For the first time in two years, following his arrest for alleged rape, Kobe Bryant will appear in ads for Nike which will appear in Sports Illustrated. "There is no change in Kobe Bryant's contractual status with Nike. Kobe's inclusion in promotional material for the Huarache 2K5 footwear product is consistent with such Nike endorsement agreements. Nike agrees with most NBA observers that Kobe ranks among the very best players in the NBA, and his training and preparation are key elements of his game," said Nike spokesman Rodney Knox.
In another simple but inventive marketing tactic, Mini ads have been placed atop gas pumps with "word of the day" trivia giving people something to do while pumping gas. It's a lot better than the cents off coupons for bland products like Coke of Mountain Dew. The words, of course, are related to the gas pumping environment. The word in this ad is "Spumped," defined as a condition that occurs when you get to the gas station but can't remember what side your tank is on.
AdPulp points to a Nike/Maria Sharapova brand rip off that could only come from sexually repressed Japan. A company called Sharanpowan is selling pillows shaped like the breasts and lap of the famous tennis starlet. We suppose playing with Sharapova's pillows is better than copping a feel in public to take care of sexual urges but this, one has to admit, it just weird.
While many might say blond hottie Gwenyth Paltrow needs no more association with the term bean pole as she, and all other Hollywood actresses, are skinny enough as it is. But, then again, when does a Hollywood starlet display rock solid common sense? While that may a bit too much over analyzation of the situation, Gwenyth has decided to become the spokesmodel for Bean Pole, a Korean fashion brand under the wing of Samsung. Bean Pole hopes Gwenyth's popularity will help make the brand a hit in the States. Recently, Paltrow also signed with Estee Lauder to face for its pleasures line.
Per usual on the eve before the first day of an ad:tech conference, the exhibit hall looked like King Kong's playground with large crates strewn about the floor, booths half built and trade show staff furiously working to put the puzzle together before the throngs of attendees swarm the floor the next morning. Without fail, the hall will look pristine by the time the doors open and attendees make a mad dash for free pens and other assorted tschotchkes. Admire King Kong's playground here.
Alongside the Chicago River and under beautifully sunny skies Sunday afternoon, dmg worldwide media unveiled its new look for its ad:tech shows to an audience of exhibitors and show officials. The new look will consist of the lower-case effect which will be implemented across all signage and the conference's website (launching Monday morning). Also announced was ad:tech connect, a networking resource providing attendees the ability to browse for product profiles, conference sessions, companies speakers and fellow attendees. ad:tech connect will also function as a networking resource where attendees can create profiles, search other attendee's profiles, send and receive messages and meet executives from other companies in the industry.
Additional images here.
