Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Today is Save the Elephant Day!

Today is Save the Elephant Day. The purpose is to draw attention to the threats facing elephants including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Established by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand in 2012, Save the Elephant Day is observed annually on April 16th.

Elephants are the largest land animals and are spread across Africa and Asia. Recent studies estimate that there are approximately 400,000 elephants across the African continent, and although the situation differs from country to country, the giant mammals are in decline. Human activities such as poaching for ivory remain a significant reason. However, in 1989, Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned most international commercial ivory trade marking a turning point in coordinated elephant protection; and in 2018, China, the world's largest ivory market, banned all ivory sales.

Check out these interesting facts about elephants:

(1) Species are distinguished by their ears. The ears of African elephants are much larger than Asian elephants.

(2) An elephant calf can stand within 20 minutes of being born and is able to walk within 1 hour.

(3) Elephants display a range of emotions such as joy, anger, and grief and live in complex social structures – matriarchal herds for the female cows and calves and a solitary lifestyle or bachelor herds for the male bulls.

(4) Elephants' impressive trunks provide them with an excellent sense of smell, a handy snorkel when swimming, and even a delicate nutcracker.

(5) Elephants throw dust or mud on themselves to protect their skin from sunburn and insect bites. It’s their natural sunscreen and bug repellent!

(6) Drones (or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have become increasingly important for wildlife research. With their buzzing propellers, which can sound like a swarm of bees, drones have been used to chase elephants from African farms. But when flown in a way designed to minimise disturbance, elephants learn to ignore them.

According to Days of the Year, "Research has shown that elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, remember the locations of water sources for many years, and distinguish between different human languages, suggesting a level of cognition comparable in some respects to great apes."

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some famous brands featuring elephants in their logos and brand storytelling:

EVERNOTE

According to Instagram, the brand's tagline is "Remember everything. Accomplish anything," and as a mobile note-taking app, it definitely delivers. The logo also features an elephant, an animal known for remembering. According to Scientific American, "Elephants possess remarkable, long-term, and spatial memory essential for survival, enabling them to recognize individuals, locate water sources over decades, and mourn the dead. Their highly developed brains, specifically the hippocampus, support complex social structures and navigation, allowing matriarchs to remember distant resources during droughts."

ANIMAL PLANET

According to Wikipedia, "On October 15, 2018, Animal Planet unveiled a new logo, featuring a symbol of a jumping elephant resembling the original logo. The new branding symbolized a new mission of keeping the childhood joy and wonder of animals alive by bringing people up close in every way."

THAI TASTE

In 2018, Thai Taste launched a redesign of its logo and features the subtle shape of the head of an elephant, the official animal of Thailand. The logo also changed from yellow gold to a vibrant pink, a color that has been associated with the brand since its launch in the late 1990s, to reflect all the vibrancy of Thailand and its culture.

SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

According to its website, "The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife and habitats. Working across Kenya, our projects include anti-poaching, safe guarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues, providing veterinary assistance to animals in need, rescuing and hand rearing elephant and rhino orphans, along with other species that can ultimately enjoy a quality of life in wild terms when grown. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a global leader in elephant conservation and one of Africa's most respected wildlife charities. Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the charity was created to build upon the conservation vision of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the founding warden of Tsavo East National Park, Kenya's oldest and largest national park. We are best known for our pioneering Orphans' Project, a first-of-its-kind program to rescue, raise, and rewild orphaned elephants and rhinos."

ELLA+MILA

According to its website, "Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after nail polishes, this line of lacquer was born from the simple idea of creating an eco-friendly yet high-end product. Initially inspired by the twin daughters (darlingly named Ella and Mila) of one of the founders, the luxury brand took sail. ella+mila releases a new collection of lacquer every couple of months, promising on-trend high-fashion shades and prompting many "FINALLY! The color I've been looking for!" As of June 2017, ella+mila has dipped their feet into the color cosmetics world and launched 10 liquid lipsticks. All the liquid lipsticks are enriched with Vitamin E and have a refreshing mint scent to ensure your lips are moisturized and smelling fresh throughout the day. With a passion for color and dedication to healthy beauty, the founders strive to provide fashion-forward beauty products without compromise. Like their nail lacquer, the newly-launched line of lippies are also vegan, cruelty-free, and proudly made in the USA. The deeply-admired luxury beauty brand continues to allure the world with its creamy formula and dazzling array of colors."

The elephant logo symbolizes love, family, and memory, reflecting the brand's origins as a family-focused, cruelty-free company created by Narineh Bedrossian for use when she was pregnant with her twin daughters, Ella and Mila. The playful image of an elephant on all of the brand's products represents the brand's gentle, safe, and vegan nature. Elephants are recognized for their deep family bonds, love, and loyalty, aligning with the brand's "Mommy & Me" focus.

HORTON HEARS A WHO!

Over the years, children have been introduced to elephants while reading the classic story, "Horton Hears a Who!," which was written and illustrated by Theodor Seuss Geisel under the pen name Dr. Seuss. Published by Random House in 1954, the book tells the story of Horton the Elephant and his adventures saving Whoville, a tiny planet located on a speck of dust, from the animals who mock him. These animals attempt to steal and burn the speck of dust, so Horton goes to great lengths to save Whoville from being incinerated.

"A person's a person, no matter how small" is the most popular line from Horton Hears a Who!. According to Wikipedia, "Horton endures harassment to care for and ensure the safety of the Whos, who represent the insignificant. Unlike some of Dr. Seuss' books, Horton contains a strong moral message, which has been identified as "universal, multinational, multi-ethnic. In a word: Equality." Horton Hears a Who! has been well received in libraries, schools, and homes across the world. The book has been adapted as a 1970 television special and a 2008 animated film by Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox Animation, and much of its plot was incorporated into the Broadway musical production Seussical."

