Oscar Mayer-Wienermobile Wrap-Up

If you ever wished you were one, or just like them hot off the grill, Oscar Mayer Wieners have been creating smiles and memories for over 72 years. Located on Madison's industrious eastside, are the offices for the $3.5 billion worldwide brand. On Thursday, April 17, 2008, Ad 2 Madison members and guests were treated to an inside look at Oscar Mayer's Wienermobile and its marketing initiatives.

After a photo-op with a tried and true Wienermobile (worth a half million dollars), Ed Roland, Oscar Mayer's Mobile Marketing Manager (also known as the Weinermobile manager) explained how the company's "mobile marketing" effort has evolved into "experiential marketing." Unlike traditional mobile marketing, which is marketing in a moving fashion, experiential marketing attempts to connect consumers with brands in personally relevant and memorable ways. Ed explained how Oscar Mayer uses highly-trained "Hotdoggers" (Weinermobile interns) to do just that, creating "I remember whens…" for customers. Two current "Hotdoggers" shared stories from the road with the Ad 2 group.

Ed also shared details of a recent national campaign for Oscar Mayer that had tie-ins to American Idol. At SingTheJingle.com, visitors were able to vote for their favorite rendition of "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener." Several winners will be featured in an upcoming national commercial and will also be present at the American Idol finale in May.

A special thanks to Rocky Rococo's for donating pizza for the night's event.