Barneys New York Introduces Gaga's Workshop with Cold Air Inflatable Characters

Barneys New York Goes Gaga with Inflatable Character Head, Claw & Spider

Uptown Manhattan was taken over by a herd of inflatable character balloons in November as Barneys New York launched a new holiday campaign.  In conjunction with pop diva Lady Gaga, the upscale retailer has transformed the entire fifth floor of its Madison Avenue store into a delightfully demented shopper's paradise.

Making use of three different inflatable characters, Barneys New York was able to all but monopolize the media (at least temporarily).  The quirky displays outside the store and around the city certainly bolstered the curiosity levels of people on the street, causing them to stop and have a good, long look.

Cold air inflatables were used at three street events.  A "Gaga Claw" went up at Houston and Broadway while a massive "Gaga Head" inflatable character took center stage at Columbus Circle surrounded by a troupe of dancers.  In addition, the "Gaga Spider" was collecting second glances on the corner of 23rd at Broadway.

With a limited selection of Gaga products to choose from, the project hopes to raise awareness and funds for the Born This Way Foundation.  Barneys New York is donating 25% of all sales from the Workshop to the cause, which addresses issues such as bullying.

If ever we've had an exercise in stretching the boundaries of creativity, this would be it!  Just goes to show how flexible, fun and functional cold air inflatables can be.

Outdoor Inflatable Art by David Byrne | "Tight Spot" Inflatable Globe

Ever Wanted to Stuff the Whole World? David Byrne Did with Inflatable Art

If you ask David Byrne what his outdoor inflatable art exhibit represents, you'll get a multi-part answer.

"The piece is maybe about [a distorted] childhood image of our world squished under an overhead train line. The squishing of an oversize childhood thing is sort of fun; it's not overly metaphorical. It's a childhood thing that's grown way out of proportion and has been constrained by train lines, apartment buildings and art galleries."

As interactive inflatable art, the idea is to experience the piece rather than merely to view it.  Incorporating both sound and sculpture, those who encounter the globe will most likely be drawn to it by the low, slightly ominous sounds that come from within the piece.  The noises are low-frequency pulses, tremors and rumbles that resemble what Byrne envisioned, then recreated, by processing recordings of his own voice.

"It's a wonderful challenge to come up with something that might work in a crazy space like this—that will be temporary, easily installed and removed."

At 19.5 feet by 48 feet by 48 feet, this 500-pound exhibit is one of the most massive undertakings we've created.  What a thrill to take such an imaginative work and bring it into reality.

Cabela's Celebrates Pheasant Season with an Inflatable Wildlife Replica

Cabela's Inflatable Wildlife Replica Tops Santa for Bringing in Sales

It happens every October.  Hunters converge on Mitchell, South Dakota for an event one local retailer says is bigger than Black Friday: the opening of pheasant season.  For Cabela's, one of the world's most well-known outdoor recreation brands, the Pheasant Classic equates to a tan and blaze Christmas.

Positioned just outside their store on Interstate 90, the giant inflatable replica overlooks passersby as they zip to and fro.  This 40-foot-tall, lifelike bird shows all its vibrant colors and captures attention, due to its size and visual interest.

This tradition brings friends and family members back to the area year after year. Cabela's hopes to grab its share of the revenue pumped into the local economy during the event.

"We used this inflatable [wildlife replica] to raise awareness of the pheasant opener Pheasant Classic event," explains Retail Marketing Events Manager, Matthew Kettler.  "It was a big success! Customers were stopping to take their pictures with the inflatable pheasant and it helped draw in interstate traffic."

We knew it would be a hit.  Giant inflatable replicas are a natural fit with retail promotions (and mobile marketing, and stage productions, and …). Click to our site for more ideas.

Bruce High's Inflatable Sports Tunnel Brings Fans to Their Feet

Bruce High Trojans Hit the Field through Their Inflatable Football Tunnel

Cheerleaders are priming the crowd.  Coach James Ray paces the sidelines.  The announcers are standing by to deliver the play-by-play action.  Then, out of nowhere, the fans erupt with excitement as the Bruce High Trojans hit the field through their inflatable sports tunnel.

