Kia Canada: #KiaElectricSound

Experiential and Events
To make big news for the launch of Kia Canada’s all-new brand mantra, Movement that inspires, and to celebrate the launch of Kia’s new and first of its kind EV6, Strategic Objectives hosted one of Canada’s first summer of 2021 post-pandemic, virtual-meets-real world events for automotive and lifestyle media at the Kortright Centre for Conservation on the outskirts of the Toronto.

The challenge

Entice, excite and engage Canadians about Kia Canada and EVs

Oh how we LOVE a challenge. Not only was Strategic Objectives tasked with unveiling the all-new Kia EV6 to three large and extremely different audiences (automotive media, lifestyle media/influencers and the Canadian public), but our initiative had to scream sustainability from start to finish to live up to the EV6’s eco-friendly brand profile.

We needed to communicate and educate Canadians on the benefits of EVs in an increasingly sustainable world, but just in case you’d missed the elephant in the room, we were still grappling with pandemic restrictions, so a large scale in-person event was completely off the table..

But if there’s ever an innovative way to show off a sleek vehicle and tell a national story about a new brand, sustainability and technology — all while Canadians are pre-occupied with perfecting their pandemic banana bread — SO can do!

The solution

Plug-in. Power-up. Tune-in

Our big idea was to power a must-attend comeback concert for Canada’s multiplatinum artist, Fefe Dobson, using the event to launch her new single. Fefe’s unique style and progressive approach aligned perfectly with Kia’s ethos, especially as both were going through a relaunch phase. On July 27, 2021, Fefe’s band made history by plugging into the EV6 to power their electric guitar for an unforgettable, supercharged performance, using less than 1% of the EV6’s battery.

To broaden the event’s reach beyond the limited VIP audience, Strategic Objectives livestreamed the concert to a targeted list of Canadian journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders across the country, ensuring nationwide coverage while adhering to COVID-19 capacity limits. The event, held at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, brought Kia’s sustainability theme to life with eco-friendly practices, including the elimination of single-use plastics and an inspired cocktail, the Sustainable Sour.

Kia’s new branding was showcased through sophisticated décor that combined natural elements with modern, industrial touches, reflecting their ‘Opposites United’ philosophy. The event space featured greenery, bold signage inspired by nature, and branded Kia masks for all guests. The #KiaElectricSound experience engaged attendees from start to finish, with branded takeaways ensuring the experience continued at home. Strategic Objectives extended the event’s impact through a national press release and proactive media relations, positioning Kia as a leader in electrification and innovation.

What’s more electrifying than an electric guitar powered by an electric car? This innovative event won the 2021 IABC/Toronto OVATION Award for Excellence in Special and Experiential Events and the 2022 IABC Canada Silver Leaf Award for Merit in Special Events.

The results

We rocked it!

  • 81.4M+ Mainstream and Social Media Impressions
  • 417 Positive articles and Post
  • 900+ Livestream Attendees
  • 14 Interviews recured with Kia Executives
  • 100% Postive Coverage

Results

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