During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand ambassadors, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand strategy, celebration marketing, co-branding, customer experience marketing, marketing slogan development, merchandise, personal branding, product placement, and more.
WINNER OF THE 2026 WORLD SERIES
For the first time, the Milwaukee Brewers won Major League Baseball's World Series! As CBS News reported, "Wednesday's (October 28th's) 4-1 win at Tropicana Field in Tampa gave the Brewers their first title since their founding as an expansion franchise 57 years ago. It was just their second trip to the World Series, with the first appearance coming in 1982, when they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. The Brewers' opponent, the Tampa Bay Rays, also an expansion team, though from 1998, were seeking their first World Series championship as well, but the odds were stacked against the American League champions after falling behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. They were able to scratch out just one win with a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory in the 12th inning of Game Four on Tuesday (October 27th) to avoid getting swept, but the Brewers finished the job the next night...The Brewers won the World Series at a time when owners are pushing for a salary cap from the players' association because they maintain small-market teams can't regularly succeed. A management lockout is likely to start December 2nd and could threaten the 2027 season."
MLB'S ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD WINNER
Announced before the third game of the 2026 World Series, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was named as the winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The award annually recognizes the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. It is considered to be the league's "most prestigious individual player honor." Lindor is the fifth member of the New York Mets and fifth Puerto Rican player to win. While the award started in 1971, it took Clemente's name in 1973. He died in a plane crash on December 31st, 1972, while trying to bring aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Since 2022, award winners are able to wear a "Number 21" patch on their caps for the rest of their careers.
According to WDHAFM, "Since 2020, Lindor has given more than $1 million to build Lindor Hall, a two-story middle school building at Montverde Academy in Florida. He started the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund at the school also. This year brought a new project, Lindor's Leaders, which he started with New Balance. Students in the Sports Medicine Program at Bayside High School learn about mental health, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Lindor mentors them himself. After Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, he sent money to Puerto Rico. He rebuilt sports fields in his hometown of Caguas and hosted youth clinics. He joined Dairy Queen and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for Miracle Treat Day as well. In Queens, he and New Balance give backpacks and school supplies to hundreds of students every year. And Capital One, which sponsors the award, will give $100,000 to the SEEN Foundation in Lindor's name. He and his wife, Katia, work with the group. It helps families who live with disability."
CO-BRANDING: MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, MASTERCARD, AND STAND UP TO CANCER
At the end of the fifth inning of the fourth game of the 2026 World Series, play paused so that players, coaches, umpires, staff, and fans could take a moment to stand and hold up personalized signs honoring loved ones and individuals impacted by cancer. The in-game tradition is supported annually by Major League Baseball, Stand Up To Cancer, and Mastercard (along with World Series presenting sponsor Capital One). Since partnering in 2009, MLB and its 30 clubs have raised over $50 million for SU2C-backed research.
According to MLB, "The moment airs live on FOX and gives the entire baseball-watching community, inside the ballpark and around the world, the opportunity to come together in support of one common cause: fighting cancer."
CO-BRANDING: CHEERIOS AND ZIPLOC
USAToday reported, "Cereal lovers often worry about keeping their breakfast foods fresh. Cheerios is serving up a new solution. The General Mills-owned cereal brand has teamed with Ziploc on what the companies call the first re-sealable bag inside a traditional cereal box. Boxes of Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios with a Ziploc PantrySeal bag became available beginning October 27th, exclusively at Walmart.com before rolling out to retailers nationwide in the coming months."
According to Emilie Knox, vice president and business unit director for Cheerios at General Mills, explained, "General Mills has received letters, emails, and DMs asking for an easier way to reseal a cereal box, and we decided it was time to partner with the ultimate freshness brand: Ziploc. Cheerios with Ziploc PantrySeal takes a small, everyday cereal frustration and finally gives consumers the simple solution they've been asking for, making the whole routine easier and more enjoyable."
