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BBC Studios uses the power of Creative Out of Home to create a Gladiators immersive experience in Manchester with Talon and Grand Visual 

The BBC, with global independent Out of Home (OOH) agency Talon and its award-winning OOH production arm, Grand Visual, has brought the Gladiator experience to Manchester’s Trafford Centre in The Gladiators Inflatable Duel.

The experiential activation, which took place on Saturday 9th of March, featured an inflatable immersive experience for nine hours to stir excitement around the highly anticipated semi-finals and finals of the iconic television show. As part of the experience, shoppers at The Trafford Centre were invited to experience a part of the show and engage with the cast themselves by taking part in two to three rounds of battles.

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Leveraging Talon’s expertise in outdoor media, Grand Visual’s world class creative experience and BBC’s unrivalled entertainment legacy, this execution gave audiences the opportunity to experience the adrenaline-filled world of Gladiators action and competition for themselves.

Gladiators returned to screens for the first time this year since 2008 and has reignited fresh enthusiasm for the ultimate test of strength and speed with 9.8 million viewers tuning in to the first episode of the new series. The next generation of Gladiators has proven particularly popular with the younger audience, with 1.9m under 15s tuning in to episode one.

To support the activation, Talon planned a Digital Out of Home campaign that took over the shopping centre to drive consumers to the activity. The creative focused particularly on capturing the attention of Gladiators’ core demographic of 16-34-year-olds, designed to entice them to the adrenaline-pumped atmosphere of the replica Gladiator arena, transporting viewers into the heart of action.

Jay Young, Managing Director at Grand Visual, part of Talon, comments: “We were thrilled to partner with BBC Studios to bring the exhilarating world of Gladiators to Manchester. Through creative use of the Digital Out of Home screens positioned  throughout the centre, we drove excited crowds to put their strength to the test. Audience appetite for in-person events is fully back in swing, and this presents an exciting opportunity for brands to experiment with new ways to engage with audiences.”

Niki Carr, Senior Head of Marketing at BBC, said: “Gladiators holds a special place in people’s hearts. Talon and Grand Visual helped us bring the experience to life, creating ways for people to enjoy and interact with the show, generating excitement around the Semi final and Grand Finale. This collaboration demonstrates the power of creativity to captivate audiences and drive engagement. We were thrilled to bring such a fun experience to the Trafford Centre and loved watching our audience battling it out!”

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Credits:

Client: BBC 

Advertising Agency: BBC Creative  

Associate Mx Director: Debbie Yuen 

Planning Manager: Pegi Jones  

Planner: Lucy Lyth  

Business Director: Sandra Hernadez  

Senior Client Manager: Georgia Harrison 

Senior Producer: Fran Betts 

Media Company: Havas 

Production Company: Ann Squared 

Production Manager: Charlotte Boag 

Event Producer: Caroline Osbourne 

Talon Bolsters Leadership Desktop

New York, NY – March 5, 2024 Talon, the global independent Out of Home (OOH) media agency, today announced appointments that will further strengthen Talon’s dynamic leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth in North America with two key leadership positions. Former Senior Vice President, Client Strategy at Talon U.S., Enza Chiodi has been elevated to U.S. Chief Client Officer and the agency welcomes seasoned digital ad industry expert Laura Colona as its first Senior Vice President, Marketing, North America.

“Enza’s client-focused approach has been invaluable to Talon’s success. She is a trusted advisor who has enabled Talon’s clients to drive business results through brilliant campaign strategies,” said Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Sarah Parkes. “Laura’s wealth of experience in digital media, ad tech and OOH uniquely positions her to lead a strategic marketing organization that will ensure that marketers and their agencies are educated on the value of OOH through the benefit of choosing Talon as a partner.”

Enza Chiodi, U.S. Chief Client Officer

In her new role, Enza will lead the strategic priorities for client fulfillment journeys across Talon’s portfolio of brands, ensuring clients’ needs are met with excellence and innovation. With more than 20 years of experience in propelling brands forward, her work has extended beyond Talon having previously consulted for top industry players, including Intersection, OUTFRONT, Lamar and JC Decaux, as well as industry trade groups OAAA and Geopath, contributing to the modernization of the OOH industry and championing its digital transformation. Her contributions to the industry were recognized with her award of Changemaker – Top Woman in Media & Ad Tech.