BABAR THE ELEPHANT

One of the most memorable books from my childhood featured a family of elephants from Paris, France. The father was Babar, who was a fashionable dresser in his three-piece green suit, red bow tie, and either a black hat or crown. According to Mental Floss, "For some, more than an ambassador from an elephant kingdom, Babar shows the world what it means to be French—which includes exercising every morning before your croissant. General Charles de Gaulle famously loved the elephant because he gave the world “a certain idea of France,” and former cultural minister Frédéric Mitterrand bestowed a medal of arts and letters upon Laurent (the son of the original author)."

Which other famous brands either feature elephants in their logos or promote elephant conservation? Chime in and share.

Image Credits: Wikipedia (Horton Hears a Who!), Animal Planet, Bol.com (Babar), Thai Taste, and Evernote.

Learn how to foster future generations of elephants, rescue orphaned wildlife, protect Kenya's habitats, and support coexistence:

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Applause for an Impressive Nonprofit Marketing Initiative!

On the evening of April 14th at 6pm, there was an impressive fundraising event held at Christie's auction house in Paris, France. While I was not in attendance in person, I watched via YouTube and would like to share highlights.

NPR reported in late March, "Pablo Picasso's paintings are some of the world's most expensive works of art, sometimes fetching more than $100 million at auction. But, now, anyone can try their luck at nabbing one for just 100 euros ($116). France's leading financial supporter of Alzheimer's research is raffling Picasso's 1941 painting "Tête de femme (Head of a Woman)," which is worth more than a million euros ($1.2 million). Proceeds from the "1 Picasso for 100 euros" campaign will help go to fund research into Alzheimer's, a common form of dementia that is a leading cause of death worldwide.

The raffle was created and coordinated by French television producer Peri Cochin, who held two similar events in coordination with the Picasso estate. Claudia Borgogno from the Italian town of Ventimiglia won the still life "Nature Morte" (1921) for the inaugural 2020 edition, which raised 5.1 million euros ($5.9 million) for CARE International to rehabilitate wells and sanitary installations in Cameroon, Madagascar, and Morocco. And in 2013, Jeffrey Gonano in Pennsylvania/USA won "L'homme au gibus" (1914). That raffle raised 4.8 million euros ($5.6 million) for the International Association to Save Tyre to support traditional crafts in southern Lebanon. Currently, the paintings are held at museums near the winners' homes, though Cochin noted that selling the works is an option."

Picasso's grandson, Olivier Widmaier Picasso, a co-owner of the painter's estate, said that his grandfather would have been pleased with the raffle. "He was a very generous man. He was very discreet, but he loved to help his siblings, family and friends, and also people who were in need."

From a personal standpoint, I had never watched an art raffle for charity online, so this one was very exciting and full of anticipation. All 120,000 tickets were sold worldwide, and the winner of the Picasso artwork was a man based in Paris, France - he was phoned with the news in real time. He had only purchased ONE ticket the previous weekend. Wow! The raffle raised 14 million euros ($13.4 million), and after one million went to Opera Gallery for fees, the rest went to the French Alzheimer's charity.

Hopefully, other nonprofits were also watching - and learning - how they might add online art auctions to their fundraising tool boxes.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Let's Celebrate National Dolphin Day!

Today is National Dolphin Day, started by Earth Island Institute in 1990 after its successful push for dolphin-safe tuna labels. It's a day to celebrate the charismatic sea creatures loved for their playfulness and agility - and to also raise awareness for the conservation and protection of dolphins from threats including captivity and hunting. According to PunchBowl, "They are social, intelligent, and captivating to watch as they leap through the water. Dolphins are mammals, just like us, and they are also in the same family as whales."

Here are some ways to celebrate:

(1) Clean up a beach.

(2) Watch what you eat - choose dolphin-safe labeled seafood.

(3) Visit aquariums to learn more about dolphins.

(4) Use less plastic - marine plastic harms coastal dolphins when they eat it.

(5) Donate to nonprofit organizations that support ocean life.

Check out these interesting facts about dolphins:

(1) The most common species is the Bottlenose dolphin, but there are 40 other dolphin species.

(2) Because dolphins are social animals, they travel in pods of 5 to 700.

(3) Dolphins sometimes naturally develop a form of Type II diabetes.

(4) When sleeping, dolphins keep one eye open to breathe and watch for predators, allowing them to remain conscious while resting.

(5) Killer whales are actually dolphins.

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some brands featuring dolphins in their logos and brand storytelling:

MIAMI DOLPHINS

According to Wikipedia, "A professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area, the Miami Dolphins compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team plays its home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a northern suburb of Miami. The Dolphins are the oldest professional sports team in Florida."

ALL EVERYTHING DOLPHIN

According to the brand's website, "All Everything Dolphin was born in 2019 in sunny Sydney, Australia, because what better place to start a dolphin-loving brand than by the ocean? Our love for the sea (and the playful dolphins that call it home) had us thinking...Why not create apparel that captures their joy, energy, and, of course, their porpoise in life? With that, our signature cartoon dolphin designs, sprinkled with a generous dose of cheeky puns, came to life. The response? Flippin’ amazing! As more dol-fans joined the pod, we expanded the collection, creating even more designs to celebrate these incredible creatures. And because no ocean is complete without a few other marine mates, we made room for some new sea friends along the way."

DOLFIN

According to the brand's website, "In 1941, the company was founded in Shillington, Pennsylvania as Reading Airchutes, Inc. to manufacture cargo parachutes for the U.S. Air Force and was one of their main suppliers of cargo and bomb parachutes throughout World War II. In 1945, the company reorganized at the conclusion of World War II as Jean Vernon, Inc. which became a manufacturer of silk and nylon lingerie. In 1958, due to the company's expertise in the lingerie business and work with nylon and nylon blended fabrics, the company designed and launched a line of nylon racing suits for the competitive swim market under the trade name "Dolfin." In 1962, Jean Vernon introduced a line of lightweight track uniforms. From 1962-1968, Dolfin's rapidly expanding competitive swimwear and track wear resulted in a de-emphasizing of the Jean Vernon lingerie business. In 1969, the company changed its name to Dolfin Corporation and discontinued the Jean Vernon line of lingerie to focus on the swimwear and trackwear lines. Between 1970-1977, the majority of Dolfin's business remained in the competitive swim market, however the line of track uniforms became a leader in this limited market. And in 2016, Dolfin athletes posted a 2016 Olympic gold medal and multiple Paralympic gold medals and World Records."

