Marketing News of the Month: Sharks, Subs, Sunsets, and More

During the month of July, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand strategy, celebration marketing, cobranding, customer experience marketing, employer branding, holiday marketing, language, personal branding, product launches, social media marketing, special event marketing, sports marketing, strategic alliances, and more. Stories from the early part of the month were detailed in my mid-month post on July 20th.

38TH ANNUAL "SHARK WEEK"

According to Discovery.com, "Summer's most-anticipated television programming event, Discovery Channel's "Shark Week," returned for its historic 38th year on Sunday, July 26th at 8PM ET/PT. Since 2010, it has been the longest-running cable television programming event in history and is broadcast in over 72 countries." The main purpose of this annual series is to celebrate the ocean, dispel misconceptions about sharks, and increase conservation efforts for these mysterious creatures of the deep.

The social media marketing strategy behind Shark Week's promotions was creative and memorable - perhaps, one of the best campaigns I've ever seen! With a round of applause to the team behind the posts, here's a recap:

On June 18th on Twitter/X: The image was a reimagining of Mount Rushmore with different types of sharks (a sawshark, a great white, a hammerhead, and a whale shark) in place of American presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. A schedule of all the shows for Shark Week was included. This post set the stage for clever promotional posts that would follow throughout July.

Then, on July 4th on Twitter/X, a video version of the famous painting "George Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze was posted with the message, "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of sharks. The Fourth of July isn't the only thing we're celebrating this month! #SharkWeek, the greatest week in history, returns July 26th on Discovery."

Then, on July 5th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "A true work of shark (with painting palette emoji). When an iconic masterpiece meets the most iconic week in history (with a shark emoji). #SharkWeek returns July 26th on Discovery." The post was accompanied by the famous "Mona Lisa" painting by Leonardo da Vinci holding a shark.

Then, on July 8th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "This is what we call an iconic work of Sharkitecture (with a shark emoji). The greatest week in history, #SharkWeek, returns July 26th on Discovery." An illustration of a reimagined Eiffel Tower accompanied the post featuring a shark fin, shark eyes, shark teeth - plus many shark fins visible in the Seine River.

Then, on July 9th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "The birth of...shark? The greatest week in history, #SharkWeek, returns July 26th on Discovery." A reimagining of Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece, "Birth of Venus," accompanied the post including a shark fin visible in the water.

Then, on July 11th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "A Great Wall for the GREATEST week in history (with a shark fin). #SharkWeek returns July 26th on Discovery." An illustration of China's Great Wall reimagined in the shape of a shark accompanied the post.

Then, on July 13th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "The real culprit behind that GREAT wave (with a shark emoji). #SharkWeek returns July 26th on Discovery." A reimagined version of Hokusai's "The Great Wave of Kanagawa" featuring a great white shark in the large wave accompanied the post.

Then, on July 15th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "Behold...Sharkhenge. #SharkWeek, the greatest week in history, returns July 26th on Discovery." An illustration of Britain's Stonehenge featuring sharks instead of stones accompanied the post.

Then, on July 17th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "Our kinda jewelry (followed by three shark emojis). #SharkWeek returns July 26th on Discovery." A reimagined version of Johannes Vermeer's iconic painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" accompanied the post, but in this version, a shark was her earring.

Then, on July 18th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "This shark knows ball (with a soccer emoji). Don't miss Jaws versus Orca when #SharkWeek returns Sunday, July 26th on Discovery." An illustration promoting the World Cup soccer FIN-ALS (get it, FIN?) accompanied the post. There was a reimagined gold FIFA World Cup trophy with a shark's mouth around a soccer ball instead of two human figures holding up the Earth. And both an orca and great white shark were included wearing soccer jerseys atop a soccer ball with the "Shark Week" logo.

Then, on July 19th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "We all scream for #SharkWeek (with a shark emoji). The greatest week in history returns Sunday, July 26th at 8P on Discovery." An illustration of a reimagined version of Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream" accompanied the post with a shark jumping out of the water behind the screamer's head.

Then, on July 23rd on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "A national treasure (with a shark emoji). #SharkWeek begins in THREE DAYS at 8P on Discovery." An illustration of a reimagined version of the Washington Monument as a standing shark accompanied the post - including three shark fins circling in the reflecting pool below the monument. 

Then, on July 24th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "Four score and seven bites ago (with a shark emoji and an American flag emoji). Only TWO DAYS until #SharkWeek begins at 8P on Discovery." An illustration of a reimagined hammerhead shark as Abraham Lincoln sitting in the Lincoln Memorial accompanied the post.

Then, on July 25th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "The stars, the stripes, the SHARKS (with a Statue of Liberty emoji and a shark emoji). Only ONE DAY until #SharkWeek begins at 8P on Discovery!" An illustration of a reimagined shark as the Statue of Liberty accompanied the post - and the book held in the statue's hand featured Roman numerals for 26.

And lastly, on the morning of July 26th on Twitter/X, the post's message was, "The biggest stars of the summer have arrived (with a movie clapboard emoji plus a shark emoji). #SharkWeek begins TONIGHT at 8P on Discovery." An illustration of a reimagined "HOLLYWOOD" sign with letters spelling "SHARK WEEK" accompanied the post.

Side note: I noticed that the above-referenced posts also appeared simultaneously on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Lastly, are you wondering why these posts were so memorable? According to an article from Global Leaders Institute for Art Innovation from October 2024 entitled, "When Art Meets Marketing: The Rise of Brand Collaborations with Cultural Institutions, "The fusion [of art with mainstream events] is an evolving trend that highlights the fluid boundaries between art and commerce. While such partnerships can provoke debates about cultural integrity, they also offer opportunities for creative expression and audience engagement."

SHARE THIS: The fusion of art with mainstream events...can offer opportunities for creative expression and audience engagement. ~Global Leaders Institute for Art Innovation #SharkWeek #ArtHistory #TheScream #MonaLisa #Stonehenge #EiffelTower #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WANTED: WRITER FOR TV SHOW "JEOPARDY"

CNN reported, "The head of the long-running, beloved quiz show with a perilous name is currently drowning under a sea of applications to join its staff and help devise clues, famously written as answers. During July, for the first time in the history of the popular game show, "Jeopardy!" opened its hiring process to the public at large, inviting anyone willing and able to be its next writer to apply, as long as they can pass a rigorous recruitment process befitting a TV show synonymous with some of the smartest people in the country. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the show's team of nine writers only arose because one of them decided to retire after three decades with the series. When the role was first posted online, it generated a slew of news stories that also undoubtedly led to an increase in the number of candidates...it could be as high as 1,000, all of which senior staff will need to sort through. The job listing noted that the new hire will be responsible for writing an average of eight categories each week (all sourced according to the show's rigorous standards, meaning no use of artificial intelligence or Wikipedia), devising last-minute replacement clues on taping days, and providing quick research during filming to assist with judging during game play. The role, which is based out of the Sony Pictures Entertainment studio lot in Culver City, California, has a potential salary of up to $172,000."

DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE A CHIEF PEOPLE AND CULTURE OFFICER?

Have you heard about the C-Suite role called "Chief People and Culture Officer?" Yum Brands has. Nation's Restaurant News reported on July 21st, "Nai De Leon has been named chief people and culture officer of Yum Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill. She will oversee talent, leadership development, total rewards, organizational effectiveness, and people operations across the company's global system, which includes 63,000 restaurants in 155 markets. She will report to CEO Chris Turner, who took on his role last year. De Leon joined Yum in August 2025."

Rebecca Christianson, CEO of Thriving People Consulting, explained the role in more detail, “Employee experience is treating your employees like important customers by ensuring their experiences at work are human-centered, use the latest digital technologies, and are personalized, compelling, and memorable. It's seeing the world through the eyes of employees, staying connected with them, co-designing people solutions, then implementing bespoke initiatives that meet their needs. To achieve this, companies need dedicated People and Culture roles."

RETURN OF MANHATTANHENGE

Coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in 1997, Manhattanhenge is the spectacular phenomenon where the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's east-west street grid. After visiting Stonehenge and studying the alignment of the ancient stones with the summer solstice, Tyson realized that the same solar phenomenon also happened in New York City. The best viewing dates for 2026 were: May 28-29 and also July 11-12. According to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, "These two days happen to correspond with Memorial Day and Baseball's All Star break. Future anthropologists might conclude that, via the Sun, the people who called themselves Americans worshiped War and Baseball. For these two days, as the Sun sets on the grid, half the disk sits above and half below the horizon - mirroring the way the sun aligns with the ancient stone monument of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom."

SHARE THIS: Future anthropologists might conclude that, via the Sun, the people who called themselves Americans worshiped War and Baseball. ~American Museum of Natural History (@AMNH) #Manhattanhenge #AllStarGame #DebbieLaskeysBlog

CO-BRANDING: MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND FIREHOUSE SUBS

According to the sandwich brand's press release, "Firehouse Subs, the firefighter-founded restaurant brand known for hearty, hot subs, announced its first professional sports league partnership: a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball (MLB), making Firehouse Subs the 'Official Sub' of MLB across the United States and Canada. To celebrate the start of the second half of the baseball season, Firehouse Subs will launch "Extra Innings, Extra Subs" – a season-long promotion that rewards fans all summer long. Beginning Friday, July 17th, any time an MLB game goes into extra innings on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, guests can buy a medium sub and get another medium sub free – redeemable the following Monday through Wednesday. The offer is redeemable through the Firehouse Subs app or at Firehousesubs.com with promo code "EXTRA."

Beyond "Extra Innings, Extra Subs," Firehouse Subs will also serve as Official Partner of the MLB PLAY BALL initiative and Presenting Partner of MLB Pitch, Hit & Run. PLAY BALL, a priority MLB initiative launched in 2015 under Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr., promotes participation in baseball and softball with an emphasis on casual play. Pitch, Hit & Run – celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 – gives boys and girls ages 7–14 the chance to compete in skills competitions, with Finals held at the World Series presented by Capital One. The partnership marks the first national sports league deal in the brand's 31-year history, launching as the MLB season enters its second half and the push toward October begins.

As the Official Sub of MLB, Firehouse Subs also brings its longstanding commitment to first responders to the national stage. A portion of every purchase at Firehouse Subs restaurants in the U.S. benefits the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has awarded more than $115 million in lifesaving equipment and resources to public safety organizations across North America."

Carolina Berti, Chief Marketing Officer at Firehouse Subs, said, "We weren't looking for just any sports partnership, we were looking for the right one. Baseball is that partner: a sport built on community."

CHICAGO BOASTS WORLD'S LARGEST HELLO KITTY CAFE

Chicago Sun-Times reported, "There's just something about Hello Kitty — the little cartoon with a cute-as-a-button bow. Sanrio's Hello Kitty has been charming fans since her debut in the 1970s, and she's landed her own pink-powered experience in Chicago. Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago opened as the largest of the brand's cafes. Visitors and kids of all ages can enjoy two stories and 8,000 square feet not just of merchandise and photo ops, but a full-service afternoon tea in the exclusive Bow Room and a host of Instagram-worthy baked goods."

THE SEARCH FOR HIDDEN GOLD IN FINLAND

CNN reported, "More commonly known as the home of Santa Claus and for its landscapes reminiscent of the magical world of Narnia, Lapland in Finland is inviting tourists to swap reindeer rides for a summer-long hunt for hidden gold. Participants will explore the trails and landmarks of Levi, a resort in northern Finland, known for winter ski slopes and views of the Northern Lights, where fortune hunters will be in search of a gold bar worth 20,000 euros (USD $23,300). The Midnight Sun Hunt began on June 18th at the Levi Visitor Centre, and the final clue will be revealed on August 22nd. Participants collected their first clue and registered for the hunt at the center. Afterward, further clues will be shared, leading hikers through local trails, attractions, and landmarks, each bringing them closer to the hidden prize. The gold bar could be found after any clue, organizers said, with additional hints being released throughout the summer, gradually making the location of the gold easier to identify."

