Talking to Strangers

Javier SolanoBlog

As we reclaim our social lives and return to some version of pre-pandemic normal, the loners are freaking out. Believe it or not, this is a thing.  I believe it. I’m a loner. Big pile of awkward. I hate talking to strangers. (No offense if you don’t know me. It’s not you.)  So while others were baking sourdough, making art and doing other sequestered things, I decided to do something about my biggest fear. No, not actually talk to strangers. Too much, too soon. Instead, I talked to someone about talking to someone. Meet Lily Clayton Hansen, Nashville author, actor …

Virtual Focus Groups and Why You Should Consider Them

Eric TielesBlog

Focus groups are one of the most effective and popular market research methods to collect information about a particular topic, product or area of interest to help companies, brands and organizations make informed business decisions.  But what happens when a global pandemic, plus an influx of advancements in technology, creates major changes in each of our behaviors, habits, and even the way we consume content, products and services? Insert the virtual focus group. For businesses that still want to carry out market research, virtual focus groups are a game-changing step in the evolution of research, building on the strengths of …

Communicating With Civility During Polarizing Times: A Conversation With David Plazas

MP&F StaffBlog

The free press has been a staple of our democracy since our nation was founded, and journalists have long been respected as a vessel for bringing crucial information to the people. In our modern digital age, saturated with resources and information, it can be hard to discern reality from speculation, fact from fiction.  We need journalists now more than ever to make those distinctions. I sat down — virtually, of course — with David Plazas, director of Opinion and Engagement at USA Today Network Tennessee, to discuss the unique challenges journalists face in today’s world, and how we can all …

Planning and Marketing a Virtual Event

Angela ArgiroBlog

Event planning is tough in ordinary times. Event planning during a pandemic? Definitely not for the faint of heart. To help, we’ve compiled a punch list to set you up for success regardless of whether you’re planning a virtual event or in-person event, or are in the process of shifting gears from one direction to another. Ask your invitees (or key stakeholders) to share their opinionsField a short survey (no more than five questions) in advance of the event to better understand preferences around when the event should be held, what would motivate event attendance and more. Incentivize responding to …

McEwen Northside releases next phase of development

MP&F StaffNews

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (June 14, 2021) – The next phase of development has officially been released at McEwen Northside, a 45-acre mixed-use urban district in the heart of Cool Springs with direct access to the I-65 McEwen Interchange.   The new release, located at 5001 Aspen Grove, will feature 126,000 square feet of Class A office space that tops 26,000 square feet of ground floor specialty retail and restaurant space with covered parking. Scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022, the $62 million project is now available for leasing.   “This new release is the next step to accomplishing our vision of building a vibrant walkable community …

MP&F Strategic Communications adds three interns

MP&F StaffNews

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 3, 2021) – MP&F Strategic Communications announced today it has hired three interns for its summer 2021 program. Erin Lewis, a senior at the University of Florida, has gained industry experience through positions with Uproar PR, an Orlando-based agency; Gator Wesley, a college ministry; PRSSA; Alpha PRoductions, a student-run firm at UF; and the Institute for Public Relations. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, a minor in event management and a certificate in international communication in May 2022. Kiran Wheeler is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, …