SLOGAN FOR THE LA 2028 OLYMPICS: "STARS ALIGN"
Every Olympics and Paralympics get the chance to create a slogan that defines their Games - just like each Olympics and Paralympics have their own logos and mascots. Alongside the Olympic motto ("Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together") and the Paralympic motto ("Change Starts with Sport"), each Organizing Committee develops a slogan that reflects the character of its host city, region, and country, as well as the spirit of its event.
According to LA28 on Twitter/X, "Part rallying cry, part intention, the slogan is an invitation to the world. Our slogan is about the magic that happens when preparation meets opportunity. It's about creating something extraordinary together. When the Hollywood stage meets the biggest stage in sports. When the home team meets the home turf. When the triumph of sport meets the city of dreams. Stars Align. In 2028, perseverance and the perfect moment will unite to unleash magic. On the field, in the stands, at home, in your city and community. This is Stars Align."
According to LA28 Olympics website, "The idea behind "Stars Align" is that something extraordinary can happen when dedication meets opportunity. For LA28, that means athletes and coaches bringing years of work to the Games, supported by volunteers, partners, businesses, and communities across California and beyond, united in welcoming the world to the US. The slogan also draws on Los Angeles' global association with entertainment and creativity, while looking ahead to a historic chapter in the city's sporting history. In 2028, Los Angeles will become the third city to host the Olympic Games three times, following its previous editions in 1932 and 1984. It will also stage the Paralympic Games for the first time since they began in 1960. These elements come together in the central campaign line: "In 2028, when the triumph of sport meets the city of dreams, Stars Align."
SHARE THIS: In 2028, when the triumph of sport meets the city of dreams, Stars Align. ~LA28 #LA28Olympics #Slogan #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog
NEW BANK FOR THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES?
Fox11 reported, "The Los Angeles City Council voted 11-3 Wednesday (October 28th) to move forward with efforts to identify $460,000 for a study examining whether the city should establish its own public bank, reviving a proposal that [previously] stalled. The vote drew sharp criticism from Councilmember Traci Park, who questioned whether Los Angeles should spend money exploring a new banking system while struggling to address existing city needs. Supporters argue a public bank could help finance affordable housing, support small businesses, and invest in infrastructure, while allowing the city to keep more of its money local...The effort to establish a Los Angeles public bank dates back several years. In October 2021, the City Council voted unanimously to study the viability of creating a city-owned bank and develop a business plan."
KRISPY KREME'S HALLOWEEN DOUGHNUTS
Available on October 30th and 31st only, the doughnut brand announced its "NEW BOO CREW DOZEN," that "haunted shops for two days only." The three Halloween-themed doughnuts included the Jack O, Spider Web Filled, and Frank (short for Frankenstein). However, earlier in October, from the 13th-to-the-15th, green glazed doughnuts were available. Interesting to note, how expensive is it to change product offerings so quickly?
STARBUCKS HALLOWEEN DRINKS AND MERCH
USAToday reported, "Starbucks unveiled two new Halloween menu items: (1) Black Cat Frappuccino: Chocolate cake-flavored creme-based Frappuccino with whipped cream and a piece of chocolate shaped like cat ears; and (2) Venti Black Night Cookie: Black cocoa cookie with caramel fudge pieces and chunks of caramelized white chocolate. In addition, Starbucks also released Halloween merchandise: (1) Black cat mug ($20); (2) Cauldron mug ($17); (3) Black cat stainless steel cold cup ($30); and (4) Black cat Bearista plush dressed in black cat costume and green Starbucks apron) ($15)."
NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR DOLLY PARTON BRAND
ABC7 reported, "Dolly Parton's niece, Danielle Parton, has been named the new brand ambassador for the late country music legend's estate, nearly two months after the singer's death in August. Danielle announced her new role in an Instagram video, reflecting on her relationship with her aunt and her plans to help preserve the singer's legacy. In her new role, Danielle will help celebrate her aunt's life and accomplishments while offering a personal perspective on the woman behind the music, according to a press release announcing the appointment. Danielle, a military veteran who served for 20 years and now works as a pilot and entrepreneur, said she has no intention of trying to replace her famous aunt."