FRANCE'S NEW SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

The Guardian reported on July 21st, "France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first EU country to ban children from apps such as TikTok. President Emmanuel Macron has championed the ban as a key reform of his final term in office and pledged to enforce it by September. After Macron's government suspended pensions reforms last year, a social media ban could be his last major domestic change before he steps down next year. Under-15s will be blocked from creating new accounts from September 1st, according to the legislation. Exceptions to the ban are provided for sites such as online encyclopedias and educational platforms. France will be closely watched by other European states. It is one of 20 countries worldwide to have proposed or introduced such measures. Last December, Australia became the first country in the world to require TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and other top sites to remove accounts held by under-16s or face heavy fines."

WORLD'S MOST LIVABLE CITY

CNN reported, "The world seems to be changing at lightning speed, so it's perhaps good to know that some things remain the same — at least when it comes to the most livable city. Copenhagen has taken the Number 1 spot on the annual list from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for the second year running. The Danish capital beat out Austria's Vienna, which previously had a three-year run at the top, for the second year in a row on the annual list, released on July 6th. The EIU, a sister organization to The Economist magazine, ranked 173 cities around the world on a number of different factors including education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture. Copenhagen received "perfect" scores in three categories, including stability, infrastructure, and education."

Here's the list of the world's top ten cities:

(1) Copenhagen, Denmark

(2) Vienna, Austria

(3) Melbourne, Australia

(4) Sydney, Australia

(5) Zurich, Switzerland

(6) Geneva, Switzerland

(7) Osaka, Japan

(8) Adelaide, Australia

(9) Vancouver, Canada

(10) Tokyo, Japan 

SEINE RIVER: NEW ATTRACTION FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS IN PARIS

CNN reported, "If you're visiting Paris this summer, you may want to add swimming in the Seine to your itinerary. And after the heat this city has seen in the past few weeks, you may absolutely need to. Paris just experienced its hottest day on record, with temperatures topping 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) in late June...Starting July 5th, Parisians and tourists can take a refreshing plunge in the Seine, for the second summer in a row. A century-old ban has given way to what is fast becoming a new Parisian summer tradition. The seasonal opening was timed to mark 250 years of Franco-American friendship. For American visitors, there may be no more quintessentially Parisian way to celebrate the 4th of July than a dip in the Seine.

Though many are treating river swimming as a modern novelty, Paris has a complicated history with the Seine. It all began in the 17th century as a casual practice straight off the river's sloped banks — a habit initially banned in 1716 on the predictable grounds of public decency. By the 19th century, bathing had evolved from a quick cool-down into a major social and sporting event. Wealthier establishments along the banks offered restaurants, cafés, and swimming lessons. One of them, the Piscine Deligny, became one of the city's most fashionable spots, eventually hosting swimming events for the 1900 Paris Olympics. The river's golden age began to fade around the turn of the 20th century. A wave of drownings and river-traffic accidents led to the French government implementing a total ban on swimming in 1923.

But the real death of Paris' swimming culture wasn't down to rules and regulations — it was caused by pollution. Water quality experienced a catastrophic decline throughout the mid-20th century. By the 1970s, the Seine was, in effect, a flowing urban cesspit: more than half of the region's wastewater was dumped straight into it untreated. The toll on its ecosystem was almost terminal, and by 1970, the river was effectively biologically dead, its fish population reduced to just three resilient species.

Serious efforts to reverse the damage began in the mid-1980s, leading to a political promise that would haunt French leadership for a generation...As recently as 2013, the Paris triathlon had to be canceled outright because the water quality was too dangerous for athletes. [Then] in 2016, mayor Anne Hidalgo relaunched [Paris mayor Chirac's pledge to swim in the Seine] ahead of the city's 2024 Olympic bid. This time, it took more than a billion euros and a monumental engineering project to overhaul the French capital's wastewater treatment and connect thousands of riverside homes to the sewer network for the first time. The massive effort to clean up the river was timed to coincide with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which used the Seine for swimming contests. And despite the city's trademark scepticism, around 100,000 people showed up in the first public season in 2025." 

This summer, there are three free public swimming spots along the Seine: Bras Marie near Notre-Dame (between the 5th and 11th Arrondissements), Grenelle facing a quarter-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty (between the 15th and 16th Arrondissements), and Bercy (between the 12th and 13th Arrondissements).

THEME NIGHTS: ATTRACTION FOR NEW BASEBALL FANS

Marketing Brew reported in July following the 96th Annual All-Star Game, "MLB theme nights have long been popular, but new trends are starting to take shape as teams across the league court families with theme nights tied to children's shows and women with book-related themes. The Boston Red Sox, which hosted their first-ever theme night in 2013, will put on about 60 to 65 theme games this season, which have become an increasingly important contributor to ticket sales, according to Travis Pollio, senior director of ticket strategy and promotions for the Red Sox. Some of the themes, like Toy Story 5 and Hello Kitty games, reflect MLB's recent focus on younger generations, while others, like nights for Fourth Wing and Heated Rivalry, indicate baseball's efforts to cement more women fans. But with each team playing 162 regular-season games per season, there's something for just about everyone. In 2023, the Red Sox worked with Warner Bros. for a Barbie theme game tied to the at-home release of the movie, renaming Fenway Park "Kenway Park" for the occasion, Pollio said. It was something of a turning point for the team's theme games, and was one of its first that went relatively viral. Several teams now host Barbie theme games."

According to MLB Chief Marketing Officer Uzma Rawn Dowler, "These games are designed for people who are not already baseball die-hards, meant to bring new fans into the ecosystem, and into our ballparks, that might not traditionally think to go to a baseball game."

And according to Alexandra Layman, senior manager of group events for the Seattle Mariners, "Books are the way of the future. We have a lot of female readers, and some of these big book franchises are very attractive, so I think that's where my 2027 [planning] is going."

Let's not forget this news previously reported back in May, "No ballgame experience is complete without peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Or, in Chicago, a pope hat. At the Chicago White Sox' game on August 11th against the Cincinnati Reds, all fans in attendance will receive a team-branded hat shaped like a mitre, the ceremonial headdress worn by religious leaders including Pope Leo XIV, who is perhaps the most famous White Sox fan alive. The pope's status as a certified White Sox fan has been well-documented: he was photographed in a White Sox cap at the Vatican and attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Naturally, that level of papal support was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the team."

However, according to MarketingBrew, "Once the newcomers are through the gates, the challenge then becomes getting them to return for themed or non-themed games. By and large, teams are attempting to lock in long-term fans by making sure that games are enjoyable and memorable." And as MLB Chief Marketing Officer Uzma Rawn Dowler said, "We want to ensure that the experience is top tier, and that fans are planning their next visit to the ballpark soon after leaving their first, if not before."

ARE YOU A "DESIGNATED SCROLLER" AT DISNEY THEME PARKS?

Entertainment reporter Ben Fritz wrote in The Wall Street Journal, "Disney Is the Happiest Place on Earth, unless you're the designated scroller. To avoid endless lines, one person in every party has to manically book and revise ride reservations on their phone...As you enter Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom these days and walk down Main Street, you'll notice something disconcerting: Everyone is furiously typing on their phones. They're not (only) scrolling TikTok. They're making reservations for Lightning Lanes, the system Disney visitors use to manage ride reservations. Lightning Lanes have lots of benefits, particularly, they let you wait on shorter lines and they make the company more money. But using them effectively requires that someone in every party spend much of the day managing the app to get the best reservations. The big question: Is it still the happiest place on Earth when you spend much of the day buried in your phone?"

NEW STRATEGIC ALLIANCE BETWEEN KRAFT HEINZ AND THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

A press release on the Kraft Heinz Company's website on July 21st reported, "The Kraft Heinz Company and The Walt Disney Company have announced a long-term, multi-year strategic alliance, bringing together two of the world's most iconic companies. The enterprise-wide alliance spans foodservice, media, events, and more, creating a platform for innovation and storytelling that reaches families wherever they engage with Disney and Kraft Heinz brands in parks and cruises, and at home. The alliance officially launches this summer, with activations and experiences rolling out across North American Disney parks, resorts, cruises, and more. The collaboration enables Kraft Heinz and Disney to deliver new menu offerings, distinctive dining experiences, and storytelling-driven offerings inspired by Disney's unmatched portfolio of beloved stories and franchises. 

Ten Kraft Heinz brands (including HEINZ, Philadelphia, Kraft Mac & Cheese) will become part of Disney moments that guests and fans love most bringing familiar favorites to settings as iconic as Main Street and as adventurous as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The alliance will introduce new menu items, guest experiences, and product offerings at hundreds of dining locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and on Disney Cruise Line sailings out of North America."

According to Nicolas Amaya, President of North America at Kraft Heinz Company, "Kraft Heinz and Disney are two companies that are woven into the fabric of family life. For generations, families have grown up with our brands side by side watching Disney favorites with a bowl of Kraft Mac & Cheese or reaching for HEINZ at the table. This alliance is about showing up together in the moments that matter most — whether at the parks or at home — to deliver elevated experiences and storytelling that turn everyday meals into memories that last a lifetime."

POWERBALL LOTTERY IN UNITED KINGDOM

NPR reported, "Powerball ticket sales in the United Kingdom began on July 21st, giving players across the Atlantic a chance at winning the same massive jackpot that U.S. players already play for — with the same minuscule odds. The expansion, first announced in April through an agreement between the Multi-State Lottery Association in the U.S. and Allwyn UK, marked the first time a lottery outside the U.S. contributes to the Powerball jackpot. The expansion will allow UK players to play for much larger jackpots than are now available at lotteries in the country and Europe...U.S. lottery officials say the expanded player base will allow Powerball jackpots to grow more quickly, likely increasing sales as more people are drawn to larger grand prizes...The estimated jackpot amounts in each country will differ due to currency conversion rates and because the U.S. advertises prize amounts pretax. UK Powerball jackpots will also be paid over 30 years, whereas in the U.S., jackpot winners have a choice between taking their winnings spread over years through an annuity or in cash. (Nearly all winners opt for cash.) Powerball is played in 45 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the game, players choose five white-ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. Drawings will continue to be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays."

REVERSING THE NARRATIVE AROUND NURSING

NPR reported, "Since the days of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, the profession has been seen as women's work. But as male-dominated industries like manufacturing decline, nursing has emerged as a stable career choice for all. Jobs are plentiful, and they pay well. The national median wage for registered nurses tops $90,000 a year. Across the country, only about 1 in 8 nurses are men. But their share has risen slowly, thanks to ongoing efforts by nursing schools. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about 1 in 6 nursing students are men. Professor Curry Bordelon, who's also president-elect of the American Association for Men in Nursing, has worked his whole career to set a new narrative around nursing."

MORE PASSENGER ROOM ABOARD UNITED AIRLINES WITH OPEN MIDDLE SEAT

According to a company press release on July 14th, "United announced its latest United Economy class innovation: a row of Economy Plus seats on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft with extra elbow room and access to a shared table across an open middle seat. This new Economy Plus offering will be available starting later this year. United expects to include this new Economy Plus option on its entire order of 50 A321XLRs and is exploring offering these types of seats on other aircraft types in the future. United expects to be the only U.S. airline that will offer this seating option, and it follows the airline's recently announced "United Relax Row," multiple rows of seats on its Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft that transform into a couch and will be available in early 2027.

On each XLR, one row will have large, custom-designed tables stretching from armrest to armrest across the open middle seats, giving customers sitting in the window or aisle seat extra space to stretch out on longer international flights. The table is permanently fixed, with a soft leather-like covering, and two indentations for cups. And the extra space is in addition to the three inches of additional legroom already offered in Economy Plus on the XLR."

AMERICAN EAGLE GOES BACK TO SCHOOL

MarketingDive reported, "American Eagle began rolling out its campaign for the crucial back-to-school season on July 22nd. The effort will span social programming, experiential activations, and brand advertising, including a 30-second ad running on YouTube and paid social. Overall, the marketing will focus on culture around malls, campus life, and sports. The sports angle is particularly well-timed: Lamine Yamal, the Spanish soccer star who signed a five-year global ambassador deal with the brand in January, just helped his national team to World Cup gold on July 19th. The 19-year-old phenom "kicked" off his first campaign with the brand last month, and will now have an even bigger role in the back-to-school push...American Eagle seems to have a knack for finding the right celebrity partners at the right time. The brand last year memorably teamed with actor Sydney Sweeney for a campaign that, while controversial, helped attract new customers and briefly reversed a negative sales trend." 

