BrennSys/Aqua Shine at the 2023 HSMAI Adrian Awards
The BrennSys/Aqua team proudly took center stage at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards, bringing home three prestigious accolades for our groundbreaking work with Visit Lauderdale. This annual event, now in its 67th year, celebrates excellence in travel marketing, and we were honored to be recognized among the industry’s best.
Held in New York City, the ceremony awarded Aqua a Gold President’s Award, a Silver Award, and a Bronze Award, highlighting our team’s dedication to creativity, innovation, and strategic excellence. These awards not only celebrate our achievements but also underscore the impactful results we’ve delivered for Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Gold President’s Award – PR/Communications Influencer Marketing
Aqua’s innovative episodic series, Hidden in Plain Sight, created in collaboration with internationally renowned artist Avi Ram, captivated audiences worldwide. The series featured stunning body-painted models camouflaged into Greater Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque locations. The big reveal? The models would suddenly step out of their surroundings, astonishing viewers and leaving a lasting impression.
The campaign generated over 83 million views and more than three million likes across digital platforms, proving its viral success. This project not only secured a Gold Award but also received the prestigious Gold President’s Award, a distinction reserved for top-performing entries in trending categories.
Silver Award – Integrated Campaign Broadcast Integration
Our advertising partnership with Good Morning America brought Greater Fort Lauderdale into millions of homes across the country. This strategic collaboration garnered 9.7 million impressions through linear TV and social media, reinforcing Visit Lauderdale’s message of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. The campaign showcased the region’s welcoming spirit and vibrant culture, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for travelers from all backgrounds.
Bronze Award – Advertising Group Sales/Travel Trade
Aqua’s Meetings Campaign positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale as a top-tier destination for conferences and conventions. Through compelling branding and innovative messaging, the initiative successfully secured 41 business events for 2023 and beyond, generating a significant economic boost for the region. This effort not only attracted large-scale events but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a premier hub for business and networking opportunities.
Delivering Impact Beyond Awards
While industry recognition is always rewarding, the true success of these campaigns is measured by the tangible results they bring to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Aqua’s work has contributed to significant growth in the region’s tourism sector, including:
44% increase in Tourist Development Tax revenue compared to 2019 and a 2% increase over 2022, which was a record-breaking year.
29% rise in the average daily room rate versus 2019 and 6% increase over 2022.
44% boost in hotel revenue compared to 2019 and 7% growth over 2022.
These impressive numbers reflect the strength of our strategic marketing efforts and the continued success of Greater Fort Lauderdale as a world-class travel destination.
Aqua’s Commitment to Excellence
Since its inception in 2010, Aqua Marketing & Communications has been at the forefront of delivering exceptional branding, digital advertising, creative campaigns, public relations, and social media strategies. Under the leadership of now President & CEO Larry Aldrich, our boutique agency remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering outstanding results for our clients.
“Though we are extremely proud of the awards, what matters most to us is the smile on our clients’ faces admiring the completion of successful projects,” says Dave Di Maggio, Director of Business Development. “We’re grateful for the recognitions from 2023 and cannot wait to create more engaging and unique work in 2024.”
We’re honored to continue shaping the future of destination marketing and look forward to crafting even more impactful campaigns in the years ahead.