Originally published on The Amp, Giant Noise's LinkedIn newsletter. Event details are as originally published.
Welcome back. Issue 4 of The Amp is here, and we've packed it with client news, team highlights, and industry moments worth your time.
Behind the Brand
Each issue, we sit down with a client, collaborator, or creative force we're proud to be working alongside — the kind of conversation that doesn't make it into a press release. This month, our public relations client Tavel Bristol-Joseph, partner and chief operating officer for Emmer & Rye, one of Austin’s most beloved hospitality groups, gives us three hot takes on how to get a hard-to-score restaurant reservation.
Tavel Bristol-Joseph, partner and COO of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. Photo credit: Robert Lerma
1. Probably goes without saying, but: Call the restaurant. You never know when a reservation will be canceled at the last minute. The first person who will know that is the host answering the phone.
2. Be the first person there as soon as the restaurant opens. There are typically a couple of extra seats available. Also, bar seats are a great option and are usually first come, first served. Order a drink at the bar and keep an eye out for who’s closing out their tab, so you can be first to grab their seats.
3. Reach out to the chef or general manager on Instagram or try to introduce yourself to them when you’re dining in. Starting a friendly relationship with staff always helps.
Industry Notes
Last month, we dove into how the FIFA World Cup is showing up in Houston and Dallas. In this edition, we’ll explore how brands are activating campaigns worldwide for this uniquely international fanbase.
Fashion brands in particular (and not just the anticipated athletic wear companies like Nike and Adidas) are seizing soccer’s swagger to make bold statements. Loewe took the opportunity to dress Spain’s soccer team in their off-pitch looks — a strategic long-play that will extend into the 2027 and 2030 FIFA World Cup matches. In a bold move, Burberry embraced English football culture in a decidedly upscale way, shedding any hooligan connotations. Levi’s brilliantly turned the red tape and bureaucracy that comes with a pro sports event of this size on its head with posts welcoming the world to the “beautiful [redacted] stadium” in San Francisco. Perhaps most surprising — and delightful — was the stir the Democratic Republic of Congo team made as they landed at the Houston Airport in JMAKxPARIS suits with leopard-print panels.
The Dossier
Events, openings, launches, and happenings worth putting on your radar. Mark your calendars accordingly. From a ticket deal at COTA and star-spangled celebrations to an out-of-this-world immersive experience, our clients are showing up in a big way this summer. Here's what's on our radar — and yours.
Through July 11: Lone Star Le Mans, Austin, Texas: FIA WEC and Lone Star Le Mans will celebrate Independence Day with their American fans with a special week-long 4th of July BOGO Sale. Whether you're a lifelong motorsports fan or simply searching for an unforgettable Labor Day weekend experience with friends, Lone Star Le Mans delivers. To claim your BOGO offer, visit COTA’s website now until July 11 to purchase tickets and get revved up for an epic race weekend. Buy tickets here.
July 2: “Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience” at The Shops at Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas: Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, this free-roam experience transforms real astronomical data into an interactive adventure through galaxies, stars, exoplanets, and black holes. Travel alongside iconic observatories like the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes while exploring the wonders of the cosmos through stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and hands-on discovery. Book your tickets here.
July 4: Stars Over La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa invites guests to experience the resort's first-ever fireworks show. Celebrate “Red, White, & Poolside” at Topaz Pool, featuring live music, cocktails, and VIP cabana seating for the show; book Pool View or Hill Country view rooms starting at $399 per night; and enjoy child-friendly activities. For adults looking to relax and unwind while taking in the fireworks spectacular, the award-winning Loma de Vida Spa will offer a Star-Spangled Fireworks Float, providing overhead views while basking in the spa's infinity-edge pool. For more information, click here.
July 4: Independence Day at The Woodlands Resort, The Woodlands, Texas: The Woodlands Resort will host a fun-filled day starting at 9 a.m. on the resort’s gorgeous lawns for a session of Goat Yoga with LTD Farms. Open to everyone, tickets are $60 per person and include a yoga mat for use during the class, professional yoga instruction, and dedicated time to interact with the goats. Round out the day at The Woodlands Resort’s annual Independence Day Celebration, with live music, games, activities, and authentic Texas barbecue from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Forest Deck outside of Harrison’s. Buy tickets here.
July 4: Darius Rucker at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco, Texas: There's no better way to spend the Fourth than with Hootie himself. Darius Rucker takes the stage for Fireworks on the Fairway at Omni PGA Frisco for what promises to be the summer's most festive night out in DFW. The evening builds to an awe-inspiring finale as a mesmerizing drone show illuminates the night sky, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display across the fairway. Book your stay here.
What We're Loving
Not every recommendation comes with a contract. Things We Love is our unfiltered edit. Campaigns that make us jealous, Substack newsletters we keep forwarding, products we can't stop talking about, and events worth clearing your calendar for. Curated each month by Vice President of Partnerships Kristie Ramirez.
Substack I love: Because of Marketing is a fabulous digest of all the needle-moving things brands are doing to market themselves in a world that’s super saturated with noise. The Substack, along with its Instagram account, is a great way for me to feel informed on marketing trends making waves in the industry.
Thanks for reading and hit subscribe to never miss an issue of The Amp. Until then, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, forward this to someone who needs to know about Giant Noise, and if you're ready to work together, reach out at newbiz@giantnoise.com (mailto:newbiz@giantnoise.com). See you in August!