According to American Eagle CMO Craig Brommers, "I never feel like talent should define a brand, but the right talent can certainly amplify a brand."

NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOR HANES

MarketingDive reported, "Hanes is embracing a more risqué marketing approach with "Get Comfortable," the leading piece of a larger shift in creative direction for the over 125-year-old marketer. The basics brand is positioning the campaign and refresh as a deliberate break with its past messaging, with an emphasis on coming across bolder and more entertaining. The launch follows parent HanesBrands getting acquired by rival Gildan Activewear for $2.2 billion last year. Some of the Hanes ads center on situations that are usually the stuff of anxiety nightmares, like getting caught with one's pants down at a bar or grocery store, but they underscore how Hanes lets the wearer brush off potential embarrassment and come off as cool. The ads also display Hanes' updated logo, which has the brand's signature red flag icon floating above its wordmark."

NEW TERM: "GHOST DOWNSIZING"

Inc. Magazine reported, "Polish research firm Omni Calculator (based in Krakow, Poland) released its "Ghost Downsizing AI Survey 2026." The research was based on parallel surveys of 665 employed U.S. adults and 354 C-Suite executives. It found nearly a third of employees reported a new workforce pattern called "ghost downsizing" to be on the rise, often among employers automating tasks of newly-vacated positions with AI (artificial intelligence). Work that apps can't do is shifted to remaining staff, allowing managers to maintain or increase output without proportional headcount growth. Among employees surveyed, 30 percent said their team had shrunk while workload increased."

SHARE THIS: On paper, employment looks stable, but in practice, the people who remain are doing more with less while their leaders, officially, say nothing has changed. ~@OmniCalculator #GhostDownsizing #EmployeeExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

NEW TERM: "MARKETING WALLPAPER"

According to Justin Joy, "Most marketing feels like wallpaper, and that's the problem. Scroll LinkedIn for five minutes, and you'll see it. Brands post the same carousels. The same "we're thrilled to announce" captions. The same stocky reels that look like they were made on autopilot. It's noise disguised as content. Pretty, polished...and forgettable. But here's the thing nobody tells you: Your audience doesn't care about your brand guidelines. They care about how you make them feel. Here's what actually matters: A story people can repeat in one sentence; consistency that builds trust, not just reach; design that makes you pause, not scroll; and content that entertains first and sells second. Sadly, most brands are too busy ticking boxes. So who are the ones that win? They're the ones bold enough to rip the script, break the template, and actually sound alive."

And according to Esther Ene Ogenyi, "Picture this. A business decides to run ads because everyone else is doing it. They don't have a clear message, no brand voice, no positioning, just a flyer, a budget, and high expectations. So the ad goes live, but nothing happens. No sales, no engagement, no real traction. Then comes the blame: "Ads don't work." But the truth is, it's not the ads that failed, it's the foundation that wasn't built. Running ads without a brand strategy is like building a house without a blueprint. It might look okay from the outside, but eventually, cracks will show. Your brand strategy is what tells people who you are, what you stand for, and why they should trust you. Your ads are simply the voice that communicates it. If your audience doesn't understand your brand, even the best ad creative will fall flat. Because ads can only amplify what already exists, they can't fix confusion."

NEW WORD: "SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL"

Did you add the word "semiquincentennial" to your vocabulary in order to celebrate this year's Fourth of July? Dictionary brand Merriam-Webster defined the word as, "A 250th anniversary or its celebration. If the word's mouthful of seven syllables overwhelms, it's simple to break down. The prefix semi- here means half in quantity or value, while quincentennial refers to a 500th anniversary or celebration (so half of 500 equals 250). Quin- comes from the Latin word quinque, meaning five, and centennial comes in part from the Latin centum, meaning hundred."

Side note: Merriam-Webster was established in 1828, and will soon celebrate its bicentennial, or its 200th anniversary.

SHARE THIS: The first Merriam-Webster dictionary was issued on September 24, 1847. It cost $6.00 per copy and earned the praise of President James K. Polk (1845-1849). ~@MerriamWebster #FunFact #Etymology #DebbieLaskeysBlog

FOURTH OF JULY UNIQUE CELEBRATIONS

While the news focused on Times Square in New York City for the ball drops as well as Coney Island for Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, there were other "interesting" celebrations across the country. Here's a recap from the Smithsonian Magazine:

(1) Key Lime Pie Eating Contest in Key West, Florida (part of Key Lime Festival)

(2) Fence-Painting Contest in Hannibal, Missouri (near the boyhood home of Mark Twain)

(3) Gold Rush-Style Party in Columbia State Historic Park, California

(4) The Lebeau Zydeco Festival in Lebeau, Louisiana (part of the annual Creole heritage celebration)

(5) Oatman Egg Fry in Oatman, Arizona

(6) Sea Turtle Release on the big island of Hawaii

(7) Bend Pet Parade in Bend, Oregon (annual parade began in 1924)

(8) The Great Bristol Outhouse Race in Bristol, Vemont

(9) Fourth of July Midnight Parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (followed by the River Raft Regatta down the Little Pigeon River)

(10) Kite-Flying Contest in Ocean City, New Jersey

FOURTH OF JULY DEALS

In addition to celebrations, there were countless Fourth of July food deals. Here's a sampling from USA Today, CNN, and Bake Magazine:

(1) Corner Bakery Cafe: during July, customers were able to purchase any individual bakery item for $2.50; and also get $50 off catering orders of $250 or more.

(2) Delmonic's: the restaurant celebrated the milestone with the debut of its America 250 Baked Alaska dessert.

(3) Sonic: through July 12th, a limited-time America $2.50 menu included a Red, White, and Blue Slush Float.

(4) Burger King: on July 4th, loyalty members were able to get a Whopper Jr. for $2.50, exclusively on the BK App; and Burger King also offered a limited-edition Firecracker Cookie Pie.

(5) Krispy Kreme: customers who wore America's colors got a free Original Glazed doughnut in-store on July 4th with a limit of one per guest. Customers were also able to get an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis at regular price from July 2nd through July 5th.

(6) Firehouse Subs: from June 29th through July 4th, customers who bought one small or medium sub could get a second for just $2.50.

(7) Ford's Garage: The automobile-themed chain with locations in eight states had a special $17.76 meal deal from July 1st to July 4th.

(8) Checkers & Rally's: On July 4th, customers were able to get an All-American Duo with an All-American Hamburger and warm Apple Pie for $2.50.

(9) Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard: the Italian ice chain offered customers a special "4th of Gelati" dessert made with blue and red Italian Ice, layered with creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard, topped with Firecracker Glitter, available through July 5th.

(10) Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard: The burger chain rolled back prices on July 4th to $2.50 for several menu items, including frozen custard pints, root beer floats, single scoops, fried ice cream, and small custard treats.

NATIONAL DRIVE-THRU DAY

According to TastingTable, "July 24th was recognized by participating parties as National Drive-Thru Day. It all started in 1951, when Jack in the Box opened its first drive-thru chain. This San Diego chain restaurant was "drive-thru only," and it helped popularize the two-way intercom ordering system and served burgers for just $0.18. Fast-forward to 2002, and the California-based chain turned the concept into a holiday when it issued an official press release calling for July 28th to be recognized as National Drive-Thru Day. The idea received a special commendation from then-California Governor Gray Davis, and in 2006, the observation date changed to July 24th, where it has remained since." Many fast-food chains offer discounts or special deals to celebrate the day.

CHICK-FIL-A MODERNIZES ITS PLAYGROUNDS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Chick-fil-A's playgrounds are getting a makeover. The company announced that more than 200 of its playgrounds across the U.S. will be reimaged by the end of 2026, featuring new multi-sensory designs and interactive games. The company doesn't publicly disclose how many playgrounds it has within its approximately 3,300-unit system, but it has designed several different play spaces to fit a diverse portfolio of restaurants, and most new builds will include some variation. The objective is to create "a place of connection" for families and the community. The upgrades come amid a rise in sensory play practices, driven by the need to counteract a reduction in outdoor free play associated with digital media consumption. The playground makeovers are just part of Chick-fil-A's efforts to cultivate a third-place environment for families. Beyond its restaurants, Chick-fil-A launched a Play app in 2024 to encourage family connection. The app has evolved to include a Cow Squad animated series and Cowz World, an immersive digital game — both of which are new this summer. And Chick-fil-A also launched a new collection of Kids' Meal toys, including 3D playsets, activity books, and custom Hasbro games."

BURGER KING'S ONGOING BRAND ELEVATION JOURNEY

According to the fast-food brand's website, "Burger King is launching the next chapter in its brand transformation, acting on feedback shared by thousands of Guests across the U.S. Just four months after inviting Guests to share honest feedback through its "Listening Initiative" that gave out President Tom Curtis' phone number, the brand is continuing to make changes inspired by the thousands of calls and texts received. Burger King is introducing two new initiatives designed to improve the moments Guests told the brand matter most — providing a consistent, accurate and welcoming in-restaurant experience — by introducing "Your Way Champions" and the "Whopper Guarantee."

One thing Burger King heard consistently from Guests was that they wanted someone in the restaurant who could quickly make things right when needed. In response, the brand is introducing the "Your Way Champion," a re-imagined restaurant manager role designed to empower restaurant leaders and put the Guest experience first. More than overseeing restaurant operations, Your Way Champions will serve as a dedicated point person, clearly identifiable in a Your Way Champion uniform, who welcomes Guests, ensures orders are prepared the way they are requested, and is available to make things right whenever needed.

To further reinforce the commitment to getting things right, Burger King is also introducing a Whopper Guarantee. The Whopper is the brand's most beloved item, and Guests expect to have it served hot, and exactly the way they ordered it. That's why, if a Whopper doesn't meet a Guest's expectations, the brand will not only continue to remake it on the spot, but they'll offer the Guest's next Whopper for free."

CARL JR.'S 85TH ANNIVERSARY

According to a brand press release on July 20th, "After 85 years of charbroiling and advertising as breakthrough as its burgers, Carl's Jr. is doing what it does best: going bold. The iconic chain is launching an $85,000 video contest that puts its fans' creativity, and their love for bold and craveable flavors, front and center. From July 20th to August 7th, participants are invited to create and submit an original 30- to 60- second video showing their spin on an iconic Carl's Jr ad. Submissions should infuse the brand's bold personality and craveable menu items using their own authentic style to be considered for the $85,000 grand prize. Entrants are encouraged to create social media videos, jingles, or even the next iconic ad. Entries must be posted publicly, tagged with Carl's Jr.'s social media handle, and include the dedicated hashtags #MyCarlsJrAd and #Carls85th. Finalists will be announced on or around August 23th, and seeded into The Carl's Creative Bracket, a head-to-head voting experience hosted on Carl's Jr.'s social channels. The public will be able to vote, comment, and engage with their favorite entries — with the final winner determined by a combination of audience engagement and Carl's Jr. selection committee scores. The grand prize winner will be announced on or around August 28th, and awarded $85,000."

Burge Diemer, chief marketing officer at Carl's Jr. explained, "For 85 years, our fans have been the real stars. As we celebrate this milestone, we wanted to give back in a way that puts our fans and their bold ideas at the center of the moment. This contest is designed to celebrate the people who have helped shape Carl's Jr. into what it is today."

RISE OF ON-SITE DINING AT HOTEL RESTAURANTS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "More travelers are choosing hotels based on dining options, according to new data from OpenTable. But it's not only hotel guests who are patronizing those restaurants — 92 percent of consumers have dined at a hotel restaurant when they weren't even staying at the hotel. Reservation platform OpenTable released the consumer research to coincide with the launch of its 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. The data show that hotel restaurants are playing a larger role in how people plan where to go, where to stay, and what to book before they arrive.

Three highlights from the data include:

(1) 50 percent of travelers this summer have booked a hotel specifically because of its restaurant.

(2) Hotel restaurant dining by travelers is up 13 percent from last year.

(3) Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) spend more time researching where to eat than any other part of a trip."

