The Nyad Swim for Relief promotion hit New York's Herald Square October 8 to 10, taking over the pedestrian plaza directly opposite Macy's. The public stunt kicked off a monthlong effort from AmeriCares to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy-related disaster relief.
Photo: Insider Images
During the 48-hour swim, spectators were invited to watch long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad and other supporters swim laps in the 40-yard two-lane pool.
Photo: Merlin Ural/BizBash
A number of celebrities and Hurricane Sandy survivors turned out to support Nyad, including Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte (pictured, right).
Photo: Merlin Ural/BizBash
Three large screens set up alongside the pool displayed a variety of Procter & Gamble- and AmeriCares-sponsored commercials related to their efforts in Hurricane Sandy relief.
Photo: Insider Images
The production costs for the Nyad Swim for Relief fund-raiser were underwritten by P&G brands—including Duracell, Tide, and Secret. Signage appeared in a number of different places, including on swim caps, towels, and a banner by Tampax (pictured), which invited people to write inspiring messages.
Photo: Merlin Ural/BizBash
The $100,000 raised by the two-day event will go towards Hurricane Sandy disaster relief. Nyad plans to continue doing charity work with her portable pool in tow.
Photo: Insider Images/Andrew Kelly
Bregenz Opera Festival
Every summer, the Bregenz Festival draws huge crowds to the shores of Austria’s Lake Constance, where a staggeringly extravagant floating stage set is built to showcase opera performances. The opera festival, founded in 1946, also includes a conventional indoor theater, but each year one well-known opera is staged on a custom-built, high-tech platform, with performers often using the surrounding waters as an extension of the stage. Last year’s The Magic Flute attracted a total audience of 202,663 for 28 performances.
Photo: Karl Forester
4. Use Them to Encourage Interaction
Hashtags that encourage interaction on site through gamification or another kind of activity are sure to facilitate broad interaction online as well. At Target's Feed U.S.A. event, menus encouraged guests to interact and mingle with tablemates through social media prompts on menus.
Photo: Nilaya Sabnis
