VOICES OF BRUSSELS

TitleVOICES OF BRUSSELS
BrandSTIB/MIVB
Product/ServiceBRUSSELS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Category B01. Social Engagement
Entrant MORTIERBRIGADE Brussels, BELGIUM
Idea Creation MORTIERBRIGADE Brussels, BELGIUM
Media Placement MORTIERBRIGADE Brussels, BELGIUM
PR MORTIERBRIGADE Brussels, BELGIUM
Production MORTIERBRIGADE Brussels, BELGIUM
Credits
Name Company Position
Geoffrey Masse mortierbrigade Art Director
Nicolas Mouquet mortierbrigade copywriter

Why is this work relevant for PR?

Transporting voices of people to loved ones during lockdown.

Background

During COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020, people of Brussels were separated from their friends and families. It was especially hard for the elderly, who have limited access to technology like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or video calls. Brussels Public Transportation Company STIB has a purpose of bringing people together. We needed to stay true to our purpose and find a way to bring it to life in difficult times. We brought Brussels citizens what they missed the most: voices of their families and friends.

Describe the creative idea (20% of vote)

We brought Brussels citizens what they missed the most during lockdown: voices of their families and friends.

Describe the PR strategy (30% of vote)

People of Brussels were separated from their friends and families. It was especially hard for the elderly, who have limited access to technology like Messenger, What’s app or video calls. As public transports, our daily task is to bring people together. So how could we keep on doing what we do the best in those difficult times?

Describe the PR execution (20% of vote)

We launched a special electric bus which, instead of carrying people, carried audio messages from inhabitant of Brussels intended for grandparents, family members, healthcare workers or simply the person they missed the most, so it can be played to them. Residents just had to record audio messages on Messenger and send it to @lastib, along with the address of the recipient. That way, the bus could drive to people’s door and play the messages in the street. Bringing the empty silent street of Brussels back to life for a little while. We planned everyday a different route passing through every district of Brussels to deliver as most love messages as we could.

List the results (30% of vote)

Impact: People of Brussels were deeply touched but not only, it inspired people around the world with 0% negative sentiment. Bringing hope and joy in those lockdown times. Results: 818 messages shared in 48 hours The bus broadcasted messages across 250 kilometers in the city (7 times the size of Brussels) 39 countries shared the idea hitting several tv news (sky news, fox news, Nos and Belgian national tv) 1,1 billion impressions 392 news outlets But most importantly: 25 birthday wishes 20 declarations of love 1 wedding proposal