April Fools

We’re in April and as tradition dictates, it’s a month that kicks off with April Fools’.
 
And this year, we did one for HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association.
 
Now, as the name suggests – HOSPA is ordinarily a serious organisation focused on thought leadership, education and high-level networking.
 
But its CEO, Jane Pendlebury, is also great fun – so we thought we’d use her to some good effect.
 
Coming up with the concept of “Free HOSPA tattoos for members”, Jane bravely stepped forward as first recipient – offering to get a seemingly permanent mark in tribute to her decade at the helm of the association, with her 10 year work anniversary falling in the same week.
 
So, with our video team heading over to HOSPA HQ, we helped stage a realistic looking tattoo parlour – supplemented by Jane walking into an actual tattoo parlour for added authenticity.
 
The edited video was primed and ready to share on the morning of the 1st April, launching on HOSPA’s official channels and generating some great engagement – with dozens of industry figures commenting on the post to either voice disbelief or approval of the stunt, which differed wildly from Jane’s normally professional demeanour.
 
And the tattoo process was such a convincing video ­– that Jane’s mum even called her multiple times in alarm that she’d done it for real.
 
On top of the social clamour, it also secured key trade media coverage via the likes of Hotel Magazine and The Caterer, which included it in its top 6 round-up of hospitality April Fools’ spoofs alongside efforts from the likes of Tom Kerridge.
 
Some great fun then, but one that had the benefits of HOSPA membership – and Jane’s decade of leadership – baked into its heart.
 
And that’s our Pic of the Week!