Going to Des Moines’ sushi restaurants has become a frequent occurrence for many of us at Lessing-Flynn. We’ve turned non believers like Jess Held and sushi virgins like our former intern, Spencer Anderson into brand advocates of all things sushi.
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About six months ago, a few of us from Lessing-Flynn were having lunch at Sakari, a fairly new and fantastic sushi joint on Ingersoll. Chris Hanson, one of our creative directors was geeking out over the awesomeness of attending the Des Moines Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest – an event that celebrated bacon. “If only there was an event like that for sushi.” Hanson dreamed.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Introducing the first ever DSM: SUSHIBOMB presented by Lessing-Flynn. We’ll be celebrating the wonderful taste of sushi at Jasper Winery on September 19 with about 200 of our sushi brethren. And we’d like you to join us!
So why is an ad agency holding a sushi event, you ask?
1. Why not?
2. Someone has to.
3. We love planning events.
4. Des Moines needs this.
5. Duh, sushi!
Most important, is our passion for campaigns that merge traditional AND social media. Traditional media will include television spots thanks to our media sponsor, Mediacom, event marketing, POP (Point of Purchase) displays at sushi restaurants around town as well as a contest (we’ll release that information later). Social media will include a Website/Blog, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Lastly, any reporters, editors, bloggers or other influencers that want to learn more, we’re always up for a little PR.
We’re taking a cue from the 80/35 Music Festival playbook. Just as they slowly release the line-up of bands, we’ll slowly begin releasing the names of the sushi restaurant participants over the next week or so. Just know that there will be four of them, they’re awesome and they all contribute to the emerging sushi culture in Des Moines.
We don’t just want you to buy tickets, we’d like you to connect with the DSM: SUSHIBOMB in any of the following ways:
1. Visit the Official DSM: SUSHIBOMB Web site
2. Buy tickets when they go on sale on August 16 at 8 a.m. CDT- HERE (must be 21 or older to purchase and/or attend) Ticket sales are limited to 200 so set your alarm clocks!
3. Follow the event on Twitter and use the hashtag #DSMSB
4. Like the event on Facebook
5. Watch videos (you think we’d do anything without a video?) on our YouTube Channel. Although there aren’t any videos there now, there will be tomorrow!
Questions? Drop us a comment below – or better yet, ask on the DSM: SUSHIBOMB Web site
Thanks – we hope to see you there!
-Lessing-Flynn / Ad Mavericks
www.lessingflynn.com
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
One Word—–> Awesome.
Another Word —> Supersweet.
Oh yes, because you implored me to engage with DSM: SushiBomb, I fully intend to take this to the limit. I’m talking multiple website visits. Endless #DSMSB tweets. Gonna invite random peeps to tag the F-Book page. And I might even make a mashup of the YouTube video and Tenacious D – This is not the greatest sushi fest in the world, this is just a tribute.
- JW
I don’t like sushi that much, but maybe someone can show me some new kind of sushi that I will like. I will be there!
I love sushi, and I love Des Moines. Oh, and I like Lessing-Flynn, too.
This is an awesome idea. Too bad I can’t make it. 
I’ll definitely be promoting it, though!
And blueduder, if you do make a mash-up video with Tenacious D, you will be a hero in my book.
Whats’s so viral about sushi? It’s about as original a concept as Ramen noodles. Do better.
Thanks for watching, Jeff. Since this is your second not-so-glowing comment on our blog I have to wonder why a film guy from NY cares so much about a fun event celebrating sushi in Des Moines.
Perhaps you could come and film the DSM: SUSHIBOMB event on the grand scale of your Turkey Tourism spot.
http://web.me.com/jeffweiser/Current_Work/_Current_Work_.html
We’d love to have you here in Des Moines and would gladly serve Ramen noodles on the side in your honor.
Thanks for the plug. Love your wit. Are you actually on the payroll there?Seriously, I’d be glad to help you with your creative. Let’s just start by you promising me you’re not that dick in the fish suit.
Now that I’ve got your attention (and everyone else’s) let me tell you why I wrote on your blog in the first place. The video reflected poorly on your ad agency. It was too long, the music was dated (Benny Hill?), it was poorly edited and it needed more than just a guy in a fish suit. Just a fish handing out invitations and bowing isn’t guerilla marketing. It’s just silly. It needs to be better.
Here’s how to make it go viral and be a success.
First, re-shoot it. Use two cameras for a good edit. Make sure to get the reaction shots.
Have someone holding a sign that says “Hit the Fish”. Use the song “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, but not the Pat Benatar version to avoid the cliche. There’s an R&B version on itunes.
Everyone at the mall gets to punch the fish once. Grandmothers, food court worker, little kids, moms, dads.. everyone. (the guy inside needs to have a chest protector and a cup). It’s all in good fun. Make it two minutes or less. And give it an ending that will make it interesting, so it actually gets passed around on the internet.
Finally, have a little kid take a swing and hit the fish in the balls. The fish doubles over and falls down. Get the kid’s reaction shot. Cut to black. It’s a harmless gag and no one will be offended. It’s actually funny and it WILL go viral. That’s how to give your agency some cred in viral/guerilla marketing.
Thanks, Jeff, business slow?
Nice. There you go. Just posted this from SilverCup Studios. Roll camera. good luck with your bomb. I’m now unsubscribed.