Nebraska State Fair

A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON TRUST

With a history dating back to 1859, the Nebraska State Fair is a well-known institution, but delivering a relevant message in an ever-changing world remains a constant challenge. In IdeaBank, the State Fair found a partner who could tell the fair’s story in a way that resonated with today's audiences, freeing its staff to concentrate on staging a phenomenal fair.

Civic + Tourism

WE PROVIDE:

Strategy

Campaign Development

Media Planning

Graphic Design

FINDING A

PATH TO SUCCESS

The Nebraska State Fair approached us after receiving recommendations from some of our other clients. The State Fair’s team was going through a transition, including a search for a new marketing director, and we offered to step in and help put the fair on a successful path. We agreed to get together and solve any issues they had with marketing, communications, promotions and advertising.

DEVELOPING A

MARKETING STRATEGY

First and foremost, the fair needed an effective marketing strategy. We worked with them and their incoming marketing director to understand the fair’s needs and develop a strategy to address them.

With a strategy in place, we developed a marketing plan and produced all the materials, media buys and tactics to execute it. Our integrated marketing solutions included earned media, audience analysis and surveys, email, social media, radio and television, streaming media, newspaper, signage and more.

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BECOMING AN

EXTENSION OF THE TEAM

With the fair fast approaching and a new marketing director, the State Fair needed more than the typical agency-client relationship. They needed an agency that could function as an extension of their own team. Constant communication, including weekly in-person meetings, brought us up to speed and helped us understand their vision, goals, processes and traditions, as well as obstacles to success.

By keeping in step with them throughout the process, we were able to solve any marketing issues before they arose, freeing their valuable time to execute the 11-day fair, while we pushed the needle on strategy.

TAKING ON

MORE RESPONSIBILITY

After our first year of working together, we were given more responsibilities and executed them with even greater efficiency. The first year’s investment in understanding successful processes allowed us to concentrate more on effective execution with an eye toward growth. We continue to meet with the State Fair team weekly, discussing strategy and results with a complete trust in production aligned to goals.

MEETING GOALS AND

MOVING FORWARD

The success of our relationship with the State Fair can be measured in many ways. The first year included meeting goals for attendance and revenue, and in subsequent years, we’ve set higher goals. We’ve also reduced expenses and improved the user experience.

We’ve helped the State Fair through a transition in leadership, while continuing post-pandemic growth and regaining lost audiences. By partnering with the State Fair, we’ve relieved much of the burden on their small staff, allowing them more time to recognize the achievements of Nebraskans, celebrate youth and showcase agriculture while providing educational and entertaining experiences for all.

As with all our clients, we succeed by helping them achieve their mission and vision. Their success is our success.

8%

Increase in attendance over 2021

$1M

Increase in overall revenue over 2021

47%

increased reach on Facebook over 2021

$1M

Increase in overall revenue over 2021

READY TO START

YOUR PROJECT?

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FROM OUR BLOG

Celebrating Julie Fahrlander:

After nearly 25 years, we say farewell to our longtime teammate, Julie Fahrlander. From designer to Web Concierge, Julie’s creativity and care have shaped IdeaBank in countless ways. Join us in celebrating her remarkable career and well-earned retirement.
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