As marketing pros look for ways to keep pace with technology and media, advertising trends have been changing dramatically. Magazines and venue advertising of the past - with static or still imagery - have been transforming to utilize digital media technology, which is a constantly evolving process aimed to get more relevant ads in front of the right demographic.  Many businesses who still use magazine inserts for merchandising and brand awareness will soon need to find other ways to reach their target consumers.

Virtual Marketing Concepts exists to serve this particular need.

We support a new form of media that allows companies to control their public ad displays in high-traffic areas, using a display system similar to television advertising.  Companies choose which ads to display, where, and when, and our systems will place them in malls, on subways, in stadums, or other public areas where our ad stations are constructed.  We specialize in providing an extended type of spot advertising and/or point-of-purchase advertising to help generate added brand awareness for fashion retailers in the venues supporting their existing real estate.

Ambient Media is the name given to a new breed of out-of-home products and services determined by some as non-traditional or alternative media. You'll see Ambient media all around you, as marketers use clever ways to get ads in front of consumers utilizing the physical environment around them (see above).  This type of advertising can be used in conjunction with mainstream traditional media, or used equally effectively as a stand-alone activity. The key to a successful ambient media campaign is to choose the best media format available and combine with effective messaging.

We use Ambient Insert Media (AIM's, varying forms of ambient media displays, customized by our clients) to allow our clients to get their message more effectively in front of their target consumers, thus increasing conversion.

Reference. A. Lugmayr, "Ambient Media," Novatica, vol. 33, pp. 35-39, July–August 2007 http://www.ati.es/novatica/infonovatica_eng.html

We are a broadcast programming business which leverages existing and emerging technologies to provide artistic merchandising platforms to our clients.  We have a specific focus on serving fashion retailers located within large shopping malls or venues with the goal of precise target marketing. Dynamic broadcasting enables customers to air their AIM ads when their target market traffic is highest, based on shopping patterns and statistics. Also, advertising in close proximity to their physical location results in convenience for the consumer and a larger conversion rate.  For example, imagine walking through a mall in search of a new pair of sunglasses, and seeing an AIM focusing on Abercrombie & Fitch’s new swimwear line.  As the A&F store is within walking distance, the result is increased probability of that person visiting the store and checking out the new selection.

In keeping the availability of service within the venue, we maintain the similar associations as that of fashion magazines, which the customers are accustomed to using, for advertising purposes.

The content of our display kiosks is the “secret sauce” - fully customizable, available for purchase durng peak shopping times.

Unlike smart screens that just display random/erratic content with no brand relevance or fashion, VMC displays AIM ads that are independent of time aired and consistent with retailers' individual marketing and brand messaging.  They also have an artistic appearance similar to that seen in magazines and on billboards. Our target market will have the ability to control their content, and our kiosks can receive media broadcast within the venue while openly changing content that is stored in the cloud.

Jeffrey Sims is the Founder of Virtual Marketing Concepts.  He wants to pioneer an endeavor which serves to fill the void in marketing for an industry that is centered around art in some form, and which has utilized artwork to promote their goods. He has over nine years experience as an innovative digital media professional offering extensive background in creating special effects animation, and other visual images through film, video, computers, or specialized programs.

Sims earned his BBA degree from Baylor University in 2003, and worked as an apprentice to one of the most notorious directors/producers in film and commercial advertising in Hollywood the summer following his graduation.  After devoting nearly three years of experience, studying the operations of his late mentor, Sims developed his own revolutionary vision of advertising for which he became determined to pursue.  He focused his attention on the luxury brands which encompass the world of fashion and wrote a business plan for a start-up which would provide an outlet for brand-stylized motion artwork for commercial advertising purposes, whilst working for various entertainment production and publicity companies creating visual imagery for motion picture and multimedia at large.

Sims is currently working on his Master of Fine Arts degree, which he expects and is scheduled to complete by this time next year.

Virtual Marketing Concepts will provide broadcasting to video displays/monitors strategically placed inside high traffic pedestrian venues that provide a new advertising medium for retailers. Stylized advertisements will be broadcasted via satellite and a combination of ground and wireless technologies, allowing commercial businesses to reach their target consumer markets with more accuracy and efficiency, less hassle and man-power. Retailers in large shopping venues, hotels, tourist venues, etc. will be able to advertise beyond the confines of their specific location and at the precise times they choose. 

Commercial business venues as well as other high traffic pedestrian locations including airports, subways, sports venues, etc will soon be utilizing this technology to reach consumers with accuracy and ease.