[ swarm theory ]

The 6th Annual LinkShare Golden Link Awards were held during the LinkShare Symposium on Tuesday, and one of the programs I developed and managed for client Vera Bradley Designs brought home the hardware (for runner-up :). We were bested by The North Face - provider of high-end technical apparel and equipment (killer gear!). 

The Golden Link Awards ceremony brought together more than 400 advertisers, publishers and partners to celebrate internet marketing & commerce industry leaders and innovators specializing in affiliate and search marketing.

Congrats to the entire team!

Andy Carpenter, Vera Bradley’s Director of Web Strategy & Operations was on hand to receive the award from host Joan Rivers

Ok, I’ve seen some things in my day, but nothing as “brand crazy” as what I experienced this weekend at the Vera Bradley outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Vera fans from around the country made the pilgrimage to Fort Wayne - the city that has been home to Vera Bradley since the beginning (1982). The 5 day event provides fans with a killer chance to save big time on overstock and retiring products and designs.

I’ve been working on a number of projects for the company, and thus have become quite familiar with the social strength of the brand, and the loyal following of its user family. The Vera Bradley Facebook group, launched in November of 2007, already has nearly 23,000 fans. But the outlet sale event brought it all to another level. This is truly a phenomenal brand. 40% off select items from Vera Bradley

I took a bunch of pictures while my wife shopped (and bought like the rest of the women) - you can check them out on flickr. Also, check out the video link at the bottom of the post. The quality is bogus because it was taken with my camera, but I had to capture the “Swarm” otherwise nobody would have believed me.

See movie clip below:

p1010147.MOV

Another link to some more great pictures posted on flickr by AC.