How Strategic Marketing Drove Engagement & Community Impact
Bringing Communities Together to Tackle the Opioid Crisis
When Community Medical Services (CMS) and the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction set out to host the Early Rise for Recovery symposium series, they needed a powerful marketing strategy to unite healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders in a shared mission—addressing opioid treatment in Indiana.
That’s where I came in.
With a clear vision and a tight deadline, I developed a comprehensive, high-impact campaign that not only spread awareness but also drove registrations, attracted sponsors, and ensured a seamless event experience for attendees across five regions.
More Than Just an Event
The goal wasn’t just to fill seats—it was to spark conversations, foster partnerships, and give communities the tools they need to fight opioid addiction. My marketing approach focused on engagement at every stage:
- Pre-event buzz – Driving early registrations and sponsorships
- On-site experience – Providing a seamless event-day guide for attendees
- Post-event impact – Ensuring continued collaboration and knowledge sharing
The Strategy: Cohesive Branding & Clear Communication
For a campaign to make an impact, it needs a consistent message and a strong visual identity. I created a unified brand across all materials to emphasize education, collaboration, and community action.
Here’s what I delivered:
- Save the Date Postcard – A compelling, eye-catching design that immediately grabbed attention and encouraged early sign-ups.
- Sponsorship Package – A polished, persuasive packet showcasing the value of sponsorships and securing financial support for the event.
- Marketing Flyer – A strategic, informative piece featuring QR codes for easy registration, ensuring seamless access for both attendees and potential sponsors.
- Program Booklets – A customized guide for each of the five regional events, packed with schedules, speaker bios, and essential event details—giving attendees everything they needed at their fingertips.
Challenges? I Had Solutions.
Tight Deadlines – With tight turnaround times, I ensured early drafts were strong and polished, minimizing revisions and keeping the project moving forward.
Regional Customization – Each event had a unique speaker lineup and schedule, so I carefully designed five different program booklets while maintaining a cohesive brand identity.
Coordinating Sponsors & Speakers – Organizing speaker photos, sponsor logos, and exhibitor details across multiple events was no small task—but I streamlined the process to keep everything organized and on-brand.
The Results: A Symposium Series That Made an Impact
- Strong Attendance – We hit the target of 125+ early registrations per symposium.
- Thrilled Sponsors – Sponsors praised the professionalism of the materials and their visibility at the event.
- Engaged Attendees – The program booklets became an essential resource, helping participants navigate the event with ease.
Final Takeaway
Clear messaging, strong branding, and strategic execution make a big difference in contributing to the success of an event. From pre-event promotions to the final program booklet, every touchpoint reinforced the mission of education, collaboration, and action.
Looking to elevate your next event with high-impact marketing that drives real engagement?
Let’s make it happen!
What People Said
“The marketing materials looked amazing and really set the tone for the symposium!”
“The program booklet was incredibly helpful—everything I needed was right there!”
“We appreciated how clear and well-organized the sponsorship guidelines were.”
