QUICK PR READS YOU CAN TACKLE BETWEEN BITES
As we all know, the topic of weather is a networking event crowd pleaser, but by the end of this week you’ll probably be tired of commiserating about the dog days of summer (yes, temperatures are indeed going to hit the 100-degree mark here in D.C.).
[bctt tweet=”We thought we’d arm you with a few non-weather headlines during this week’s Lunch Break to get you through and maybe even inspire a rousing conversation or two. @stantoncomm” username=””]
50thAnniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and while there are many unique celebrations – the coolest by far has to be the 363-foot, life-sized rocket that will be projected onto the Washington Monument obelisk, according to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.
On July 19 and July 20, a 17-minute show will take place at the Washington Monument, recreating Apollo 11’s launch and landing, in part through archival footage. People can view the show from the National Mall and near the Smithsonian Castle, from 9th to 12th streets NW, beginning at 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. both days.
Celebs Step Up to the Plate for Amazon Prime Day
You’ve probably already seen all of the ads. Will Smith is selling water. Kobe Bryant is pushing deodorant. Mark Wahlberg is peddling protein powder.
Amazon is certainly tapping high-profile actors, athletes and social-media sensations to maintain buzz around its popular Prime Day summer sale, which is now in its fifth year and battling increasing competition from rivals.
So far, it seems to be working. According to Coresight Research, shoppers will spend $5.8 billion on Amazon over the two days, which is an 11% increase from last year’s 36-hour sale when converted to spending per hour.
The celebrity focus shows how much Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, has changed his tune when it comes to the value of celebrity endorsements. In the past, it has been said that he resisted the tactic because it seemed inauthentic, but now the marketing for the mainstream giant is in a new maturity phase.
Since there isn’t a must-have Amazon gadget or new product category this year – Amazon is emphasizing its exclusive celebrity deals and making an effort to try its hand at traditional marketing.
Mother of Emmys
In exciting entertainment news, Game of Thrones has set a new record with 32 Emmy nominations, the most earned in a single year by any drama series.
This year’s nominations included one for best drama and individual nominations for cast members including Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and Gwendoline Christie.
To date, the fantasy series has won 47 Emmys and been nominated 161 times, including this year’s nominations. It is currently the most Emmy-winning primetime series in history.
“The One with the Apothecary Table”
We love a good a brand announcement and this week Pottery Barn announcedthat it will be releasing a special “Friends”-themed collection on July 30, 2019 to celebrate the show’s 25thanniversary.
Serena Famalette, a Pottery Barn rep, said that there will be 14 items in the collection ranging from $13 to $1,099. The infamous apothecary table from the episode “The One with the Apothecary Table” will be among the pieces. Fans will remember that Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) tried to convince Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) that the newly purchased Pottery Barn furniture was a one-of-a-kind find and not mass produced.
