Options Industry Conference – Austin
Celebrated for over 30 years, the Options Industry Conference (OIC) gathers top-level management and trading professionals in the options industry to exchange ideas and forge relationships at a three-day event hosted annually in a new, exciting location. Since 2011, the OIC has reached out to BatesMeron to develop a compelling destination identity, along with an integrated campaign to promote the upcoming conference.
After working with OIC on successful event themes in New Orleans and Las Vegas,
we were eager when it was announced their next venture would be in Austin, Texas. Over the past few decades, Austin has quickly become a destination for travelers and city-dwellers alike. Full of rich history, delicious eats and lively music, Austin is long past the title of “up and coming”—it’s here, and it’s exactly the kind of place that OIC attendees would flock to for their next annual meeting.
SERVICES: Event Messaging / Visual Identity / Video Production / Event Collateral / Event Signage / Print Campaign / Digital Campaign / Website
The process began with an in-depth sit-down between the BatesMeron team and OIC’s marketing manager. We took our time to establish every parameter of the approaching campaign: messaging, deliverables, schedules and can’t-miss milestones. After meeting and discussing the anticipation for Austin together, we agreed that this year’s OIC creative direction should promote Austin as the Live Music Capital of the World.
To show the OIC a variety of ideas and styles that could capture their desired conference look, we developed three distinct mood boards that each played on Austin’s musical history.
To show the OIC a variety of ideas and styles that could capture their desired conference look, we developed three distinct mood boards that each played on Austin’s musical history.
Each look detailed in our concepts included a thoughtful compilation of images, color schemes, typefaces, design elements and graphic treatments. Displayed in individual boards, each concept gave the OIC team the most in-depth and accurate depiction of how their theme would come to life if selected. As soon as the OIC chose their favorite concept, we were off to the races to carry the look through to our deliverables.
First things first, we got to work on a two-minute promotional teaser video to stir up the Western fever and ready the attendees for a rip roarin’, music-infused event. Focusing on the nightlife, attractions and rich culture Austin offers, this preview captures the essence of this one-of-a-kind city.
A web reskin of the existing OIC website came next, allowing us to roll out our theme design further. This digital tool is annually updated with upcoming event information, making it a valuable go-to source for attendees to learn more about what this year’s conference had in store.
Direct mail pieces, attendee programs, eblasts and advertisements rounded out our efforts, each building anticipation for attendees in the weeks prior to the conference.
Every piece was a perfect complement to the full suite of collateral, creating excitement around the approaching conference through visually stunning design.
Every piece was a perfect complement to the full suite of collateral, creating excitement around the approaching conference through visually stunning design.
“The BatesMeron team is integral to the GA Paving brand. They have a can-do attitude with a respect for the needs of the client while finding ways to surprise and delight us by bringing their own ideas to the table. They truly go above and beyond. When you work with this team, your vision is realized strategically and beautifully, every time.”
