The Media Connection, South Africa's community radio advertising specialist, has undertaken numerous activations for big brands via its activation subsidiary, The Brand ConneXion, over the past 12 months.

The Brand ConneXion provides marketers with extra mileage in the community radio sphere, with branded vehicles that take the on-air message directly to the consumer's door.

"Live music, entertainers and popular DJs cross live to the community radio station, whilst an on-the-ground promotion captures consumer attention in busy hubs like taxi ranks and local shopping malls," says Simon Milne, Operations Manager of The Brand ConneXion.

One of The Brand ConneXion's recent activations was for a new DoDo's shoe store opening in Central City, Pretoria. "The Brand ConneXion's branded promoters and MCs, who crossed live to the local community radio stations during the activation, ensured that impressive foot traffic went through Dodo's door," says Milne.

The Brand ConneXion has also conducts monthly store opening activations for OK Furniture. "On average, we conduct between two and five activations for OK Furniture every month," says Milne. "The consumer engaging activations capture the interest of OK Furniture's consumers outside these stores, which ensures that then they go into the store to spend. Our main objectives are to gain customers and drive sales that would not have happened if we were not on the ground," he says.

The activation specialist has also conducted various activations for 8ta. "We are extremely proud of the more than 170 activations we have arranged for The Baobab Project, a cutting-edge brand activation, promotions and incentive-driven campaigns agency, on behalf of 8ta over the past twelve months," says Milne.

"In essence, our media platform is all about engaging consumers so that brands are kept top-of-mind," he adds. "Various activations have also been conducted on behalf of government departments."

The full service promotions and activations company offers its clients and advertising agencies access to a range of services including road shows, promotional vehicles, sound equipment, community radio airtime, point-of-sale material, giveaways, advert production, promoters and vehicle wrapping.

The Media Connection DNA

The Media Connection provides a sales and administration function for radio and TV stations that have limited experience with, and access to, the national advertising industry in South Africa. There are 113 community radio stations on air, with which The Media Connection has representation agreements, as well as 15 sub-Saharan TV and radio stations that have appointed it to procure advertising for them. The Media Connection is a one-stop shop for advertisers aiming to reach a large and fruitful market simply by making one telephone call. For more information, contact 086 137 2346.