FILO Provides Staff for MLB H.O.F. Tour

This September, FILO was given the opportunity to join forces with Major League Baseball and its mobile Hall of Fame Tour. For this Tour, FILO was tasked with promoting the mobile exhibit that was located at Mall of America from the 16th to the 29th of September. We promoted the exhibit using more than 20 brand ambassadors throughout the city of Bloomington and Minneapolis. Our ambassadors interacted with fans at Target field, Mall of America, T-Mobile stores, and the Minnesota Zoo IMAX in hopes of educating baseball fans about the MLB Hall of Fame Tour.

The MLB Hall of Fame Tour was comprised of five interactive trailers, each showcasing a unique part of baseball history. There was something for everyone, as each interactive trailer educated fans on something different, whether it was the history of the game or the traditions of baseball. They even brought in 45 special artifacts from Cooperstown. The Tour also showcased the first ever mobile IMAX Theater as well as a dedicated trailer to virtual reality. Virtual reality was new to the Tour this year and was instrumental in combining the nostalgic feel of baseball with new age technology that fans loved. The Tour was a great mix of old school with a new age touch. Virtual reality headsets and coupons were used (by FILO) to attract patrons in high-traffic areas, and encourage them to check out the exhibit.

Being an extension of this tremendous Tour was a wonderful experience for FILO. It was a great opportunity to showcase our ability to contribute to a high quality event/project as we continue to be a leader in the event industry. We truly look forward to the next time we get the chance to work with Major League Baseball and their fans.

FILO Produces St. Paul Oktoberfest for the Second Year

FILO Productions produced yet another quality event for the people of St. Paul and surrounding communities. Held in Rice Park, in downtown St. Paul on September 16-18, 2016, St. Paul Oktoberfest saw over 7,000 attendees over the course of the three-day weekend. Beautiful weather and typical German food, beer and entertainment helped to draw the crowds that attended our St. Paul Oktoberfest.

Ten very competitive teams pushed a bed down Washington St. hoping to secure a top-3 finish in the annual bed races. The top three teams were awarded prize money, which was donated to a charity of their choice.

Great entertainment from the main stage inspired people to get up and dance with the New Ulm Narren, and polka with Jimmy the Polka Pirate. The plaza space in Rice park was fit for patrons to kick up their heals to an accordion, or try their hand at one of the many German beer drinking games, like the beer chug from a traditional German boot....Prosit!

Did someone say yummy? How about some authentic German cuisine from The Black Forest Inn, Venus Spaetzle Haus, Burbach's European Pancakes, and who could forget… The Snitzelmeister!

Attendees did not forget to wash the food down with a frosty beer from local breweries, as Tin Whiskers, Schell's Brewery, Paulaner and many Oktoberfest beers were available on tap.

While eating, you could also enjoy games on the lawn or watch the kids play in the bouncy houses FILO provided. The St. Paul Mounted Police performed a horse demonstration on the lawn, showing both the skills of the horses as well as the riders.

And what would an Oktoberfest be without a wedding? Our Oktoberfest had two wedding parties from the Landmark Center grace our event both Friday and Saturday night.

While St. Paul Oktoberfest is a traditional Oktoberfest with plenty of beer and cheer, our family friendly event was a hit for the many that attended. We already have people asking, "When will it take place next year?" Hope to see you at our next Oktoberfest! For more information, please visit http://www.saintpauloktoberfest.org/

FILO Manages Third Annual NBA Campus Pass Tour

This year marked the third annual NBA Campus Pass Tour presented by AIR MILES. The Tour decided to shake things up a bit and hosted three separate events, each in different cities, within the span of four days! We coordinated with three universities to match up with their “Welcome Week” festivities. Our first stop was Ryerson University in downtown Toronto; then we scurried over to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon; and for our final stop, we ended up at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

The Tour was filled with engaging on-court events like BUMP, Make or Miss, King of the Key, and a multitude of different games for the students to participate in. Current and former NBA Players Marcus Camby, Amir Johnson, and Antonio Davis stopped by to hang out with the fans, answer questions, and sign some autographs. We also had international comedian, Greg Coleman, hosting all three events. With his wit and charm, we were surely the hottest spot on campus!

The AIR MILES activation allowed fans to sign up for their very own AIR MILES Rewards Card. The AIR MILES’ Swipe-a-Shot basketball interactive game traveled on the Tour, giving fans the opportunity to win a variety of awesome Raptors gear. We also provided the authentic Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy on the Tour with us! We displayed the trophy so fans and students alike could come by and snap a picture.

Responsibilities for the Tour included securing vendors for trucking, staffing, labor, security/first-aid and a DJ; acting as liaison between (and with) the NBA, AIR MILES, and the three universities; creating detailed CAD-drawings; set-up, execution and strike of all 3 event sites; prizing inventory and give-a-way; warehouse management of equipment; and providing top-line and Tour recaps to improve the Tour.

FILO was thrilled to be a part of the third annual NBA Campus Pass Tour Presented by AIR MILES and is looking forward to another Tour in 2017!