It’s no secret that the Lehigh Valley is home to not only brilliant creative minds, but also wonderful history and breathtaking architecture. With that in mind, the Society of the Arts (SOTA), in conjunction with the Allentown Art Museum, has chosen Three Chimneys Farm, and its charming Victorian farmhouse, in Coopersburg for their bi-annual Showhouse.  And, in concert with local designers and landscapers, SOTA has transformed this 1876 property into a true work of art.

When it came time to produce a web presence for this one-of-a-kind work of art and craftsmanship, SOTA turned to First Generation to produce a website worthy of its beauty—and FG was happy to deliver. SOTAShowhouse.org stands as an online brochure for the event, offering information and history on SOTA, Three Chimneys Farm, as well as ticket information, an interactive map, and a full listing of all of those that made the 2012 SOTA Showhouse possible.
So, browse the website, and then take a trip to beautiful Three Chimneys Farm for a taste of history, beauty, and craftsmanship right here in the Lehigh Valley.

The 2012 SOTA Showhouse runs from April 28th through May 20th, and ticketing information can be found at www.SOTAShowhouse.org. Proceeds benefit the SOTA Print Fund and educational programs of the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley.

Nothing inspires fear quite like a networking event. What do I wear? What do I say? Can I bring my friends?

Last week, I had the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Creative Forum, a one-day event for producers to network with television executives and others in the industry. I learned that while being in a room full of strangers can be frightening, it’s also strangely liberating.

Unlike most networking situations where you’re free to mingle, this event was similar to speed dating. Every 15 minutes a bell would ring and we would move from table to table- meeting, pitching and laughing with someone new. It was intense, exhausting and surprisingly FUN!

Talking to a complete stranger is awkward for the majority of people and downright scary for others.  However in business, and in your career, networking is the perfect opportunity to meet new clients, work on your elevator pitches and, most importantly, venture out of your comfort zone.

So, with that, I thought I would share a few tips on how to make the most of your own networking opportunities:

 6) Mindset: The easiest way to tackle any networking event is to tell yourself that it’s going to be fun. And more importantly, that you’re going to have fun. Fear and trepidation are normal- but don’t let it control you. The right frame of mind can make all the difference between an engaging conversation and an hour sitting in the corner.

 5) What to Bring: No need to haul your computer or excel spreadsheets of your recent marketing trends. Bring your business cards and your smart phone (to show websites or video). This also frees up your other hand for a glass of wine!

 4) Introduction: Here’s what you need: a) a good handshake b) an introduction line: ex/ “Hi, I’m Bob. Nice to meet you” c) eye contact and, d) a smile. Even if you mess up the first three, a genuine smile will help you.

 3) Ask Questions: People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions and listen to what they have to say. But be sure that they don’t take-over. If that happens, engage the speaker and steer the conversation. As always find ways to mention how your business can help them and work that pitch!

 2) Gage the Conversation: We all want to avoid the dreaded silence; that moment where both people realize they have nothing to say to each other. If you can sense that the conversation is fading, thank the person for their time, exchange business cards and kindly greet them farewell. Quick tip: If you have a terrible memory, leave yourself notes about the person and what you talked about.

 1) Follow-up: Adding another business card to the pile you have in your desk drawer is useless. Put that business card to work! Email or call each new contact with individualized messages and references that are specific to your conversation. Even if it’s someone you know won’t be a client, a quick email is still a good idea. Most importantly, add each new contact to your LinkedIn account because you never know who they might know!

Happy Networking! And if you have any of your own tips, please share with us!

These days all businesses are cutting budgets in some way, shape, or form, including meetings and events. While these types of expenses can be viewed as ancillary and unnecessary, national sales meetings serve as a time to train, inform, engage, and energize a team of people who rarely are all together in one place but need to be like-minded in reaching a common goal. Team building activities that foster networking, teamwork, and trust among colleagues are key to developing relationships that cannot be formed remotely.

This March, First Generation had the privilege of once again planning and producing the national sales meetings for Crayola and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF), both taking place in Florida earlier this month. Both Crayola and MTF chose to rally their sales and marketing teams and refresh their outlooks and goals for 2012. Here is a look back at how FG assisted them in positively positioning their companies and motivating their workforces.

