Two weeks ago, myself and Alyssa Gardina were selected from an application pool of over 1000 people to participate in the Ford Fiesta Movement program, representing the city of Dallas. I’ll explain the program in more detail if you’re interested, but if you’re short on time – over the next four months, we’ll be counting on participation from you to make this program a successful one.

About the Fiesta Movement

If you’re not familiar with the movement, this will be the second chapter of the campaign. In Chapter One, Agents (as they’re referred to) were given European Model Ford Fiestas to drive for 7 months. They had to complete a variety of challenges and keep track of their adventures online.

The first edition of the campaign was a huge success, resulting in over 6,000 reservations (the car doesn’t actually launch in the US until this Summer), and thousands more who expressed interest in hearing more about the car when it launches.

In this second edition, Agent teams will also be given Ford Fiestas to drive, only the challenges are slightly different.

Over the next four months, we’ll be executing challenges that serve to bring the local community together and highlight each city’s unique artistic communities.

By executing these challenges, teams are able to earn points (collected through event RSVPs, Foursquare check-ins, SMS interaction, and more). The team that earns the most points by the end wins a pair of Ford Fiestas. Pretty cool, especially given that I’m in the market for a car!

About the Challenges

The challenges are one of the most exciting aspects of the movement, and it’s something everyone can have fun with.

Challenge #1

For challenge number one, we have to work with a local artist to create a wall size mural of the ten best locations in Dallas that really showcase the cities spirit. The mural will be featured in a prominent outdoor location, and will also be reprinted in a major Dallas publication. At the end of it all – we throw a rockin’ party.

If you have any ideas for locations to feature in the mural – by all means, leave them in the comments, or fill out our survey!

Challenge #2

Dallas probably isn’t known nationally for its music scene. When it comes to Texas cities and their music, we all know Austin usually takes the cake. But Dallas is home to some truly fantastic local music, and this is our chance to showcase it.

For this challenge, we need to select three local musicians who could use a little exposure. At the end of the challenge, we’ll throw a battle of the bands style concert for this band – accompanied by promotion over local media outlets. The bands that are selected for this challenge does have a chance to receive national exposure through the Fiesta Movement program.

Challenge #3

It’s a mystery. You’ll know when we know!

Challenge #4

Challenge #4 is the one I’m most excited about. For this challenge, we get to work with a local filmmaker to create a short film that features the Fiesta. When the film’s done, we throw a premier party. Given my previous life as an aspiring filmmaker – I’m eager to get started on this one.

Flash Challenges

In between the main challenges, we’ll be given smaller Flash Challenges to complete, giving extra opportunities to earn points. For example, our first Flash Challenge is to design a new graphic pattern for the Fiesta.

This is a Community Project

Since coming to Dallas almost two years ago, we’ve learned that the Dallas community has much more to offer then what is typically associated with the city. This is our chance to showcase the real city of Dallas, which is why we see this as a community project. Local artists involved in the missions will have chances to receive exposure for themselves and their work through the program. People in other stats will get to learn more about the city of Dallas, and we all get to have a great time.

If you think you might be interested in helping out with one of the challenges – let me know! Team Dallas’ success will rely on the involvement and participation of the entire community. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested. Otherwise – stay tuned for more updates!

You can follow Team Dallas by checking out our official Fiesta Movement page (you can do us a real favor by clicking in the “follow us” button there).

And oh yeah – I have a disclaimer about all of this in my disclosures section.

Related posts:

1. 14 Day Social Media Challenge
2. Social Media Challenge Digest V.7
3. Team CJ Is Headed to SXSW 2010!

We know you like pizza. You also probably like celebrating. And networking. So, we’re combining the 3 for a tweetup at Bryan Street Tavern. We’ll be eating some of the best pizza in the city, networking, hanging out, and wishing Alyssa Gardina a happy birthday! To add to the awesomeness (or awesomesauce as Lauren Fernandez might say), we’ve reserved a room just for this event.

The Details

Where: Bryan Street Tavern (4315 Bryan Street between Peak and Carroll near the AT&T Building)
When: January 26th, 7pm – whenever we feel like leaving
Why: It’s Alyssa’s birthday, and we enjoy “drinking related activities”.
Details: We need a sponsor!

What can you expect?

Mostly, a lot of fun. Part networking event, part party, and part happy hour, this can be anything you want it to be. Just be sure to wish Alyssa a happy birthday! (I’ll try to get her to wear a hat.)

What’s the deal with the name?

Here’s the deal – Bryan Street Tavern has some of the best pizza in town, and we’d love to bring a sponsor on board to cover the cost of a few pizzas for the event. (And if you wanted to cover drinks too… all the more power to you!) Plus, if you sponsor the event, Colin and Alyssa will each wear your shirt. For the entire event. Think about it – everyone at the event’s going to have an iPhone, a camera or a Flip – and the social media accounts to post it on!

So, if you’re interested in reaching a diverse group of some of Dallas’ premiere social influencers for your product or service, contact me.

The Tweetup will be named for your company, we’ll work out a hashtag of your choosing, and you can even give a brief demo of your product / service at the event. It’ll be flexible.

Final Words

Until we secure a sponsor, I’m going to hold off on creating a Twtvite for the event.

If you’re interested in attending, leave a comment or a retweet below.

Photo Credit

Related posts:

1. Behind the Scenes of the Ford Fiesta Movement
2. 14 Day Social Media Challenge
3. A Conference Like No Other – Key SXSW Takeaways