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| | At BMF, we treat our clients and employees like friends and family. |
| This got us thinking about friendship from a marketing perspective: the relationships consumers have with brands. Built on trust and loyalty, these connections are rooted in shared values, emotional bonds, and a sense of community—just like real friendships. Sometimes these relationships are wonderful, but sometimes, they can be rocky, even with periods of estrangement. Friendships take maintenance and generosity and so many things. Community building isn’t always easy. |
| As we enter the busy holiday season, a crucial time for many to be in the black, we’re reflecting on what it means to cultivate brand friendships, because we all have relationships with brands as consumers, let alone as marketers. Brands represent collective societal hopes and desires that fuel the holiday dreams for so many. |
| Read on for our thoughts on building lasting connections—between brands, agencies, and consumers. |
| Happy Friendsgiving, and a festive season ahead. |
| | Bruce, Brian, Ed + The BMF Team |
| | | | Pulse Check: Relationship Building With BMF Managing Partner, Ed Starr Sit down with Ed Starr to get his thoughts on building strong client-agency relationships. Hear his strategies for creating lasting, successful partnerships. ➔ |
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| | | | BMF Connects With Meredith Marks BMF Founding Partner, Brian Feit, Dishes Friendship, Housewives & Business with Meredith Marks from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. ➔ |
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| | The New + The NoteworthyEverything Worth Doing/Seeing/Getting/Booking |
| | | Looking forward to the ultimate friendcation in 2025? Look no further than BMF Client, Belmond’s, latest creation, the Brittanic Explorer. Unveiled as the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, this train journey is designed for those seeking a memorable escape with friends. Glide through the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes aboard beautifully restored historic carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, enjoy gourmet meals, and share in exclusive off-train experiences—from private estate tours to whisky tastings. Pre-book here! ➔ |
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| | | BMF client and friend, poppi, has recently announced that their beloved Cranberry Fizz flavor is back, just in time for the holiday season. This refreshing, probiotic-packed drink is the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations, whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just hanging out with loved ones. Raise a glass of Cranberry Fizz and toast to good times with friends, as poppi brings the holiday cheer in every sip! Buy the limited-edition flavor here! ➔ |
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| | | Looking for a dining experience that’s as much about who you meet as what you eat? "That Dinner Thing" in Brooklyn is a bi-monthly supper club featuring a curated menu that sparks conversation and fosters connections. With tickets sold in pairs, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond over exceptional food, meet new people, or enjoy a memorable evening with a close friend, all while enjoying thoughtfully crafted dishes that elevate the entire experience. To stay updated about the next dinner visit here. ➔ |
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| | | Celebrate a Bucket List Friendsgiving at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Enjoy stunning views of the Macy's Parade, a private brunch in the Royal Suite, and a festive Santa session for kids. This exclusive 3-night package, available November 24-30, 2024, offers a stress-free holiday experience with personalized touches to make it unforgettable. Click here to learn more about the stay. ➔ |
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| | | Get your friends and get over to the shopping event of the year—Fashion For Action, presented by BMF friend, Housing Works! From November 13-16, 2024, snag brand-new apparel and accessories from top brands like BURBERRY, COS, and Reiss at 50-80% off retail at the Housing Works Chelsea Thrift Shop. Enjoy beats by the legendary @miamoretti while shopping exclusive items curated by the iconic host, Patrica Field, with all proceeds supporting Housing Works’ lifesaving programs. Click here to get your ticket and shop with purpose! ➔ |