DOLPHIN WORLD

According to the brand's website, "Dolphin World was started in 1995 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company was started with the premise to provide the finest Dolphin Swim program with opportunities throughout Florida in Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys."

Did you ever swim with dolphins? I did many years ago in Cancun, Mexico - and it was an unforgettable experience!

What other famous brands either feature dolphins in their logos or promote dolphin conservation? Chime in and share.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Recent Marketing News: Space, Paris, and More

During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand experiences, brand messaging, brand storytelling, celebration marketing, cobranding, destination marketing, language, performance marketing, personal branding, product pricing, special event marketing, sports marketing, and more.

COCA-COLA, MARCH MADNESS, AND CINDERELLA'S GLASS SLIPPER/SIPPER

Brand Innovators reported, "Sometimes it's the fans that make the magic happen. During this year's NCAA basketball tournaments, the Coca-Cola Glass Sipper will be awarded to the team in each of the men’s and women’s tournaments that defied expectations, thanks to the fans who pushed them along. The promo is part of a larger brand effort throughout the tournament, which includes the revamped television commercial. The spot celebrates fans through several colleges' fight songs. It begins with a basketball tip-off before showing fans from North Carolina, Duke, UConn, and other schools singing their songs with fervor as they get hyped up for the game. The spot will run through the national championship games on CBS, TNT, TBS, TRU, ESPN, ABC and on digital and social channels."

REMAKE OF COCA-COLA'S MEMORABLE 1971 AD

Muse by Clios reported, "Coca-Cola aims to slake a nation's thirst for nostalgia and deliver feel-good vibes ahead of our nation's 250th birthday with a reimagining of the uber-iconic "Hilltop" spot from 1971. It’s worth noting that the Nixon era resembles 2026 in many ways. A nation stood divided over a distant war, while large portions of the population found themselves at odds with presidential power. Then, as now, lunar missions offered renewed hope for the future.

Fifty-five years ago, the original ad by McCann played like an enlightened fusion of hippy vibes (diverse folks singing under the sun) and a classic Madison Ave. pitch (everyone, everywhere—drink Coke!).

This reworking feels far slicker and hella Hollywood. But that probably fits the tenor of these brand-soaked, media-savvy times. In essence, it functions as a tuneful, cinematic trailer, with aspirational Americana imagery at the forefront and inclusive messaging dialed up high. By its very nature, the brand has to aim for the broadest audience in a way that feels inviting but gives zero offense. Here, it does so with considerable style, hitting all the right notes without seeming too jingoistic."

CELINE DION'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO SING AGAIN IN PARIS

On superstar Celine Dion's website on March 30th (also her birthday), the global icon revealed her return to the stage by announcing "CELINE DION PARIS 2026," a five-week limited engagement at the renowned Paris La Défense Arena. The engagement will be held in Europe's largest indoor arena and last 10 nights (on Saturdays and Wednesdays) from September 12th through October 14th. She told fans:

“Over the last few years, every day that's gone by, I've felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. You've helped me in ways that I can't even describe, and I'm truly fortunate to have your support. This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life...I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September! I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I'm grateful to all of YOU! I love you all and I'll see you soon!"

SOCCER PROMOTES INCLUSION

The Times Union of Upstate New York reported, "Instead of having names on their jerseys, soccer players from Toulouse and Lorient had pictograms of different disabilities during their game on Saturday, March 21st. The measure was part of a French soccer league awareness campaign aimed at providing better long-term stadium facilities for people with disabilities. Seven disabilities appeared on the pictograms: visual, cognitive, hearing, intellectual, debilitating illnesses, motor, and intellectual.

The event was called "Most Inclusive Match" and was organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) in conjunction with Spain-based events planner World Football Summit and Portugal-based Integrated Dreams, a non-profit association working for the inclusion of disabled people in the sports industry. Prior to the March 21st match itself, awareness campaigns and a disability-focused job fair took place. A Toulouse business school hosted a conference on inclusion and innovation in education and business, followed by workshops. Several associations offered introductory sessions about blind soccer and wheelchair rugby, which both featured at the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024."

NASA'S ARTEMIS II JOURNEY

From April 1st through April 10th, NASA's Artemis II embarked on a lunar fly-by mission with four astronauts who made history by traveling to the furthest part of deep space than any previous human-led space mission. CNN reported, "Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell wished the crew well in a recording made two months before his death last August. Lovell said, "Welcome to my old neighborhood. It's a historic day and I know how busy you'll be, but don't forget to enjoy the view." The Artemis II crew carried with them the Apollo 8 silk patch that accompanied Lovell to the moon."

And from a marketing perspective, what a fabulous Artemis II logo!

KRISPY KREME GOES TO THE MOON

According to the sweet brand's website, "To celebrate NASA's late-March Artemis II mission — the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years — Krispy Kreme launched a limited-edition Artemis II Doughnut, available at participating shops nationwide from March 31st through April 2nd. Inspired by NASA's iconic imagery, the doughnut features blue vanilla-flavored icing, OREO crunch, white nonpareils, a cookies-and-creme buttercream dollop, and a red chevron nod to the NASA logo — all on top of the beloved Original Glazed. It's also available as part of the Artemis II Specialty Dozen, paired with six classic Original Glazed doughnuts."