SHARE THIS: Restaurants aren't just an itinerary line item anymore, they're the anchor. ~Matt Davis, head of North America Hotels at @OpenTable #RestaurantDining #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

INSIDE GENERAL MILLS' BRAND ARCHIVE

Marketing Brew reported, "Brand archives have been getting a workout in recent years, with new creative work regularly referencing older efforts and major anniversaries." Therefore, it should come as no surprise that, since General Mills is celebrating 160 years amid the 250th anniversary of America, it has also maintained a company archive for many decades. Marketing Brew asked Natasha Bruns, senior corporate archivist at General Mills to explain what a brand archive for a consumer packaged goods company includes and how the company's brand marketing team taps into it.

According to Bruns, "Our collection is very broad. It spans so much great innovation from General Mills over our last 160 years, and that's everything from letters written to Betty Crocker to original packaging for Bisquick, cookbooks from Betty, and original packaging for Wheaties and Nature Valley. Different brands will reach out with historical questions, wanting to know the history of their brands, the context for when something like Bisquick was created, or they'll want to understand the history of how Betty evolved over time."

Brands interested in creating archives may be inspired to do so around a big anniversary or milestone. When establishing an archive, according to Bruns, "It's important to talk to different experts who know the brand history, and get the facts down on paper...We try to keep a collection of a little bit of everything, which can be pretty complicated. [Here are some questions to consider:] What were the overall themes for a brand at a particular time? And how are we capturing that?"

SHARE THIS: Betty Crocker was the second most-recognized woman in America among homemakers behind Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1940s. ~General Mills #FunFact #PersonalBranding #BrandArchives #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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

Image Credits: Sanrio/Hello Kitty Chicago Cafe and Shark Week/Discovery Channel via Instagram and Twitter/X.

Check out 10 Fun Facts of The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer:

https://www.johannesvermeer.org/the-girl-with-a-pearl-earring.jsp

Read more about The Great Wave of Kanagawa:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa

Read "When Art Meets Marketing: The Rise of Brand Collaborations with Cultural Institutions" (October 2024):

https://www.globalleadersinstitute.org/blog-post/when-art-meets-marketing-the-rise-of-brand-collaborations-with-cultural-institutions/

Read more about people and culture in the workplace:

https://www.aihr.com/blog/people-and-culture/

and

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-chief-people-officer-redefining-leadership-2025-whittlesey-zjupe

Check out the EIU's Global Liveability Index 2026:

https://www.eiu.com/n/global-themes/report/global-liveability-index-2026/

Read about 10 Fourth of July celebrations:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-a-sea-turtle-rescue-to-an-outhouse-race-these-ten-fourth-of-july-traditions-celebrate-america-like-no-other-180989044/

Read Inside General Mills's brand archive:

https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/10-000-items-5-000-square-feet-160-years-of-history-inside-general-millss-brand-archive

Recent Marketing News: Baseball, Soccer, Tourism, and More

During the last few weeks, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand strategy, celebration marketing, cobranding, corporate sponsorship, customer experience marketing, personal branding, product marketing, product pricing, special event marketing, and more.

NEW ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CREDITS IN CALIFORNIA

The Hill reported, "California will begin offering instant rebates of up to $3,500 to first-time electric vehicle (EV) buyers later this summer, replacing some of the incentives lost after the phase out of federal EV and clean energy tax credits. On July 13th, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation establishing a $270 million rebate program for California residents called "MyFirstEV." It will provide a point-of-sale rebate for eligible Californians purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle. The program is funded by both a state budget and automakers. It gives a $3,500 rebate for new EVs with a suggested retail price of up to $50,000, and a separate $1,750 rebate for used EVs sold for up to $25,000."

NEW ADDITION TO NASDAQ 100

CNN reported, "The Nasdaq 100 is an index tracking the 100 largest non-financial stocks traded on the Nasdaq exchange. SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp - NASDAQ: SPCX) debuted for trading on the Nasdaq on June 12th, and was added to the Nasdaq 100 on July 7th...While SpaceX's market value of more than $2 trillion makes it the sixth-largest publicly traded stock in the United States, it enters the Nasdaq 100 with a significantly smaller influence... Since SpaceX will not be eligible for inclusion in the S&P 500 for at least a year, buying the S&P 500 would be one of the simplest methods for investors who wish to avoid SpaceX. The blue-chip Dow doesn't include SpaceX or Tesla... In order to eventually be included in the S&P 500, SpaceX would need to register four quarters of profits. It took Tesla 10 years to join the S&P 500. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s weight in the Nasdaq 100 and its share price performance will be under a microscope."

KRISPY KREME'S CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY

The doughnut brand that always features unique doughnuts for celebrations did not disappoint for July 4th. According to the brand's website, "As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is helping make this once-in-a-generation milestone sweeter with a new patriotic doughnut collection: USA Doughnut filled with Cookies n' Kreme, Firework Doughnut, Freedom Ring Doughnut, and Chocolate Iced Doughnut with Patriotic Sprinkles."

NEW YORK CITY'S TIMES SQUARE ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

CBS News reported, "The celebration of America's 250th birthday in New York City's Times Square is taking a page out of the New Year's Eve playbook. Times Square is hosting eight ball drops to celebrate Independence Day with each occurring at midnight in every American time zone including U.S. territories. The first ball drop took place at 10 a.m. Friday, marking midnight in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Following the Guam ball drop, the next took place at 11:59 p.m., marking midnight on the East Coast. Unlike New Year's Eve, which draws hundreds of thousands of people to Times Square, there was no street-level viewing event planned, but that didn't keep hundreds of pedestrians from stopping to watch and count down to the moment. That ball drop is considered the centerpiece of the event, although additional ball drops will take place overnight through each U.S. time zone: Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii, and culminating in the finale at 7 a.m., marking midnight in American Samoa. The ball that's being used is the same one that millions watched usher in 2026."

AMERICA'S 250TH TIME CAPSULE

According to the Associated Press (AP), "Paper, the traditional gift for marking a couple's first year of marriage, is also a great choice for 250th anniversaries — especially when filling a time capsule celebrating American independence. The 2016 law creating the nonpartisan America250 commission mandated that a time capsule be buried in Philadelphia on July 4th, 2026, and dug up 250 years later in 2276. Last week, the resulting 900-pound cylinder was sealed shut, capping years of technical design and construction, collaboration with states, and meticulous review of collected items. The stainless steel capsule is shaped like a cylinder, not the typical box, because square edges tend to crack and break. It will be covered with a secondary cylinder that will trap air and push out any approaching water, and the capsule itself is rimmed with a soft metal that compresses under pressure."

Some of the interesting contributions placed in the time capsule were letters from many governors, a whale bone from Maine, flags from Alaska and Texas, set of gambling chips from Nevada, a belt buckle from Oklahoma, fabric from the Wright Brothers flight from Ohio, and a Masters medallion from Georgia. In addition, there were contributions from a variety of America250 partners including: Major League Baseball, the Library of Congress, the International Olympic Committee, the National Endowment for the Arts, National Football League, Smithsonian Institution, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

CO-BRANDING: NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY AND TALEA

According to the New York Public Library's website, "The New York Public Library and TALEA Beer Co. announced "Liberty Lager," a limited-edition beer inspired by George Washington's recipe. This announcement comes as the Library launches "250 Years: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," a system-wide initiative marking the nation's 250th anniversary. As part of the launch, the Library is also debuting a new, limited-edition NYPL card, publishing a special anniversary book list, giving away books, offering free and instant audio and e-book downloads to select titles, and opening online reservations to view the Declaration of Independence in July. 

"Liberty Lager" is inspired by George Washington's "To Make Small Beer" recipe from a 1757 notebook he kept when he served as a colonel in the Virginia militia. Produced by TALEA Beer Co., the limited-edition brew is available for sale in TALEA's taprooms and New York City restaurants and retail outlets. TALEA Beer Co. is New York City's first women- and veteran-owned craft brewery, and was founded in 2019. Created to bring a new experience to the male-dominated beer industry, TALEA brews a wide range of styles including fruit-forward beers designed to welcome a more inclusive community.

George Washington's notebook—with the recipe neatly written out on the back page—is representative of the Library's role as a repository for historic documents, art, and ephemera. The journal is housed in the Library's Manuscripts and Archives Division at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building alongside other historical items such as Washington's Farewell Address, an original copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, and a silk protest banner from before America's Civil War demanding the abolition of slavery."

BARCELONA'S NEW TOURISM POLICY

The New York Times reported, "Barcelona's Boqueria market is so crowded with visitors these days that many stalls that once sold fresh vegetables, fish, or meat to home cooks now offer takeaway cups of cut fruit or fried shrimp to tourists instead. Convinced the market is no longer meant for them, many locals have given up on it. Barcelona's new commissioner for sustainable tourism, José Antonio Donaire, is developing strategies to diminish the impact of the nearly 16 million tourists who visit the Catalan capital annually. Created last year, his position builds on the work the municipal government started nearly a decade ago when it enacted its first policy aimed at restraining the overtourism that has contributed to rising housing prices and overwhelmed public transport. Other initiatives have since followed, including a tourist tax on accommodations and a ban on vacation rentals that goes into effect in 2028."

Donaire, a professor of tourism studies at the University of Girona and a former member of the regional parliament, wants to reverse overtourism. He explained, "Barcelona began rethinking tourism with innovative measures like the moratorium on new hotel construction back in 2017...The message of the city now is: not one tourist more. We don't want to grow more. We want the tourists that the city already has. There were 15.7 million tourists in the city in 2025 — that's the threshold. Sixteen million is the maximum. We're not coming at this from an anti-tourist position. But we need to manage tourism in an orderly way, and the first management objective is to change the kinds of tourists who come. Right now, two-thirds are leisure tourists; we want the makeup to be a third business travel, a third cultural travel, and a third leisure. That's the effect of setting the limits. The demand can't grow if there's no accommodations for them. Already this summer we're seeing that there are people who can't come because they can't find a place to stay. The mayor has also just announced a proposal to eliminate cruise ships that only stop for the day. We want zero day-tripping cruise passengers, and to achieve that, we're going to ask the regional authorities to raise the tax on them to the maximum allowed. We want it be so high that it doesn't make sense to come into the city."

ITALIAN VILLAGE FINE

The Guardian reported, "A fishing village by Lake Como has imposed fines of up to €200 ($230) for people who wander around with bare chests or in swimwear, in the latest attempt by an Italian holiday destination to crack down on uncouth tourists. Varenna has been feeling the strain from an increasing number of visitors, and so authorities were moved to introduce new rules aimed at preserving the village's appearance and guaranteeing a smidgen of peace and quiet for its year-round population of roughly 650. Walking around the village shirtless or in swimwear – garments that are strictly reserved for lakeside beaches or boat trips on Como – is now banned. Those who fail to comply risk fines. Furthermore, tour groups have been limited to no more than 25 people and must not clog Varenna's narrow cobblestoned streets, and guides have been banned from using loudspeakers."

CHIPOTLE OPENED FIRST RESTAURANT IN MEXICO

The BBC reported on July 13th, "Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to open its first restaurant in Mexico, testing its appeal in the country that inspired its menu. The chain, which has more than 4,100 outlets worldwide, said that the move is a "significant milestone" for the brand known for its customizable burritos, tacos, and bowls. US restaurant chains have often struggled to succeed in the countries in which their dishes originated. Taco Bell no longer has any outlets in Mexico, while Domino's Pizza has pulled out of Italy. The new restaurant, located in the north-eastern state of Nuevo León near the Texas border, serves as an "important proof-of-concept," the company said. It plans to open more restaurants in the state and expand into Mexico City in 2027 as part of its collaboration with Mexican restaurant operator Alsea, which also operates brands including Domino's Pizza, Starbucks, and Chili's."

"MADE IN USA" PRODUCT DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING LESSONS

NPR reported, "The board game Monopoly has always taught some important economic lessons: The benefits of owning real estate. The profit potential of railroad mergers. The value of a get-out-of-jail-free card. President Trump hopes to encourage more U.S. manufacturing with his import taxes on foreign goods. But an online experiment suggests most people aren't willing to pay a premium for a "Made in the USA" product. Now a special edition of the board game is teaching a new lesson—about how hard it is to make things in the USA. The game is being marketed by the WS Game Company, which produces most of its high-end board games in China, just like almost every other toy maker. After getting hit with a seven-figure tariff bill last year, CEO Jonathan Silva decided to see if it was possible to produce a profitable board game in the United States. He opted for a custom version of Monopoly, pegged to the country's 250th birthday. But the experiment almost didn't pass go (pun intended?). One big problem: No dice."

