(Note: the following blog post is about a fictitious class project. If you want to see a real manifestation of this idea visit our Night Market page)
My name is Austin Zarnick, and I am currently a junior pursuing a BFA in Film Production with a minor in Digital Marketing, set to graduate in the spring of 2026. I first learned about Bellevue Forward through a class assignment, but as I dug deeper, I realized its mission was something I truly resonated with—bringing the community together and supporting local businesses. Bellevue Forward’s commitment to fostering creativity and positive change in Bellevue inspired me to take on the challenge of developing a marketing campaign for an event that celebrates local talent: The Bellevue Craft Show.
The Bellevue Craft Show was born from a desire to unite local artists and the community in a space where handmade goods and creativity could be celebrated. This event is more than just a marketplace; it is an opportunity for local makers to showcase their work, connect with buyers, and highlight the incredible artistic talent within Bellevue. During my research and planning phase, I analyzed Bellevue Forward’s existing marketing strategies and studied local competitors to identify ways to make this craft show stand out. What I found was a strong demand for unique, locally made products and a growing interest in events that emphasize community interaction.
The marketing campaign for the Bellevue Craft Show was designed to reflect Bellevue Forward’s mission of uplifting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and celebrating Bellevue’s culture. The campaign’s goals—supporting local artists, boosting the economy, and encouraging meaningful connections—served as the foundation for every decision made. A multi-channel approach was implemented, incorporating social media, email marketing, SEO, and paid advertising to maximize reach. Social media played a crucial role, with scheduled posts, vendor spotlights, interactive polls, and giveaways to generate excitement. Meanwhile, email marketing provided targeted updates, reminders, and post-event engagement.
Beyond promotional efforts, the campaign emphasized the importance of community involvement. Interactive content, such as behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and user-generated posts, allowed attendees to actively participate in the event’s promotion. Performance metrics, including website traffic, social media engagement, and attendance growth, were used to measure success and refine strategies. These insights not only guided the marketing campaign but also revealed potential future opportunities, such as a Bellevue Forward app or a weekly local business update, to further strengthen community ties.
The Bellevue Craft Show is more than just a one-time event—it’s a movement that highlights the power of community-driven initiatives. By bringing together artists, small businesses, and residents, this event supports the local economy while creating a vibrant, interactive experience. I am proud to have developed a campaign that not only promotes the Bellevue Craft Show but also contributes to Bellevue Forward’s broader mission. As Bellevue continues to grow, events like this will help shape a future where creativity, commerce, and community thrive together.