Summary
Scripps Research (formerly The Scripps Research Institute) is a world-renowned biomedical research institute.
In February of 2011, Venter PR was engaged to develop and launch a campaign for Scripps Research with the purpose of increasing local name awareness, raising visibility for its 50th Anniversary, and supporting philanthropy efforts via a gala fundraising event.
Venter PR also managed the announcement of Scripps Research’s first presidential transition in over 25 years, securing a front-page cover story in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The story covered both the presidential transition, and the upcoming gala, which included six Nobel laureates in attendance.
Challenges
Scripps Research is a top ranking institution impacting human health across the globe, but locally it could be confused for completely different entities with similar names.
One of the challenges of announcing the institute’s new change in leadership, and promoting its 50-year anniversary, was differentiating Scripps Research from similarly named “Scripps” organizations in the area among the general public.
PR and marketing material promoting the institute and its 50th Anniversary included context to educate readers about the mission of the organization as well as its significant contributions and history.
Strategy
With the announcement of Scripps Research’s new president, The San Diego Tribune also covered the upcoming gala—pushing the institute and their event into the local news spotlight.
Venter PR strategically timed the announcement and coordinated the messaging to position the coverage of one major event to highlight the other. With the story in The San Diego Tribune, other major outlets, like San Diego Magazine, picked up the story as well.
And as Venter PR secured media coverage of the gala, they also supported planning and execution of the event itself.
Held at the Estancia Hotel in La Jolla, CA, the goal of the event was to celebrate the organization’s 50 years of incredible history, and raise money for the Scripps Research Kellogg School of Science and Technology—the institute’s graduate school, focusing in chemistry and biology.
Coordinating with the Scripps Research team, Venter PR managed the development of the event program—agenda, video, speakers, talking points, and invitations of high-profile attendees—to major sponsorships and day-of execution.
Results
Six Nobel laureates attended the 50th Anniversary Gala, and significant funds were raised to benefit the Scripps Research Kellog School of Science and Technology.
The media coverage secured prior to the event established the gala in the news. Building on the momentum from the story, the team secured high-profile attendees, notable speakers, and further media coverage.
As a result, Scripps Research enjoyed a 50th Anniversary marked by continued growth, and firmly established its name and its legacy in the San Diego community.
