How SBPR Secured 90 VIP Guests at the Launch of 1805

THE BRIEF

With one week to go before the launch date of 1805, a luxury Chinese restaurant in Bournemouth, the SBPR team were instructed to undertake 1805’s PR, create and manage the brand’s social media channels and deliver a launch event including the guest list and management on the evening.

THE CHALLENGE

We were tasked with sourcing 50 VIP guests and media contacts in just one week in order to gain coverage, create a buzz and get people talking about the restaurant in person and via social media.

THE SOLUTION

The team targeted VIP attendees from a select group of regional journalists, lifestyle bloggers, local businesses and the town’s hospitality and tourism professionals.

We thoroughly researched the guest list and sourced contact details to invite each guest personally. These invitations were managed, followed up and confirmed with reminder emails to ensure attendance.

To enthral guests from the moment they arrived, we devised a busy schedule for the evening starting with drinks and canapés, a Mayoral ribbon cutting, and a spectacular Chinese Lion Dance, followed by a delicious sit-down meal showcasing the best of 1805.

To enable first class coverage, the SBPR team researched and employed a local event photographer, giving them a thorough brief ensuring we had the shots we needed to achieve coverage. We also liaised with local press to secure coverage following the launch, sending out a press release and imagery, plus social diary style photos.

The team used their social media expertise to create an 1805 Facebook and Instagram Page for the restaurant and created content so that 1805 had a social media presence ahead of the launch. We shared photos and coverage following the event across both of the networks to increase engagement.

THE OUTCOME

Sunny Bird PR managed to secure an incredible 90 VIP guests on the night, nearly doubling the initial target!

The evening was an outstanding success with guests and bloggers posting photos on their social media channels all evening showcasing the food, cocktails and the traditional Lion Dance.

The Sunny Bird PR team followed up with each guest individually the next day, thanking them for attending and sharing the post-event press release and photography with the media attendees.

Following the event, we achieved 10 pieces of coverage (doubling the target of five), coverage appeared in the Bournemouth Echo, local magazines, online as well as on the blogs and social media channels of Bournemouth’s most sought-after influencers.

The Company Director Lin Xin said: “You have truly proved that I’ve made the right decision to work with your team. I can’t believe how quickly you get back to me and with great news as well!”

See More Of Our Work >>