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A Customized Experience in NYC: 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit

More than 80 aspiring young scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and public servants recently gathered in New York City to meet with some of the world’s most outstanding leaders in the arts, sciences, business and public service.

The program, 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit, hosted by the American Academy of Achievement, welcomed recipients of the Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize, Justices of the United States Supreme Court, and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement
Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement

The highlight of the program was the Banquet of the Golden Plate where 34 guests of honor were inducted into the Academy and presented with the Golden Plate Award.

Some of this year’s guests of honor included: Two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Leymah Gbowee and Nadia Murad; American blues guitarist and singer, Buddy Guy; Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Brett M. Kavanaugh; The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey; musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber; and designer Thomas Heatherwick.

Attendees at the event used iPads that contained preloaded content, including an app that directs the guest to the event’s agenda, as well as iBooks and podcasts created by the Academy. Each tablet was protected by a smart cover printed with a custom design artwork for the event. All of these services, including the kitting of the iPad packages, were serviced by FUSION OF IDEAS.

“We plan all year for our International Achievement Summit and it’s important that we create the best experience for our guests,” said Ethel Terrado-Lowe, Academy of Achievement Director of New Media and Design. “The FUSION OF IDEAS team understood our mission and were not just order takers, they were partners with us in creating a complete brand experience for our program guests. The team was timely, responsive and knowledgeable, which made working with them a seamless experience.” 

The American Academy of Achievement is a nonprofit organization that brings together the most accomplished people from diverse fields around the world to encourage and inspire the next generation. The organization was founded by Brian Blaine Reynolds, a photographer known for his contributions to Life magazine and Sports Illustrated, in order to bring aspiring young people together with preeminent achievers, who excel in their chosen professions.

Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement
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Apple Watch, Your Way

Personalization is the way of the future, at least according to Apple. At the Apple event earlier this week, the tech giant launched Apple Watch Studio, which lets you mix and match Apple Watch casings and straps to get the exact look that you want.

Taking it a step further, add your company logo or a custom design opens a branding opportunity for your business. It’s a gift-giving opportunity for your employees or a way to say “thank you” to a vendor or client.

Custom branding options on the Apple Watch:

  • Company or recipient name on the blank side of the case
  • Logo or design on the Watch button
  • Custom design or logo etched on the Sport Bands
  • Color logo or design on the charger

Being able to choose the material, style and color of your Apple Watch case and bands, there are over a 1,000 different watch customization options. Being able to add your own logo or design, the possibilities are endless. There is truly a watch for everyone.

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An Employee Reward to Keep Them Going

Agile Physical Therapy, a privately owned physical therapy company, recently hosted its 17th Annual Agile State of the Company at its headquarters in Palo Alto, Calf. The event brought together its 125-plus person team to celebrate the successes of the past year and highlight where the company is headed.  

Prior to the annual gathering, Agile worked with FUSION OF IDEAS to customize 30 Apple AirPods that would be presented to select employees during the special event. The company’s logo was printed on the charging case and bonded with UV so it does not scratch, chip or fade.  

“We were so excited when we received our AirPods because they looked absolutely amazing,” said Chris Reed, CFO at Agile Physical Therapy. “We wanted to give a special appreciation gift to our loyal employees who have been with the company for over five years. It was our way of thanking them for their hard work and dedication to Agile.”

Founded in 2002, Agile Physical Therapy has more than 125 employees, including over 60 board-certified clinical specialists in orthopedics, sports, hand therapy or pelvic health.  The organization has locations across California in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Los Altos, and Los Angeles.

Agile is one of the thousands of organizations that FUSION OF IDEAS has partnered with to create custom-branded gifts as part of their employee rewards program. For more information about our customization services, visit https://fusionofideas.com/branding.php. 

Employees gather at Agile Physical Therapy's "Agile State of the Company" event. Select employees were recognized with custom-branded Apple AirPods for their dedication to the company. Photo credit: Agility Physical Therapy
Employees gather at Agile Physical Therapy’s “Agile State of the Company” event. Select employees were recognized with custom-branded Apple AirPods for their dedication to the company. Photo source: Agility Physical Therapy
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Attollo Scholars Experience Some Magic

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson keynotes 'Magic: An Attollo Experience' in Lancaster, Penn. ©Attollo
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson keynotes ‘Magic: An Attollo Experience’ in Lancaster, Penn. Photo source: Attollo

More than 1,300 attendees at the annual Attollo fundraising event in Lancaster, Penn., celebrated a group of 60 high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. Also highlighting the event, Magic: An Attollo Experience, was a keynote by NBA Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson.

This year’s celebratory fundraiser raised $1.5 million benefitting the Attollo program. Founded by the Children Deserve a Chance Foundation, Attollo is a college access/leadership program in Central Pennsylvania that supports youth from underrepresented communities in their pursuit of academic achievement, empowerment and social engagement.

As a token of appreciation to the event sponsors and donors, Attollo partnered with FUSION OF IDEAS to create custom-branded Apple AirPods as gifts. The device included the program’s name and logo printed on the case and on the stems of the headsets. The AirPods box is outfitted with a fitted custom device sleeve that has a photo of Magic Johnson.

One event donor shared anonymously, “You [Attollo] always inspire students to push beyond their comfort zones and do more than they thought possible. I am not quick to try new technology, but when I received these AirPods, I decided to push myself beyond my comfort zone and try them. My grandchildren were so impressed when I came walking in with my AirPods! I can listen to my audiobooks and my old favorite songs.”

Custom branded Apple AirPods are given to event sponsors and donors of Attollo's annual fundraiser.
Custom branded Apple AirPods are given to event sponsors and donors of Attollo’s annual fundraiser.
Attendees celebrate 60 of Attollo's high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. ©Attollo
Attendees celebrate 60 of Attollo’s high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. Photo source: Attollo
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A Raffle Prize Worth Putting For

The GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour, with 50 regional tournaments, was founded to give amateur golfers a chance to compete in a nationwide series of stroke-play golf tournaments. Open to men and women, young and old, the tournament – now in its 25th year – uses some of the best championship golf courses and concludes with a National Tour Championship, which awards the final winner among the top players in each flight.

In addition to a day on the greens, the winner of each flight is awarded a crystal trophy and each participant is entered into a tournament raffle. At the El Paso, Texas/Las Cruces, N.M. tournament, customized Apple AirPods served as one of the top prizes for the event raffle. As one of the hottest tech accessories, it was a highly sought-after prize for the 60+ participants of the event.

Additionally, Apple iPad Pro tablets with customized Smart Keyboard Folios were used to check the golfers in at each tournament and serve as a live score board. As we have seen in this event, and others, cohesive branding can significantly add value and experience for all attendees and participants involved.