DEATH OF PATRICK STEWART
Patrick Steward died on October 28th at the age of 86. While known as a Shakespearean actor in Britain, his most famous American role was as Jean-Luc Picard in the second television iteration of Star Trek, "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Beverly Crusher in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" series with Stewart, wrote in Variety upon hearing of his death, "Not only was he the captain of the Enterprise crew, he seems to have been everyone's captain because of how he walked in the world. The character of Jean-Luc Picard, which Patrick played brilliantly, was the antithesis of many of our leaders today.
What struck me as I scrolled through the hundreds of tributes was how much we humans desire good leaders. How, if we respect someone, we will work hard for them because of their principles. We follow them, emulate them because they enlighten us. They give us hope. Their dedication to fairness and righteousness inspires us. We begin to believe there may be solutions to seemingly impossible problems. That was Jean-Luc Picard and the modus operandi of the crew who supported him. Of course, the vision itself was the collective vision of Gene Roddenberry and all the writers and producers of "Star Trek," but Patrick fulfilled that collective dream, our collective dream, by the way he acted the character of Picard and by how he carried himself in public. Patrick understood the need people have for heroes.
We want to believe in our leaders. Society suffers when we do not. If we fear retribution and feel there is no choice but to live in blind obedience to those in power, we lose our way. We lose belief in our institutions. Good leaders are those who urge us to step up and demand justice and truth. They spark our imaginations with their visions of a better future. They educate us. Without a belief in the basic goodness of our leaders, we lose faith in ourselves and our collective future. Our standards and principles take a dive.
A leader is also great when they understand sacrifice and responsibility. This is why, I believe, people tune into “Star Trek” or listen to Shakespeare, music, or art of any kind. We are searching for hope and elevation from the daily numbness or despair. A desire to do good in the world works better with both kindness and focus — and it works better when we are surrounded by art and invention that lifts us. Jean-Luc Picard embodied that ideal. Patrick's death means the loss of Picard, which for some hurts even more than the loss of Patrick Stewart. Jean-Luc gave us hope."
CVS TO SPLIT INTO TWO COMPANIES
CNN reported on November 5th, "CVS Health announced that it's splitting into two companies, marking one of the largest shakeups in the healthcare industry. It's a major reversal of the mergers that brought together the nation's largest drugstore retailer along with health insurance giant Aetna and pharmacy benefit manager Caremark. One company, which would house CVS's 9,000 retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacy and MinuteClinic, will be named "CVS Pharmacy." The other, comprising of Aetna, Caremark, a specialty drug business, and two companies that CVS acquired that provide primary care and in-home health evaluations to senior citizens, will be called "CVS Health" in the interim. The separation is expected to close in early 2028. The breakup unwinds a strategy that began in 2007, when CVS merged with Caremark, which handles prescription benefits available to people with health insurance. In 2018, CVS acquired Aetna for $69 billion. The company split will have little impact on the way people shop at CVS – the company didn't announce any closures as part of the news, nor will affect what patients pay for prescriptions."
"ER" VERSUS "THE PITT"
CBS News reported, "A California appeals court has found that the two medical dramas "ER" and "The Pitt" have enough similarity that a lawsuit brought by the widow and estate of "ER" creator Michael Crichton alleging "The Pitt" is an unauthorized reboot can move forward. But the judges dismissed Noah Wyle - the star of both shows and a producer on "The Pitt" - as a defendant along with two other producers who worked on both series. The lawsuit is a clash between the makers of multiple Emmy-winning TV series that were each among the most important and acclaimed shows of their eras...Sherri Crichton's lawsuit alleges "The Pitt" is a rebranded version of an unauthorized "ER" reboot that she had rejected. Her husband had secured a coveted "frozen rights" provision in his contract for the series, prohibiting Warner Bros. from proceeding with any sequels, remakes, spinoffs, or other productions derived from "ER" without Crichton's consent, or his estate's consent after his death from cancer in 2008. After the production company could not reach an agreement with Sherri Crichton over a proposed "ER" reboot, the TV studio proceeded to develop and produce a series based on the same premise without permission, according to the lawsuit."
