OUR STORY
The Next Generation are a new kind of consumer. Connecting with them takes a new kind of agency.
Riddle & Bloom is AN ‘IDEAS AND ACCESS’ COMPANY that builds solutions born of insight, expertise and access to create meaningful relationships with Millennial and Gen Z consumers - and the brands that matter to them most.
We know the solution is putting the audience first. We know the brands that win fans and win business are the ones that create relevant, memorable experiences. The elusive riddle is how to adapt to never-before-seen consumer behaviors and expectations. Riddle & Bloom has unmatched access aligned to the passions and interests of the most puzzling, hardest-to-move consumers in the history of marketing. Solutions that bridge generations and create valuable connections.
We challenge ourselves to build something different. Strive to be the bold force that
DRIVES INFORMED AND AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS between brands and Millennials and Gen Z audiences.
Create diverse solutions that CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO.
Love and respect the work we do, while supporting the people that do it.
What this means for you? We have a deep understanding of the high-school, college and young adult audiences--we know their passion points,
what makes them tick, what’s important to them and how to reach them. As your partner, we use this knowledge,
along with direct feedback from these audiences themselves, to shape progressive marketing solutions that drive results.
Solutions that impact the way we think, live and grow.
We believe that you can do great work and still have some fun along the way.
Riddle & Bloom’s University Relations team acts as the central hub for our exclusive marketing partnerships with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), the National Association of Auxiliary Services (NACAS), and NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. Riddle & Bloom’s University Relations team literally work directly out of the NACA headquarters in Columbia, SC. The goal of the University Relations team is to provide rewarding educational and financial opportunities for students and universities through a dedicated focus on connecting and engaging with campuses in meaningful ways.
In support of this mission, we work hand in hand with universities to credibly and seamlessly weave client partners into students’ daily activities and campus life. Through our continued relationships with schools, faculty--and students--from all over the country, our University Relations team drives insights to better understand campus culture ensuring we provide the right guidelines and messaging for students and brands alike.
During the last academic year, Riddle & Bloom provided almost 2,000 internships that paid over $2 million to students in all 50 states from over 500 schools.
These EXCLUSIVE NATIONWIDE RELATIONSHIPS give Riddle & Bloom added exclusive
TOUCH POINTS TO CONNECT WITH THE NEXT GENERATION AUDIENCE at the college level, both on-and-off campus.
The National Association for Campus Activities is the recognized leader in higher education for providing knowledge, ideas and resources for campus life. NACA provides members with programs and events focusing on student and professional leadership development, program planning, concert management, diversity and more. NACA schools and associate members also have access to one of the largest campus activities networking and talent buying resources in the country.
Established in 1960, NACA has evolved into the nation’s largest collegiate organization for campus activities with nearly 1000 school members.
As the exclusive marketing partner for the National Association for Campus Activities, Riddle & Bloom offers insider access to tastemakers and trendsetters at nearly 1000 U.S. colleges and universities.
Founded in 1969 as the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, NACAS is a professional trade association that supports the non-academic segment of higher education responsible for generating business through a diverse array of campus services that students need and value – such as food services, bookstores, housing, and transportation.
As the leading organization supporting all campus services, NACAS is the community-of-choice for strategic leaders who advance campus environments to improve the quality of life for students.
NIRSA comprises and supports leaders
in collegiate recreation.
As college and university students develop into future leaders, NIRSA members support their learning and growth by fostering lifelong habits of wellbeing. Leadership, teamwork, dedication, and respect are among the many skills exercised by inclusive competition, fitness, and recreation. Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA membership has grown to comprise nearly 4,500 dedicated professionals, students, and businesses, serving an estimated 10.6 million students.
NIRSA believes that collegiate recreation is a significant and powerful key to inspiring wellness in local, regional, and global communities.
Riddle & Bloom’s exclusive partnership with NIRSA offers collaboration to deliver competitive, fitness, wellness, and recreational initiatives and activities on North American campuses.
Riddle & Bloom brings AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO BUILD SOLUTIONS
BASED IN BEHAVIORAL INSIGHTS AND UNMATCHED ACCESS, helping brands understand
and engage with the Next Generation consumer.
But building a strategic plan isn’t just selecting from an a la carte menu,
it’s about truly answering the riddles brands face every day.
Campus
Riddle & Bloom’s exclusive partnerships with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), the National Association of Auxiliary Services (NACAS), and NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation provides clients exclusive touch points and access to connect with the Next Generation audience at the college level, both on-and-off campus.
Student Ambassador and Influencer Programs
Campus Event Integration
Intramural, Fitness, Wellness, and Rec Center Initiatives
Pop-up and Experiential Campus Events
Student Organizations/Clubs
Campus Media
Greek Life Integration
Residence Life Integration
Off-Campus Housing Programs
Experiential
We engage Millennial and Gen Z audiences through immersive experiential marketing programs and events--crafting experiences that are meticulously built and flawlessly executed.
Mobile Tours and Events
Event Sponsorships and Activation
College Culture Events
PR Stunts
Campus Event Integration
Greek Life Events
Brand Activations and Promotions
Sampling Programs
Music Events and Tours
Digital & Social
Meet our digital practice, a full service digital agency within our walls with deep expertise in designing, developing, integrating, managing, and marketing transformative digital, social media and e-commerce sites and solutions.
Digital Marketing Campaigns
Social Media & Influencer Networks
Social Media/Digital Insights and Strategy
Mobile Marketing (Geofencing & IP Access Point)
Digital Content Development
Website & App Development
E-Commerce Solutions
Transformative Technology Solutions
Digital Promotions and Contests
Insights
With a proven track record over the last decade, our work for clients is informed by Millennial and Gen Z insights and understanding. We have the planners, researchers and specialists to inform our development and strategy. Over 100,000 savvy young thought leaders, from our national database, are also ready to address the questions brands need answered, near real-time.
Quant & Qual Research Capabilities
Brand Health Surveys
Real-time trend reports and brand studies
Consumption/Usage Studies
Ethnographic Insights
Pre/Post Event Research
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
We are humble, yet proud of our recent awards for client work, press recognition
and authored thought leadership bylines.
We are proud of the varied backgrounds that make us who we are and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that embodies the team. We are: big agency veterans, fresh from college newbies, urban hipsters, passionate storytellers, Millennial marvelists, culture junkies, some Ivy League alum, and even a vegan or two.
We push boundaries. We aren’t “yes” people when a debate is needed. We take chances. But it’s what our clients say about us and our pride in these relationships that is most meaningful.
CHIP RIVES
CEO
DARREN ROSS
President
MICHAEL CAREY
EVP Director of Client Services
FRANK THOMPSON
Managing Director Digital
and E-Commerce
LAURA BUNDRICK
VP of University Relations
MATT FASANO
VP Director of Client Services
GRAHAM LUBIE
VP Strategy and E-Commerce
NORMAN YUEN
Account Director
LAURA BRYANT
Associate Director of University Relations
CONTACT
MASSACHUSETTS
54 Canal Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 242-9460
CALIFORNIA
25 Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Client Relations Inquiries:
Please contact Darren Ross
at (857) 202-5521
or [email protected]
Student Questions or Inquiries:
Please call (803) 849-8846
or email [email protected]