APPLE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote on April 1st, "Fifty years ago in a small garage, a big idea was born. Apple was founded on the simple notion that technology should be personal, and that belief — radical at the time — changed everything. April 1st marks 50 years of Apple. From the first Apple computer to the Mac, from iPod to iPhone, iPad to Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as the services we use every day — the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV — we've spent five decades rethinking what's possible and putting powerful tools into people's hands. Through every breakthrough, one idea has guided us — that the world is moved forward by people who think different...At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday. But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today — our incredible teams around the world, our developer community, and every customer who has joined us on this journey. Your ideas inspire our work. Your trust drives us to do better. Your stories remind us of all we can accomplish when we think different. If you've taught us anything, it's that the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. So here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. Here’s to you."

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE IMPLEMENTS TEMPORARY PRICE INCREASE

As a result of President Trump's tariffs, the United States Postal Service announced a temporary 8 percent increase for the period April 26, 2026 to January 17, 2027 for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.

HIGHER PRICES FOR AIRPLANE BAGGAGE

Many airlines are raising baggage fees. Here are the details from BusinessInsider:

JETBLUE: The price of a first checked bag for a domestic flight has risen to $39 from $35 on non-peak days, and to $49 from $40 on peak travel days.

UNITED AIRLINES: United Airlines said it was raising the fees for first and second checked bags by $10. It will charge an extra $50 for third bags.

DELTA AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines increased fees for first and second checked bags by $10 from April 8th, and for the third checked bag, fees will increase by $50. The changes will not impact long-haul international flights or complimentary bag benefits.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: For mainland US travel, checked bag fees will increase by $10 for all tickets booked on or after April 9th. The cost of checking the first bag will increase by about 28 percent to $45, while the second checked bag will cost $55. For non-Hawaii residents, inter-island travel will also come with a baggage price hike for tickets purchased on or after April 9th: $30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second.

LAUNCH OF EU ENTRY-EXIT SYSTEM (EES)

Y Axis reported, "European border control is all set for a digital transformation with the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) effective April 10th. The new digital entry system will replace passport stamping with biometric data collection for non-EU travelers. The fully digital Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented across all 29 countries to increase efficiency and security. The EU has also introduced a "Travel to Europe” mobile app to upload credentials and passport details 72 hours before flying."

The individuals who are exempt from digital verification in Europe are:

* EU and Schengen citizens traveling across Europe.

(Note: Schengen refers to nationals of 29 countries, including 25 EU states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Bulgaria, and Romania. As of 2026, five European countries are not part of the Schengen area are Ireland, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Belarus.)

* Long-term visa or residence permit holders in Europe.

* Transport crew members.

* Armed forces personnel.

* European cross-border residents.

PICASSO ART OFFERED FOR 100 EUROS IN CHARITY RAFFLE

Opera Gallery reported, "The charitable initiative "1 Picasso for 100 Euros" returns for its third edition, offering participants worldwide the chance to win an original Picasso for the price of a ticket costing 100 Euros (approximately $116 US). Organised in support of Fondation Recherche Alzheimer, the raffle continues its mission of demonstrating how art can serve as a catalyst for social impact. First imagined by Péri Cochin, the initiative has already forged a philanthropic legacy. The inaugural 2013 edition raised funds for the preservation of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage city, with the construction of an artisanal village that helped revive traditional craftsmanship. The second edition in 2020 mobilised participants in more than 100 countries, collecting funds for the NGO CARE to support clean water and hygiene programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the funds will support research on Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dependency among older adults, with 35 million people affected globally. Following the raffle, Fondation Recherche Alzheimer will launch a major call for scientific projects across France, Europe, the United States, and Canada. At the heart of this edition is a gouache on paper by Pablo Picasso, Tête de femme (1941), valued at 1 million Euros, provided by Opera Gallery. With only 120,000 tickets available, the raffle offers a unique opportunity for art lovers and the general public alike, with tickets now available for purchase. The draw will take place at Christie's Paris on April 14th and will be broadcast live worldwide on www.1picasso100euros.com."

JACK IN THE BOX INTRODUCED SLIDERS

Nation's Restaurant News (NRN) reported, "Jack in the Box continues to turn up the innovation in celebration of its 75th anniversary, launching Smashed Jack Sliders on April 6th. Each slider features a 2-ounce seasoned beef smashed patty, melted American cheese, pickles, and Smashed Jack sauce on a brioche bun. As part of Jack’s 75th anniversary, the company is also launching a Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, featuring a surprise cup with a blind-bagged Jack pin inside. Customers who receive a colored pin score an in-app offer and entry for a chance to win $75,000, while the ultra-rare gold pin unlocks a $1,000 prize, plus the same shot at the grand prize. The slider launch coincides with increased demand for snacking options on menus. While overall traffic is down, snacking occasions in restaurants are up by nearly 7 percent, according to Technomic."

IN-N-OUT HAS NO PLANS FOR MOBILE ORDERING

In-N-Out Burger owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson recently told a college audience that she plans to keep the fast-food chain running the way her grandparents founded it - and that means no online ordering or pickup. She explained that the main reason for In-N-Out's success is the brand's version of customer service: the smile, the greeting, the culture.

DOMINO'S RELEASES SAUCE AND WATCHES

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "The fast-food pizza chain announced a new Slice Sauce, a dip designed for every bite of a customer's pizza, not just the crust. And it also announced a partnership with the Detroit-based Shinola on a selection of watches and leather goods that will go on sale starting on May 8th. Customers who buy one of Domino's premium pizzas through May 7th, the Handmade Pan or Parmesan Stuffed Crust Pizza, will get password-only access to shop from the collection at preferred rates. The collection ranges in price from $115 for a five-pocket cardholder to $1,350 for a Mechanic Watch. The watches and leather goods will be presented in black-and-gold packaging, much like the special boxes for Domino's premium pizzas."

