Is it just me or does it seem like there is something for everything nowadays? Let me clarify, as that is a rather broad question…
With the way communicating through technology has advanced, it’s become much easier to connect with those who have shared interests. This has become especially evident with interests in the entertainment community.
Entertainment nostalgia
It now seems like there is an event for every bit of nostalgia you can imagine. Autograph shows, meet and greets, and memorabilia collections of all kinds are held in convention halls all around the world. (To give you an idea of how deep this thing goes, there was a “Grease 2” reunion convention sometime within the last five years. Being that I’m the only person I’ve ever met who likes that movie, it’s amazing that it found an audience.)
This idea of marketing by use of nostalgia is something that is becoming smartly tapped and there are a variety of directions it can go in.
For example, the new Domino’s ads feature dead-on tributes to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
What’s your niche?
If you’re a fan of anything, it’s likely that you can find an event to suit your needs.
And, if you want to take it a step further, you can think outside the box and use nostalgia as a marketing tool.
I recently began dabbling in social media gigs that have brought me to a few different fan conventions. One was a throwback 80s and 90s convention that featured everyone from Alan Thicke to the members of N*SYNC. Another is a recurring convention that brings together fans of sci-fi, horror, and everything under that umbrella.
I was amazed by the number of people that came out to these events and the amount of money that was spent on the day’s activities (autographs, photo ops, etc.). I was energized by the fact that you can take something you have a great appreciation for and bring together others who share that feeling. Watching people meet some of their favorite celebrities is something that is priceless.
Hop onboard the nostalgia train
If you’re a fan of something, you don’t have to look too far to find what you’d enjoy – going back to the aforementioned “Ferris Bueller” example, there is a first-ever John Hughes fan event taking place in Chicago next month that will bring fans to their favorite Brat Pack members.
In the same thought, if you have an idea, now is the time to find others who share that interest and execute your vision.
