ULTIMATE DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAYTHE GATEWAY

Managed by Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust,

Inc., The Gateway is a mixed-use development

located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Inland recently took

over management of the reception venue, “Grand

Hall,” connected to The Gateway in addition

to the retail aspects of the property. The Gateway

wanted to implement a marketing push to tout the

venue as the ideal place for wedding receptions

and, at the same time, promote their wedding

related tenants (e.g., tuxedo shop, bridal salon,

jewelers, etc.).

In May 2010, as the summer wedding season

was kicking o�, The Gateway and digital partner,

The Dealey Group, set out to launch the first ever

Ultimate Dream Wedding Giveaway (UDWG) using

social media as the primary communications tool

supported by the center’s existing website and

on-site media. Not only were these media choices

the most e�ective way of reaching area couples,

they also provided the most cost-e�ective options

available. Plus, The Gateway wanted to tap into

their solid base of 4,148 Facebook fans to generate

buzz about the center as a wedding venue.

The team outlined a plan to maximize exposure to

existing Facebook fans and drive potential new fans

to The Gateway Facebook page for program

details. With a plan in place and the appropriate

processes and support materials created, The

Gateway set out to launch the promotion.

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thedealeygroup•com 1 • signage | 2 • logo

ULTIMATE DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAYTHE GATEWAY (continued)

The contest required couples to upload a two-minute video onto Facebook for a chance to win. As hoped, the idea of winning a “dream wedding” struck a chord with local couples, resulting in a substantial increase in site activity and community interest. An application deadline of June 2nd encouraged a quick response and soon, video submissions came rolling in. Following a five-day online voting process, the finalists, consisting of the three couples with the most votes, were announced on June 9.

Finalists were asked to participate in live competitions held at The Gateway on June 14th. Popular Fox 13 local morning show, “Good Day Utah,” broadcast the show live, with local celebrity broadcaster, Big Budah, as the emcee. Over 24 minutes of live footage resulted, including a three-minute segment focused on The Gateway Bridal, a longtime Gateway retailer,in which a spokesperson from the store was able to showcase three bridal gown styles.

The end result was an overwhelmingly positive public response, increased social media activity,and most importantly a dream come true for Samantha& Brandon! Over the course of the promotion: • The Gateway was praised by shoppers of all ages on their Facebook page• Over 5,300 comments, wall posts and “likes” were made on The Gateway’s Facebook page• The Facebook fan base increased over 41%, from 4,092 to 5,791• Page visits peaked at 3,986 visits in one week• The Gateway received over 24 minutes of air time during a popular morning show, “Good Day Utah”

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thedealeygroup•com 1 • facebook statistics | 2 • Fox 13 news coverage | 3 • competition photos

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