American Tobacco Campus seeks ideas for next big event

Submissions are being accepted now through Feb. 15 for The Triangle's Next Great Event Challenge.

Posted 1:05 p.m. Jan 23, 2019 — Updated 1:49 p.m. Jan 23, 2019

Kathy Hanrahan, Out

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DURHAM, N.C. — American Tobacco Campus is asking for the public's help to find its next big event.

Submissions are being accepted now through Feb. 15 for "The Triangle's Next Great Event Challenge."

"We are seeking event ideas that will engage diverse audiences; connect with the arts, technology, education and/or sports; and have a person and/or team running the event with a proven track record. Events that are political or religious in nature are ineligible," according to the application website.

The ideas will be judged on four criteria:

How novel/new is the idea: Ideas that inject new energy to the events landscape in the Triangle.
Experience executing successful events: given that there is funding and in-kind support on the line, ATC wants to know that you have the ability to execute. Even if your background isn't in events, show us in this application that you can execute.
How buzzworthy is the event idea: This is partly related to #1 but also relates to your marketing plan. Show ATC how you will spread the word and engage a broad audience.
Who the event will appeal to: ATC is seeking events that will bring a broad cross-section of the Durham and Triangle community together.

“Since the campus’ redevelopment more than a decade ago, we’ve hosted roughly one million people on campus each year for events ranging from fun runs to concerts to tech unveilings,” CPCE Director, Marketing and Events Valerie Ward said. “Our location and assortment of venues has proven extremely effective.”

Assuming the pitches meet the criteria, the American Tobacco Campus’ selection team will choose a partner to sponsor. The partner will receive in-kind use of the facility, sponsorship support and expert assistance from the campus’ seasoned events staff.

The challenge was partly inspired by the success of the PopUp space at American Tobacco Campus, which has housed a mix of retail and dining entrepreneurs.

“We’ve worked with grassroots groups and industry pros to pull off events never before seen in the Triangle, and we’re excited to work with a new class of dreamers to bring big ideas and big crowds to the campus. Our events challenge is another way we are actively contributing to Durham and the Triangle’s culture of innovation and discovery," Capitol Broadcasting Co. Chief Strategist Adam Klein said.

Capitol Broadcasting Co. owns American Tobacco Campus and WRAL.

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