Schmoozing at Sunset

ACTION! That’s what’s in store for those who attend next month’s StarPower conference. This year’s Promotion Marketing Association conference promises a revamped agenda, A-list speakers, and a new format — all designed to attract America’s leading marketers. The event will take place May 22-23 at a number of trendy hot spots along Sunset Boulevard — think of it as a pub-crawl, Hollywood style.

Past StarPower events have been notable for the Who’s Who in entertainment marketing that turn out to see and be seen by those looking for promotional partners. This year’s event may set a new standard based on the strong program put together by conference co-chairs Julie Eisen of Coca-Cola and Rob Souriall of Hollywood Records. The event kicks off with a keynote by Rolling Stone magazine publisher Robert Gregory at — where else? — the House of Blues, in which he’ll describe how the magazine works to create value-added tie-ins for marketing partners.

Other unique sessions include an inside look at what the brand wants versus what the star is willing to give in a session called “I Told You I Don’t Do Commercials”; a first-glimpse of upcoming movie releases and their tie-in opportunities; and a how-to on leveraging the power of music promotions. There’s even a panel of retailers who’ll let marketers know what they want out of entertainment promotions.

Other perennial favorites are the must-not-miss Schmooze-A-Rama (this year at the House of Blues), where entertainment and marketing executives mix and mingle; and the annual PROMO Magazine EMMA Awards luncheon, where we honor the most outstanding entertainment tie-ins from the past year.

PROMO is proud to be a sponsor of StarPower again this year. The energy and enthusiasm that have gone into this year’s program is evident in the quality content. And the unique format, which has sessions taking place not only at House of Blues but the Hyatt Sunset Hotel and the Comedy Store, ensures you’ll get the true Hollywood treatment.

For more details or to register for the event, visit www.pmalink.org, or have your people call the PMA’s people directly at (212) 420-1100.

See you on Sunset.