MSilver

“What happens when you bring the Minister of Tourism from Aruba and media together at an M.Silver Associates Press Event?... A Conga Line!”

When our Aruba client told us that the country’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism, a very forward thinking person with big ideas, wanted to make a splash in New York City, we knew that we would have to follow Ed Sullivan’s advice and make it a “really big show!  And, by the way, we only had three weeks to make it all happen.  

 

Looking to build maximum excitement, the creative strategizing process at M. Silver went into full gear.  Aruba’s colorful Carnival had just ended and New York City was locked in the icy grip of freezing February temperatures and back- to-back blizzards.  What better way to bring a little sunshine to Manhattan than with dancing girls (and boys) adorned with magically elaborate costumes performing to the rhythms of Carnival music.

 

Thus M. Silver designed a two-day event in which the agency booked appearances on two morning television shows, held a Times Square dance exhibition and hosted a media luncheon with top-tier lifestyle and travel press.  

 

The events started off last Monday with an appearance on the CBS Early Show, including a special performance in the plaza by the Aruba Carnival Dancers who joined us straight from Aruba’s annual Carnival celebration.  This was followed by an exclusive appearance on NBC’s Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda (who joined in the dancing wearing Carnival head pieces) and an interview with the Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber, inviting New Yorkers to visit a sunny and fun Aruba, where “it’s always 82 degrees!” From the TV studio straight to Times Square, 10 of the most passionate Aruba Carnival dancers performed for two hours (in 30 degree weather) in one of the busiest area’s of New York, with Aruba ambassadors handing out t-shirts and Aruba-branded items to those stopping by to see the show.

 

The next day, MSA planned and coordinated a media luncheon in a hip NYC Chelsea location for editors and writers from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Sherman’s Travel, Elite Traveler, Fodor’s, Bridesand InStyle, just to name a few. A signature “Aruba Ariba” cocktail was served along with a sumptuous seafood menu.  The room was decorated in a sophisticated beach theme with stunning visuals of Arubaprojected throughout the venue.  Following the Minister’s presentation, the Aruba Dancers were brought out for a special finale which turned into many encores and a spontaneous conga line, with the Minister himself joining the dance!

 

The next day, the Aruba press and television carried big colorful stories about the successful mission by the new Minister of Tourism and the Aruba Tourism Authority in New York and how “one happy island” took another island by storm.

 

Even with short notice and many challenges (snowstorms, cancelled flights, customs clearance issues), the success of this event once again proves that with creative thinking, lots of energy and great teamwork that anything is possible if there’s a good game plane and lots of passion and determination. 

 

M. Silver Associates Adds New Vice President to Senior Agency Management

NEW YORK, March 10, 2010 – M. Silver Associates, a leading lifestyle and travel and tourism industry public relations agency, today announced the addition of Lori A. Traczyk as a vice president.  In her new position, Traczyk will be responsible for managing clients in the hospitality sector, creating and implementing programs with traditional and new media platforms, developing integrated client campaigns that incorporate special events, partnerships and promotions and new business development.

 

Traczyk is a lifestyle specialist with extensive experience in luxury products, hospitality, fashion and design, restaurants and retail, special events, publishing and high-profile cultural institutions and attractions.  Prior to joining M. Silver, she was director of public relations for the Fortuna Realty Group, a private real estate company and hotelier with holdings in various cities across the United States.  Traczyk’s previous agency positions included Rubenstein Public Relations where she was a vice president leading accounts such as the Cannes Film Festival, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., media tour, Trump Magazine and Halstead Real Estate. She was also a senior publicist/special events director at Loving & Weintraub where she handled special events for fashion clients such as Burberry, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Cynthia Rowley and Alfred Dunhill and such iconic NYC institutions and attractions including New York Botanical Gardens, Wildlife Conservation Society and Whitney Museum’s annual celebrity “Brite Nite Whitney” event.

 

In addition to her work experience, Traczyk has a strong international orientation, having lived in Denmark, Greece, France, England, Saudi Arabia and Korea.  She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. 

 

“Lori possesses the strengths we are looking for in our senior management ranks,” said Virginia M. Sheridan, president of M. Silver.  “We are known for our creative, results-oriented work and for the ability to advance the brand and image goals of our clients.  Lori’s experience in the luxury sector will be a major asset to our own objective to remain at the top of the hospitality industry and to diversify with more consumer products and lifestyle clients.

The Art of Urban Chic Living Personified at EPIC Residences & Hotel

 EPIC Residences & Hotel, located in downtown Miami where Brickell Avenue meets Biscayne Bay, added six new pieces by Eduardo Hoffmann to its museum-quality collection of art.  The stunning, color-infused modern works of mixed media on canvas have been installed in one of the unparalleled Roof Upper Penthouses, making it a perfect addition to the impressive, permanent art collection throughout.  Hoffmann’s works join a selection of specially chosen pieces on permanent display by renowned local and international artists, such as James Brown, Roberto Matta, Dario Basso, Fernando DeSzyszlo, Jose Bechara, Karina Wisniewska, Alexis Gorodine, Gye Hoon Park, and Ola Kolehmainen. 

Curated by Miami-based Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts Gallery, EPIC’s art collection reflects the property’s unique surroundings with elegant simplicity and sophisticated style, while complementing the urban chic design essence of EPIC’s exterior and interior spaces.  In all, the collection of nearly 100 pieces of original works of art valued at more than $2 million creates a masterpiece in luxury living for residents.

