Harrah’s Entertainment “Next iBAR Star” Campaign Builds Momentum

June 29, 2009 - PRLog -- IRVINE, CA – With the nationwide talent search for the “Next iBAR Star” already underway, Harrah’s Entertainment St. Louis and partner Earthbound Media Group (EMG) have recently teamed up with Midwest-based TalentPlus Entertainment to continue to increase contest video submissions for www.nextibarstar.com. As St. Louis’ largest and most prestigious full service talent and entertainment agency of its kind, TalentPlus Entertainment was selected to work in tandem with both Harrah’s and EMG’s efforts in promoting the “Next iBAR Star” campaign by leading a grassroots effort dedicated to rally and recruit star-studded acts and performers of all types from across the country.

Developed and managed by EMG, the official video submission website www.nextibarstar.com launched on June 1st, 2009, marking only the beginning of Harrah’s Entertainment St. Louis’ full-scale, cross-channel marketing campaign. Harrah’s and EMG’s combined public relations, social media, viral and search engine marketing efforts have already generated more than 16,000 site visits, 51,617 page views, 28,000,000 ad impressions and 172 video submissions over a three-week period. As the campaign continues to build momentum, Harrah’s radio and upcoming July billboard advertising in the St. Louis area, along with the winning strategies of TalentPlus Entertainment, promise to build awareness and drive audience contest participation in the coming weeks prior to the July 20th, 2009, video submissions deadline.

“In partnering with TalentPlus Entertainment, Harrah’s and EMG hopes to heighten visibility and garner publicity as well as strengthen grassroots support,” explained EMG Chief Visionary Officer Damien Navarro. “Collaborating with TalentPlus Entertainment is an excellent way to really push prospective contestants to submit their videos and hopefully expand the talent pool even further.”

Submitted acts are available for viewing by online audiences everywhere within the video gallery featured on www.nextibarstar.com. To date, over 90 talent videos, submitted by contestants hailing from the Midwest as well as the West and East Coast, have been approved by Harrah’s Entertainment for viewing within the online video portal. With a majority of contestants showcasing their powerhouse vocal skills and musical talents, there are also many participants displaying unique acts ranging from juggling, dancing and comedic sketches.

Starting July 21st, the ratings period will begin, in which online audiences will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite acts. The crowd favorites along with the acts hand-picked by Harrah’s panel of judges will advance to the semi-finals to compete in one of 12 live performances held every Friday and Saturday night at Harrah’s iBAR St. Louis. The highest rated acts will be narrowed down from the rest and will be set to appear at the grand finale on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009. Ultimately, only one talented act worthy of superstardom will win $10,000 in cash, a potential performance contract and be crowned the title of the Next iBAR Star!

# # #

About EMG (www.earthboundmediagroup.com)
EMG is a one-of-a-kind, technology-driven strategic marketing agency. Our singular goal is to evolve the digital and visual landscapes of business for corporations, brands and non-profits worldwide.

As a leader in the marketplace, EMG has single-handedly set a benchmark for complexity, creativity and vitality in the solutions we have provided for both our partners and clients alike.