A sea of blue and gold can be viewed from one goalpost to the other, as the team makes its way to the 50-yard line. What a way to build anticipation and pump up students and parents!

When Bruce High needed a way to increase attendance and boost school spirit, they turned to Landmark Creations.  After finding our website online, Coach Ray ordered an inflatable sports tunnel that could be used in a variety of ways.  Since this isn't exclusively a football tunnel, it can be used for other school sports events, homecomings, pep rallies, field days and more.

Sporting school colors and decked out with the Trojan mascot on the doors, this inflatable sports tunnel can actually make money for the school or booster club.  With customizable sponsor banners on either side, advertising can be sold to help quickly cover the cost of the inflatable.

Has the tunnel fulfilled its purpose?  You bet!  According to Coach Ray, more fans have come to the games and team sprit has improved. Want to see the same results at your school? Contact us today!

Inflatable Advertising Helps DNT Media's Clients Achieve Their Marketing Goals

DNT Media Discovers the Power of Promotional Inflatables

Everywhere you look, you see advertising.  And, if you're like most people, you ignore it.  One reason is that we are bombarded with marketing messages on an ongoing basis.  Some estimates range from 2,000 to 3,000 exposures per day.  Another reason advertising has become less effective is because it lacks creativity.

In a marketplace filled with the same old approaches, it is easy for people to overlook attempts to get their attention.  This is precisely why DNT Media was created.

"We are continually dissatisfied with the lack of creativity and blue-sky thinking that abounds in today's marketplace," comments DNT Art Director Tiffany Walt O'Brien.  "Our ability to develop a unique plan and provide accurate leadership is how we make market leaders."

This progressive marketing company discovered the power of inflatable advertising and decided to put it to the test.  What drew them to this medium?  "We have only recently started using promotional inflatables for large conventions and tradeshows.  At tradeshows, especially, inflatable advertising is a must to stand out from literally hundreds of other brands that are trying to do the same thing you are. They draw attention and evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity!"

From small startups to Fortune 500 conglomerates, promotional inflatables are proving themselves to be worthy of the trust of DNT Media and many other agencies.  That's because they function using a simple inflatable advertising success formula:  stand apart from the crowd, evoke curiosity and cause onlookers to stop in their tracks.

Clayton Homes Brings in Inflatable Character Slash Gordon to Cut Prices During Weekend Events

Slash Gordon Inflatable Character Draws in Traffic at Local Stores

In this economy, one of the most pressing topics on people's minds is reducing expenses.  That concern is only compounded when faced with making big-ticket purchases such as a new manufactured home.  But, just when you thought all hope of saving money was lost, Slash Gordon storms the gates, busting down high prices to bring affordable housing to all!

Clayton Homes commissioned the Slash Gordon inflatable character to stand watch at its local branch stores.  Retail outlets were enticed to purchase a particular model from Clayton Homes (a wholesaler) with the promise of Slash attending their sales events.  These days, with every weekend promotion, Slash is stationed in the parking lot or near the street of a retailer to capture attention.  And boy does he!

Just imagine the reaction as drivers pass by only to see a 20-foot tall, electric blue Transformer-type action figure holding a manufactured house.  Not something you ordinarily see on a typical commute to work.

Inflatables work wonderfully as incentives in lots of wholesaler/retailer relationships.  The enticement can give wholesalers just the leverage they need to move all sorts of products from new offers to overstocks.  That extra boost of marketing help can make all the difference.  After all, providing retail branches with ways to increase traffic and sales means more business for you in the long run.

Oakland County Parks' Inflatable Arch Turns Heads

Oakland County Parks Improves Event Attendance with an Inflatable Arch

Sponsoring numerous events each year at 13 different parks that span Southeast Michigan, Oakland County Parks and Recreation needed something that would attract attention, mark their event sites and draw in more traffic.  What could be a more perfect fit than an inflatable archway?

