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Clowes Memorial Hall

Situation
In January, 1997we were asked to help Clowes Memorial Hall, a major Indianapolis performing arts venue, re-establish relationships with local media, especially the trade media covering arts events and activities. Research indicated that media relationships had been neglected for years, with the last actual media event at the venue 10 years prior. Media coverage of the venue had correspondingly continued to degrade. Dittmer Wildey determined to begin an extensive media relations campaign to re-establish relationships with key media.

Solution
To accomplish this task, we developed a special event to attract and interest key writers and reporters in covering performing arts events at Clowes Memorial Hall. The objective was to have at least 50 percent of the key media attend a season launch announcement and reception for the hall on March 21, 1997. The event was held on the Hall's main stage with a multi-media presentation which included representation and remarks by the Hall Executive Director and the primary sponsor of the season.

Success
Of 25 key journalists invited, 15 attended, with three additional reporters requesting credentials. All critical media outlets were present. Many indicated they were appreciative of the opportunity to be reintroduced to Clowes Memorial Hall, and said using the main stage provided them a different insight into the operations of a major performing arts venue.

Extensive media coverage resulted directly from this event, and media coverage of Clowes Memorial Hall performances during the following season increased by approximately 50 percent.

This campaign was honored by the Hoosier Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America with a 1998 Keystone Award for excellence in public relations.