“Every communicator still needs to show up to the proverbial gym.”
Newsletter #120
This Week:
A Conversation with the Founder of Dear World
ICYMI: Event Communications
Spotted
Before We Go…
1.Meet the Messenger: Robert Fogarty, Founder of Dear World
Fifteen years ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Robert Fogarty started asking people in New Orleans who were rebuilding their lives to write a message. In one sentence, they wrote their stories on their bodies, which Robert then photographed.
Over the years, he has continued his project: Dear World. Robert gives people around the globe a mechanism and the permission to express themselves and share their most powerful and vulnerable moments.
Now, he also takes his project to the stage, creating an interactive experience that brings people together, builds trust, and fosters belonging.
An incredible storyteller, we were honored to get his perspective for The EO Report.
2. ICYMI: Two Important Event Communications
Since Robert is an expert in creating a world-class experience for event attendees, it seemed like a great time to remind the communicators behind the scenes about two very important event communications: the pre- and post-event emails.
Here’s a reminder about what to include and how to maximize this important opportunity to engage with your attendees.
3. Spotted
It’s not often that Nike fumbles when it comes to marketing, but they experienced a gaffe at the recent Boston Marathon when they were forced to take down a sign that prompted backlash. The sign, reading, “Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated,” missed the mark, with some pointing out that it “pace-shamed” runners and disabled competitors, all of whom qualified for one of the country’s most competitive marathons. It also signaled a misalignment with their mission to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Athlete is a term Nike defines as anyone with a body. This was a moment to reinforce the Nike brand. Instead, the risky humor undercut the moment to celebrate every athlete’s resiliency. The story.
Footnote: In today’s Meet the Messenger feature, there is a connection to this famous race: Robert Fogarty and Dear World returned to the finish line with a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, who lost both of her legs, and captured what it means to come back, to endure, and to redefine strength.
4. Before We Go…
From Axios: America’s dissatisfied workforce.
According to a New York Federal Reserve Bank survey, workers have never been more dissatisfied with their pay or ability to get ahead. And, with hiring at historically low levels, the pathway to a raise or promotion through a job change is disappearing.
From NPR: The analog bag: Gen Z’s answer to doomscrolling
A new trend: Gen Z are creating “analog bags” filled with screen-free activities, designed to keep phones in pockets. Think crossword puzzles, colored pencils, crafting supplies, and books.
Mathieu Kassovitz is making a bold prediction: AI superstars will soon rule the film screen, even as others push back—such as the Cannes Film Festival, which banned AI this month.
Forward this to someone you know who has an important story to tell. (Because everyone has an important story.)