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| | | This year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade welcomes a new face: the 60-foot Minnie Mouse balloon, joining beloved characters like Mickey and Pluto. To celebrate, Macy’s and Disney have teamed up for an exclusive collection inspired by Minnie’s iconic style, available only at Macy’s. With over 90 years of tradition, this collaboration brings friends, families, and loved ones together in a celebration of joy and nostalgia. Shop the limited-edition collection and make this holiday season extra special. Click here to view and shop the collaboration. ➔ |
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| | Photo via Dorchester Collection |
| 'Tis the season for holiday magic, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic movie under the stars? This holiday season, Hotel Bel-Air invites guests to experience the magic of classic films beneath the stars. From December 10 to 12, the hotel's enchanting gardens will come alive with twinkling lights as guests enjoy outdoor screenings of Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Story. Book your spot here! ➔ |
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| | | The Grand Central Holiday Fair is back, offering a magical shopping experience that brings the spirit of the season to one of New York's most iconic landmarks. With unique artisanal gifts and festive treats, it’s the ideal spot to find something special for Friendsgiving or share a fun day of holiday shopping with your closest friends. Whether you're hunting for the perfect present or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is a perfect place to celebrate the season of gratitude and friendship. For more information visit here! ➔ |
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| | The FrequencyWhat We’re Listening To Now. |
| | | BMF’s friend, Mia Moretti, is back with a bang bringing us Best I Can out now on her Spaghetti Moretti Records imprint. For her new single, the dj/producer teamed up with Baltimore-born singer and gospel legend Miss Vonita White, referencing a track White had recorded nearly 30 years ago. This summer, the two women headed to the studio to give the gospel house treasure a fresh take. With White’s soaring voice, a pulsing bassline, and infectious Latin percussion, Best I Can blends old-school classic house vibes with fresh energy—ready to light up the dancefloor. Discover your new anthem on all platforms—click here to listen! ➔ |
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| | The BeatIntroducing: The Beat by DJ Flash |
| | BMF has partnered with Flash GEA (jē), NYC’s hottest up-and-coming DJ and genre-blending producer known for having his finger on the pulse of the city’s vibrant music scene. From his electrifying sets at the trendiest venues to his signature mix of big room techno and acid house, @flashgea is the sound selector that major brands and tastemakers are turning to. For this issue of The Pulse, Flash has curated a playlist, giving you a taste of today’s top tracks—listen here. ➔ |
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| | The DestinationNow Departing... |
| | | In addition to being the world’s friendliest city, Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and an unmistakable spirit of inclusivity. Often described as Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne blends the old and the new, with sleek laneways filled with street art, world-class dining, and charming cafés that feel like second homes. It's a city that welcomes everyone with open arms, offering a unique experience whether you're exploring the bustling central business district, soaking up the lively atmosphere of Federation Square, or wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. ➔ |
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| | | The SublimeCreators, Innovators, And Cool $#!+ You Should Know About. |
| | | Hello Sunshine is raising a glass to women everywhere with the launch of its new wine brand, Drop of Sunshine. In partnership with Treasury Wine Estates, the female-led label aims to further Hello Sunshine’s mission of reshaping the narrative for women in business and beyond. With a focus on both quality and impact, the collaboration promises to offer a premium wine experience while championing female empowerment in the industry. Buy the wine here! ➔ |
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| | The iconic friendship between Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin has been a shining example of camaraderie and mutual respect, both on and off the screen. Their dynamic partnership, which began with the hit film 9 to 5 in 1980, has continued to thrive for over four decades, with the two stars becoming inseparable allies in both activism and entertainment. The 2022 documentary Still Working 9 to 5, which delves into the cultural impact of their groundbreaking movie, has recently become available to stream on Amazon Prime, offering fans a deeper look at their enduring bond and the legacy of the beloved film. Watch the documentary here. ➔ |