Snapshot #1: Crayola

To spark the enthusiasm of the Crayola team, First Generation created the “Ignite” theme! Using an Olympic torch graphic and Olympic spirit throughout the meeting messaging, videos, collateral, and activities, “Ignite” proved to be just the inspiration Crayola needed to return to their day-to-day responsibilities invigorated and ready to reach their 2012 goals, united as a team going for the gold.

Snapshot #2: MTF

MTF wanted to remind their sales and marketing teams that throughout its 25 years in business, it has experienced much growth and transformation that shaped the company into what it is today. The FG team delivered the “Evolve” theme, using a forward-looking font type and color spectrum. Using differently colored PowerPoint templates and changing stage lighting between sessions, the “Evolve” theme was executed throughout the meeting, showing constant change. The MTF team left the meeting armed with new strategies, ready to tackle 2012.

Both Crayola and MTF understood the value in maintaining contact and communication with their sales and marketing employees, planning for success in 2012. First Gen is proud to partner with our clients for national sales meetings. Need help planning one for your company? Just e-mail FG President Alex Shade at ashade@firstgencom.com to get started!

Born out of the science labs at Lehigh University and University of Oklahoma, EcoTech Marine (ETM) is FG’s newest client!

This fast-growing Bethlehem-based company engineers and manufactures programmable reef aquarium equipment that mimics native aquatic ecosystems within aquarium tanks. EcoTech’s VorTech propeller pump is the smallest pump on the market, taking up minimal space inside the tank and attaching to the outside of the tank via magnets. Their superior technology is tested and endorsed by marine biologists.

In the next few months, FG and EcoTech will co-develop ETM’s retail partnership program, which will include B2B interactive education modules. The program will reside online and will enhance communication with ETM retailers, as well as train them on the benefits of EcoTech products and how to sell them effectively. The education modules will be gamified to better engage and interest retailers and offer incentives to participate in learning more about ETM.

“We are very excited to work with EcoTech Marine and help them develop and refine their marketing strategies,” says FG Account Manager Sandy Friedman.

For over 20 years, First Generation has partnered with Victaulic to produce high-quality videos for various Web, trade show, and corporate video needs. While these videos have always proven valuable, the most recent video shoots and end products have shown the effectiveness of using video for engaging storytelling and how it can be useful for many audiences.

For example, after installing truss and a suspended drop ceiling in the studio, FG shot the installation of AquaFlex® braided sprinkler drops by a professional pipe fitter, as well as the  installation using the traditional hard pipe method, showing the reduced installation time when using AquaFlex. While this video was created for internal uses, the Victaulic sales team was able to gain knowledge about professional pipe fitters, the product itself, and how to position the product better over the competition and may potentially use it as an external sales tool.

On another shoot, FG shot a sales training video to explain how Victaulic’s new Vic-Press™ pipe clamping system works, simulating a 2” pipe installation. In addition, First Gen is editing the video for use as a promotional tool for the sales team to promote the efficiency of the installation process to their clients.

“The video work we do with FG has armed our sales force with compelling evidence that our products work as advertised,” says Scott Frey, Marketing Communications Manager at Victaulic. “This is especially critical with the specifying engineers that we call on. FG’s ability to respond to our demanding schedules has helped us meet very tight deadlines.”

Well-produced and edited video is a very captivating, storytelling tool for many First Gen clients. We’re very pleased that our videos provide multipurpose use at Victaulic. Being able to tell a story to many viewers with one video is very cost effective and strategic. Is there a video project you need help with? Just drop First Generation a line and learn how digital storytelling may work for your company!

FG Busy with Trade Shows, Sales Meetings, and Special Events

February and March were whirlwind months for the FG team! In just under 45 days, FG produced meetings, trade shows and events in San Diego, CA, Secaucus, NJ, Phoenix, AZ, Swiftwater, PA, Salt Lake City, UT, Houston, TX, and Philadelphia, PA. Here’s a photo re-cap of our travels:

San Diego – MTF’s AAOS trade show booth – we designed the displays, produced interactive programs, and ran the presentations for the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation.

Secaucus – Keystone Automotive Operations’ “BIG Show” – i.e. the leading distributor and marketer of specialty auto parts in North America’s exclusive customer and vendor show – we created a new brand identity for the Accessory division in just under two months. Keystone unveiled the new look at the show!

