Podcast Episode 108 – Behind the Scenes of the Indianapolis 500

SUMMARY

This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.

Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.

Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.”

STRATEGY

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to three Boilermakers who work behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500.

Listen as David Letherman (BS management ’15), senior manager of event personnel; Meredith Walker (BS management, marketing ’11), senior manager of VIP and talent experience; and Louis Kissinger (BS chemical engineering ’17), senior manager of events and administration, share how the problem-solving skills they learned during their time at Purdue prepared them to host hundreds of thousands of people at the iconic IMS.

Plus, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories on the infectious buzz surrounding the month of May in Indianapolis, can’t-miss Indy 500 events and the best spots to watch the race. They also look ahead to the future and discuss why Indy 500 attendance numbers are rising with new partnerships and explain more about the events intended to attract new audiences and enhance existing fans’ experience.

The IMS hosts more than 200 events each year, and David, Meredith and Louis have dedicated their careers to making sure every guest — race fan or not — has an unforgettable experience at this legendary venue.

Don’t miss this episode as these three Boilermakers go in-depth on what it takes — and how it feels — to pull off the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

RESOURCES INCLUDE:

·       Links to the podcast

·       Social graphics

·       Suggested social post copy

LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS

When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links.

UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_bts_indy_500

UTM medium: Social (or email)

UTM source: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name)

Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/indy-500-behind-the-scenes

General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw

AVAILABLE ASSETS

The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS

Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine:

·       Keep posts short and direct

·       Link all posts back to our landing page

·       Include photos, videos or GIFs

·       Use short URLs

SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

LinkedIn + Facebook

  • Drivers, start your engines — it’s time to rev up that excitement for the #Indy500 with #ThisIsPurdue! 🏁 As race weekend officially kicks off, listen to these exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from three #Boilermakers who execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at the @IndianapolisMotorSpeedway. Spoiler alert: For these top-tier event experts, being bored on race day is a good thing. It means they’ve done their job. 💪 <link>
  • “I get more excited for race day than I do for Christmas Day.” Are you ready for the 108th running of the #Indy500? 🏁 Get a sneak peek into the adrenaline-fueled world of racing (and event planning) with three #Purdue alums who share what it’s like to prepare for the biggest single-day sporting event in the world — and how they feel after that checkered flag is waved. Listen today:

Instagram

  • Drivers, start your engines — it’s time to rev up that excitement for the #Indy500 with #ThisIsPurdue! 🏁 As race weekend officially kicks off, listen to these exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from three #Boilermakers who execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at the @indianapolismotorspeedway. Spoiler alert: For these top-tier event experts, being bored on race day is a good thing. It means they’ve done their job. 💪Check out the full episode at the 🔗 in bio. 👆
  • “I get more excited for race day than I do for Christmas Day.”  Are you ready for the 108th running of the #Indy500? 🏁 Get a sneak peek into the adrenaline-fueled world of racing (and event planning) with three #Purdue alumni who share what it’s like to prepare for the biggest single-day sporting event in the world — and how they feel after that checkered flag is waved. Listen today at the 🔗 in bio. 👆

Twitter

  • As race weekend officially kicks off, check out these behind-the-scenes stories from three #Boilermakers who execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at the @IMS. For these event experts, being bored on race day is a good thing. It means they’ve done their job. 💪 <link>
  • “I get more excited for race day than I do for Christmas Day.” Three #Purdue alums are sharing what it’s like to prepare for the biggest single-day sporting event in the world — and how they feel after that checkered flag is waved. 🏁 <link>
  • Get geared up for the #Indy500 with #Boilermakers who help produce this iconic race each year! As you make your way to @IMS or prep for your viewing party, check out our #ThisIsPurdue episode that takes you behind the scenes of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” <link>

TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS

Please tag Purdue University and use the hashtag #ThisIsPurdue

Facebook: @PurdueUniversity
Twitter: @lifeatpurdue
Instagram: @lifeatpurdue

Other tagging options include:

@IndianapolisMotorSpeedway (FB, LI, IG)

@IMS (TW)

CAMPAIGN SPECIFIC HASHTAGS

#ThisIsPurdue

#Indy500

CAMPUSWIDE HASHTAGS

#PurdueUniversity

#MySmallStep = Student stories #MyGiantLeap = Faculty/Alumni stories

EMOJIS
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