So, given that we’ve got the Olympics out of the way, there’s finally time to breathe. I’ve seriously never seen such a diverse range of brands being able to get involved with one event.

TBWA\ New York houses the TBWA\WW team here so you get to see everything big that’s going on throughout the global network. And they really go all out for the Olympics, from TBWA\China being hugely patriotic in their countdown to the Olympics for client, adidas and government anti-steroid campaigns from New York through to bespoke spots created for financial clients that are touch and go until the last minute, and totally dependent upon which athlete wins which medal. 

Maybe we should be more flexible in securing one off media spots. If it’s relevant and it works, why not do this instead of going with the humdrum and often channelling a load of $$$ (sorry, my keyboard doesn’t have a pound sign) into ineffective stuff. It’s definitely the reason for the guys here doing regular Media Arts sessions with clients. The whole idea of doing something that gets your brand to behave, be seen and be where their audience is, unsurprisingly seems to works.

If you want a taster, TBWA\London have done it well with their cocktail umbrella campaign for watchyourdrink.com. Targeting bars throughout the country, mini cocktail umbrellas were placed in drinks across the country when people weren’t looking, with a message on the umbrella saying ‘this is how easy it is to spike your drink’. Definitely more impactful than a TV awareness ad that’s hardly going to engage you whilst you’re on the safety of the TV couch… 

Which gets me onto tonight’s activities - must get out and play in the city. Sun’s still going strong over here amidst the random thunderstorms that threaten the end of the world arriving. So, maybe to one of the roof decks – Hotel Gansevoort in the Meat Packing District is a hot spot with gorgeous views of the Hudson River, or chill it down a little in Central Park.

The weirdest things go on there and I’ll no longer be shocked by anything after experiencing the hula hoop classes and roller disco where it’s mandatory to dance and roll at the same time…note to self, must learn to multitask better.