Prior to shifting her career focus to the OOH space, Enza had senior roles in multi-channel planning agencies such as Omnicom’s PHD.  Her successful direction determined agency positioning, strategic initiatives and fostering staff growth. Notably, Enza’s reputation was built on trust and client-centric ideas with her consistently singled out by clients for her contributions to driving results.

Laura Colona, Senior Vice President Marketing, North America

Laura will spearhead Talon’s marketing and communications efforts to continue building the agency’s brand in North America, support the company’s growth initiatives, and foster a culture of creativity and collaboration. Most recently Laura served as the Commercial Marketing Officer at the OAAA where she provided executive leadership and management of OAAA’s marketing organization.  Most notably, she led the formation of its Brand Council with leading advertisers including IBM, Pepsi, L’Oreal, Allstate, Logitech, Inspire Brands and Little Caesar’s, delivering a collaborative platform to educate brands on the unrivaled value of OOH in the marketing mix.  Prior to joining OAAA, Laura served as Vice President and Head of Global Marketing at industry leading DSP, MediaMath where she was responsible for all aspects of the marketing organization and amplifying MediaMath’s industry-wide effort to create a 100 percent accountable, addressable and aligned supply chain.  Passionate about the rapidly evolving media landscape and creativity and effectiveness of OOH, Laura serves on the OAAA Marketing Committee, ANA Marketing Futures and Sustainability Committees, is a 2024 Grand Indies Judge and member of the Ad Council Diverse Leaders Group.

These appointments are the latest in a series of new senior hires, signaling Talon’s commitment to ongoing strategic growth worldwide. Last month, Talon announced its appointment of  accomplished industry leader Sue Frogley to Group CEO on the heels of Stewart Easterbrook joining as Chairman, the appointments of Mike Saunter as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Henry Lucas in the newly created role of Group Chief Commercial Officer and Todd Palatnek Senior Vice President, Client Development in North America.

Adds Parkes, “Talon’s strategic advantage in being at the forefront of OOH’s transformation will propel the medium forward as it continues to provide advertisers and their agencies the necessary tools to prove meaningful and incremental outcomes as they remodel how they capture consumer attention.”

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Camille Uzan Promoted to Head of Planning and Operations

In an exciting development at Talon International, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Camille Uzan from Business Director to Head of Planning and Operations. This promotion is a testament to Talon International’s commitment to bolstering our operational excellence and planning capabilities across our global network. 

Talon International are at the forefront of the global OOH industry, experiencing robust growth from not only our UK based international clients but also from Talon offices in the US, Germany, Ireland, Dubai and Singapore who are all experiencing an increase in international, multi market requirements from local clients. Our ability to cater to the increasing demand from our clients around the world is a testament to the strength and leadership of our team. As we build on this success, the role of planning and operational excellence is increasingly important.  

Camille’s new role is designed to harness her exceptional skills and deep industry knowledge to nurture key client and agency relationships and drive the development of key processes. These processes will ensure Talon International continue to plan, buy, and execute efficient and effective global OOH campaigns.   

Adrian Skelton, Managing Partner – International, said: “OOH is evolving at pace across the globe, with growth being driven by technology, creativity, and innovation. Camille’s knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for international OOH will ensure our standards for best practice continue to evolve across the ever-changing international OOH landscape.   

Camille’s promotion reflects Talon International’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the OOH sector. Her experience and commitment to delivering results will play a pivotal role in enhancing our operational and planning strategies, ensuring we stay ahead and continue to deliver excellent business outcomes for our clients.”  

Talon International serves as a centralised hub connecting over 20 Talon and partner offices around the world, enabling us to plan, buy and execute client campaigns in over 100 markets worldwide. 

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London, 22nd February, 2024: Talon, the global independent Out of Home (OOH) agency, today announces the appointment of Sue Frogley as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the business globally as it targets further growth and expansion.