FULL PAGE AD BY LUKA DONCIC
In our social media era, sadly, print publications are slowly dying. So, when we see a full-page ad in a newspaper from a sports team, an athlete, a politician, etc., we notice.
YahooSports reported, "To mark the eve of the Lakers' season-opener against the Golden State Warriors, the LA Laker player Luka Dončić took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times on October 21st, commending fans for their support of the Los Angeles Lakers. And he had a message for Lakers fans."
Dončić wrote, "Every player dreams of holding that trophy. To do it for all you amazing fans would mean everything to us. Each of us understands what it means to put on this purple and gold jersey and follow the players who wore it before us. It means so much because of the passion and dedication that generations of you all have shown for this team. We have a special team. We know what you expect, and we are going to do everything in our power to deliver it. From the moment I arrived in LA, you welcomed me with open arms. That is something I will never forget. So here is my promise to you: we are going to give you everything we have, every single night. No excuses. No nights off. But we cannot do this alone. You are the best fans in the world, and we are going to need you. Every game, bring it with us. Let's go."
AMAZON TEAMS UP WITH UBER
GeekWire reported, "Amazon is bringing Uber Eats inside its own app, letting U.S. Prime members order restaurant delivery without a separate Uber account and skip the delivery fee on orders of $25 or more. The new Prime benefit covers hundreds of thousands of restaurants in nearly 10,000 U.S. cities and towns, from major metros to rural communities. Orders are placed with existing Amazon logins and payment methods, on Amazon.com or in the Amazon Shopping app."
TESLA ANNOUNCES END OF ITS CYBERTRUCK
CNN reported, " It looks like the end of the road for the Cybertruck. Elon Musk said on November 6th that Tesla will wind down production of the vehicle at its factory in Austin, Texas, the only plant that makes the polarizing truck. The change will start around the middle of 2027 to make room for increased Cybercab production...Fans of Tesla and Musk loved the Cybertruck's distinctive design. But its social media critics thought otherwise, referring to it as "dumpster chic," and the vehicle was ultimately an underperformer."
INCREASE IN SALES OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
The Wall St. Journal reported, "Americans cut back on boats and RVs but cannot stop buying Harley-Davidsons. The motorcycle maker sees its first sales boost in years as riders respond to new models and cheap financing. This comes despite a general downturn in the recreational consumer goods market, driven by high interest rates and economic anxiety."
According to Gurufocus, "Harley-Davidson's recent sales growth is noteworthy, especially considering the broader economic landscape. The motorcycle manufacturer has experienced a 4 percent increase in global sales this year, marking its first potential annual growth since 2021. The surge in sales can be attributed to the introduction of new models that cater to older riders, as well as mid-range offerings like the Super Glide and Deadwood, which have resonated well with consumers. The company’s CEO emphasized that the passion for motorcycling among enthusiasts is helping the brand overcome macroeconomic headwinds."
KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA'S PRE-DINNER RITUAL
HarpersBazaar reported, "Royals, they're just like us. Speaking for an upcoming BBC documentary The Book That Changed My Life, Queen Camilla shared some tidbits about what life in the palace looks like for herself and husband King Charles, and of course, it involves plenty of books.
Queen Camilla said, "My husband and I actually read before dinner. We just like sitting quietly and reading. I occasionally, when I'm deep in a book, hear him roaring with laughter about something. It's very off-putting, I can't get back into my book, or I'll suddenly start weeping, but it's a lovely, quiet time...I think it would be a complete and utter tragedy if books went [away] forever. It's part of our heritage, if there's no reading, personally [I think] we might as well all give up. Because I don't think we'd even be human any longer."
