4378 Pr Proposal.docx

An effective PR campaign uses strategic planning and outlines to communicate with an audience to reach a specific objective, which may include brand management, image view, and re-branding of a particular product or representative of such product.

Public Relations Proposal: Darius Rucker This public relations proposal, prepared by Cariann Tanner has been created exclusively for use by Sims Entertainment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As requested by Sims Entertainment, the following public relations proposal has been devised in order to successfully promote and maintain a PR strategy for Darius Rucker during tour with “Hootie & the Blowfish.” This proposal focuses on generating interest at a local level for the upcoming reunion tour for Hootie & the Blowfish, which has been in hiatus for 10 years as of 2018. The group is known for their occasional charity performances, which often focus on sports locations, specifically golf. This proposal includes a hideand-seek rewards campaign, in which “Hootie & the Blowfish Balls” are hidden in local parks or golf areas with rewards and contact information printed on. In addition, a $100 donation will be made to a local charity for every found ball. There is also a focus of local interviews, in which the band will conduct an interview while performing a sport of the interviewers’ choice. This will create a feeling of relatability to this hometown band, and create a deeper image that the current “distant, sexy and deep voiced” image that Rucker currently holds, and instead present him and the rest of the band as a happy success story for a talented and giving band. SITUATION ANALYSIS Following extensive research and analysis, the circumstances and situation affecting Darius Rucker appear to be as follows:

The attitudes of consumers towards Darius Rucker indicate that he is seen as a sexy, deep-voiced country singer. He is praised for both his sultry looks as well as his range of vocals, which are noted for their smooth, bass tones. Compared to leading competitors Darius Rucker is performing strongly in the following areas: his solo success as a country singer, in which he created and performed hits such as “Don't Think I Don't Think About It", an instant top 20 song from his solo country debut album, Learn to Live. Rucker is also known for his continuous charity contributions and concerts, which he had hosted both solo and as part of Hootie & the Blowfish over the years. In addition, his love of golf and golf-focused charities is unique to other country and rock music singers. Some of the weaknesses of Darius Rucker seem to be name recognition and affiliation with band Hootie & the Blowfish, which has been on hiatus for ten years, starting in 2008. As of 2018, the band is running a reunion tour across the United States during Spring 2019-Summer 2019. GOALS In conjunction with Sims Entertainment, the following goals have been set forth with regards to public relations: Create brand name recognition for Darius Rucker as both a country solo artist and front singer for rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, while focusing on their image as a hometown band, with charitable goals. Overall, will attempt to generate interest in his upcoming 2019 tour. TARGET AUDIENCE 1: Lower to middle-class local men and women ages 20-30, with a love of concerts and competitions who otherwise could not afford a VIP experience. 2: Local news watchers and fans. Middle-class, with afforablity to attend upcoming performances and purchase experiences (such as VIP and meetand-greets)

TARGET MEDIA  Rock stations (for touring locations)  Country stations (for touring locations)  Day time television: Today, Good Morning America, and other local television interviews. MARKETING CONCEPT/KEY MESSAGES These objectives will promote the idea that Rucker and other band members are relatable, from-the-earth performers. As Hootie & the Blowfish was a college formed band from Columbus, South Carolina, they hold a unique backstory of both joint and individual growth from a local upbringing. This focus on local prizes and local interviews will bring light to their light-hearted, lovable attitudes (instead of a mysterious, hard to reach sexiness) and charitable focuses, which is a deep-rooted belief that has held the band together over their ten year hiatus. STRATEGIES AND TACTICS

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1) Hide “Hootie & the Blowfish Balls” in upcoming touring town golf courses or public parks. For every ball found, a 2 VIP tickets are rewarded, as well as $100 to a local charity. Will be promoted via updated touring website as well as local media outlets (radio and television). Darius Rucker and Hootie & the Blowfish are known for their charity contributions, as well as their sports recreation (see music video for Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Only Wanna Be With You”). Rucker is specifically known for his love of golf. Generates interest and excitement via friendly, local competition, as well as contributing to charitable organizations across their tour. Number and verification code will be printed on the golf balls, and winners can call in to exchange information. 2) Organize few local interviews, in which Darius Rucker and the rest of Hootie & the Blowfish will respond while playing a sport of the interviewers’ choice.

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Darius Rucker and Hootie & the Blowfish are known for their charity contributions, as well as their sports recreation (see music video for Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Only Wanna Be With You”) Creates a fun and non-formal exchange between performers and their host. Will break down the titles of “artists” and “stars” to create a focus on the singers themselves and their originality in both the music industry and as relatable individuals. Will generate an interest and relatability to band members. Will measure viewings via broadcast as well as through videos posted in local media and touring website. TIMELINE Will release balls into local areas approx. 2 months before scheduled performances. Will schedule interviews 3 months ahead, and discuss sporting options with interviewers 1 month prior to interview. BUDGET TBD (I’m not quite sure how to budget this, as it’s in addition to a touring budget of which I have no information or access of information for. Unfortunately, I have not been exposed to real-life PR or tour budgeting while in this program) ACCEPTANCE Your signature below indicates acceptance of this public relations proposal and entrance into a contractual agreement with [COMPANY]. Tanner Promotions Representative: Cariann Tanner, CEO 9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________ Sims Entertainment Representative: Arthur Sims, Professor 9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 Signature:

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