Frogley is an accomplished industry leader with over 30 years’ experience growing successful global media businesses. She will join Talon from Publicis Groupe, where she was CEO of its media arm in the UK for over six years. Under her leadership, Publicis Media UK grew into a £2bn+ billings operation, thanks to several new business wins across its media agencies Zenith, Starcom and Spark Foundry. Before that, Frogley was President of Global Client Solutions at Publicis Groupe and previously spent over 13 years at Dentsu (then Aegis Media), where she held several global leadership roles, most latterly as Global President of Commercial Operations.

This appointment follows a rigorous selection process.  Frogley will report to Stewart Easterbrook, chairman and joins Talon’s global board.  Eric Newnham, who has acted as interim CEO for the past few months, will revert to the role of Founder and strategic advisor to the board.

Frogley is the latest in a series of new senior hires, signalling Talon’s commitment to ongoing strategic growth worldwide. Last year, Stewart Easterbrook joined as Chairman, the appointments of Mike Saunter as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Henry Lucas in the newly created role of Group Chief Commercial Officer soon followed.

Frogley’s appointment follows a period of significant growth for Talon, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023. Since Equistone Partners Europe, one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors, invested in the business in July 2022, Talon has completed the acquisition of Evolve, the fast-growing, independent specialist OOH business, and the acquisition of Novus Media Canada Corp (now Talon OOH Canada).  

In her new role, Frogley will focus on further international growth, driving Talon’s digital capabilities and awareness of OOH as an effective, creative, data-driven media channel.

Stewart Easterbrook, Chairman, said: “Sue is a formidable and dynamic leader with a wealth of experience leading global media businesses.  I am thrilled to have someone of Sue’s calibre leading our business and look forward to working with Sue, and with our teams, to drive further growth in the scale and ambition of Talon.”

Sue Frogley said: “I have long admired Talon’s proposition, ethos and trailblazing spirit to challenge perceptions and drive growth in the OOH sector. Over the past 10 years, Eric has developed a talented team that has successfully built a unique and expanding global business that holds an enviable position in the industry. I can’t wait to get started and help unlock even more growth potential and shape Talon’s next important chapter.”

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New York, NY – February 20, 2024 – Talon, the global independent Out of Home (OOH) media company, and Out There 360, the Luxury Out of Home Independent Agency announced today that they have formed a strategic North American partnership to develop and execute data-driven, creative, and measurable OOH campaigns for luxury advertisers. 

“OOH remains a strategically vital medium for brands operating in the high-end market,” said Barbara Valensise CEO of Out There 360. “Talon is at the precipice of OOH transformation with proprietary data-driven tools and technologies that develop best-in-class creativity and drive measurable ROI at every step of the funnel. Being supported by a trusted and established local partner aligned with our values and approach to clients will enable us to deliver impactful and efficient ad experiences.”

Out There 360 provides bespoke omnichannel strategic solutions and a range of interdisciplinary communication services for high-end brands, from the development and production of creative concepts to delivery on traditional and innovative media. Headquartered in Milan, Out There 360 has extensive experience in the luxury fashion space, including partnerships with several of the most prominent luxury brands.

Talon will be fully integrated into Out There 360’s North American strategy and planning process, maximizing OOH’s impact and effectiveness for clients in this key region. Powered by best-in-class proprietary tools and technology, Talon’s suite of solutions will enable Out There 360 to capitalize on a transformed, innovative medium. 

“Our partnership with Out There 360 will be rooted in collaboration with the shared goal of unlocking the creative and brand building power of OOH for Out There 360 world class clients and partners across North America,” said Sarah Parkes, Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Talon. “As an advanced media channel that delivers reach, frequency, creativity, and results, OOH is unrivaled for brands to bring their stories and experiences to life at a meaningful scale.”

According to Statista, luxury goods sales in the United States have rebounded strongly, driven by increased consumer confidence and a growing appetite for high-end fashion and accessories. Latest projections from Bain & Company put the global luxury market at $1.65 trillion.  

