Entry 2: Be a Manager

a. What is the objective of this event? Give a brief background to this event.
The purpose of this event is to usher in 2012 and celebrate 2011. 


It's a new year's countdown at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. For the live telecast, it featured performances by Canadian band These Kids Wear Crowns, Malaysian pop star Siti Nurhaliza, Singapore's most well-known rapper Sheik Haikal, Nat Ho, Inch Chua, Winner of Singapore Idol Season 3 Sezairi Sezali and runner-up Sylvia Ratonel. It is hosted by Gurmit Singh and Michelle Chia, and 987fm DJs Divian and Jacqui. At the stroke of midnight, there was a 9 minute long fireworks display.


Before the live telecast, the show was hosted by Divian and  Jacqui, and there were performances from the aforementioned performers, various dance crews, and winning entries from the National Environmental Agency's songwriting competition. There was also a countdown party at the platform the year before. 


After the live telecast and the fireworks, there were additional performances by Sheik Haikal and These Kids Wear Crowns. After that the audience was invited to celebrate on the floating platform as a dance floor. 


b. Who is the target audience?
The target audience are people who are looking forward to party celebrate new year and attend a big countdown party. Most of the target audience would be young adults and teenagers as they would have more energy and stamina to celebrate. Children and the elderly may not have enough stamina and will get tired easily. The mosh pit would have a younger crowd because it can get hot and tiring to stay there for long periods. In the seated areas, there a mixture of teenagers, young adults, and even families.


Fans of the performers are also part of the target audience. During the performances, there were fans standing from their seats, cheering, screaming and taking pictures. The appeal of the performers may actually convince some people to buy tickets for the countdown.

c. How is the event publicised? (In other words, how does the target audience get to know about the event?)
It was advertised on the Sistic website, and there were billboards around the country, at bus stops, train stations and even an underpass in the esplanade. There were TV advertisements on Mediacorp channels. Advertisements were more frequent during the later weeks of December. The organisers also went online and advertised this online. The advertisements can be found on youtube.


Clips of the advertisements  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGY90X4QW80
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzt2LuUvA04&feature=relmfu


Those interested could also visit the website http://www.marinabaycountdown.sg/ . It has details and information, pictures, photo and video gallery and even photo competition. There is already a timer in the corner for the 2013 countdown!


d. Is the event reported in the media? If yes, how widely is it reported? (Do a quick analysis of the reports, in terms of the angles that the media take, the importance of the coverage, and your opinion of the impact of the coverage). If no, why do you think the media did not cover the event? What do you think could be done to attract media coverage?

The event was covered extensively by the media because it was the biggest countdown party in Singapore and was the countdown party that was going to be televised on Channel 5.


Before the countdown, there were reports on the space at the countdown, the extension of transportation for the partygoers. The coverage about transportation had a strong impact for those attending the countdown as they would be aware of their travel options and be able to plan their travel route accordingly. The reports also served to inform the public of the party and pique their interest into getting a ticket so they can attend the event. 


The post-countdown reports served to inform the public of the events of the countdown party and to let those who attended it reminiscence  about it. It would also attract more readers to buy their papers if they reported it. 

e. Assume you are the manager overseeing this project. Evaluate the success/failure of this event. How would you do it differently for greater success?
If i were the manager, I think the project was a success as it managed to give the audience a good time and celebrate and be happy. The seats at the platform were mostly filled. And audience reaction was positive and loud and lively.


However there were some problems with the event, drinks were not allowed in, therefore the audience had to buy drinks from the vendors at the platform, there were a lot of people getting food and drinkss so the wait was long. And despite reminders by the hosts to clear their own rubbish, there was still a lot of rubbish left behind after the event. there were also people smoking after it ended and people were making their way out.


I would have made the food queues more efficient, and give reminders that no outside food and drinks are allowed by writing it on the ticket. I would also enforce the no smoking rule and have guest who smoke kicked out of the platform as it is highly inconsiderate. I would also get more well-kown performers to perform so that their star power can attract more quests