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| | | What happens when two lifelong friends revisit their shared past with over two decades of memories? Good Children, hosted by Joe Hegyes and Andrew Muscarella, offers a candid and often hilarious look at growing up as closeted queer kids on Long Island. With sound bites from over 20 years of archival footage and banter only 23 years of friendship can foster, they reflect on their childhoods, the struggles of self-discovery, and the deep bond that shaped their journey toward embracing their authentic selves. Listen here! ➔ |
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| | David Beckham is getting ready for the holidays in SharkNinja's "Ninja the Holidays" campaign, where Ninja appliances help him prep a festive feast in no time. The campaign highlights the joy of spending time with loved ones, showcasing how Ninja appliances make holiday cooking fast and easy, so hosts can enjoy the moments that matter most. "Ninja the Holidays" is running across TV, social media, and billboards globally. Click here to view the campaign and shop David Beckham’s favorite SharkNinja selection. ➔ |
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| | | The 2024 Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game will feature Shaboozey as the halftime performer, blending hip-hop and country to celebrate family, tradition, and togetherness. The game, taking place on Thursday, November 28, at 12:30 p.m. ET at Ford Field, will see the Lions face off against the Chicago Bears, with the action airing nationally on CBS. Whether you're at the game with friends or watching from home, this Thanksgiving classic is the perfect chance to celebrate friendship and the holiday spirit. Click here to watch. ➔ |
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| In case you missed it, Nicky Hilton has launched a festive capsule collection with her longtime friend, designer Rebecca Vallance. The collection, featuring sparkly, embellished dresses perfect for holiday parties, dropped on October 1 on Mytheresa. Nicky celebrated the launch with a stylish event, attended by guests like Paris Hilton, Kris Jenner, and other fashion icons. Click here to view and shop the collection. ➔ |
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| | Photo via Travel and Leisure |
| On November 28th, the 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will bring families and friends together for a day of joy and tradition. From 8:30 a.m. to noon ET, watch live as giant balloons, festive floats, musical stars, and Santa Claus fill the streets of New York City. The parade will be available to watch live on NBC and Peacock. Click here to find out more. ➔ |
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| | | In the heart of New York City, the Grandma Stand has become a beloved fixture, offering a unique chance for passersby to sit down and chat with grandmothers from around the world. Offering 90-minute sessions in spots like Central Park, Tribeca, and Soho, each day 10 to 12 people have the chance to connect over stories, life advice, and shared experiences, creating unexpected yet genuine bonds. Follow @grandmastand to stay updated about the next pop-up! ➔ |
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| | The Week in ReviewICYMI... |
| Travel Why Travel Planning With Friends And Family Starts With Snapchat ➔ How To Capture The Beauty Spend Of Gen Z Travellers ➔ Move Over Black Friday: Consumer Interest In ‘Travel Tuesday’Soars ➔ In the Mexican Caribbean, SLS Hotels Opens Its First All-Inclusive ➔
Fashion & Beauty Whoopi Goldberg Is the Newest Face of AMI ➔ 2025’s Hottest Trend? Living Longer ➔ Philip Lim Is Leaving Philip Lim ➔ Dior Beauty Brings Back Miami Aventura Holiday Pop-up ➔ L’Oréal And The Louvre Tell The History Of Beauty Through Art ➔
Entertainment Grammys Snubs And Surprises: Charli XCX Levels Up, Beyoncé Spreads Out And The Beatles Persist ➔ Travis Kelce And Patrick Mahomes' Homes Were Broken Into Just Days Apart ➔ The End Of ‘Yellowstone’? What Is Known About The Season 5B Episodes ➔ Charli XCX To Host "Saturday Night Live" For The First Time ➔ The Office's Kate Flannery Defends John Krasinski's Sexiest Man Alive Win ➔
Technology This Tool Uses Gen AI To Create Digital Product Passports In Seconds ➔ Bluesky Has Added 1 million Users Since The US Election As People Seek Alternatives To X ➔ AI Can Now Authenticate Sneakers By Their Smell ➔ Wishi Styling Platform Links With Amazon Fashion ➔
Media Reader’s Stories Of Love And Friendship Across Political Divides ➔ Mark Zuckerberg Just Dropped A Single With T-Pain / Mark ‘Z-Pain’ Zuckerberg Did A Cover Of ‘Get Low.’ ➔ Market Slams Sweetgreen For Stealing Kale Camo Print Collaboration Idea ➔ Beyoncé Leads The 2025 Grammy Noms, Becoming The Most Nominated Artist In The Show’s History ➔
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