Silva explained, "We turned over every single leaf trying to find someone who would make 10,000 dice for us in the U.S. It requires special machinery. It requires investment. And that type of stuff just can't happen on a random Tuesday and be ready in a couple of months."

More from NPR, "Silva ultimately had to settle for imported dice. He was able to find the rest of what he needed domestically, but it wasn't easy. A former Hasbro factory in Massachusetts prints the Monopoly board. A company called Pioneer Packaging makes the tray that holds the Monopoly money. And a small business in Indiana cranked out custom metal game tokens in all-American shapes like a cowboy hat, a covered wagon, and an apple pie. Just assembling all those different players (components) took more than a year, so Silva missed the first half of the 250th birthday selling season. And the cost to manufacture the games — which retail for $80 — was at least double what it would have been in China. There's a reason nearly 80 percent of all toys and games sold in the U.S. are made in China. That country has spent decades building a factory ecosystem to supply not only finished products, but all the specialized parts that go into them."

LAUNCH OF NEW NONPARTISAN INSTITUTE AT UC BERKELEY

The University of California, Berkeley announced on June 29th, "UC Berkeley is joining forces with Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to launch a new, nonpartisan institute dedicated to strengthening American democracy and advancing solutions to the country's most pressing challenges. The Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy, or NPI, will be a hub for research, teaching, and civic engagement rooted in a shared commitment to advancing the public good. Through faculty research initiatives, undergraduate courses, and a visiting fellows program, the institute will explore what impedes progress and how best to solve political problems, from polarization to the future of artificial intelligence. The institute's work will focus on four pillars: strengthening America's democratic institutions; overcoming America's greatest challenges for our society, economy, and planet; promoting human rights and civil rights at home and abroad; and ensuring political leadership that represents the full spectrum of perspectives and backgrounds in California and the country. With plans to support hundreds of students annually, the NPI will launch in January in the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science. Pelosi, the first Californian to serve as House speaker, is slated to co-teach a course about Congress."

Chancellor Rich Lyons said the institute aligns with Berkeley's commitment to fostering civil discourse, advancing democracy, and preparing students to lead with integrity, "The purpose and impact of the NPI will be defined and strengthened by Berkeley's ability to bring together world-class faculty and extraordinary students and by our commitment, as the country's preeminent public university, to advancing the greater good. We intend to do more than simply study democracy; we are building this institute to strengthen it."

Pelosi said, "The work of democracy is never finished, and securing its future is our greatest calling. UC Berkeley has a long, proud history of challenging the status quo and producing leaders who run toward the greatest challenges of our time. I am honored to partner with this exceptional community of scholars and students so we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to strengthen our democratic institutions and forge a future that serves the public good."

SHARE THIS: UC Berkeley has a long, proud history of challenging the status quo and producing leaders who run toward the greatest challenges of our time. ~Nancy Pelosi #UCBerkeley #GoBears #PersonalBranding #MarketingNews #DebbieLaskeysBlog

According to Scott Straus, chair of the Travers Department of Political Science, "The study of political science is most impactful when it bridges the gap between academic research and real-world governance. This institute will provide our students and faculty with unprecedented opportunities to engage directly with the mechanics of leadership and move ideas from the classroom into the real world, ensuring that our research directly informs the leaders and policymakers who are working for a better tomorrow across the political spectrum."

CO-BRANDING: MLB'S 96TH ALL-STAR GAME AND STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C)

AOL reported, "The 2026 MLB All-Star Game arrived in Philadelphia with the feel of a 250th birthday bash for the United States, complete with plenty of red, white, and blue and a roster full of stars who had earned their stripes. But Citizens Bank Park, long known as a hitter-friendly backdrop, produced fewer fireworks than expected as the American League shut out the National League 4-0 in the 96th Midsummer Classic.

In a fitting tribute to baseball history and American history, the game and broadcast paused for a five-minute interlude narrated by JK Simmons and set to Ray Charles' indelible performance of "America the Beautiful." Major League Baseball doesn't always get it right, but when they do, they do. It's impossible to watch that video without, as the now-legendary "Moneyball" line says, being "romantic about baseball." Because baseball is romantic. Three outs. Nine in the field. Pitcher against hitter. Walk-offs, diving catches, big strikeouts, and the drama of a ninth inning one-run game. Nothing compares to baseball, or as this tribute demonstrates, America either."

And as MLB reported on its site, "In 2009, Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs became the founding donors of Stand Up To Cancer, a groundbreaking initiative supporting cancer research. The most important work is done out of the spotlight, in the form of new therapies and innovative treatments. But there is a public element to this too, and that's where MLB, beyond the dollars, has had so much impact. For the past 17 years, the All-Star Game and Game 4 of the World Series have featured the in-stadium Stand Up To Cancer moment. At the end of the fifth inning, the game pauses, and everyone in the ballpark – players, managers, coaches, support staffers, umpires, broadcasters, and fans – honors people who have been touched by cancer: Those who are currently battling the disease, those who have survived it, and those who have succumbed to it. The moment is a joint effort, supported by MLB, MasterCard, and SU2C, and aired live on FOX. Everyone is invited to write a name or names on a placard and, for two minutes, everyone comes together – thousands inside the ballpark holding up their signs, and millions more watching at home. As a founding donor to Stand Up to Cancer, MLB has conducted significant awareness-building efforts through public service announcements, in-stadium promotions, and various fundraising events. To date, the efforts between MLB, MasterCard, and SU2C have raised upward of $80 million."

200TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOSTON'S UNION OYSTER HOUSE

In advance of the July 4th celebrations across the United States, Forbes reported, "Opened in 1826, Boston's Union Oyster House claims to be America's oldest continuously operating restaurant, and this August will celebrate its 200th anniversary, a historic first for any eatery in the United States. This National Historic Landmark on the Freedom Trail is lauded for its quintessential New England seafood from fresh oysters to classic clam chowder. It has welcomed a "Who's Who" of guests, including U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama; Queen Elizabeth II; Hollywood royalty including Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Steven Spielberg; and Boston's own culinary super icon, Julia Child. The restaurant has also consistently earned "Best Landmark Restaurant" accolades. Managed by only four family owners in two centuries, it maintains reliable, fresh dishes, proving its enduring appeal beyond mere historical novelty."

If you're wondering about the oldest restaurants in the world - and where Boston's Union Oyster House fits in the list, here are the oldest dozen:

(1) St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium - founded 803 (Salzburg, Austria) (located inside St. Peter's Abbey)

(2) Bianyifang - founded 1416 (Beijing, China)

(3) Zum Franziskaner - founded 1421 (Stockholm, Sweden)

(4) Honke Owariya - founded 1465 (Kyoto, Japan)

(5) La Tour d'Argent - founded 1582 (Paris, France)

(6) Zur letzten Instanz - founded 1621 (Berlin, Germany)

(7) White Horse Tavern - founded 1673 (Newport, Rhode Island, USA)

(8) A la Petite Chaise - founded 1680 (Paris, France)

(9) Caffe Florian - founded 1720 (Venice, Italy)

(10) Sobrino de Botin - founded 1725 (Madrid, Spain) (officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant)

(11) Rules - founded 1798 (London, United Kingdom)

(12) The Union Oyster House - founded 1826 (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)

UBER AD FOR WOMEN PREFERENCES

While Uber has offered "Women Preferences" for women riders and drivers in the United States since March of 2026, the brand's television ad for this feature has been appearing on television on a regular basis during the last few weeks. According to Uber's website, "Women Preferences was created because women asked for it. What began in 2019 after women in Saudi Arabia gained the right to drive, Women Preferences has grown into a global movement as women around the world embrace more control over how they use Uber. Over 230 million global trips later, Women Preferences is now available for drivers in over 40 countries, and for riders across 7 countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain."

DEATH OF WALLY FUNK

Wally (Mary Wallace) Funk died on July 6th at the age of 87. The BBC reported, "As an aviator, Wally Funk was a trailblazing pioneer for women, breaking barriers for eight decades of a remarkable career. "Aviation has been my whole life; I eat and breathe it," she said in her 2020 memoir, Higher, Faster, Longer (written with Loretta Hall). She earned her pilot's licence as a teenager, at 20 was the US military's first female flight instructor, in 1971 became the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) first female flight inspector, and three years later was the first woman instructor for the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB). But hanging over these accomplishments was her unfulfilled dream of becoming an astronaut.

In 1960 she discovered that the young pilot Jerrie Cobb had been tested for spaceflight, and despite being below the age requirement, she joined the program that became the so-called "Mercury 13," who underwent the same training and testing as the seven American men chosen as Mercury astronauts. Having tested top of the group, including spending 10 hours 35 minutes in an isolation tank, and having three feet of rubber tubing shoved down her throat, Funk requested four times to be picked for space flight. But NASA was not prepared to send a woman into space; they would accept only USAF pilots, who of course were all male. NASA eventually relented, but too late for Funk, as Sally Ride became America's first female in space in 1983, though not until 1999 did Eileen Collins become the first pilot/commander of the space shuttle Columbia.

Two decades later, in 2021, Wally was invited to join Jeff Bezos and his brother on a sub-orbital flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft, making her, at 82, the oldest person to fly into space. They took with them a helmet and goggles worn by the famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart. Although the Star Trek actor William Shatner, at 90, broke her age record (since broken again by the former pilot Ed Dwight), Funk remains the oldest woman in space.

Besides her work for the FAA and NTSB, Funk trained more than 800 pilots at her flight school in Taos, New Mexico. She was a pilot for Sierra Pacific Airlines, a regional operation based in Tucson, Arizona. As both pilot and navigator, she flew in many competitions, including the transcontinental Powder Puff Derby. She became a spokesperson and inspirational speaker, especially for women's equality in the workplace. Funk was elected to the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 1995, and joined the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington in 2017. Following her 2021 space flight, she received astronaut wings, and a young person's book based on her memoir was published in 2025."

DEATH OF RANDOLPH MANTOOTH

Variety reported, "Randolph Mantooth, known for playing paramedic Johnny Gage on the "Emergency!" TV series in the 1970s, died July 9th in Ventura. He was 80. Mantooth broke out in 1972 when he was cast in "Emergency!," which introduced the profession of paramedics to the public. He co-starred with Kevin Tighe in the popular NBC series which ran for six seasons, and performed most of his own stunts. He remained an advocate for firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs throughout his life."

According to The New York Times, "Mantooth's lead role on "Emergency!" helped paramedics and emergency medicine gain greater recognition in the United States. He said he was proud to be known for his part on the show, which portrayed the work of paramedics and firefighters in Los Angeles County. (At that time, there were only 13 paramedics in all of California, and nobody had ever heard of them before.) After "Emergency!," Mantooth was an advocate for emergency medical workers, speaking at firefighter and paramedic symposiums across the country. He was given an award by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in 2022 honoring his work to promote the profession. While accepting the award, he said, 'To be honored by men and women who have dedicated their lives and careers to public safety, it humbles me.'"

VOCABULARY ENDING IN -MAXXING

The Guardian reported, "It started more than a decade ago with looksmaxxing, a strategy for optimizing personal appearance through diet or exercise. Over time, the -maxxing suffix has come to mean going all in on a particular trait, habit, quality, or pastime, generally in a manner that misses the point. So, how well do you know your maxxes? Here are five examples:

(1) Sleepmaxxing: Getting as much sleep as you can, rather than as much as you need. 

(2) Ethicsmaxxing: Having a code of ethics and applying it rigorously to every decision you make.

(3) Sidequestmaxxing: Being open to new challenges.

(4) Solomaxxing: Learning to enjoy your own company.

(5) Tanmaxxing: Tanning your skin to its maximal darkness by spending longer in the sun and ignoring safety warnings.

LA AUTO SHOW'S NEW PRESENTING SPONSOR

With the high gasoline prices and the negative publicity from California Governor Gavin Newsom to not purchase Chevron gas, the Los Angeles Auto Show announced on July 14th that Chevron with Techron would join the show as presenting sponsor. According to the press release, "The sponsorship reinforces the show's position as one of the country's most important stages for innovations across the automotive industry. Every November, automakers, designers, and the brands that support the driving experience choose Los Angeles Auto Show for many of their latest products in front of this large and influential car-buying geography. Vehicle debuts, technology premieres, and immersive consumer experiences help make every fall in Los Angeles one of the industry's defining moments."