STARBUCKS WANTS YOU TO STAY AWHILE

The Chicago Tribune reported on April 9th, "Starbucks, the world's largest coffeehouse chain, wants you to come back to your refreshed neighborhood store, grab a couch, and stay awhile. Starbucks unveiled one of the first Chicago stores to be "uplifted" under its "Back to Starbucks" restructuring plan, a campaign to improve performance and the in-store experience across the chain. The stand-alone store at 4155 N. Cicero Avenue in the Old Irving Park neighborhood features leather couches, cushy chairs, throw rugs, drapes, coffee-themed art on the walls, and a decidedly cozier feel than many of the 17,000 Starbucks locations across the U.S. Seattle-based Starbucks is planning to renovate 1,000 stores in North America this year and has already completed more than 200 coffeehouse uplifts across New York and Southern California. Renovations are beginning to pick up steam in Chicago as well. The Back to Starbucks plan, which was announced by CEO Brian Niccol soon after he took the helm of the coffee giant in September 2024, was a mission to improve performance, quality and speed of food and drink delivery, while "elevating the in-store experience" to recapture the mojo of the 55-year-old chain."

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S NEW UNIFORMS

MLB reported on April 9th, "Eight clubs unveiled a new wave of City Connect uniforms for 2026, and the bold new looks for the Braves, Orioles, Reds, Royals, Brewers, Pirates, Padres, and Rangers were billed as reflective of "the energy and pride of each club's community, offering bold and expressive interpretations that celebrate both team history and what’s ahead for the game." First launched in 2021, the City Connect brand of alternate uniforms have presented teams in novel color schemes, typefaces, and graphics that are designed to reflect cultural aspects of each team's home city. Teams are able to rotate in a new jersey after three years to debut a new look. For each of the eight teams involved in this announcement, it's the second installment of City Connects. Each club partnered with Nike and Fanatics, MLB's uniform manufacturer, to build off its previous City Connect styling and delve into other aspects of their city, region, and fan base. The new uniforms will remain part of each club's on-field rotation for multiple seasons to come."

The most distinctive feature of all the jerseys is the sleeve patch honoring Dia de los Muertos to be worn by the San Diego Padres. The La Catrina patch is a symbol of the holiday and celebration. She is adorned with a traditional floral crown, surrounded by ofrenda candles, set against the aqua backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The Padres will wear their new uniforms for most Friday games."

IHOP MOVES AT THE SPEED OF CULTURE

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "IHOP announced on April 6th that it trademarked the acronym BLTAF, playing on the informal abbreviation of "AF" to promote the latest addition to its $6 Everyday Value Menu — the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato (sandwich)...And Fries. IHOP's new BLT features hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted white bread - and now comes with fries or hash browns at no extra cost. With the trademark, BLTAF debuts in the Urban Dictionary, transforming a menu item into a moment."

IHOP president Lawrence Kim said that the BLTAF trademark proves that the company is following its "moving at the speed of culture" mantra. IHOP experienced four times the social media engagement in 2025 versus 2024 by bringing its social media team in house.

ITALIAN ROOTS MAY NO LONGER EQUAL ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP

CNN reported, "Since Italy became a country in 1861, there has been a surefire way to know who is and isn't an Italian citizen: look at their parents. The first page of the civil code, published in 1865 as the rulebook to Europe's newest country, declared that a child born to an Italian citizen was an Italian citizen. This founding tenet of the Bel Paese now looks set to change. In March, the Constitutional Court said it would rule in favor of the government and its controversial 2025 law that restricted citizenship for those born abroad. After the first of four hearings, a statement issued by the court indicates it will support the government’s position."

AUTHOR REVEALS REAL NAME

American novelist Freida McFadden surprised her fans by announcing her true identity after keeping the secret for 23 years and over 30 books. According to USA Today on April 8th, "Outside of the book world, McFadden is Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders. McFadden only created the pseudonym because she didn't want her writing career to conflict with her hospital job. Though McFadden is now "unmasked," she's adamant she's still the same writer her readers know and love. She's glad to have shed the secret she never meant to keep, but she wants the book world to still know her as Freida." She told Jenna Bush Hager that she missed out on huge book tours to keep her true identity a secret - and now, her books are being adapted into movies.

LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP AND KENNEDY CENTER BOARD

NPR reported, "A group of eight architecture and cultural organizations is suing President Trump and the board of the Kennedy Center over the planned renovations of the arts complex, which are set to begin in just over three months. The lawsuit seeks to have the White House and the Kennedy Center board comply with existing historic preservation laws and secure Congress' approval before moving ahead with the renovations. The lawsuit was filed on March 23rd in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, the DC Preservation League, Docomomo US, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Collectively, these groups have over 1 million members.

In the lawsuit, the groups wrote that the Kennedy Center has stood since 1971 "as a living memorial to a slain president, a national gathering place for the arts, and a defining landmark within the monumental core of the Nation's capital. Its Modernist design, grand public spaces and role as a premier cultural institution together form an irreplaceable legacy of history, architecture and civic purpose."

They argue that under President Trump as the arts complex's chairman, the president and his hand-selected board of trustees wish "to fundamentally alter this iconic property without complying with bedrock federal historic preservation and environmental laws, and without securing the necessary Congressional authorization." They cite the demolition of the East Wing of the White House last October as an example of how they say Trump is reshaping the landscape of the nation's capital, as well as Trump's repeated assertion that he intends a "complete rebuilding" of the Kennedy Center."

THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE - ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF CRISIS

CNN reported, "Air Canada announced on March 30th that its CEO will retire later this year, after Michael Rousseau was criticized for his English-only message of condolence following the deadly airplane crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Canada's largest airline, based in French-speaking Quebec, said that Rousseau told the board he will leave by the end of the third quarter. Canada is an officially bilingual nation, and Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Rousseau's decision to retire is appropriate. Carney had said the English-only message showed a lack of compassion and judgment. Quebec's premier and others called on the airline executive to resign."

Quebec Premier François Legault said in a statement, "I salute the decision of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to step down from his position. The Air Canada board of directors will have to ensure that the next CEO speaks French."

Rousseau previously had been criticized for not speaking French. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about it. Quebec's identity has been contentious since the 1760s, when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. Quebec is about 80 percent French-speaking.

