performer. Seeing her the night before my last birthday made it a magical and memorable evening.

Whether they’re songs suitable for a couple’s first dance at a wedding, breakup, or something sassier for the dance club, I hope she continues recording more hits.

The plot may be thin, but Burlesque offers a great opportunity to see her if you can’t make it to Las Vegas. With supporting performances by The OC’s Peter Gallagher and Twilight’s Cam Gigandet, as well as the always entertaining Stanley Tucci, be sure to check it out if your’re a fan of Christina or Cher. The movie will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 1.

January 19, 2011 by

MTV Presents Brandon Flowers

About 500 fans lined up outside MTV’s Masonic Temple Tuesday night to watch Brandon Flowers showcase songs from his upcoming album, Flamingo. To their surprise, the lead singer of The Killers later stuck around to share insights about the band’s future and the unmistakeable influence of their hometown, Las Vegas.

The intimate atmosphere and giveaways on hand are not the only perks of being there in person. Studio audiences also have the opportunity to see a performer’s range and witness how one do-over can make all the difference. His first performance of ‘Magdalena’ was decent, but he was much more energetic and charismatic the second time around.

While many young girls enthusiastically expressed their love to him, only a select few women in the balcony sang all the words to ‘Crossfire’ by heart. Overall, fans should expect noticeable improvements in Brandon’s songwriting, as he explained that he articulates himself better as he gets older.

After admitting that he can’t keep a beat on the drum, Brandon acknowledged his reliance on his fellow band mates and showed no signs of arrogance. While describing how he included individual members of The Killers on his new record, Brandon noted bass guitarist Mark Stoermer’s absence as an exception. “He’s there in spirit,” he laughed. After commenting that many of his songs take on a whole new life when performed live, Brandon quickly defended himself again, reassuring the audience that the album is a great listen in itself.

As expected, Brandon’s new songs sound much like The Killers’ past releases. His duet with Rilo Kiley singer Jenny Lewis, ‘Hard Enough’, offers a slightly different sound and demonstrates the power of a smart collaboration. After casually describing Tom Jones as “a cool guy”, Brandon added that he remains excited about working with him once they find the right material.

Brandon’s sentiment about it being an unusual recording process comes across in his lyrics when he joins the list of musicians connecting with lonely souls by asking “Is there anybody out there…”. His pre-show nervousness was a hot topic during the interview and it appears that we’ll have to wait and see whether Brandon gains more confidence as an artist.

Originally published on Sympatico’s The Hook.

August 27, 2010 by