According to Terri Toennies, President and Chief Operating Officer of Los Angeles Auto Show, "When a brand with the reach and reputation of Chevron with Techron chooses our show to feature the next chapter of an iconic fuel technology, it reflects exactly the role this show plays."

WELCOME TO THE WEDDING-EXPERIENCE ERA

CNN reported, "Madison Square Garden isn't where most people picture saying "I do." Throw in arcade games and a raffle, and it gives off even less of a wedding vibe. But that's exactly the point. Those and other unexpected details surfacing from Taylor Swift's and Travis Kelce's ultra-private yet attention-grabbing celebration over the recent July 4th weekend reflect a growing wedding trend: designing a day guests will remember how they felt, not what they saw. Consider this your invitation to the wedding-experience era."

Akeshi Akinseye, founder of Kesh Events, a global luxury wedding and event planning and design company based in Chicago, explained, "We're seeing a desire to take some of the stiffness and formality out of weddings and bring the fun back. The arcade games and raffle make much more sense in the context of building an experience-forward wedding. It introduces anticipation. Guests are not just consuming the event — they're part of it. I can absolutely see couples taking cues from (Taylor's and Travis' wedding), but personalizing it to fit their own story. To execute an experience-forward wedding, more couples are hiring experience designers. And where a wedding takes place is the front door into the overall experience...There is something incredibly powerful about anticipation. This wedding could absolutely encourage more couples to look beyond traditional wedding venues and ask, 'What could this space become?'"

More from CNN, "Julie Comfort, an experience designer who works with wedding planners, describes her job as executing emotional design, or how a wedding is meant to make guests feel. That doesn't necessarily require shelling out even more money. For instance, she recently designed a wedding with the couple's love for karaoke in mind. A few close friends sang along with music for the first dance, and as the dance went on, more voices joined in, and the music gradually faded, eventually disappearing." Comfort explained, "Couples are realizing that they don't have to go over the top to make an impact, they just have to be more thoughtful, intentional, and generous with how they host people. A lot of the experience design techniques we use come from the art and theater world to create anticipation, surprise, magic, and drama."

WALMART'S VIP TOURS DURING WORLD CUP

CNN reported, "The nation's largest retailer [created] two VIP tours for tourists to "explore the oversized products, iconic snack aisles, and uniquely American finds" at its big box stores. One tour will take place in New Jersey ahead of the World Cup final and another in Miami after the quarterfinal game between Norway and England for the first 20 people in line for a World Cup parking lot experience it is hosting in partnership with Laliga, Spain's soccer league. The guided tours include custom Walmart passports, aisle stamps, swag, tour guides, and curated product samplings."

WORLD CUP MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS

According to customer experience marketer Dan Gingiss, some brands were creative with their event marketing efforts. According to Dan, "FIFA brands like Levi's, Heinz, and Beats were never supposed to be part of the story. FIFA, the international governing body of football (soccer in the U.S.), spent the opening weeks of the 2026 World Cup trying to make some of the world's most recognizable brands disappear. It didn't work. And the lesson for every business has nothing to do with sports. FIFA's clean venue policy requires that any brand not paying to be an official tournament sponsor be covered or removed from sight at host stadiums. Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara became "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium." A white tarpaulin covered the Levi's batwing logo...So some genius marketers decided to do something about it, turning this into a memorable customer experience story. Levi's didn't fight the tarpaulin. Instead, it leaned into it. The brand posted a video captioned "Welcoming the world to the beautiful [redacted] stadium!" set to the viral "Nobody’s Gonna Know” audio. As of July 16th, the post has more than 2.6 million likes and more than 42,000 reposts on Instagram alone.

Levi's then extended the covered-logo aesthetic to storefronts in London, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Hong Kong, Brazil, and Mexico. So the cover-up became the campaign (with the message: "Come visit, if you can find us."). The brands FIFA tried to suppress became the most-talked-about brands of the tournament, while the brands that paid for official sponsorship largely blended into the background...FIFA's clean venue policy was designed to protect its sponsors. Instead, it handed free marketing to the brands it was trying to erase."

According to Alexander Chernev, professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, "If customers can still recognize the logo, that actually gives you more awareness than if you haven't done anything to begin with."

SHARE THIS: FIFA's clean venue policy was designed to protect its sponsors. Instead, it handed free marketing to the brands it was trying to erase. ~Dan Gingiss #MarketingNews #WorldCupSponsorship #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

According to CNBC, "According to market research firm Meltwater, since the tournament began, non-sponsor brands have surpassed 57,000 mentions on social media versus just over 43,000 for official sponsors. And according to John Box, Meltwater CEO, "A big takeaway from this World Cup is that you don't need an official sponsorship to own the cultural moment anymore. The brands that will win the next tournament aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets, but instead the ones who are set up to see what's trending in real time, the creativity to connect it back to your brand, and the speed to act before the moment passes."

KFC'S FIRST "CHIEF CONCEPT OFFICER" AIMS TO "DISRUPT THE FUTURE"

According to Marketing Week, "Christophe Poirier, KFC's first chief concept officer, says his ultimate goal is to "disrupt the future" while ensuring the brand remains true to its roots. Poirier explained, "KFC was born 74 years ago, so how do you keep it true to its DNA? How do you make sure you don't lose your core audience. But at the same time, how do you make sure this 74-year-old brand stays forever young?"" We'll be watching.

NEW NAME FOR FLORIDA AIRPORT

Reuters reported on July 9th, "Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, becoming the latest in ​a series of buildings and government programs to take on the ‌Republican's identity. The Federal Aviation Administration three-letter identifier code for the airport was ‌changed from PBI to DJT, but passengers will need to use PBI to book flights until August 18th, when it will be reflected on baggage tags, tickets, and airline reservation systems. The airport said the name change cost $5.5 million."

According to the airport's website, "The State of Florida appropriated $2.75 million toward the project. The remaining costs will be funded through the Department of Airports' operating budget and capital improvement program. The airport rebranding is anticipated to occur in phases based on available funding. The Department of Airports will continue to pursue all available funding sources, including legislative appropriations, eligible Florida Department of Transportation funding opportunities, grants, and other airport funding sources...The name change does not result in a separate fee charged to passengers. Like other airport operating and capital expenses, implementation costs are managed through the Department of Airports' existing funding sources."

Other U.S. airports have been named for former presidents including Little Rock, Arkansas's airport after former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - but it retained the LIT airport code. And President Clinton signed a bill in 1998 to rename Washington National Airport (in DC) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY

How did you celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 19th? In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared National Ice Cream Day would be celebrated on the third Sunday of July, and also declared July as National Ice Cream Month. According to NationalDayCalendar, "Culinary folks point to Naples, Italy as the birthplace of the first ice cream. They give credit to Antonio Latini. He was born in 1642, and created a milk-based sorbet."

According to USA Today, "Data from Instacart shows that vanilla remained the most-ordered ice cream flavor on the platform in 2025, retaining the title it had held the last two years. Chocolate, cookie dough, cookies & cream, and chocolate fudge/brownie rounded out the top five most popular flavors, according to the delivery platform. According to the data, Häagen-Dazs was the most-ordered ice cream brand on the platform in 2025 with Ben & Jerry's a close second."

Food Network provided a list of brands/stores with deals to celebrate: Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins, Friendly's, Dippin' Dots, Wendy's, Graeter's, DoorDash, Dunkin', Cold Stone Creamery, Insomnia Cookies, 16 Handles, Carvel, Gopuff, Harry Potter Shops, Marble Slab Creamery, My/Mochi Ice Cream, Oberwels, Stop & Shop, Target, Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, and Yasso.

SHARE THIS: In 1813, American First Lady Dolley Madison served ice cream at the Inaugural Ball. #FunFact #MarketingNews #NationalIceCreamDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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

Image Credits: StandUp2Cancer/Major League Baseball/MasterCard and Krispy Kreme.

See what all 50 States, 5 U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia added to the America 250 Time Capsule:

https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/

Read more about New York Public Library's collaboration with TALEA:

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2026/06/01/george-washington-beer-recipe-talea

Watch the announcement of the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy at UC Berkeley:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkww2gWKbbc

Read Dan Gingiss' full post about FIFA and branding:

https://dangingiss.com/fifa-tried-to-erase-these-brands/

Read about (and also watch?) the documentary, "Mercury 13," featuring Wally Funk:

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/apr/18/mercury-13-space-women-nasa-1960s

Read about the history of ice cream from Clementine's:

https://www.clementinescreamery.com/blogs/news/who-really-invented-ice-cream-a-delicious-mystery-through-time

Read my post about an ice cream truck and leadership (March 6, 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/celebrate-employee-appreciation-day-by.html

Recent Marketing News: Lions, Las Vegas, Coffee, and More

During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, cobranding, customer experience marketing, personal branding, product marketing, special event marketing, and more.

LIONS IN LONDON

For two months from June 1st through August 10th, a new free public art trail of 17 individually-designed lion and lioness life-sized sculptures inspired by the iconic Three Lions emblem associated with the England national team will be on display in London near Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. The "Pride in the Quarter" celebrates the summer of international football. Each sculpture is designed by a different artist and celebrates England's football story, culture and communities. The sculptures will later be sold at an auction to raise funds in support of The Passage, a homelessness charity based in Westminster.

Harry Redknapp said, "Football has always been about bringing people together, and even here this morning, you can get a real sense of that. When England is heading into a big summer, every little bit helps in uniting the nation and building that sense of belief. The trail is a great way to get everyone behind the team, create a real buzz in the capital, and hopefully play a small part in making this the summer we finally bring the trophy home."

Fara Williams MBE said, "When you see something like this, it shows just what the game means. Football isn't solely about what happens on the pitch, it's a part of culture, and people want to be involved in different ways. For me, this is about giving fans, families, and anyone exploring the city a chance to connect with the game in a more meaningful way especially with such a big summer ahead for England. It's a great way to bring that excitement out in the city and make it accessible for everyone."

Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said, "Today's launch of Pride in the Quarter is a moment of real celebration for London, and we're proud to bring together art, community, and culture in a way that everyone can enjoy. We want these installations to offer a moment for people to pause and share a sense of joy together, and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and beyond to explore the trail, discover the stories behind each piece, and experience the area in a new and inspiring way."

DRIVERLESS CARS IN LONDON

CNN reported, "Driverless cars will soon be available for public use in London, a first for the British capital that brings vehicles powered by artificial intelligence to one of the world's most congested cities. The launch marks the beginning of British-born Wayve's global rollout of robotaxis, which will extend to more than 10 cities, including Tokyo later this year. Wayve has been testing its technology on the "complex" streets of London since 2018 and plans to launch to the public later this summer. The launch in London comes as self-driving vehicles are being increasingly rolled out in major cities across the United States and elsewhere. The sudden proliferation has heightened scrutiny of what once seemed a highly futuristic technology but is now a present-day reality. Initially, Wayve rides will be supervised by licensed Uber drivers with specialized training, before fully driverless operations begin."

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL IN LAS VEGAS

The formerly "Oakland" Athletics team in Major League Baseball has been playing its games in Sacramento while its new home is under construction. As MLB reported, "However, before the A’s relocate to a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip set to open for the start of the 2028 season, they began a special six-game homestand in mid-June about 13 miles west of that site at Las Vegas Ballpark - home of the club’s Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas Aviators - to give locals an up-close look at its future home team...While the extravaganza is taking place at Las Vegas Ballpark, the A's are also utilizing this week as an opportunity to further establish a connection with their new community ahead of the 2028 move. Events hosted by the A's around the Las Vegas area include Storytime featuring A's mascot Stomper and A's alumni reading and singing with kids at a West Las Vegas library; current and former A's players playing wiffle ball games with the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada's summer youth program and players; and alumni and staff volunteering at the Three Square Food Bank to help pack kids' cafe meals."

