Session 27

Corporate Blogging: Creating a Dialogue

Session Description:

Learn how Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) has used a corporate blog site to connect with their audience in an innovative and entertaining fashion. As WAA moves towards the completion of the new terminal building in 2010, "carlyblog" on james2010.ca has captured the interest of not only the Winnipeg community, but a world wide audience. Find out what WAA has learned about their audience, how they advertised and promoted, and what 'works' on a blog and what doesn't.

Presenters: Peggy May, Carly Thompson

Peggy May is the Director of Marketing at Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. Ms. May has expertise in piloting all aspects of marketing campaigns to promote national and international destinations, significantly enhancing corporate image and dramatically improving sales and bottom line profitability. She also has extensive experience in directing international marketing programs, involving conceiving, planning, implementing and evaluating marketing campaigns using all media, e-business, special events, sponsorships, partnerships, and marketing/communication tools. One of the most recent additions to her portfolio is the daily blog on www.james2010.ca (http://www.james2010.ca/) , and the innovative marketing campaign that has driven thousands of visitors to the site.

Carly Thompson is the appointed 'blogger' at Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc., which she publishes daily in addition to the rest of her duties as a member of the marketing team. As the face of www.james2010.ca (http://www.james2010.ca/) , Carly is responsible for creating the tone and feel of the site, and managing all content including videos and photos. As a result, Carly has created a dialogue between Winnipeg Airports Authority and their target audience, and has discovered what makes a corporate blog become an online community with continued reader growth and interest.