Nickelodeon Makes Playtime a National Priority
Winner: 2004 Bronze Reggie® Award for Event Marketing
In 2004, Nickelodeon launched “Let’s Just Play”—an on-going, nationwide campaign to engage kids in active, healthy play and promote play time as an important part of their day. But the network needed a partner “in play” to make it happen. Oasis accepted the challenge and admittedly had truckloads of fun creating city-wide game days for audiences of up to 10,000 kids (and adults) across the country.
Working with local leaders, parks and recreation departments and community infrastructures—from site selection and security to sanitation and staffing—Oasis created a series of turn-key events featuring games such as Rolling Bed Races, Pogo Stick Marathons, sack races and “slime” football tosses. All events concluded with a Nickelodeon-style “Let’s Just Play” Game Show and Festival complete with “slimings” and costumed character appearances from the network's hit shows.
In addition, booths were set up to feature information on partner organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, United Way, city parks, children’s museums, zoos, science centers and other local pro-play supporters.
“Let’s Just Play’s” fun factor is far-reaching providing a win-win for all entities involved. The tens of thousands of kids and adults who attend Nickelodeon’s events are embracing the concept of play in a fun yet meaningful way. City officials and local leaders are being praised for reaching out with opportunities for the people of their communities. Partner organizations are being applauded for providing positive messaging to huge audiences. And Nickelodeon is shining—strengthening ties with their partners while reaping a great reputation for running successful, smooth operating events.
