IHA tracked down Fritz Brumder of Brandlive to learn about how brands can interact with their audiences via new digital platforms, which he will address in his presentation at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include smart home, consumer shopping preferences, branding and global market trends.
Fritz Brumder is the CEO and co-founder of Brandlive. Using his expertise in internet strategy and passion for video production, he developed the vision for and launched Brandlive, the leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) live video platform that brands and retailers leverage to create highly engaging online events for their products and product experts, seamlessly combining live video, social interaction, and instant commerce. Through Brandlive’s SaaS video platform, brands and retailers can interact with their audiences for training, marketing and events. Traditional mediums are disappearing, and brands are being forced to innovate or be forgotten. Brandlive cuts through the din of digital clutter by providing a platform that helps brands build real, human connections and foster deep, loyal relationships with their consumers and employees. Fritz has developed digital media solutions for the world’s best-known brands for more than 10 years.
Fritz, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your work?
I get inspired when our users build real relationships with their audiences, in real time. Brandlive was created to connect brands with people, and being able to facilitate these positive, human interactions is something we’re really proud of.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?
We were one of the first live video companies, so it’s been an amazing journey to go from very few people knowing how to leverage this tool, to the whole world having access to it (think Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Periscope, etc.). We’ve seen these shifts as opportunities to grow the platform and make sure we’re continuing to set ourselves apart as leaders in live video.
Housewares LIVE: How Brands Can Inspire Audiences with Live Video
Monday, March 12 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, room E350
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
We work with many major housewares brands and retailers that are successfully using live video to connect with employees and launch new products. I look forward to giving voice to this medium that is continuing to make headway in the housewares industry and share with IHA attendees how they can pursue this innovation for their own brands.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
I will be using examples from Brandlive customers Pottery Barn, Ace Hardware, Sherwin Williams and Walmart to show how live video can transform go-to-market efforts beyond social, how influencers can be used to create live content regardless of the product, and why successful livestreaming doesn’t require a large team or budget.
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
Getting retail associates properly trained about products is incredibly challenging for housewares brands and retailers and has a direct effect on sales. It’s expensive to send product experts and/or educators to each retail location, and high associate turnover doesn’t help matters. Brandlive solves these issues by allowing product experts to reach all associates at once, by conducting courses and archiving their live material for future use.
Thank you, Fritz, for previewing what you will share with Show audiences about brands can live video to educate retailers and engage consumers. We look forward to your presentation on Monday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Innovation Theater. For more information, please visit http://brand.live
Brandlive, an IHA service partner, will be live streaming from Show locations such as the Cooking Theater, Smart Home pavilion, selected keynote presentations and the gia awards gala. IHA will be using Brandlive’s video platform for 2018 educational webcasts as well. For a free consultation with Brandlive, stop by the Social Media and Digital Marketing Center at the Show.
Learn from experts about how to invigorate your new products and services by enhancing your innovation efforts. Critical issues such as global design trends, branding, the needs of distinct consumer age and gender groups, and questions about smart/connected devices in our home environments all impact the home goods market. Be sure to attend the free executive-level educational sessions at the Innovation Theater. These programs will give you a fresh perspective as you walk the Show and will inspire, inform and improve your business. All programs will be audio-recorded and will be available at www.housewares.org after the Show.
