Let’s Get Digital
How We’re Redefining More Than Just The Conference
The goodie bag. There’s something ingrained in us since the elementary school party days that still gets excited for what prizes we’ll find in a goodie bag. Hollywood tabloids report on the lavish products inside every award show package, conferences boast their latest partnerships, and any time a freebie is offered, we all seem to perk up with that birthday-party curiosity.
So when we started to explore options for our SERENDIPITY goodie bag, we knew we had to make it, well, good. Sure, advertising the products and surprises we’re sending attendees home with might not be the driving force behind our ticket sales, but sometimes, that little bit of unknown is exciting enough to tip you over the edge when you’re debating attending a conference. Most importantly, it’s the perfect way to put a personal touch on our “thank you” to all of the incredible women that will take two days out of their week to join us for SERENDIPITY.
Needless to say, as we sat and brainstormed, the pressure was on. We had a list in front of us filled with brands and companies that we already have amazing partnerships with, plus many more we were hoping to secure. And then we thought, why not make this a “win-win” for all of us?
We’re in Silicon Valley, the world of many ideas, thousands of startups, and countless small businesses, meaning for many, it’s pretty difficult to get noticed. Match that with a thriving tech industry, the latest in digital marketing, and a tight budget that doesn’t allow for basic “brick and mortar” storefront costs, and it means that a strong online presence often becomes a company’s lifeblood for success.
Everything from a brand’s social media persona to their digital marketing tactics can often be the only thing that puts small ventures on the map, giving them the ability to ditch traditional startup costs and invest further in growth.
So, we’ve got small businesses trying to get noticed and an entire market of women ready to grab their phones and check them out. Why not do what the GUILD does best, and create a perfect match?
SERENDIPITY is about doing things differently, and our goodie bag is no exception. We’re going digital! Here’s how it works…
Besides our designers stepping into a creative wonderland to create a beautiful online magazine, we’re working with companies like Smith & Starr, Willow and Urban Remedy to give you exclusive discounts, perks, and curated experiences with their brand. Not to mention, a digital method of delivery is more sustainable and environmentally conscious, something you’ll learn more about in our SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY house!
We recently had a conversation at Sip & Style with the women behind two competing design businesses. They were sharing all of the ways that instead of stepping on each other to get to the top, they’ve been helping out their fellow females (including each other) in the industry when they can. That’s exactly what we’re doing with this latest SERENDIPITY development. We’re choosing as many female-founded businesses as possible, and thinking critically about how we can truly help them, and not just get our special discount and be on our way.
Through partnering digitally with each small business, we’re able to give them the brand awareness they need to grow, and they’re able to offer even bigger discounts, freebies, and perks on their services. Win, win!
And if you were worried about missing out on those big prizes that you’d actually like to hold in your hand, we’ve got a few of those too. At our closing Happy Hour, we’ll be raffling off unique prizes such as an evening of sailing around the Bay with GUILD founder Anne Cocquyt, $500 beauty bash at Benefit, or a wine-tasting experience in Napa.
We don’t want to lose the element of surprise, and so we’re keeping our most exciting partnerships under wraps. All we can say, is when you arrive and don’t see the tables of gold gift bags, don’t worry. We’ve got better things in the works, and you won’t have to worry about stuffing them into your suitcase on the way home.
Are you interested in contributing to our “goodie mag”? Let us know!