According to Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, "Language is a highly political issue in Canada, and the Air Canada leadership has been aware of that for a very long time. The fact that Rousseau had promised to learn French back in 2021 (when he was appointed president of the airline) but failed to deliver amidst his sky-high level of compensation did not help him in the court of public opinion."

By contrast, Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said that he would rather the CEO of Canada's flagship carrier "focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training."

BRITISH HERITAGE BRANDS CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S BIRTH

According to The Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, "A collection of clothing and accessories made by British heritage brands worn by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her life went on sale on March 26th, as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth (April 12th) and her lasting fashion legacy. They also accompany the exhibition "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style," opening on April 10th at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace." Here were the brands:

Burberry was worn by the Queen throughout her reign and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1955. The Queen often chose Burberry for outdoor pursuits.

Launer London supplied the Queen with handmade handbags for more than 50 years and was granted a Royal Warrant in 1968.

Kinloch Anderson, the renowned Scottish experts in tartans, Highland dress, and kiltmaking, held Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Warrant of Appointment for tailoring and kiltmaking for the duration of her reign. Kinloch Anderson designed a number of tartans for the Royal Household, including the Old Stewart Tartan, underlining its unique place in Scotland's textile and ceremonial heritage.

The Queen would personally select her own handbag and gloves to complete an outfit and was rarely seen carrying out official engagements without them. Dents created gloves for Her late Majesty throughout her 70-year reign.

Floris was the only perfumer to hold a Royal Warrant from the Queen,

Beginning in the 1960s, the Queen became known for her use of transparent "Birdcage" umbrellas, designed and supplied by Fulton Umbrellas. Decorated with coloured trims to match her outfits, the clear umbrellas ensured that she could be seen by bystanders in inclement weather. For the 100th anniversary of the Queen's birth, the brand released a special commemorative "Birdcage" umbrella. The new design featured the "Old Stewart Tartan," which recalled the Scottish landscapes loved by the late Queen.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL

According to Marie Claire, "A monument honoring the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to be unveiled in London on what would have been the iconic royal's 100th birthday on April 12th. According to a new report from the Daily Mirror, the sculpture will live in St. James's Park in London to commemorate the former matriarch's centennial year. News of the new monument is part of the previously established plans for both a permanent monument and a national legacy program - both in honor of the former Queen of England. Instead of a statue showing Queen Elizabeth riding a horse, as originally thought, she'll now be standing. Sculptor Martin James explained, "After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen's monument will emphasize her role as head of state and proudly follows a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in a standing position."

According to the BBC on April 9th, "The statue of the late Queen who died in 2022, will be placed at Marlborough Gate, the entrance to the park. A companion statue of Prince Philip, who died in 2021, will accompany the Queen's monument. To make way for the principal statue, the Grade II listed Marlborough Gate will be dismantled and re-erected in modified form further south. There will also be a memorial path and a bronze wind sculpture in honour of the Commonwealth by Yinka Shonibare decorated with flowers and plants from each of the 56 member nations. A bust of Queen Elizabeth II will also be installed at the Birdcage Walk entrance to the park...The statue will not be far from memorials to the late Queen's parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and they are shown standing."

BRITAIN'S WEATHER IS PART OF ITS APPEAL

CNN reported, "Britain is far from the wettest place on Earth, but its reputation as a gray landscape populated by perma-sodden umbrella-clutchers is so longstanding, it's seeped into the national identity. When it comes to annual average precipitation, however, it ranks 83rd in the world, behind Colombia, the Maldives, Jamaica, and New Zealand, but more than the United States. However, while other countries battle extremes of downpours and drought, in Britain the rain hits different.

Of all the vignettes of Britain in the rain, however, perhaps it is that of the umbrella — hurriedly opened as showers break over the Wimbledon tennis championships each July, and used as an aerial conveyance by Mary Poppins — that endures. Fox Umbrellas, based in Croydon, South London, has been crafting umbrellas since 1868, currently producing 20,000 to 25,000 a year. Many view the umbrella as a "quintessentially British item." In Victorian times, a gentleman wasn't properly dressed if he wasn't wearing a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella, although today more casual dress has taken over."

Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA at VisitBritain, explained, "Rainy weather doesn't limit the British experience. It simply reveals a different side of the country, from our moody coastlines to our lively cities, and Britain continues to offer remarkable moments even on the rainiest days."

FROM "WICKED" TO LONDON MARATHON

Marketing Dive reported, "Brooks Running is one of the rare legacy brands that can still lay claim to a challenger status. The company, which was founded more than a century ago, has in recent years eaten into the category share of bigger rivals like Nike through a community-led approach to marketing, tapping into surging post-pandemic interest in marathons and other racing events while preserving a focus on performance products that has long endeared it to the athletic elite. Now, the Seattle, Washington-based marketer's attention is turning more toward the international stage after delivering record growth in 2025. During the first week of April, Brooks also launched a major new campaign starring "Wicked" superstar Cynthia Erivo. "Shine Under Pressure" follows the multi-hyphenate talent as she trains for the London Marathon while penning a poetic love letter to running."

APRIL FOOLS' DAY AND TWEAKED BRANDSTORYTELLING

And lastly, let's end this recent marketing news recap by complimenting the brands that stood out on April Fools' Day with their clever brand storytelling. They include the following:

RYANAIR

This airline brand is known for its friendly style of communication with customers and stakeholders. On April 1st, its Twitter/X post read, "After careful consideration, we've decided to shift Ryanair's communication style and tone of voice. From now on, we will be adopting a more corporate and professional approach in our communications. Thank you for the last few years."

A recent example of the brand's version of communication and humor followed candy brand KitKat's confirmation that its products were stolen while in transit between its factory in Italy and the delivery destination in Poland. RyanAir posted a photo of the front of one of its airplanes with five KitKat candies in the mouth of the cockpit, as if the plane ate the missing candy.