Adds Parkes, “our integration with Out There 360 will ensure its leading luxury brands will have dedicated teams across key North American markets to execute OOH campaigns that engage consumers and deliver greater impact and outcomes.”

About Talon

Talon is a pioneering global independent Out of Home (OOH) media agency focused on delivering effective, creative, data-driven integrated OOH communications. Combining independence with a collaborative approach, Talon promotes open and transparent working relationships between many of the world’s leading agencies, clients, and media partners. Headquartered in London with offices in Canada, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester, New York, and Singapore, Talon delivers expertise at global, national, regional, and local levels. Additionally, the agency has built a global OOH planning and buying network – Talon International – covering 100 markets across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information, please visit www.talonooh.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Out There 360

Out There is an advisory firm that offers a range of integrated services for luxury brands, from go-to-market strategy to digital and physical brand communication, corporate social responsibility, and tech solutions. Out There 360 success is rooted in the continuous advisory that is offered to all clients. Headquartered in Milan, with local partners in Asia and North America, Out There 360 has a uniquely informed global perspective, aimed to create and advance a market-leader position for brands operating in the high-end market. For more information, please visit www.outthere360.com and follow up on LinkedIn.

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The Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing, in collaboration with Talon, provided an insightful glimpse into the expectations and strategies of the marketing and creative industry for 2024. The event, hosted by Campaign, brought together industry leaders who share our passion for all things creativity, technology, and effectiveness.

The event saw editors from Campaign talk to leading brands, agencies and media companies about how they plan to grow despite soaring costs – and how they are supporting their customers and employees. Marketing and Creative industry leaders were asked what they want and expect from 2024 and examined some of the key growth drivers. Priding ourselves on big ideas and re-imagining and re-inventing OOH, partnering with Campaign for this event was the perfect fit for Talon. 

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Kicking off the event, Jay Young, Managing Director at Grand Visual, looked ahead to what 2024 has in store; anticipating longer evenings, record-breaking growth in women’s elite sport, the influence of Gen Z, powering AI sustainably and a rise in more people prioritising themselves and their wellbeing.  

Flying the flag for OOH, Jay encouraged the audience to “think outside” in 2024, reminding them that: 

The Year Ahead

The outlook for 2024 was optimistic across all four panels, with interesting thoughts from each. Nishma Patel Robb (Google) challenged conventional measurement approaches: “What are we actually measuring? How many agencies have heard they want to do a ‘barbie,’ with a sense of always being on. How is that measurable?”

Toby Horry (ITV) emphasized the importance of a solid brand foundation with a rising standard of expectations from consumers: “We must reinforce that marketing is a driver of sales, growth and profit. Making sure that marketing is seen as a critical component of business success.”

Jessica Tamsedge (Dentsu Creative) urged the audience to build brands in the spaces where people spend their time: “People are willing to give brands more time if you make them care enough. How do we celebrate work that doesn’t fit in these spaces? There are cultural ways to create conversation!” 

Chaka Sobhani (Leo Burnett) exclaimed: “It’s time to get f**king optimistic, it’s going to be a good year. We need to get more comfortable being uncomfortable and embrace more technology, viewing punchier budgets as a creative opportunity.” 

Dan Dawson (Grand Visual) emphasized the influence that creativity has: “We have the opportunity to influence people as they go around their everyday lives in the real world, it’s something to be excited about.” Kris Boger (TikTok) looked at the year ahead for media, “This year, brands can make the most of micro moments,” said Boger. “We’re all looking for what’s next after ‘delulu’ and ‘Roman Empire.” 

The world of OOH media is changing fast, and the boundaries are being redrawn. The Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing provided an insightful glimpse into the expectations and strategies of the marketing and creative industry for 2024. It was incredible to kick off the year with likeminded people with our trail-blazing spirit. Here’s to 2024! 

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The Stagwell (STGW) agency partnered with Talon to activate a first-of-its-kind connected commerce solution designed for all brick-and-mortar retailers.

