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Picking an activity to keep three young children occupied without resorting to digital devices or TV can often be a challenge. Thankfully, Philadelphia does offer some good choices such as the Franklin Institute, The Please Touch Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo. If you are looking for a place that continually remains fresh for kids and grown-ups alike you can’t beat one of our favorites destinations Linvilla Orchards. (more…)

For five days this past September, I vacationed in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My cousin was getting married in Troutdale, Oregon situated just a handful of miles from downtown Portland. The location of the ceremony and reception was at a magical place called McMenamins Edgefield. As an East-coaster I’d never heard of McMenamins, which is a 50-square-mile swath around Portland. So unfamiliar with the name and hotels in general, that I almost booked a room at a nearby Days Inn. What a mistake that would have been because the McMenamins brand had me before I made it to the top of the steps of the main lodge. (more…)

If you haven’t heard about the $2 bn Facebook acquisition of Oculus Rift or seen the Rift enabled exhibits at 2014 San Diego Comic Con then it’s time you paid attention. Both Ad Age and The Verge recently published comprehensive pieces that cover virtual reality’s past, future and present. I encourage you to read them if you want to get caught up. (The Verge piece is gorgeous). VR has been around for about half century in various forms. It is only now, due to a combination of proper hardware (Moore’s law), software, the internet and a DIY community that VR has the ability to become what we idealize it as.

Now, I can’t say that I’ve donned the goggles (maybe Tag will order a pair…) but I’ve read enough to be convinced that the experience truly convinces the brain into believing you’re in another world. Think about the power of that. We are on the verge of the next big thing. The introduction of mass-market low-cost VR is a game-changer the likes of radio and television. I also think it trumps everything that’s come before it. (more…)

As a brand strategist, I have always loved The Ritz-Carlton because of its uniquely personal brand experience. Upon walking through the front door, you immediately feel as if you are a queen (or king). That’s why I’ve had an appreciation for their motto: “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.” Not to mention all of the thoughtfulness behind the organization. This is how you drive brand through an organization effectively.

But during my last few visits to The Ritz, things were different. (more…)