WHOOPLA Brought A Client’s Vision To Life, Won A Pyramid Award

(Editor’s Note: PPAI’s annual Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards Co., honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and the outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship of Association members. The 2024 Pyramid Awards are now accepting submissions.)

The deadline for the 2024 Pyramid Awards is fast approaching. PPAI members have until May 12 to submit and be recognized for their exemplary work, talent and imagination. It’s the industry’s most coveted recognition, and only the best promotions earn a Pyramid Award.

For WHOOPLA (PPAI 312484, D5), creating an interactive influencer box did the trick. The distributor won a Silver Pyramid in the Client Programs: Consumer category by designing the “Unbreak My Blonde Emergency Box.” Working with clients Agency Guacamole and Matrix hair care, WHOOPLA brought their vision to life by creating a “breakable” box to promote a product called Unbreak My Blonde.

WHOOPLA President and Owner John Vo, MAS, says, “This project stands out because it shows that if you can determine what the client is truly wanting to accomplish, not just what they are asking for, you can solve anything.”

Like a fire alarm box, the emergency glass component raised safety concerns, but the WHOOPLA team designed a paperboard box with a perforated lid and custom insert tray to hold the products. The only way to open the fully sealed box was to “break” the top, which was designed to “shatter” in a glass pattern. A small mallet enhanced the experience.

The WHOOPLA team overcame many challenges to deliver for their client. “When we were able to determine that the client just wanted the recipient to “break” something to get to the contents, we were able to figure out an amazing solution that gave the client the interactive element they wanted, but in a safe format,” Vo says. “We submitted it because it is a great example of marrying print, promo and creativity.”

This box invited 125 social media influencers to try the new hair care line and generate online buzz. The campaign reached nearly 4 million people through high engagement on TikTok and Instagram, with over 400,000 views for the top TikTok video.

Ultimately, this campaign played off the client’s product line in a fun and memorable way while also utilizing social media. Vo says, “We always try to show that our amazing promotional products industry can compete and surpass traditional media in reach and impact and have fun doing it. Winning a Pyramid award is an acknowledgement that we are on the right path.”

The 2024 Pyramid Award competition is accepting entries through May 12. To enter the competition, go to www.ppai.org/pyramid. If you need assistance, email awards@ppai.org.