Phoenix – 2011 marks FG’s 14^th year producing and executing Crayola’s National Sales Meeting. This year the meeting took place at the Wild Horse Pass Indian Reservation in Arizona. The theme was Crayola NEXT, challenging their teams to think long term and visualize what the company will look like in 10 years.

        

Swiftwater – FG helped sanofi pasteur celebrate the work of CEO Wayne Pisano in February, after 14 years of service at the pharmaceutical supplier as a dedicated leader and public health partner. FG provided a/v and staging support as well as a commemorative video that was shown at the event and various graphic wall displays, reflecting Mr. Pisano’s accomplishments.

 

Salt Lake City – Once again, the FG crew hit the road for a National Sales Meeting, this time for MTF. We set up the show for 150 MTF sales and marketing attendees and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Snowbird resort!

 

Houston – No rest for the weary! Sandy Friedman jumped a plane to Houston to support new client Carpenter Technology at the NACE trade show in Houston! FG designed ads and pre-show mailers for their “Win a Metallurgist!” campaign, helped create booth displays, and created an iPad game to play in the booth.

 

Philadelphia – Finally, the City of Brotherly Love welcomed MTF and FG to the AORN trade show, where FG once again handled the a/v needs for all live booth presentations. It was standing room only at MTF’s popular booth presentations. Featured here are A/V Manager Bill Carmody, Account Manager Sandy Friedman, and Megan Schwab of MTF in front of the MTF booth.

  

Depending on your company’s sales cycle or marketing strategy, you may just be rolling out new ideas and outlining sales goals in the first and second quarter, celebrating and rewarding an outstanding sales force or making it a perfect time for a company team gathering to regroup and recharge. Sure, you can set up a conference call or a Friday meeting to discuss these things, but many sales and marketing organizations choose destination meetings to network and strategize face to face… and First Generation has the tools, ideas, and experience to help you plan a successful meeting!

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1)      Plan early – Destination meetings can take up to a year to plan, with the first step being site selection; First Generation has relationships in place with many hotels and resorts to help find a spot that is right for your company.

2)      Develop a theme – Rather than having multiple unrelated presentations, come up with a meeting theme, a common thread that ties everything together and gives attendees a rally cry; FG can handle this from concept to deliverables like PowerPoint templates, banners, and promo items that reinforce a meeting’s theme.

3)      Bulk up – Being on-site at a meeting can be overwhelming as keeping to a schedule and managing a larger group of people can be difficult; to fit your meeting needs, FG has A/V technicians and producers that provide on-site assistance so you don’t need to worry about things running smoothly – we do it for you!

If you are interested in partnering with First Generation for a company meeting, just drop a line to Alex Shade at ashade@firstgencom.com or call 610-437-4300.

Our CEO Bill Carmody at the World Gold Exhibition in Vicenza, Italy. The historic city of Vicenza is the center of gold jewelry manufactures worldwide. Vicenza is also where First Generation’s European satellite offices are located.

For Volvo Trucks North America, one of the keys to driving success is educating drivers to take advantage of the features and technology built into their vehicles and the best practices for maintaining and efficiently operating those vehicles out on the road.

One of the key challenges facing Volvo: developing engaging and informative content that fleet drivers and owner operators can access easily. To help meet this challenge, VTNA called on First Generation’s unique combination of expertise in media production, interactive development and instructional design.

 

First Generation partnered with Volvo to write, develop and produce 16 interactive online learning programs for their online Driver Development portal, www.edrivertraining.com

“When developing programs for learning and development, it is important that content is presented in a context that is relevant to the audience, in this case, vehicle operators” said Steve White, First Generation’s producer for the project. “We worked with Volvo to create a narrative that drivers will relate to and that fulfills the learning objectives of each program.”

Each program is multimedia rich utilizing audio, video, animated graphics, and interactive exercises to deliver content in a real world context. Everything was produced in-house at First Generation, including instructional design and script development, several days of shooting in our 5,000 square foot studio, several days of HD location production on the highways and roads of North Carolina, and the editing, animation, programming and testing.

Check out the first 4 modules for free at www.edrivertraining.com

In case you weren’t one of the people caught in traffic on I-78, check out our new FG billboard, located on 78E at Lehigh Street!