NASA OFFERS BOARDING PASSES FOR YOUR NAME
According to NASA, "In 2028, NASA launches its Dragonfly rotorcraft toward one of the most extraordinary destinations in the solar system: Saturn's moon Titan. Sign up to have your name placed on a chip aboard Dragonfly and get your personalized Boarding Pass for this daring exploration adventure. Nearly a billion miles away, an extraordinary destination awaits. Titan has an atmosphere, rivers and lakes, seasons, sweeping dunes, and a landscape rich in organic material. Upon arrival in 2034, Dragonfly will fly from place to place on this intriguing world to uncover clues about this remarkable moon and the chemistry that could help us understand the ingredients for life. An audacious journey lies ahead — from final spacecraft preparations on Earth, launch, to a voyage across the solar system and arrival at Titan. And that's when the real adventure begins. When you sign up, be sure to opt in to Dragonfly mission's email list to join the virtual guest program and receive mission updates to come along for the adventure! Let us know you've joined the adventure on social media. Tag @NASASolarSystem and the crewmates you're bringing along on the journey to Titan."
COLLINS ENGLISH DICTIONARY ANNOUNCES WORD OF THE YEAR
AP reported on November 3rd, "Collins Dictionary has named MOGGING — a slang word meaning to outshine someone or something — as its word of the year. Dictionary experts said that the word, most often used by young people "in a playful and ironic way when someone is upstaged," has entered mainstream language and saw a 210 percent increase in usage during 2026. The dictionary said that its experts monitor the 27-billion-word database, which draws from sources including social media, to create its annual list of words that reflect the ever-evolving English language."
According to Alex Beecroft, Collins managing director, "Choosing mogging shows how each generation leaves its mark on language. It's a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and mogging the rest of us."
DICTIONARY.COM ANNOUNCES WORD OF THE YEAR
The online dictionary brand announced on its website on October 25th, "Every year, Dictionary.com's Word of the Year and short-listed nominees capture the trends in language and culture. The winner is one that feels especially relevant to our collective journey through the year, and that's why Dictionary.com's 2026 Word of the Year is MAXXING. The roots of maxxing go back to words like maximum and related verbs such as maximize and max. Maxxing is a word that refers to the practice of pursuing an activity to the fullest or optimizing a certain aspect of your life...Used on its own or attached to almost anything else, maxxing can be earnest, aspirational, or mocking."
The four words that stood out during 2026 and were included on Dictionary.com's short list for word of the year were affordability, data center, odyssey, and unc (which means out of touch or uncool).
LEGO'S BLOOM EXHIBITION IN SHANGHAI
DesignBoom reported, "More than 380,000 LEGO flowers are spilling out of a former oil tank in Shanghai, forming a colorful wave that stretches 30 meters across the city's West Bund waterfront. The monumental installation is the centerpiece of the LEGO Bloom Exhibition at TANK Shanghai, where the Danish toymaker has transformed an industrial landmark into an oversized botanical landscape. Covering approximately 800 square meters, the temporary intervention brings together roses, sunflowers, tulips, and other brick-built plants in a spectacle that gives the familiar plastic pieces an entirely different sense of scale.
The installation, titled LEGO Botanical Wave, appears to burst through the concrete structure before spreading across the surrounding ground. Thousands of individual flowers merge into sweeping bands of red, yellow, orange, and white, creating the illusion of movement despite their rigid construction. The contrast with the cylindrical oil tanks is particularly striking: an architecture once associated with heavy industry becomes the backdrop for an improbable garden, one where every petal has been assembled by hand.
Participation is another important part of the LEGO Bloom Exhibition. In the interactive areas, visitors can assemble their own botanical creations before scanning them into a digital flower field, where their designs become part of a collective, continuously expanding landscape. The experience connects the physical act of putting bricks together with a shared virtual environment, allowing visitors to contribute something of their own to the exhibition rather than simply admire the finished installations. Running from October 1st to 29th, the exhibition is free to visit, with advance reservations required for the indoor spaces through LEGO's WeChat Mini Program. The outdoor installation remains accessible without booking, turning part of Shanghai's waterfront into a temporary garden of plastic flowers."