Today, global media agency Assembly announced the latest in retail media innovation – a first-of-its-kind planning tool called ShopConnect that marries programmatic buying with digital out-of-home (DOOH) to create more effective and meaningful real-time experiences for consumers. The tool was designed in partnership with Talon, an independent OOH media agency, and Place Exchange, a programmatic SSP, to connect Assembly’s media activation capability to DOOH inventory located inside, outside, and in proximity to retailers across the United States. Assembly is committed to delivering omnichannel, full-funnel connected experiences to help clients’ brands perform, and ShopConnect is an embodiment of that.

ShopConnect redefines how advertisers strategize and execute their DOOH campaigns, targeting audiences at multiple touchpoints as they engage with brands on the path to purchase. ShopConnect ingests users’ behavioral data in real-time, optimizing delivery to ensure the right ads are served at the right time to consumers most likely to engage or convert. Whether consumers are commuting to work, shopping for a special occasion, or simply treating themselves to one of life’s simple pleasures – ShopConnect reaches consumers as they normally interact with the world and brands around them, natively integrated into their day-to-day routines.

“As advertisers seek smarter and more efficient ways to reach their target audiences, ShopConnect is the game-changer they’ve been waiting for and a significant leap forward in brand performance advertising,” said Andrea Montano, Executive Vice President of Insights & Connections at Assembly. “At Assembly, we find the change that fuels growth, and with ShopConnect, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and giving brands the power to harness the full potential of a data and tech-powered insights tool that makes retail campaigns more targeted, efficient, and measurable. Every impression should drive an outcome and ShopConnect pushes us further toward that goal.”

ShopConnect provides media buyers with direct access to strategic retail media – enabling them to identify, evaluate, activate, and report on DOOH inventory within specific retailer and venue types and drive lifts in consideration, brick-and-mortar visits, and sales. By automating the buying process and targeting specific audiences, ShopConnect reduces the wastage of ad budgets, resulting in higher ROAS (return on ad spend). “Marketers are increasingly prioritizing omnichannel strategies, and the digitization of OOH has become a powerful element in cross-platform consumer engagement throughout the customer journey,” said Jim Wilson, CEO of Talon U.S. “Our collaboration with Assembly represents a pivotal moment at the crossroads of OOH and retail media. We are equipping brands and agencies with cutting-edge tools and insights to unlock the full potential of OOH in reaching and engaging consumers throughout their purchase journey and driving full-funnel outcomes.” 

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As marketers and agency partners pivot their media planning and buying strategies from channel silos to an omnichannel approach, it’s more important than ever to rethink the role of OOH. Talon created the CMO Guide to OOH Advertising for marketers to unlock the full potential of a sophisticated media channel, presenting insights, expert tips, and case studies.

Highlights for Marketers:

Download Guide Here

Talon, the independent Out of Home (OOH) agency, in partnership with SMP Group, has expanded its sustainable solution for classic OOH campaigns. As part of its commitment to a greener and more sustainable future, Talon is now printing all classic roadside 6 sheet, 48 sheet, and 96 sheet campaigns for clients through SMP on 100% recycled paper as standard. Following the successful launch of 100% recycled 6 sheets in 2022 defaulting to recycled printing is a natural progression to support sustainable OOH production.  

Sustainable Partnerships: Talon & SMP’s Green OOH Solution

SMP Group is a pioneer in bringing to market 100% recycled material that is also recyclable, with one of the lowest carbon emissions in the OOH industry. They use FSC approved material, water-based inks, and an energy-efficient manufacturing facility that uses renewable energy through the recent installation of solar panels. The newly improved paper has been tested side by side with standard paper and has been found to be of high quality, with no discernible difference in appearance day or night. The 100% recycled paper is recyclable, and clients will be offered an opt-out if they would prefer to use standard 30% recycled paper. 

Luke Willbourn, Managing Director – UK at Talon, said, “At Talon, we take our responsibility for the planet seriously and are driving sustainability initiatives internally and across the OOH industry. We are pleased to expand our use of recycled paper as standard for the classic 6, 48, and 96 sheet campaigns we plan, a development that puts both us and our clients on track to a sustainable future.” 