DUBLIN AIRPORT (IRELAND)

This Irish airport shared on Instagram with a fun graphic, "Slide into your summer getaway. Dublin Airport is launching a Park & Slide, a brand new way to start your trip. The service enables passengers to park at rooftop level in Terminal 1 and access departures via a direct slide system, reducing transfer time while offering a seamless, hands free experience with integrated bag drop support. Operating from May to September, Park & Slide will offer limited capacity with passengers encouraged to pre-book in advance."

BUTTERFINGER/TOP RAMEN

A few days before April Fools' Day, candy brand Butterfinger and instant food brand Top Ramen announced the newest flavor of instant noodles, "Your noodles just got the ultimate upgrade. Butterfinger and Top Ramen are dropping a NEW collab complete with a peanut buttery glaze and real Butterfinger pieces. Get ready because your taste buds will never be the same."

KRISPY KREME

This doughnut brand shared its April Fools' Day post, "Krispy Kreme x Mt. Olive Pickle Doughnuts are officially here...April Fools, but why do we feel like some of you would actually eat this."

And it appeared that in response to Krispy Kreme's post, cookie brand OREO shared its "Dill Pickle Flavored Fudge" cookies.

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Established in 1925, this university's colors are orange and green, so on April 1st, it was a surprise when the announcement was made that, "A new era of The U starts now. Inspired by the culture, color, and energy of Miami, the University is evolving its visual identity to better reflect the city that shapes us. Bold, vibrant, and impossible to ignore, just like Miami." On April 1st, the colors of the University's "U" were pink and blue.

CRUNCH

A few days before April 1st, candy brand Crunch posted, "You've been pairing Buncha CRUNCH with popcorn for years. Now it gets its rightful spot on the concession stand. Introducing the Buncha CRUNCH Concession Dispenser Experience, coming soon." And then, a post on April 1st, "The Buncha CRUNCH Concession Dispenser Experience was an April Fools joke. But maybe not anymore. Let's make it real. Drop a candy emoji in the comments if you want this thing to exist and we might just surprise you. We're counting eyeballs."

JACK IN THE BOX

Fast-food brand Jack in the Box posted on April 1st, "After 75 years, I'm making it official. This brand is bigger than any box we were ever put in, and it's time the name reflected that. Starting today, we're Jack out the Box. Same food you love, same late-night rides through the drive-thru, same me. Just with a name that finally matches the energy we've always brought. I've never been more excited about where we're headed, and honestly, it feels pretty good to be out here. This is just the beginning of the next chapter, and I'm grateful you're in it with us. Signed Jack, CEO, Jack out the Box."

OLIVE AND JUNE/GOLDFISH

Nail polish brand Olive and June announced "Pink Goldfish," its "Most Snackable Shade" with Goldfish crackers.

GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

Nonprofit brand Guide Dogs of America shared its April 1st post on Instagram, "Guiding you...when they feel like it. Happy April Fools." Further description explained, "Blue and purple colored background with the GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA - TENDER LOVING CANINES logo. The word dog is scratched out and CATS is written in red. The word canines is also scratched out and replaced with the word FELINES in red. The dog graphics also have cat ears and whiskers laid over them, and a cat is sitting looking up at the logo."

And while this product roll-out sounds like it should be an April Fools' Day joke, it's actually real news. Fast-casusal sandwich chain PANERA BREAD launched a new menu category that, according to Nation's Restaurant News, "bridges the gap between the core sandwich and salad lineup. They call the new item "Salad Stuffers," and there are two varieties. The Steakhouse Salad Stuffer includes crisp romaine and arugula tossed with a new Farmhouse Ranch dressing made with buttermilk, as well as tender marinated sliced steak, applewood-smoked bacon, gorgonzola, pickled red onion, grape tomatoes, and crispy frizzled onions, all stuffed into an Italian Stuffer Roll. In another variation, the Santa Fe Salad Stuffer includes romaine in ranch dressing tossed with grilled chicken, bold taco seasoning, roasted corn, feta, sweet peppers, pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips, all stuffed into the roll."

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits for top header image: Apple, Brand Innovators (Coca-Cola), Celine Dion, and Krispy Kreme.

Image Credits for April Fools' Day images: Ryanair, Dublin Airport (Ireland), Butterfinger/Top Ramen, Krispy Kreme, University of Miami, Crunch, and Jack in the Box.

Read my post: Welcome Home, Artemis II (April 10, 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/04/welcome-home-artemis-ii.html

Read "50 Years of Thinking Different" from Tim Cook of Apple:

https://www.apple.com/50-years-of-thinking-different/

Check out a series of British holiday photos featuring RAIN:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/aug/14/british-holiday-pictures-rain-raining-rained

Read my post: These Three Brands Definitely Understood April Fools' Day! (April 1, 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/04/these-three-brands-definitely.html

Read: The 15 Best April Fools' Day Hoaxes from CBS:

https://www.cbsnews.com/media/15-best-april-fools-day-hoaxes/

Check out this interactive version of before and after views of Starbucks' Chicago coffee house:

https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/inside-starbucks-chicago-cafe-makeover-softer-seating-local-design-invite-customers-to-stay/

Friday, April 10, 2026

Welcome Home, Artemis II

During the last ten days, NASA's lunar fly-by mission has captured the world's attention. As we watched the mission from Earth thanks to the Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, four astronauts made history by setting a new record for distance traveled into space. And today, the astronauts returned safely home.

To celebrate the Artemis II's inspiring mission, let's take a look at memorable social media posts from ten brands:

KRISPY KREME

This doughnut brand shared on Twitter/X on March 30th, "A historic orbit around the moon calls for a sweet celebration. Introducing our NEW Artemis II doughnut collection, inspired by the Artemis II mission - landing at a Krispy Kreme near you on March 31st for a limited time!"

And on March 31st, "The Artemis II Doughnut is officially in orbit. Artemis II will be NASA's first crewed mission to orbit the moon in over 50 years - celebrate with this limited-time doughnut before it's gone."

