Building the Experience that made 1871 the #1 Tech Incubator in the World
EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING ● PR & COMMUNICATIONS ● EVENTS
Opportunity
1871 was gaining local recognition as a premiere tech incubator, but faced the challenge of standing out amongst the growing number of innovation hubs across the country and globally.
To attract the best startup founders, venture capital connections, and corporate partnerships, we needed to create a compelling experience that would solidify 1871 as the epicenter of innovation in the Midwest.
Strategic Solutions
Integrated Communications for Global Visibility: Developed high-volume storytelling across digital, social media, and PR that drove awareness and press attention.
Experiential Moments: Designed experiential activations throughout 1871's space that highlighted member company technologies and stories (for example, a photobooth that used facial recognition to automatically deliver photos to users) turning the space itself into a living showcase.
Branded Events and Programs: Created unique branded experiences across 800+ annual events and dozens of member-focused programs that tangibly demonstrated 1871's mission.
Impact
Achieved recognition as #1 Business Incubator in the World by UBS Global, establishing 1871 as the gold standard for innovation hubs internationally.
Drove 300% increase in website traffic within 8 months along with consistent media coverage.
Attracted world-class business and government leaders including Bill Clinton, Jack Dorsey, Sheryl Sandberg, Madeleine Albright, Richard Branson, Rahm Emanuel, and J.B. Pritzker.