MIDTERM ELECTIONS: THE BLUE WAVE
On November 3rd, the Democratic Party won an overwhelming number of races, and countless political analysts called the election results "THE BLUE WAVE." Republican Ted Cruz described the Democratic shift across the country as a "blue tsunami." Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives flipped from Republican to Democrat; Democrats hit a new milestone and will send more than 100 women to the House for the 120th Congress in January 2027; and there was a nationwide list of firsts including women governors for the first time and black governors for the first time. Also noteworthy, a Senate seat was won by the Democrats in Texas for the first time since 1994 and a Senate seat was won by the Democrats in Kansas for the first time since 1932. (Note: Swing by my Blog on December 3rd to read about all of the inspiring firsts from the midterm elections.)
ELECTION DAY BAKING NEWS
NPR reported, "Election day can be described in many ways: stressful, overwhelming, anxiety-inducing — and the list goes on. But in Hartford, Connecticut, it's a piece of cake — specifically a multi-tiered red, white, and blue patriotic cake decorated with an American flag, stars, and a bald eagle made entirely of frosting...Election cake first appeared in Hartford, in 1771, when the northeast United States was still a collection of 13 original colonies. Connecticut was a pioneer in early self-government, and it was one of the only regions who could elect their own officials. So, election day was joyous. It was marked with parties, parades, and community-wide celebrations — often involving cake. But election cakes looked nothing like they do now. At that time, the iconic cakes resembled a tough, fruit cake, often soaked in alcohol.
More than 250 years later, Connecticut's Old State House hosted its fifth annual Election Cake Bake Off on October 26th. Professional pastry chefs and bakers were challenged to create a deliciously non-partisan, election-themed cake that inspires voters and celebrates American democracy. A panel of judges scored the cakes based on presentation, creativity, and of course, taste. The winning confection was crowned the official Connecticut Election Cake of 2026, and its baker received a commission to make Connecticut's Old State House birthday cake in 2027. This year's winner was a mother-daughter duo led by Sophia Grestini of Amy's Cakes LLC in Cheshire, CT. Their cake had four layers, alternating between sweet lemon blueberry and traditional spiced sponge flavors. The exterior was covered in red, white, blue and gold accents and featured iconic election day symbols like an "I voted" pin, ballot box, and American flag. On the second tier, handcrafted fondant figures of a donkey and elephant represented the two major political parties. Perched atop the masterpiece was a bald eagle sculpted entirely from frosting."
According to Nicole Sousa, the events and outreach manager at the Old State House, "With the election cake contest, we're trying to bring joy back to Election Day. It should be fun, it should be a way to show that you're contributing to your country and part of your community."
A FREE DOUGHNUT FROM KRISPY KREME ON ELECTION DAY
On November 3rd, Krispy Kreme celebrated Election Day by offering voters a FREE Original Glazed doughnut at participating U.S. shops. If guests say they voted or showed their "I Voted" sticker, they could receive one free doughnut - no purchase necessary. (Of course, who can visit a Krispy Kreme store and only get only one doughnut?)
According to Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme Chief Brand and Product Officer, "Showing up for our communities – whether by voting or volunteering at the polls – is worth celebrating. We're happy to make Election Day a little sweeter by sharing a free Original Glazed doughnut with our guests.”
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: General Mills and Olympics/Paralympics/NBC Sports.
Submit your name and email for a Boarding Pass and spot on Dragonfly's passenger list (by January 15, 2027):
https://my.nasa.gov/specialevents/s/send-your-name-with-dragonfly
Check out the MLB/Stand Up to Cancer
https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together/stand-up-to-cancer
Create your own Stand Up placard:
https://standuptocancer.org/create-your-placard/
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