How can we make experiences more accessible? Julie Posh Dykstra, lead UX Architect for both GMR and Omnicom, considers that very question when tackling a project. Through working on hashtag#GMRClient Nissan’s virtual Heisman House for the past ten years, Julie has seen first-hand the impact of enacting changes that make the experience more accessible to all.
We’re officially 100 days out from kicking off Copa América 2024! The first match is set to take place on June 20th at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Copa América is traditionally hosted in South America; however, the U.S. will host the tournament for the second time in eight years. As of late 2022, the tournament still needed a host. The United States ability to execute on an expedited timeline, plus the existing duty of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, made them the most suitable host. Tournament play will feature 16 countries (10 from CONMEBOL, 6 from CONCACAF) competing in a traditional group-stage format before the winners and runners up of each group advance to the knock-out rounds. In total, 32 matches will be played in 14 venues across the US. For the USMNT, this will be a significant opportunity to test themselves at the halfway point to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the USMNT has faced traditional footballing powerhouses over the years, a prestigious tournament will be a true indicator of readiness for 2026. The U.S. will face Uruguay on July 1st in Kansas City (group stage) and will hope to be paired with either Brazil or Colombia in the quarterfinals on July 6th (knock-out round). Regardless of what team you root for, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is ramping up. Let GMR FC help you and your brand experience it.
At GMR, we strive to empower women inside and outside of our agency. One of the ways we empower women within GMR is through GLOW, our Employee Resource Group (ERG) that supports female StoryMakers and their allies. Through client partnerships with FIFA and the Women’s World Cup 2023™ Trophy Tour and the U.S. Bank and WNBA All-Star Fan Fest, we aim to support women around the world through the power of sport. Read more about our efforts toward equity and equality in our 2023 DEI Year in Review.
We are so excited to be recognized by the Sports Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in Sports 2023. This is the inaugural year of SBJ’s Best Places to Work in Sports, and we are thrilled to be honored amongst companies across the sports landscape who demonstrate leadership and unwavering commitment to their employees.
In recognition of the start of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing a quote from GMR’s Vice President of Talent and Executive DEI Council (EDEIC) member Dana Ernst. Stay tuned for more insights from our EDEIC throughout the year!
Congratulations to #GMRClient FIFA for being shortlisted for the Campaign Experience Awards. The brand is shortlisted in the ‘Global Brand Activation’ category for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Trophy Tour. We’re looking forward to celebrating all of the amazing work at this year’s Campaign Award Ceremony in April!
GMR’s Vice President of Growth Jennifer Houston caught up with her former teammate Jennifer Siess Gansner on her podcast, Soccer Mom Sunday. They chat about their time as college athletes, share their thoughts on NIL, and reflect on the progress that women’s sports have made while highlighting the disparities that still exist in exposure, investment, and coverage between women’s and men’s sports.
#GMRClient Xfinity kicked off its 10th Season as a NASCAR partner last weekend at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race & Daytona 500. The excitement continues this weekend with Xfinity’s partnership with 23XI Racing. Be on the lookout for the #45 23XI Toyota, which was designed and decked out in Xfinity Mobile branding by our very own GMR XD team. In addition, GMR and Xfinity will be hosting a suite full of guests cheering on the Xfinity Mobile Car. Tune in on Sunday, February 25 to FOX at 3pm EST to catch #45 in action.
DEI is embedded in the culture of GMR. As we continue to create an inclusive workplace for all, we will lean on our Executive DEI Council (EDEIC) to lead the way. Our EDEIC is made up of 10 leaders who strive to keep diversity at the forefront of our work. Stay tuned for thought leadership, reflections on commemorative moments, and more DEI related content from our EDEIC members throughout the year. Here is GMR’s 2024 EDEIC: Tyson Webber Aliah Berman Sophie M. Chris Hoyler Elke Jones DeVona Wright Cottrell Adam Lippard Max Lenderman Dana Ernst Lisa Cieslak
You may be wondering how an agency headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin tackles global events on the world’s largest stages. GMR’s Chief Financial and Business Operations Officer Lisa Cieslak is shedding light on our process for activating in international markets in partnership with the world’s top brands.
