by Ceili Rian | Jan 10, 2017
SITUATION:
With the impending joint launch of two major software products, it was imperative to communicate critical launch information to the worldwide general managers and their teams in the field. The business marketing organization needed someone who could work across marketing, public relations, field and partner readiness, sales, and technical teams to create a comprehensive guide containing information crucial to field readiness and launch. The deliverable timeframe was extremely short: one and a half months from inception to completion.
SOLUTION:
A RealTime Productions program manager was hired to manage the development of a comprehensive readiness kit. She worked closely with key executive management and launch leads for both products, effectively managed project development, cross-team collaboration, communications, schedule, and content reviews. This project involved the collection and organization of vast amounts of data and the collaboration with a multitude of individuals across marketing, PR, field and partner readiness, sales, and technical teams. Visio was used to create an online timeline and the kit and calendar were posted to the internal joint launch portal.
BENEFITS/RESULTS:
Our PM jumped in and completed this valuable resource in 45 days. The company’s GMs and their teams received a comprehensive guide and timeline, which they put to use in the vital launch activities needed for a successful worldwide joint product launch. The division VP praised our project manager for the readiness kit’s value.
by Ceili Rian | Jan 10, 2017
SITUATION:
Starbucks needed a creative way to introduce and market its new line of delicious blended drinks-the Vanilla and Coconut Creme Frappuccino. They wanted an event that would create excitement and appeal for the new flavors and wanted to use this opportunity as a way to give back to the community.
SOLUTION:
Hire RealTime Productions to design and execute the premier of Starbucks’ new line of blended drinks. A daytime “cocktail party” style event was held at a local Seattle nightlife hot spot, the Bada Lounge. The theme was white, since both drinks premiered were white. In addition to Frappuccino tasting, Starbucks donated $10 to FareStart, a job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals, for every person at the party dressed in white. As the event managers, RealTime Productions oversaw:
- Guest RSVPs
- Coordination of giveaways
- Facilitation of security
- On-site management
- Coordination of audio/visual set up
- Food & beverage services
- Facilitation of pre-event logistics
- Budget development & management
- Management of decor & rentals
RESULT:
Our clients were delighted with the 200 media and invited guests who attended the gathering. Positive press was generated for the new line of beverages and RealTime Productions ensured this tasty premier was as smooth as a creamy Frappuccino.
by Ceili Rian | Jan 10, 2017
SITUATION:
The operations team at a global software company needed someone to manage three distinct worldwide award programs from end-to-end. They needed a manager with the expertise to drive the programs’ processes, timelines, and deliverables, and to function as the liaison to worldwide awards and field managers. This person would need to possess the technical acumen to understand the back-end functionality of the online nominations tool, as well as make recommendations for process improvements. In addition, a help desk professional was required to resolve issues quickly and independently for worldwide awards managers and end-users. The PM would step into this project near the start of the new fiscal year’s program launch, requiring her to learn the diverse programs, tool functionality, and key stakeholders quickly.
SOLUTION:
A RealTime PM joined the team in this long-term role because of her management and leadership experience, ability to manage complex programs, skill at determining process improvements, and excellent communication. She was able to contribute her ability to work with cross-functional teams, ensuring all stringent deadlines were met, while working as a team member and very autonomously. She possessed the technical and help desk savvy needed, as well.
BENEFITS/RESULTS:
Successfully launched new programs and ensured they were running smoothly. With the PM efficiently running these programs autonomously, minimal client oversight was necessary. The PM made recommendations for more efficient processes to the worldwide online nominations tool and served as program, process flow, and tool issues help desk, allowing the manager to focus on other management responsibilities.
Key responsibilities included:
- Operations ownership and management of three distinct awards programs
- Program communications to all parties
- Management of quarterly nomination and approval processes
- Quarterly winner payouts and summary reports working with the operations finance team
- Content management for several principal SharePoint program sites, including content development and posting on the global field information site
- Content development for monthly/quarterly newsletters
- Technical tool problem resolution and back-end management
- Creative decisions on awards design and vendor company management
- Trophy distribution process and vendor company management
- Winner survey development and reports analysis
- Created the new fiscal year online nomination tool site mock-ups (layout, functionality, process flow, approval requirements, and geographic allocations), and delivered to development team
- Revised nomination tool user’s guide to reflect new programs and processes
- Created a program manager’s guide describing the process flow, nomination tool functionality, and timeline for managing these three distinct award programs ensuring the future continuity of a well-run program
- Proposed the development of a new global nominations tool and helped to create the initial business requirements document necessary for its approval and development
by Ceili Rian | Jan 10, 2017
SITUATION:
Our client sought to design and execute VIP and public dedication and grand opening events for this new NFL football stadium.
SOLUTION:
RealTime organized a VIP dedication ceremony for officials and leaders who were instrumental in realizing the stadium’s development, and provided an opportunity for the general public to experience the new stadium as a participant rather than an observer. As the event design and production manager for both events, RealTime event management and production services included:
- Theme and concept development
- Production
- Signage
- Entertainment
- On-site management
- Facilitation of pre-event logistics
- Budget development & management
- Coordination of giveaways
- Food & beverage services
Public Fanfare Days, held over a weekend, provided an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic fans and curious neighbors to get an up-close look at the stadium and its amenities. Guests had the opportunity to meet alumni Seahawks and Sea Gals, take self-guided tours, and participate in soccer, football, and cheerleading clinics.
RESULTS:
All events were flawlessly executed and well attended.
The VIP dedication ceremony attendance totaled 800 people, including state and local officials, community and local business leaders, Americans with Disabilities and art communities, and stadium team leaders.
An impressive 70,000 visitors attended the public opening.