Bradley Slade, Group Managing Director at SMP, said, “As a sustainable manufacturing business one of the key pillars we work to is reducing our environmental impact. We have worked hard to deliver sustainable products and best practice to improve the products we deliver for our clients. Through investment in technology, research, development, and innovation – we are proud to have delivered 100% recycled material for Out of Home advertising and crucially, still ensuring quality assurance in this high-profile medium.”  

London 29th September 2023: Today, the global, independent Out of Home (OOH) media agency Talon announces the appointment of Mike Saunter to the role of Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Henry Lucas in the newly created role of Group Chief Commercial Officer and Stewart Easterbrook extending his remit to become Talon’s Executive Chairman, as the business continues its focus on international growth and expansion. 

Alongside these new hires, Talon have restructured the global board with Barry Cupples stepping down as Group CEO and Eric Newnham, founder of Talon, stepping in with immediate effect.  

Eric is a renowned entrepreneur with several decades experience leading successful Out of Home businesses, and has been at the forefront of Out of Home’s transformation from a legacy medium to the effective, measurable and data-driven channel it is today. Eric founded Talon in 2013 alongside James Copley and Frank Bryant and during his tenure as CEO – 2013 to 2019 developed Talon into the leading global OOH independent agency.  

Mike, an accomplished international leader, joins the Talon board as Group CFO. He has extensive experience in the advertising industry with time as International CFO at Clear Channel Inc. and as Global CFO with advertising agencies Crispin, Porter + Bogusky in the US, and Bartle Bogle Hegarty in the UK. Most recently Mike has spent time in an advisory capacity to early stage technology businesses in electric vehicle charging and blockchain infrastructure. 

Henry will be part of Talon’s senior leadership team, based in the UK with responsibility for developing and diversifying Talon’s global commercial strategy. He joins Talon with a wealth of commercial expertise having spent the last nine years at Dentsu, most recently as Commercial Operations Director at Amplifi Global. Prior to Dentsu, he held Group Account Director roles at WPP and IPG. 

Both appointments follow a successful period of growth for Talon and new senior team hires, including ex-Starcom Mediavest chief Stewart Easterbrook as chairman, Alice Date as Group Sustainability Manager, Todd Palatnek as SVP, Client Development in North America, and the promotion of Luke Willbourn to Managing Director UK. This year, the business completed the acquisition of Evolve, the fast-growing, independent specialist OOH business, as well as the acquisition of Novus Media Canada Corp. Talon, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, also opened new offices in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, and secured new investment from Equistone Partners Europe, allowing the business to continue its global expansion and technical innovation. 

Eric Newnham, Group CEO Talon, said:

“I look forward to re-taking a hands on role leading Talon towards its global growth objectives and wish Barry well with his future endeavours. Looking ahead, Stewart’s wealth of experience in leading digital-first businesses including MiQ, will be instrumental in delivering our future growth. I’m excited to work more closely with him to deliver Talon’s commercial objectives.  

Additionally, Mike and Henry are extremely experienced business leaders in driving commercial growth and operational efficiency. They will be pivotal in helping us leverage our powerful and intelligent tech and media offering to further drive the business forward.” 

Mike Saunter, Group Chief Financial Officer at Talon, said:

“Talon has an impressive position in the Out of Home industry and has achieved a great deal in its first ten years.  Its investment in technology, strategic acquisitions and partnerships has developed a unique proposition in the market and I am excited to be working with the senior team and board to further amplify Talon’s impact and to play a key role in its ongoing development and success.” 

Henry Lucas, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Talon, said:

“Talon’s investment in technology has cemented its position as a leading OOH agency both domestically and globally. It has enjoyed several strategic acquisitions in recent years and is now at a pivotal period of its global expansion. A mission of mine is to create a sustainable commercial environment to ensure we future proof the business and deliver best in class results. Moreover, I want to ensure we continue to create meaningful value for our partners, and deliver tangible business outcomes for our clients. I’m very much looking forward to working with the Talon team in enhancing its commercial operations, and growing the business together.”