To date, the giant green and blue arch has made appearances at the Doggy Dash and Pet Expo, Brooksie Way Fun Run, Hidden Forest Run and the annual Pumpkin Launch. Each event greeted visitors with the new inflatable archway customized with the department's name and web address.  During 2012, the arch will be used to elevate awareness and generate brand and name recognition for the city and/or event being promoted.

In their employee newsletter, Mike Boyd, Oaks and Orion Oaks Park Supervisor, announced the new inflatable arch with an example of its effectiveness.  "With the inflatable archway, you can't miss the park. It helps with visibility. I had a couple people pull into the park during an event and ask, 'What's all this about?'"

With an inflation time of less than one minute and ease of transportation from one event to the next, Oakland County Parks and Recreation has found a quick, simple and obviously effective way to meet its marketing goals.

 

Inflatable Life-Size Shark Replica Teaches Kids About Nature

Life-Size Inflatable Shark Replica Teaches Kids About Friendly Sharks

Thanks to the sister-and-brother team of Laura and Rob Sams, Sisbro Studios has given sharks their own ambassador.  Devoted to teaching kids about nature, Sisbro Studios has produced films and created educational events that have appeared nationwide.  In conjunction with their most recent Shark Days film, they commissioned a life-size shark replica from Landmark Creations.

This 23-foot-long basking shark gives students and adults the feeling of what it's like to stand beside one of these massive animals.  But have no fear!  Even if this shark were not inflatable, there would be no danger.  Basking sharks are completely harmless to humans with mouths designed exclusively to eat plankton.

"[The inflatable life-size shark replica] is portable enough to be shown anywhere from schools and libraries to larger museums, zoos and aquariums," states Sisbro-owner Rob Sams.

"While promoting an educational tour, credibility is key to opening the door of some major educational institutions (ex. the Monterey Bay Aquarium). This inflatable basking shark has helped put an exclamation point on my credibility as a science educator and presenter.  I have used this inflatable shark in pitch meetings with various large aquariums, and they are always impressed by the awe-factor of this [life-size shark replica]."

Experience, competitive pricing, attention to detail and turnaround time were just a few of the things that led Rob to Landmark.  Our willingness to make mid-project adjustments in order to get the shark just right cemented the relationship.

It is always fun to bring something that kids might not otherwise get to see to life right before their eyes.

Inflatable Football Tunnel Fires Up Fans for the East Central Hornets

East Central Hornets Buzz the Field through Their Inflatable Football Tunnel

Even the youngest sports fans and athletes (kindergarten – sixth grade) understand the exhilaration of exploding onto the field through an inflatable football tunnel.  This sense of school pride is part of the reason the East Central Independent School District enlisted the help of Landmark Creations to develop their 16.5-foot high sports tunnel.

Just ask Debbie Walker, Director of Executive Services about the attraction and reaction of the kids.  “We have a team of Bleacher Creatures which consists of students in grades K-6. This group runs onto the field at all home games prior to the football team. [Our inflatable football tunnel] has definitely increased the number of students participating in our Bleacher Creatures. The young students think running through the helmet and tunnel is just AWESOME!”

The fans, no doubt, get quite a kick out of it, too.  Sports tunnels have long added to the excitement that surrounds school sports.  Shaped like a football helmet and decked out in school colors, these inflatable tunnels drive energy levels through the roof in a way no paper banner could hope to.

Debbie's history with Landmark is what brought her back a second time.  "We first purchased our tunnel from Landmark 5 years ago and have had great success with it. Absolutely no problems at all. A private donor wanted us to add the inflatable helmet and of course, I thought of Landmark.  Great Prompt Service - Great Product - Great Staff!!"

Ready to rally excessive levels of spirit for your football team?  Call us now and let's brainstorm how you can use an inflatable football tunnel for games, homecoming, special events and more.

Inflatable Arch Helps Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research

Inflatable Archway Helps "The Cure Starts Now" Raise Money for Pediatric Cancer

It's heartbreaking when children are taken from us too soon.  But thankfully there are those with the passion and determination to do whatever it takes to prevent future tragedies.  This is where one Ohio-based organization stepped in.