CO-BRANDING: UNE FEMME WINES AND KNOPF

According to a press release, "Une Femme Wines, one of the fastest-growing wine brands in the U.S., launched an exclusive book club in partnership with Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The new monthly giveaway partnership celebrates book clubs, great reads, and the rituals that bring women together. The co-branded social series pairs one Une Femme wine with a featured title authored or co-authored by a woman, creating a recurring moment for book lovers nationwide. Launching in June, Une Femme's canned wines will be paired with Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, one of the year's most talked-about novels and a New York Times bestseller. Upcoming featured titles include Land by Maggie O'Farrell, Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight, and Beginning, Middle, End by Valeria Luiselli. Each giveaway invites readers to follow both brands on social media, like the giveaway post, and tag friends from their own book clubs. Winners will receive signed copies of the featured book for their group, a case of Une Femme wine, and exclusive author touchpoints ranging from Q&As to Substack content and behind-the-scenes commentary. The partnership is designed to tap into the rapidly growing online book club community while creating authentic engagement around reading, entertaining and gathering at home. Monthly giveaways and featured titles will be announced across both brands' social channels."

Jen Pelka, co-founder and CEO of Une Femme Wines, said, "We see people drinking Une Femme at book clubs all over the country, and we're excited to make it official. Book club is really about connection: getting together with friends over a great read and a few glasses of wine. As a lifelong reader and book club member, this partnership feels incredibly personal. We're thrilled to be partnering with Knopf on some of the year's most anticipated titles and bringing readers together around books written by women."

Heather Fain, SVP, Publishing Director, Vintage and Marketing Strategy at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, said, "We're always looking for meaningful ways to bring stories off the page and into people's lives. Books and wine are a natural pairing, and this partnership creates new ways for readers to connect with both while building community around reading."

UNIQUE BROADWAY MERCH

NPR reported, "At Cats: The Jellicle Ball — the Tony-nominated Broadway production which reimagines the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in the world of drag ballroom — they sell rhinestone-studded water bottles and cat ears at the merchandise stands. But one product — which isn't bedazzled — is selling like hotcakes. Fans. These yellow and black fans, which cost $30 a piece and say "Come One, Come All," which is a lyric in the show, can be heard throughout the Jellicle Ball – even at the pre-show announcement. After hearing about turning their phones off and unwrapping their candies, the announcer says "I know a lot of you Broadway kitties like to sit quietly and hold your reactions in. But this is a ball, darling," and the clacking starts loudly and in unison. And it continues after every song."

NESPRESSO UNVEILS DUAL BRAND AMBASSADOR STRATEGY

Marketing Brew reported, "Coffee brand Nespresso announced pop star Dua Lipa as its newest global brand ambassador, a role that had previously been exclusive to actor George Clooney, who has been working with the brand since 2006. The Lipa-fronted campaign marks a 30-40 percent increase in brand campaign spend and is one of Nespresso's largest investments to date. As Nespresso seeks to boost its cultural cachet, it's also celebrating its 40-year history, giving the brand an opportunity to celebrate its past while also forging ahead into the future. The combo of Lipa and Clooney is intended to help usher Nespresso into its next chapter, embracing newer offerings like iced coffee while still honoring the brand's legacy as an espresso brand. The duo was brought together for multi-generational appeal."

Jessica Padula, VP of marketing at Nespresso, explained, "We wanted to incorporate a new face to try to address the evolution of the cultural space of coffee and the role that it plays. [Lipa] is the girl about town, she's everywhere that culture is happening. She's also really into food and culture and travel, where coffee really has a natural role to play."

PEET'S SEARCHES FOR "CHIEF PLAYLIST OFFICER"

Marketing Daily reported, "Peet's Coffee is rolling out its new Middle Ground "half-caff" blend with a search for its first ever "Chief Playlist Officer." On June 3rd, the 250-unit coffee chain announced the competition to find an officer tasked "with curating a reset playlist, helping people power through the dreaded afternoon crash." Now through June 30, entrants can submit their "Middle Ground Mix," which is defined as "a personally curated playlist designed to turn up the energy, sharpen focus, and provide a soundtrack for the final hours of the workday," to www.peetscpo.com. Contestants must also provide a short explanation of why they deserve the title of Peet's chief playlist officer and head of half-caff and list the one song that always gets them moving whenever it comes on and why. 

One grand prize winner will officially earn the title of Peet's first-ever Chief Playlist Officer and receive an all-expenses-paid trip with a guest to Chicago to see this summer's top acts, including Olivia Dean, Charlie XCX, Lorde, Tate McRae, John Summit, and more. The winning playlist will be featured as the official 3PM in-coffeebar soundtrack nationwide across Peet's locations."

WENDY'S HIRES NEW "CHIEF TASTING OFFICER"

As the fast-food chain explained back in March, it was looking to hire its first-ever Chief Tasting Officer. According to a company statement, the job was aimed at one lucky fan who cared more about burgers than climbing the corporate ladder.

Well, QSR reported, "Wendy’s has selected Amber Y. Luster as its first-ever Chief Tasting Officer, filling a newly created role designed to engage the brand's fan community and provide feedback on future menu innovation. The quick-service chain launched a nationwide search earlier this year, inviting customers to apply for the position. Wendy's said it received thousands of submissions before selecting Luster, whose background in media and content creation helped distinguish her from other candidates. As Chief Tasting Officer, Luster will taste-test menu items, create brand content, and serve as a representative of Wendy's fan base. The role carries a salary of $100,000. The company said Luster will begin appearing across Wendy’s social media channels immediately as she takes on the role."

Lindsay Radkoski, chief marketing officer of Wendy's, said, "Thousands of our most passionate fans applied for this newly created role, and after reviewing all the applications, we selected a Chief Tasting Officer who embodies the brand love and energy we're looking for. We are thrilled to partner with Amber Luster to showcase the best of Wendy's menu, bring the voice of our customer to future menu ideas, and celebrate the fandom at the heart of our brand."

CHIPOTLE BURRITOS AND NBA FINALS

NRN reported, "Chipotle has launched a "53 Years. 53 Real Ingredients" campaign tied to the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. The 53 years hook is a nod to 1973, when New York won its last championship and San Antonio became home to the Spurs (previously the Dallas Chaparrals). To mark the anniversary, as well as Chipotle's longstanding value of using 53 real ingredients, the chain is giving away 53,000 burritos following the series. Immediately following the final game of the series, Chipotle will post a text-to-win code on Twitter/X that unlocks the free entrée codes. The first 53,000 fans to text the code to 888-222 will receive the offer."

Stephanie Perdue, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing, said, "This year's series created a connection we couldn't ignore: 53 years tied to a unique championship storyline and 53 real ingredients that define Chipotle. Giving away 53,000 free burritos is our way of bringing that story to life for fans."

NPR also shared, "This isn't the first time Chipotle teamed up with the NBA. The company also gave away free burritos in 2021. And Chipotle also has a partnership with the NHL dating back to 2021, as well as the PGA Tour. Earlier this year, the chain teamed up with American Olympians for a curated digital menu coinciding with the Winter Olympics in Milan. Chipotle has also teamed up with summer Olympians, the U.S. men's and women's soccer teams, the University of Southern California Women's Basketball Team, and walk-on student athletes at Ohio State University. All of these campaigns are part of Chipotle's Real Food for Real Athletes platform, launched in 2019, that focuses on supporting athletes by providing proper nutrition through real food and fresh ingredients."

RIO AQUARIUM SHARK'S PREDICTION AND WORLD CUP

Reuters reported, "A female shark named Ritinha at Rio de Janeiro's AquaRio aquarium predicted Brazil will beat Morocco in the national team's opening match at the World Cup, choosing the Brazil-labeled can over Morocco's in front of a live audience on June 3rd." According to the aquarium, the activity served as an opportunity to promote marine wildlife conservation.

FOX SPORTS, SESAME STREET, AND WORLD CUP

In a press release, "FOX Sports, America's English-language home for the tournament, announces a first-of-its-kind collaboration with iconic children's brand Sesame Street. As part of the collaboration, beloved characters from the legendary show will be integrated into event programming through special content segments from Thursday, June 11th, to Sunday, July 19th. The unique collaboration allows both FOX Sports and Sesame Street to surprise and delight kids and families, reaching new audiences around the world’s game, tied to what will be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history."

Cookie Monster was quoted as saying, "Me been told you can't use your hands in soccer so me been practicing eating cookies without me hands to get ready for the World Cup."

The Count was quoted as saying, "I am counting the days until the World Cup. I am also counting the number of teams, how many games they will play, the number of spectators. Here I go! 1… 2… 3… Are we in a rush? I might be here a while."

According to Samantha Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Sesame Workshop, "The World Cup is one of the biggest cultural moments of the year, and a powerful opportunity to engage families with our beloved Sesame Street characters in new and unexpected ways. Through this collaboration with FOX Sports, we're creating memorable moments that resonate with families and fans of all ages — all in service of our nonprofit mission to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder."

DUCKDUCKGO OFFERS NO-AI SEARCH ENGINE

TechCrunch reported, "As its traffic continues to climb, alternative search engine DuckDuckGo is leaning into anti-AI sentiment with the launch of new browser extensions that allow users to set its no-AI search experience, noai.duckduckgo.com, as their default search engine. Once enabled, users will be directed to DuckDuckGo's AI-free search page, where there are no AI-assisted answers, no chat prompts, and fewer AI images in the search results. The extensions are currently available for Chrome and Firefox users. Meanwhile, people who have switched to the DuckDuckGo web browser already have their AI settings preserved, even if they clear their browser history. The company says the extensions are meant to help people have a consistent AI-free search experience — something that's harder to come by these days." 

LITTLE CAESARS LAUNCHES AMAZON PRIME DEAL

Inc. reported, "Amazon is getting into the pizza business — temporarily. From June 15th to June 26th, Little Caesars and Amazon Prime are teaming up on a limited-time deal that allows Amazon Prime members to order a large pepperoni or cheese pizza for just $5. The offer, which is available for customers to use up to five times throughout the promotional period, can be redeemed for delivery or in-store pickup. The pizza company is billing it as a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The Amazon deal is the latest sign that Little Caesars is rethinking how it reaches customers."

According to Jamil Ghani, the vice president of Amazon Prime, "The incomparable value of Prime keeps growing, and this year is no exception." Apparently, this is just another opportunity to increase its customer base.

SNICKERS ADVERTISING HUMOR

Here's a funny marketing twist: Focus group participants named Reese, with some variations in spelling, led SNICKERS to declare: "Reeses wants you to try Snickers Peanut Butter."

According to a press release, "As the brand famous for satisfying hunger, SNICKERS is stepping in to provide the ultimate solution: SNICKERS Peanut Butter. And with 71 percent of people agreeing that texture is a non-negotiable part of their eating experience, the debate between creamy and crunchy peanut butter has never been more intense. By translating signature satisfaction into a multi-sensorial treat packed with real creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, rich caramel, and fluffy nougat, SNICKERS is making sure that peanut butter lovers never have to choose between creamy and crunchy again. To get to the bottom of this classic divide and find out what truly satisfies, SNICKERS assembled a focus group of unbiased participants all who share one thing in common: their name is Reese (or Reece, Rhys, etc.). SNICKERS is now extending an invitation beyond the focus group to every "Reese" in America to publicly pledge their love for SNICKERS Peanut Butter, for a chance to win a year's supply. From May 28th through June 11th, anyone with the first, middle, or last name Reese (including spellings with a "c", "y", or any other way), can sign the official SNICKERS Peanut Butter pledge online."

TROPICANA NEW AD CAMPAIGN

Marketing Dive reported on June 8th, "Tropicana is launching "Give Life Some Juice," a new master brand campaign that highlights the uplift drinkers can get from its portfolio of beverages. Central to the effort is a 60-second spot set in a tropical world where a sloth is rejuvenated after drinking the brand's orange juice. Other spots, in 30-, 15- and six-second lengths, show how Tropicana juice affects other animals and scenarios."

Chris Tussing, CMO of Tropicana Brands Group, said, "The idea of the tropics has been associated with our brand for a long time, and this campaign really does a great job of capturing not only the invigorating uplift you get from drinking Tropicana juice, but presenting it in a way that's creatively rich, interesting, and distinctive for us."

