Case Study

CatchOn

Startup Recruits 100 Districts at SXSW EDU Launch Event

Goals

CatchOn is an administrative tool that provides district technology leaders with real-time evidence about app use, implementation fidelity, cost and ROI. As CatchOn is a Texas-based company, launching its public beta at the internationally recognized SXSW EDU conference in Austin was a natural fit. To ensure a successful launch, CB&A developed a media relations and promotion plan to drive media and prospective customers to the company’s SXSW EDU event and introduce the company to the education industry through VIP attendance and widespread media coverage.

  • Media Training
  • Media Relations
  • Thought Leadership
  • Event Management
  • Social Media
  • Content Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Measurement & Evaluation

Strategy

  • Offer media embargoed news to generate interest in advance of SXSW EDU
  • Invite key media and bloggers to the SXSW EDU launch event as VIP guests
  • Distribute news release announcing public beta launch and event at SXSW EDU
  • Coordinate onsite and remote interviews stemming from media relations efforts
  • Provide CatchOn with content to announce the launch on social media and website

Results

Through strategic media outreach and meticulous event planning, CB&A generated buzz leading up to the official launch of the CatchOn tool and corresponding SXSW EDU launch event. These education marketing efforts attracted more than 600 attendees to the event, which resulted in more than 100 school districts signing up for the public beta. SXSW EDU served as a successful launch pad for CatchOn, with more than 1 million students using the tool today.

600+

Attendees

100

Sales Leads

1000000

Student Users
RECOGNITION

2017 PRSA Alchemy Award

6.4

Total earned reach in millions

31

Earned media placements

“As an early stage company, it can be difficult to stand out. CB&A helped us make a splash when we launched at SXSW EDU. I’ve founded other startups, so I know how valuable it is to have partners that set you up for success. CB&A is the team you want on your side in the competitive education industry.”

Jena Draper, CEO/Founder, CatchOn 

“I’ve worked with a lot of education companies, and CatchOn has been one of the fastest growing organizations I’ve seen. CB&A has been a huge part of that success because they introduced CatchOn to the industry, helped people see the tool’s value and encouraged districts to sign up.”

Kevin Custer, Director/Acting COO, CatchOn