The Cure Starts Now was founded in response to the illness of Elena Desserich who fell victim to pediatric brain cancer.  But, as their website states, they are dedicated to all children.

"There are many more children and many more stories. All of which make our mission so important and are the reason why we must proceed in a unified effort to cure cancer. Each child represents a life, an opportunity, and a chance. They are part of our soul, our mission and their pictures grace our web site. We are not a foundation from one child, instead we are a mission of many."

The inflatable arch Landmark Creations developed for The Cure Starts Now will be used in their Race Against the Odds 5K which is held in 11 locations around the country.  Needless to say, the inflatable archway had to be eye-catching as well as easily portable… and it was!

With over 20 locations worldwide, The Cure Starts Now is making great strides in ridding children of diseases no family should have to face.  We're proud to play a small part in such a massive and profound accomplishment.

Inflatable Manufacturer Starts a Trend with Outdoor Inflatable Colons

Outdoor Inflatable Colon Doubles Foot Traffic

The curiosity level is enormous as inquisitive passersby stroll up to the 20-foot pink tube. Rather peculiar-looking from the outside, most people tend to gradually work their way up to this long, interesting display.  Once they take a peek inside, the light bulb goes on and smiles spread across their faces.  "How cool! An inflatable colon!"

As an inflatable manufacturer, we've heard countless clients tell similar stories to this.  It sort of follows suit with the old saying, "Inquiring minds want to know."  In this case, however, it's not celebrity gossip going on at this New Mexico healthfair:  it's life-saving, educational material that could extend someone's time on this earth.

The Cancer Education Project focuses on enlightening individuals from Southern New Mexico about colorectal cancer because increasing awareness increases screenings.  Arming themselves with printouts, pamphlets and other colorectal cancer information, the good folks from New Mexico State University position the outdoor inflatable colon at local farmer’s markets, flea markets and swap meets, health fairs, and other community events.

Community Health Educator, Janet Sanchez, recalls, "The inflatable colon was obtained to increase awareness about the importance of getting screened for colon cancer. Since we have had the inflatable colon present at events, individuals from all ages have come by to learn about what colon cancer is and ways to prevent it. This educational tool has also increased foot traffic by twice as much and we have been featured in different media outlets throughout Southern New Mexico."

Why Landmark?  Good service and excellent reviews.

It's always great to know our work impacts so many lives.

Looking to educate others about colorectal diseases in an interactive way? Contact us today!

Teamsters Use Giant Inflatable to Help Sway Public Opinion

Teamsters Employ Outdoor Inflatable Fat Cat to Make Their Point

When you represent and protect the rights of millions of workers across the United States, public events such as press conferences and protests become part of the job.  The Teamsters Union understands that making an emotional connection is something a giant inflatable does best. That's one reason they chose to enlist the help of a huge, 15-foot balloon.

The Teamsters' Fat Cat makes a strong visual statement in his suit and tie, supports the cause of protesters and piques the curiosity of passersby.

"We find that using the [giant] inflatable Fat Cat helps us achieve greater public awareness and greater press coverage," reports Campaign Communications Manager Elissa Laitin.  "We plan to use the Fat Cat at many upcoming protests."

Because custom outdoor inflatable balloons give reporters something to photograph they work much better than ordinary signage.  Regardless of what you're planning - from sporting event sponsorships to cause marketing - a giant inflatable is a crowd magnet that can't be ignored.  Contact us today for creative ideas that will boost the success of your next event.

If you are interested in learning more about custom inflatables and how your cause can use them to spread your message, contact Landmark today.