CONSUMER ATTENTION AND WORLD CUP

EMarketer reported, "Many brands are betting on the World Cup to capture consumers' attention, build awareness, and drive spending. During early June, Target kicked off its Summer Goals Tour, featuring interactive games, brand experiences, giveaways, and exclusive products across four host-market cities. Adidas is using the event to deepen its relationship with Nordstrom. The sportswear brand launched the "adidas at The Corner" in the retailer’s New York City flagship store, a dedicated pop-up in downtown Seattle, and displays in 33 other locations featuring curated merchandise and fan-focused activations. Restaurants are leaning into the event. Large chains including McDonald's and Buffalo Wild Wings are rolling out limited-time items, and TGI Fridays is launching a World Cup menu, per Restaurant Dive. Independent restaurants are following suit, with point-of-sales provider Spot On noting new menu items, most of which are beverages. Beer companies are also investing heavily. Anheuser-Busch InBev is spending more than $110 million on advertising and FIFA sponsorships to position Michelob Ultra and other brands as official beverages of the tournament, per The New York Times. While not an official sponsor, Molson Coors is boosting ad spending by about 60 percent for brands like Coors Light and Miller Lite, its largest investment in a live sporting event in a decade. Bottom line: interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is growing, with roughly a third (32 percent) of US consumers planning to watch at least one match. By comparison, viewership of the last Super Bowl was 69 percent, and 2026 Winter Olympics was 58 percent."

JAMBA INTRODUCES HAT TRICK TANGO SMOOTHIE 

QSR reported, "Jamba is introducing the Hat Trick Tango Smoothie as its June Monthly Mystery Smoothie, a limited-time offering inspired by one of soccer's most celebrated achievements: a hat trick, or scoring three goals in a single match. Available through June 30, the smoothie blends peach, mango, pineapple, and strawberry flavors into a tropical beverage designed to coincide with the summer soccer season. The Hat Trick Tango arrives as fans gather for matches, watch parties, and other seasonal events tied to the global tournament taking place this summer."

CUSTOMER LOYALTY VERSUS BRAND ALLEGIANCE

Consumer Experience Dive reported, "According to AnswerLab CEO Megan Malli, "Enrollment is a behavior. Loyalty is a relationship. Most brands are measuring one and assuming they're earning the other.” However, only one-quarter of consumers say they're loyal to all of the loyalty programs to which they belong, according to a survey from AnswerLab, a research-led experience strategy firm. Nine in 10 consumers say their favorite brands deliver convenience, value, and ease, according to the survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers. However only 61 percent of consumers feel genuinely known or recognized by their favorite brands, exposing a gap between functional experience and emotional connection."

CO-BRANDING: WETZEL'S PRETZELS AND OREO

RestaurantNews reported, "Wetzel's Pretzels is turning snack time into dessert time with the launch of new OREO Bitz bite-sized pretzels, available from June 1st through October 4th. The latest limited-time treat starts with Wetzel's warm, fresh-baked Original Bitz, topped with vanilla creme, sprinkled with OREO cookie crumbles, and finished with Mini OREO cookies for an extra sweet bite. Made for summer snack runs, movie nights, mall laps, and everything in between, OREO Bitz brings together two familiar favorites in one mouthwatering mashup that's equal parts soft, crunchy, and creamy. Guests can find OREO Bitz at Wetzel's locations nationwide for a limited time while supplies last."

WHITE CASTLE OFFERS VEGAN SLIDER

RestaurantDive reported, "As competition heats up amid consumer spending pullback, QSR chains are leaning into menu innovation and limited-time offers to drive guest traffic...The addition of a veggie slider could help differentiate White Castle from competitors focused on chicken line-ups. Many chains pulled back on plant-based menu items in recent years due to a lack of consumer interest. White Castle conducted consumer research last summer to help its innovation team determine the flavors, ingredients, and profile that consumers wanted in a non-meat slider. The team decided to use a veggie patty from Dr. Praeger's as a base for its Southwest Veggie Slider. The slider patty is made with a blend of sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions, and carrots with a crispy brown rice crust, and comes seasoned with smokey chipotle and sweet barbecue flavors on a slider bun with a slice of jalapeno cheese. The Southwest Veggie Slider will be available across the chain's 336 restaurants starting at $2.49."

KRISPY KREME'S MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE COLLECTION

The brand's press release announced, "He-Man has faced countless villains, and now he's teaming up with Krispy Kreme to usher in a new era of doughnut deliciousness, defending flavor, fun, and epic sweet cravings everywhere. Beginning Tuesday, May 26th, at participating shops across the U.S., Krispy Kreme in collaboration with Mattel and Amazon MGM Studios unleashes the Masters of the Universe Collection with three all-new doughnuts available for a limited time plus a custom dozen box inspired by Masters of the Universe heroes and villains: (1) He-Man Caramel Crunch Doughnut: a powerhouse of flavor featuring an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in red caramel icing swirled with cheesecake-flavored buttercreme, topped with graham-flavored crumble and a He-Man piece; (2) Skeletor Double Chocolate Doughnut: a wickedly delicious, unglazed shell doughnut filled with chocolate custard, dipped in chocolate icing and chocolate cookie crumble, topped with a Skeletor piece; and (3) Cringer Claw Cookie Dough Doughnut: a roaring Original Glazed doughnut dipped and drizzled with cookie dough icing."

CO-BRANDING: KING'S HAWAIIAN AND "MINIONS & MONSTERS"

The brand's press release announced, "King's Hawaiian, family-owned brand behind America's #1 selling rolls, and Illumination's Minions & Monsters team up to bring fans a Minion-inspired snack as fun-loving as the Minions themselves. Ahead of Illumination's riotous new film, arriving in theaters July 1st, King's Hawaiian is debuting NEW "Shake 'Em" Banana Bites: a limited-time, flavor-packed twist inspired by the Minions' famously beloved fruit. The partnership also includes a custom television commercial, in-store displays, and more.

Launching nationwide on May 20th, "Shake 'Em" Banana Bites feature King's Hawaiian signature soft, pillowy bread bites with a banana-flavored sugar topping. True to the Minions' mischievous spirit, "Shake 'Em" Banana Bites are designed to stir up some movie magic. The three-step experience adds an extra layer of flavor (and fun) with every bite: simply sprinkle the banana-flavored sugar, shake to evenly coat, and enjoy. Consumers can customize the amount of flavor, and serve the item straight from the tub or heat in an air fryer for a toasty treat. Available for a limited time at retailers nationwide including Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix, the new Banana Bites offer a craveable sweet snack perfect for movie nights, summer gatherings, or anytime fans are ready to embrace a little Minions-inspired fun. 

The partnership comes to life in a new television commercial that captures the joyful, high-energy spirit of the Minions with inspiration from King's Hawaiian Shake 'Em Banana Bites. Set against a lively, 1920s-inspired set, the spot features the Minions, dressed as Bites, breaking into a spirited dance number and bringing a sense of rhythm, humor, and spectacle to the screen. As the performance builds, one Minion sprinkles banana-flavored sugar that leads to a funny tossing sequence, delivering an energetic scene that brings the snack's interactive spirit to life. Extending the partnership beyond the screen, the brands will also debut a co-branded NASCAR race car at Pocono Raceway during June, bringing the collaboration to fans in a bold and high-speed way."

Raouf Moussa, Chief Marketing Officer at King's Hawaiian, said, "At King's Hawaiian, we're always looking for ways to bring a little more joy and flavor to everyday moments. With 'Shake 'Em' Banana Bites, we're combining our signature soft, sweet bread with the Minions' most iconic flavor to create something that's both delicious and unexpected. From a delightful new animated TV spot to eye-catching in-store displays at grocery retailers nationwide, we're excited to bring this partnership to life in a way that fans can experience a little movie magic through our brand this summer."

FIAT'S TWO NEW MODELS

Reuters reported, "Fiat will start sales of its Grizzly mid-sized SUV and Grizzly Fastback model in ​the second half of this year in ‌Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with plans to expand to other regions, the Stellantis -owned brand announced. As part of its new business plan to ​2030, Stellantis is aiming for more than 60 ⁠new vehicle launches and 50 significant refreshes, ​across all brands, to help claw back the ​market share the automaker has lost in several regions, including in North America and Europe, its largest ones. Measuring under 4.5 ​metres in length, both models are built ​on the 'Smart Car' platform, which underpins Stellantis' budget models including ‌Fiat ⁠Grande Panda and Citroen C3. They will be available in petrol, hybrid, and fully electric versions. The two models will be produced ​in ⁠Morocco. Stellantis has identified Fiat as one ⁠of ​its four core brands, on ​which it plans to concentrate around 70 percent of its brand ​and product investments."

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S LOU GEHRIG DAY

On June 2nd, Major League Baseball celebrated the legacy of superstar Lou Gehrig for the sixth year in a row. According to MLB, "Managers and coaches wore custom "4" decals to honor Gehrig's retired number alongside commemorative red "4-ALS" Franklin wristbands. The retirement of Lou Gehrig’s number "4" marked the first such milestone for a baseball player in history, occurring on July 4th, 1939, when he delivered his iconic "Luckiest Man" speech at Yankee Stadium." Each MLB ballpark debuted a commemorative video produced by the MLB Network highlighting the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). MLB's goal was to unite teams and fans across the country to celebrate the Hall of Famer's enduring strength, remember those lost to the disease, and support the organization's pursuit of a cure.

TED TURNER TRIBUTE

CNN reported, "Top CNN journalists vowed to uphold founder Ted Turner's legacy at a Warner Bros. Discovery event honoring the maverick businessman held on June 10th. The Atlanta gathering of executives, employees and alumni was organized after Turner died in May. Speakers from TNT Sports, Turner Classic Movies, and CNN recognized Turner’s tremendous impact across the media industry. Several CNN anchors emphasized the importance of editorial independence — a matter of much concern given the recent controversies at Paramount-owned CBS News."

Turner's grandson, John R. Seydell III, said, "Grandpa built CNN as an act of defiance because he believed fearless 24/7 independent journalism was oxygen for our democracy. He would see what's happening right now — larger and larger acquisitions; "60 Minutes" hollowed; Dan Rather and hundreds of journalists around the world writing letters for editorial independence to be preserved and the First Amendment right for speech, especially for our storytellers, to be protected.” 

Speaking from Beirut, where she is on assignment, Christiane Amanpour said, "I am a complete and utter adherent to fighting for editorial independence and to being able to pursue independent news coverage without fear or favor, no matter who is in charge politically, no matter where we go. That is our mission. That is Ted Turner's legacy, and that's one that I intend to fulfill in my life."

AI INTEGRATION

Is your organization ready for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)? Marketing expert Debra Andrews was asked, "Your employees are ready for AI, but is your org chart?" She wrote for Smartbrief,"The companies pulling ahead aren't necessarily using more sophisticated tools. They're using AI inside structures that have been re-designed to take advantage of it. The shift in organizations making true progress is less about technology and more about ownership. They've taken the time to answer three important questions:

(1) Who is accountable for AI-assisted outputs?

(2) What does meaningful oversight look like when production speed has increased significantly?

(3) Does the current team structure still fit the work, or does it fit the way the work used to get done?

The companies that have moved furthest haven't abandoned structure or quality standards. If anything, their accountability is sharper. What's different is that their processes were built for how work actually flows today, not carried over from before these tools existed."

KENNEDY CENTER NAME UPDATES

In May, a federal district judge ruled that President Trump's name was illegally added to the Kennedy Center's name. The ruling noted that only Congress - not the President - can change the name. The judge ordered all references to Trump to be removed by June 12th, website, emails, stationery, etc. Then, on June 11th, the Kennedy Center's Board, all appointed by Trump, mounted a last-minute effort to keep his name on the facility. But the judge refused. According to ABC7 News, "In his earlier ruling, U.S. District Judge Christoper Cooper also blocked the administration from closing the cultural and arts venue for major renovations that had been planned to start in July and last for two years."

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

Image Credits: Ben Stevens/PA (one of the lions at the base of Nelson's Column), Kennedy Center, and DuckDuckGo.

Watch Tropicana's GIVE LIFE SOME JUICE ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NbKbjomhQw

Watch Nespresso's WHAT ELSE ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cwyHvNQ7FQ