Welcoming 2024 with Open Arms
Find JAM Collective this year, in person and in the press.
Happy New Year! We expect 2024 to be a fantastic year for the JAM Collective team and we hope the same for you. As we start to embrace the momentum that builds throughout January, we would like to outline some of our predictions, events, and plans for the coming year.
Events
Our calendar is filling up quickly - catch us while, and where, you can!
Winter Outdoor Market Alliance
February 21 - 24, 2024 | Denver, CO
JAM Collective Spring Showroom
May 14 - 15, 2024 | New York City, NY (invite only)
Summer Outdoor Market Alliance
July 17 - 18, 2024 | Denver, CO
JAM Collective Fall Showroom
October 22 - 23, 2024 | New York City, NY (invite only)
Trend Predictions
Based on research and already emerging trends, we pulled together a few key points to take note of while gearing up for a busy year.
A Challenging Market
Ad budgets are down for many brands which means having a PR firm that can create dynamic earned media pitches, utilize their established relationships, and can track publications interests closely will be key in optimizing brand visibility in the competitive media landscape.
As the looming effects of the pandemic’s economic impact shift the market - we are taking close note of how our clients continue to uniquely fit into the media. While finances may waver, interest in outdoor experiences does not and we are prepared to help our clients carry their enthusiasm over to the public and press perspectives.
Vasque’s Brand President, Bryce Wernsman was quoted in SGB Media’s profile on select brands’ market leaders' outlooks, and said it best, “...despite these hurdles, there remains a palpable growth and sustained consumer interest in the outdoor space.”
Content Creators are More Than a Marketing Strategy
Content creation may start looking more like product placement than influencer marketing. Talking about products directly contributes to the overwhelm of ads being placed in social media feeds. Subliminal, yet intentional, placement of products in organic content may have more of an impact that sparks curiosity by viewers. Even more reason to make sure your SEO is fine-tuned.
While it shouldn’t be a trend and should rather be the standard, fair relationships with content creators is IN for 2024. There is buzz about a worker’s movement as creators aren’t seeing their share of the profits typically obtained by social platforms and brands. How brands treat their creators today, will have a lasting impact on how the brand is represented in the greater conversation of this movement.
JAM Collective has always worked to implement effective and equitable content creator programs for our clients that care for both parties and in further developing those efforts, we are keeping brands on the right side of quality brand/creator relationships.
Preparation for Crisis Management
2024 comes with a tense election season and drawn-out world events, not to mention the unknown each year brings. While crisis management always begins with internal systems to mitigate risks as a team, having a PR crisis response plan in place should it need to be acted upon is valuable. Swift responses and accountability can go a long way in maintaining a good rapport in the wake of a PR nightmare.
Brands can quickly be thrown into a political landscape despite best efforts to stay out of the topic. Timing surrounding news-worthy events and assessing any accidental or intentional context may be necessary to avoid getting caught in the crosshairs.
JAM Collective’s Plans
Events
Last year, we saw some big success in our events including the Moab JAMboree, the prAna Originals Launch, and OtterBox’s collaboration with Chill Tips which made for lasting memories, community building, and great engagement for the participating brands. In a hyper-digital world, getting people in person with us and our clients is a winning combination for success.
Outside of the above-listed events we will be attending and hosting, we already have a few curated events up our sleeves for this year and can’t wait to share their success after the fact.
Grow and Foster the Next Generation of On-Trail Media
JAM Collective is the host of the Thru Hike Syndicate which since its inception has been working with content creators pursuing a thru-hike of their choice with the support of various gear brands. As we have witnessed the changes in the content creator's success through ambassadorship programs, we are making some big changes to the application process this year. In an effort to foster new voices in media from journalism to photo and video storytelling, the adjusted program will be looking for on-trail storytellers. In partnership with Trails Magazine, the THS contributors will have the opportunity to have their stories told through various online platforms with mentorship from PR professionals, photographers, and editors.
The program will also be working to facilitate some on-trail activations so look for some trail magic in the warmer months.
Want to be a part of the 2024 program as a brand or mentor? Email Tori at tori@jamcollective.net.