In 2008, we conceptualized a metropolitan event that was inspired by the ABC television hit, Dancing With The Stars. This event would feature local “celebrity” bartenders and bar personalities, and was dubbed “Dancing With The Bars.” We would pair them with professional dance instructors for several lessons, and record interviews and practice sessions to feature in a viral commercial for the event as well as to play before their performances. The competitors would also raise funds for a chosen charity in the community.
To market the event, along with the videos, we would host a “Tappy Hour” for each contestant at their home bar. Sponsors would be featured at each of these, as well as at the finale, on the videos, and in print ads.
The event was always a huge success and became a much-anticipated annual event. Below are videos, articles, and photo links for the events during years I was employed at SWAY. Working on it for 6 years, my tasks included finding contestants, booking professional dancers, working with sponsors, scheduling filming, sourcing judges, fulfilling sponsorships, promotions and marketing, as well as other responsibilities. I loved this event because it grew each year into something bigger and better. We were also able to feature some fantastic non-profits that received the public’s attention along with the event.
2013
Image courtesy of ionaz.com
This was the final year I worked on this event. It was an “All-Star” Edition featuring returning favorites from the previous 5 years. To select who would return, we ran an online contest where interested contestants needed votes to determine who would return to the stage. Additionally, the Bud Light Backstage Lounge, where competitors would be interviewed from after their performances, was included to the live event.
2013’s pre and post media and photo recaps are available here:
• Ion Arizona Magazine (pre-promotional article)
• NightFuse.com
• Phoenix New Times
2012
Image courtesy of echomag.com
This event was the first one that we opened the contest beyond bartenders to “bar personalities,” so we were then able to feature local favorites as well. This was the first year we added a live element of filming the cast backstage as they were preparing. Additionally, we added the PopChips Backstage Lounge, where competitors would be interviewed from after their performances.
2012’s pre and post media and photo recaps are available here:
• Echo Magazine
• NightFuse.com
• Phoenix New Times
2011
Image courtesy of echomag.com
In 2011, the event was too big to host at its original venue, so we had to move it to a convention hotel’s grand ballroom. This allowed for VIPs to reserve tables for 10.
2011’s pre and post media and photo recaps are available here:
• Echo Magazine (pre-promotional article)
• NightFuse.com (photo recap)
2010
2010’s pre and post media and photo recaps are available here:
• azcentral.com (photo recap)
• Az Republic (fashion recap)
• Echo Magazine (pre-promotional article)
• Echo Magazine (event recap)
• Phoenix New Times
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