Villing Goes Hollywood … with a Touch of Vegas.

The New Universal Pictures’ drama “The Express” opens in theaters nationwide this Friday, October 10.

But while a majority of the country still has to wait a few days to see this moving story about the life of Ernie Davis – the first African American to win college football’s coveted Heisman Trophy – a few members of the Villing & Company staff were among a select few to see it a full three weeks before it opened nationally.

In early September, Universal Pictures selected the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend to host a special screening of the film on September 18 that would be attended by the two main stars of the film – relative newcomer Rob Brown as well as acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid.

Given the relatively short period of time the Hall of Fame had to prepare for the screening and the “red carpet” reception requested for the stars of the film, they called on Villing & Company, a longtime marketing services partner, to handle the media coordination of this unique event.

In a span of just over a week, Villing & Company prepared an advisory that was sent to over 40 local and regional media outlets with appropriate follow-up phone calls; created and prepared press kits and even scheduled local media interviews in the days leading up to the event. That, in addition to hosting and directing the media out on the red carpet itself – where over 25 media credentials were requested.

And at the end of the evening, we even pulled up a few chairs to be among the 200-plus VIPs and media representatives to view the special screening.

By the way, two thumbs up …

Viva Top 50!

Less than a week later, the agency played a key role in the inaugural RV Business Top 50 Awards Dinner at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on September 24. In conjunction with the RV Dealer Association’s Annual Convention/Expo that week, the event drew nearly 450 people to hear keynote speaker Bob Knight and honor 50 dealers recognized for quality and service in the RV industry.

The evening was the culmination of nearly eight months of planning and preparation by RV Business and Villing & Company – whom the industry magazine hired to create the graphic look of the event, assist in the on-line promotion of the dinner, and even plan the dinner itself. The agency was involved in nearly every aspect of the special event from selecting the dinner music and creating the associated slide presentation to determining the menu and centerpieces.

When the lights went up on the event late Wednesday evening – as U2’s “Beautiful Day” melodically ushered dinner attendees out the doors at the Rio’s Amazon Ballroom – it was the culmination of seven hectic but satisfying days for all involved.

Seven memorable, star-studded days that also reinforced the agency’s capabilities in the area of public relations and special event planning.