 Chosen for their polished style and subject matter, each work celebrates the whimsical elegance of EPIC Residences & Hotel.  For residents, EPIC’s art collection provides a rare opportunity to enjoy an artistically inspired lifestyle reflecting modern urban living.  Featured pieces in the collection include Constant Chain a large outdoor bronze sculpture by celebrated Polish artist, Xawery Wolski, exclusively commissioned for EPIC Residences; Ploam a unique sculpture by Ernest Drewes adorns EPIC Residence’s lobby corridor; Untitled #2147 by Eduardo Hoffman which is the focus of attention in the Residences lobby; Laberinto by Ricardo Benaim brightens the 14th level corridor; and Landscape by Jill Hotchkiss complements the top-rated cuisine at the Residence’s Area 31 restaurant.

Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in Miami Stars in Season Finale of Burn Notice

On Thursday, March 4, fans of USA Network’s Burn Notice set in Miami tuned in to see Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel star in its debut role for television.

Portions of the show’s third season finale were not only filmed on location at EPIC, but the hotel plays a pivotal role in the episode’s plot which involved a world-class terrorist threatening to detonate a bomb in Miami.  Burn Notice is an action-packed original series about a blacklisted spy who uses his unique skills and training to help people in desperate situations, while avoiding getting caught in the crosshairs of those from his past.

Recently chosen as a Top 10 Luxury Hotel, a Top 10 Trendiest Hotel and a Top 25 Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Awards, EPIC Hotel’s contemporary chic design has made it a popular location for film and production.  EPIC will be featured as the design inspiration of an upcoming episode of HGTV’s Color Splash, and has also served as the backdrop for music videos, and other entertainment production endeavors.

 EPIC is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way. For more information on EPIC and/or reservations, please call (866) 760-3742 or (305) 424-5226 or visit www.epichotel.com. 

New Accounts for M.Silver Associates Reflect Need for PR and Marketing During Challenging Economic Conditions

Since the global economic crisis hit the business community, M. Silver Associates (MSA), has won several new accounts representing a broad spectrum of industries and interests – a strong reflection of the continuing, even increased need for strategic public relations and marketing communications in a challenging competitive environment. The accounts range from tourism marketing to health-related services to cosmetics.

“There is a natural but counter-productive tendency to pull back during hard times, just when renewed investment in strategic planning, marketing communications and promotion are most called for,” said Virginia M. Sheridan, M. Silver Associates’ president. “We have worked very hard at convincing prospective clients of the need to look ahead, prepare themselves for new realities, and commit to strong marketing initiatives. The effort is paying off with new accounts that have enabled us to expand our expertise into such areas as beauty, health and wellness, and to deepen our traditional strengths in travel and tourism and the hospitality industry.”

MSA’s most recent signings have included:

On Call International – A leading provider of customized medical, security and travel assistance for international business and leisure travelers as well as expatriates, students and others away from home.  Operating 24/7/365, On Call International specializes in emergency evacuations from any point on the globe, assisting more than seven million travelers. M Silver is their first PR agency and work includes brand marketing and online and offline media relations.  

Michael Todd Cosmetics  - A uniquely interactive internet department store for couture cosmetics and fragrance.  With more an 1100 products for men and women, Michael Todd Cosmetics is the largest webstore of its kind and a virtual custom cosmetics emporium.  The agency is responsible for launch activities as well as media relations, special events and promotions. 

Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe – Founded in 2000, The Early Learning Coalition is one of 31 similar organizations throughout the state of Florida dedicated to promoting high-quality school readiness, voluntary pre-kindergarten and after school program participation.  As the state’s largest and most diverse organization, the Coalition serves more than 50,000 children ages birth to 12 years old and their families.  M.Silver Florida is responsible for promoting the importance of early childhood developmental learning, as well as the Coalition’s mission to increase all children’s chances of achieving future educational success

Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel – Slated to open in spring 2010, Eventi will be the first luxurious hotel in Manhattan’s North Chelsea district, residing on the entire block of Avenue of the Americas between 29^th and 30^th Streets. Eventi is operated by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the country's leading and largest boutique hotel operator.  Agency work includes orchestrating an opening campaign, media relations, partnerships and promotions and social media programs.

Grupo Vidanta - Grupo Vidanta has evolved for more than 35 years into one of Mexico’s leading developers of hotels and resorts, golf courses, vacation ownership, and tourism infrastructure, including Mexico’s first privately built and owned international airport at Puerto Penasco. For American travelers, Grupo Vidanta’s Mayan Resorts offer a choice of three- to five-star, full-service luxury beach resorts in Mexico´s finest beaches, under the Sea Garden, Mayan Palace and Grand Mayan brands.  M. Silver is responsible for the promotion of more than a half dozen Grupo Vidanta brands through media relations, property openings, special events and promotions.

Fisher Island Hotel & Resort – Located within the private residential community of Fisher Island, the Fisher Island Hotel and Resort offers a truly luxurious “members only” vacation experience set against the breathtaking views of the Atlantic and iconic Miami skyline, while only minutes from the lively South Beach scene.  The agency is promoting the property’s emergence from a multi-million dollar island-wide restoration and renovation effort.

Taiwan Tourist Bureau – With Asia becoming one of the cruise industry’s fastest growing markets, M. Silver Associates has been hired to promote the ports, port facilities and services, and tourism attractions of Taiwan in the interest of attracting cruise line partners and generating heightened consumer awareness of the destination.