Cold-Air Inflatable Adds Pizzazz to Italian Festival

Custom Inflatable Adds a Sense of History to the Italian Heritage Festival

Event marketers, The Display Company, were charged with creating an interesting centerpiece for the Italian Heritage Festival in Buffalo, NY.  As the largest street festival in the United States, this event would attract thousands of onlookers.  What came to mind?  One of the most well-known Italian landmarks ever: the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Display Company specializes in decorative display props for commercial and corporate events, film, television, stage productions and more. Needless to say, they have the creative power to generate ideas on the fly.  What they didn't have was someone to bring those ideas to life.  Enter Landmark Creations.

Working within the criteria The Display Company provided, we developed a cold-air inflatable, 30-foot-tall model of the Tower.  This allowed the inflatable to stay upright via an electric blower system.  Thanks to its light weight and mobility, the entire display can be packaged for later use.  And that's just what The Display Company had in mind.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa got a lot of publicity and has now become part of The Display Company's inventory.  "Buffalo and the surrounding areas look forward to this annual street festival. This 30' Leaning Tower of Pisa was a showstopper that was well received. We are looking forward to renting it to other festivals around the country."

Dual purpose.  Revenue generating.  Eye catching.  Just a few of the things we love most about inflatables.

Outdoor Inflatable Case Study from Inflatable Manufacturer Landmark Creations

Eastern Propane Uses Indoor / Outdoor Inflatable to Get Noticed

Since 1932, Eastern Propane & Oil has served residents and businesses alike. Now, having grown to over 300 employees, it supplies propane and more to five states in and around the Eastern Seaboard.  The secret to their growth?  It's partly due to their community commitment and savvy marketing skills.

That's why Felicia LaBranche, Sales & Marketing Coordinator for Eastern Propane, went on the hunt for an inflatable manufacturer capable of creating a truly custom indoor / outdoor inflatable.  What she experienced was the good, the bad and the ugly of inflatable design.

"Tom [Meacham, President of Landmark Creations] took the time to talk with me about my needs and was knowledgeable and confident enough in his product to be able to provide the information I needed by simply having a conversation. I had already spoken to another vendor before finding [Landmark]. I was not impressed - a call center rep took my info and said they would get back to me with a quote. By the time they did, Tom already had our job in production. The quote they sent was higher, but had it been lower, it wouldn’t have mattered much. My mind was made up after my initial conversation with Tom."

When you have seven locations across five states and you're juggling trade shows, community events and open houses, you've got to have partners that respond quickly to your needs.  What's more, those partners have to be creative enough to develop an indoor / outdoor inflatable of top quality that can stand up to travel and constant use.

That's exactly what Felicia discovered at Landmark. "Tom made my job easy. When handling the marketing for a company of our size, you need to accomplish projects efficiently. When I find a vendor who can help me to do so, that is where I place the greatest value in relationships."

It's all in a day’s work, ma'am.

Cold-Air Inflatable Monument Memorializes President George W. Bush

Artist Uses Cold-Air, Outdoor Inflatable to Create Instant Monument

Artist Broc Blegen is a staunch George W. Bush supporter. So much so that he wanted to pay homage to the president immediately rather than waiting the typical months or years it normally takes for traditional statues to be created.  Employing his creative nature, he devised a collaborative effort with Landmark Creations to make his vision a reality.

"I wanted citizens to reflect on President Bush's legacy right away, in the moment," recalls Broc. "This is why I contacted Landmark Creations.  I needed to make a perfect inflatable effigy of President Bush on a very tight timeline and budget, and they delivered!"

This detailed, outdoor inflatable bears a striking resemblance to President Bush, memorializing him in his classic dark-color suit with white shirt.  Positioned atop a built-in podium, a plaque was affixed with a brief descriptive plaque.

First unveiled on President Obama's Inauguration Day (January 20, 2009), the cold-air inflatable monument was positioned directly across from the Lincoln Memorial and within eyesight of the Washington Monument.  Its second appearance came on Presidents Day 2009 and this outdoor inflatable statue has most recently been seen in public the day after Osama bin Laden's assassination.

Broc explains, "[The inflatable] basically jump-started my entire art career. It put me on the map and it is still the main project that I use to describe my work."

We just never cease to be amazed at the creative uses our clients come up with for cold-air inflatables.