And on April 3rd, "Artemis II Doughnut Update: A successful launch calls for a longer celebration! The Artemis II doughnut is NOW here thru April 10th. Tune in to the live stream with doughnut in hand as we follow the mission all the way to splashdown!"

GOOGLE

This search engine brand shared an Earth and Moon themed Google Doodle on Twitter/X on April 1st, "Today's Google Doodle celebrates the launch of Artemis II, the NASA mission that will send astronauts around the moon and back for the first time in over 50 years. During the approximately 10-day voyage, the crew will test the spacecraft's systems while traveling farther into deep space than any human has gone since the Apollo program. This critical test flight brings us one step closer to long-term return to the moon and future missions to Mars."

MERRIAM-WEBSTER

This dictionary brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th, "'Moon' is capitalized when referring to Earth's Moon. It's lowercase when you're referring to other moons, or the web."

KLONDIKE

This frozen dessert brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th, "New moon imagery confirms Neil and Buzz left perfectly preserved possession on the moon. Talk about astronaut ice cream!" The image that accompanied the post was the moon's surface with a pawprint and a Klondike ice cream wrapper.

NUTELLA

This food brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th because a jar of Nutella was taken into space, "Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history. Taking spreading smiles to new heights." Then on April 7th, the brand's post read, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the Nutella jars."

CRUNCH

This candy brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th, "This just in: the backside of the moon is 100 percent milk chocolate." A photo accompanied the post with chocolate and a Crunch flag stuck in it.

ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA

This encyclopedia brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th, "The Moon is around 250,000 miles from Earth. It's so far that you could fit the other seven planets into the space between Earth and the Moon."

WHITNEY MUSEUM

This museum brand posted on Twitter/X on April 6th, "NASA has Artemis II, Georgia O'Keeffe has a ladder to the moon." The work of art was included with the post: "Ladder to the Moon" by Georgia O'Keeffe from 1958.

COLLINS DICTIONARY

This dictionary brand posted on Twitter/X on April 7th, "With the Artemis II crew heading home, it felt only right to make our #TrendingTuesday word moon themed. #WordOfTheDay is LUNAR. Adjective - lunar means relating to the moon."

NASA

And lastly, (in addition to a wonderful logo) from NASA on April 7th on Twitter/X, "Hello, Moon. It's great to be back. Here's a taste of what the Artemis II astronauts photographed during their flight around the Moon. Check out more photos from the mission here:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii-multimedia/

Would you like to travel to the Moon? Get in line!

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Personal Branding and #WinstonChurchillDay

Did you know that Winston Churchill was an honorary American citizen?

On this date in 1963, President John F. Kennedy presided over a ceremony that granted honorary citizenship for Winston Churchill, who was well-known for his leadership as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. However, he could trace his roots back to America by way of Brooklyn, New York, because his mother, Jennie Jerome, was American.

While Churchill was not present at the ceremony (he and his wife watched on television from England), his son and grandson attended. Churchill had been granted citizenship in eight individual states as a prelude, including Hawaii, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

The ceremony in 1963 was the first time in U.S. history that an honorary citizenship was granted. Since then, only seven other honorary citizenships have been granted.

Here was the conclusion to Churchill's statement as he reflected upon his honorary American citizenship: "Our past is the key to our future, which I firmly trust and believe will be no less fertile and glorious. Let no man underrate our energies, our potentialities and our abiding power for good."

Did you know that an honorary American citizenship is only symbolic? The title does not grant the right to vote, work, or live in the United States - and honorary U.S. citizenship does not come with a U.S. passport.

Since honorary American citizenship can only be granted by a proclamation issued by the U.S. President or by an Act of Congress, the person must demonstrate the highest admiration of the American people. During the ceremony in 1963, President Kennedy recalled how, during World War II, Churchill, "mobilized the English language and sent it into battle," and described him as "the most honored and honorable man to walk the stage of human history in the time in which we live."

So, from a personal branding perspective, Winston Churchill was truly one-of-a-kind. According to Forbes, "A personal brand is the acknowledged public perception of an individual. Personal branding is what you say about yourself based on your experience, expertise, core values, and key differentiators. Developing personal branding helps you be seen as an industry authority, grow and build trust with your audience, and ultimately make an impact as a mission-driven thought leader."

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Let's Celebrate Zoo Lovers Day!

Today's the day to be a zoo lover, zoophile, wildlife enthusiast, wildlife lover, or conservationist. Take the day off from work and share your passion for wildlife by visiting a zoo.

Animals are, without a doubt, the heroes today, however, since I always look at the world through "marketing-tinted" glasses, I'd like to share some memorable zoo logos:

LONDON ZOO

This zoo is located in London, England. It's one of the world's oldest zoos and opened its doors in 1847. The words in the logo are green to symbolize nature, and several animals are hidden inside the words' letters: a snake, monkey, and penguin.

KOLNER ZOO

This zoo is located in Cologne, German, and is one of the three oldest zoos in the world. It opened its doors for visitors in 1860. At first glance, its logo is an elephant. However, a closer look reveals a rhinoceros and giraffe - plus to create the elephant's back legs, the spires of the famous Cologne Cathedral provide a reference to the zoo's city.

PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM

This zoo and aquarium are located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A quick glance at the logo reveals a tree with two birds flying above it. But a closer second look reveals a gorilla and lioness standing face to face toward each other. Pittsburgh Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States and features more than 20 species of animals that are on the verge of extinction.

WOODLAND PARK ZOO

This zoo is located in Seattle, Washington. In its logo, several animals are featured: a lion, deer, zebra and flamingo. The animals are looking in different directions - toward the past or toward the future.

Do you know the world's oldest zoo? It's Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria. In 1752, Emperor Franz I had a menagerie built around a central pavilion. Originally, his menagerie of rare animals was reserved for the imperial family and noble guests, however, beginning in 1765, it was made available to the public. Today, Schonbrunn Zoo welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually.