People are streaming out of their homes now that it's getting warmer - despite the order of the day to stay indoors. How can we sensitize people not to carelessly go outside despite the sun? For example, where they can find out about the weather: on news platforms and social media.

A simple approach is intended to achieve this: The weather symbol for a beautiful day - the sun - was married to the Corona silhouette, and a new symbol was developed. On a specially designed website the symbol icon can be downloaded free of charge by anyone and used absolutely freely. Prepared images with different temperatures are also available for sharing on social media.

The aim of the campaign is to remind the media and anyone who wants to help to stay at home.

The growth of the digital agency continues: Two additional specialists complement the Ads&Figures team. Simon Waber (left) has been leading the SEA team since February and is continuing to expand it. With his background in strategy at Tamedia and as an account manager on both the client and agency side, he brings with him the ideal prerequisites for this.

Tom Wyss joins the digital agency in April. In his past, he has gained experience as a project manager, consultant and digital conceptionist at several agencies. Most recently, he was a project manager in marketing communications at Swiss Post. The step back into agency life is a conscious step forward for him: "Ads&Figures is responsible for the entire digital market development of its clients and is breaking innovative ground in the process," says Wyss.

The Swiss influencers were invited via the Reachbird platform to take part in the non-financed campaign and make their reach available to those who are currently on the front line in the fight against coronavirus and to ensure the country's basic services and security. The heroes of the hour will be able to talk about their everyday lives on the influencers' channels and make their concerns heard by the nation.

The campaign kicked off with a big bang on Thursday. All influencers posted a call on their channels at the same time for their community to suggest people who deserve to receive more attention for their heroic efforts. In addition to people from the healthcare sector, these could be supermarket employees, police officers, postmen and women, train drivers, cleaning staff, refuse collectors, logistics employees and many other professions.

"With over 90 influencers who we already know are taking part in the campaign, we expect to achieve a reach of over 1.7 million," says Tirza Ledermann, Influencer & Social Media Specialist at PRfact. A reach that will then be made available to the heroes of the hour.

Over the next few days, each influencer will select a hero who will then record IG stories for a day, produce an IGTV video or create a feed post, for example. The content will then be published on the influencers' channels. In this way, Switzerland can get to know its heroes personally. The aim is not only to increase the appreciation of the system-relevant professions in the current situation, but also to ensure that the effect lasts beyond that.

Since November 2019, 20 Minuten Radio has been providing the sound to 20 minutes and complements the brand with news as well as content specifically tailored to the community. Together with Rod Kommunikation, the lead agency of 20 minutes, a new campaign geared to the current special situation is now being rolled out under the slogan "The radio at your side."

Program director Marc Jäggi emphasizes that the program has also been adapted to the new needs of the community. Since mid-March, for example, 20 Minuten Radio has been offering sound for the home office and accompanying listeners through the day in a structured way. In addition, various aspects of the changed living conditions are highlighted and individual listeners are portrayed.

The campaign has been live throughout German-speaking Switzerland since March 23 on billboards, print ads, display ads and social media.

After a strong start to the year, the direct effects of the COVID-19 measures have led to a significant drop in sales for APG|SGA since mid-March. It is currently not possible to predict how long this situation will last. The Board of Directors has therefore reassessed the situation and will now propose to the Annual General Meeting on 14 May that the planned dividend of CHF 11 per share be waived.

In this extraordinary crisis situation, it is important to remain capable of acting in the interests of customers, market partners and employees and to secure liquidity, as the company writes in a press release on Friday. In addition to the introduction of short-time working and a salary reduction for the company's management, further comprehensive measures to reduce costs and investments were therefore quickly decided.

The Board of Directors has also decided to hold the Annual General Meeting on May 14 without the physical presence of shareholders. Shareholders will be able to exercise their rights in writing or electronically through the independent proxy.

SAP, Europe's largest software company, has long been known primarily for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. In recent years, however, the provider has adapted its portfolio in line with the most important trends in digital marketing. Customer experience management (CXM) tools are increasingly coming to the fore.

"We don't offer niche solutions that then have to be integrated, but comprehensive solutions whose components are coordinated with each other," says Dirk Scherble, Marketing Director of SAP Switzerland.

To make the importance of contemporary customer experience management clear, SAP and Werbewoche.ch are streaming CXM know-how directly into the home office. The new "CXM@Home" series is designed to help marketers prepare for the future, even in times of crisis.

Dr. Rene Fitterer, CTO of SAP Switzerland, will kick things off with an exciting thesis: "The Future of Business has Feelings!"

Directly to the video

Emanuel Schmid joined the Int/Ext Communications team in January 2020. He was most recently an intern in the communications department of the Canton of Basel-Stadt's External Relations and Location Marketing department, as well as a communications consultant at Ostquai.ch. At Int/Ext Communications, Emanuel Schmid will apply his expertise primarily to the conception, planning and implementation of multi-layered communications measures as well as online communications. He completed his master's degree in media science and sociology at the University of Basel. During his studies, he worked in marketing and communications at ProgrammZeitung, Moralive and ZoeTanz.

Clara Vuille-dit-Bille joined the Int/Ext Communications team in March 2020. She previously worked as an editor in the culture department and online team of Basler Zeitung. At Int/Ext Communications, Clara Vuille-dit-Bille will contribute her expertise as well as her editorial skills in the conception, planning and implementation of communication measures as well as in issues and crisis management. She completed her Master's degree in Language and Communication at the University of Basel, after graduating there with a Bachelor's degree in German and English Studies. During her studies, she was a project-based employee at Farner Consulting in Zurich and a freelance writer for the Basler Zeitung.

Promising start, abrupt end: Swiss winter tourism - here Engelberg - is feeling the effects of the coronavirus dramatically. (Photo: Engelberg-Titlis; Photo Christian Perret)

Massive losses are affecting the entire industry, as inquiries by Switzerland Tourism (ST) have revealed. These losses have both short-term and long-term effects, for example by drastically reducing funds for future investments and advertising measures.

Slump in Chinese overnight stays

At the beginning of February, ST predicted a loss of half of Chinese hotel overnight stays for the current month due to the Covid-19 pandemic in China at the time. The definitive figures are now available, and they are even worse: the Swiss hotel industry recorded a drop of over 62,000 overnight stays from China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) in February, which corresponds to a fall of 61.5 percent.

At the time, nobody could have imagined that this dramatic slump was just the tip of the iceberg. Despite the significant Asian decline from China, Singapore (-21.0%), Japan (-14.6%) and Korea (-11.5%), the month of February still ended with an overall increase of 6.4%. At +15.9%, guests from the euro countries in particular were on vacation in Switzerland in greater numbers than they have been for a long time. The winter as a whole (November to February) was also on its way to setting a new record with an overall increase of 5.3% (Switzerland +6.8%, eurozone countries +3.8%) - before the outbreak of Covid-19 also led to a dramatic end to the season in Europe and a slump of as yet unforeseeable dimensions.

Mountain railroads slowed down

At the end of February, first-time admissions to the ski resorts were 10.6% above the average of the past five years. The subsequent closure has rigorously halted this trend and poses major challenges for the railroad companies with their 13,000 employees, which are also being met with short-time working. According to a representative survey conducted by ST and HotellerieSuisse by the HES-SO School of Business (as of March 24, 2020), mountain railroads and transport companies across Switzerland are expecting a 53% drop in turnover in March and 80% in April. According to their own information, the regions of Valais and Graubünden alone are forecasting a loss of revenue of around CHF 100 million. Some companies have already announced an investment freeze.

Swiss ski schools severely affected

The closure of the ski resorts also forced all Swiss ski schools to cease operations on March 14, 2020. According to its own survey, Swiss Snowsports, the umbrella organization of Swiss ski schools, is expecting a loss of sales of around 80 percent from March to the end of the season, which corresponds to around 15 million francs. This means a lack of funds for marketing activities, for example. In addition to the loss of turnover, the partial cancellation of training and further education is one of the biggest negative effects. A total of 58 courses had to be canceled due to the premature end of the winter season.

Most successful digital campaign in history

Under the title "Come and see for yourself", ST advertised winter vacations in Switzerland and reached 4.7 million contacts worldwide in 2019/20 (as at February 29, 2020). This is the most successful digital campaign in ST's history. This was made possible by 46 different advertising spots geared towards the interests and countries of origin of potential guests. "The basic need for guests to experience the Swiss winter is thus demonstrably present. It is therefore all the more regrettable that the season had to come to such an abrupt end. For the next winter season, it will be a matter of staying in touch and effectively turning all these Switzerland fans into our guests," says Director Martin Nydegger.

The strong demand was also evident for snow sports camps, which is reflected in the figures from the Swiss Snow Sports Initiative with its "GoSnow.ch" platform. Snow sports camps were organized for 11,500 participants, which corresponds to an increase of 50% compared to the previous year.

The multichannel campaign for V-Zug promotes the manufacturer's dishwashers, refrigerators, and tumble dryers. Under the campaign idea "details make the difference," TVCs, print ads, and social short clips make it clear how high-quality V-Zug appliances are. An elegant and clear visual language is to additionally underline the campaign idea. The print campaign was realized by the renowned photographer Matteo Imbriani.

In the heart of Switzerland

V-Zug products not only bear the Swiss seal of quality, they are also produced in the heart of Switzerland. The two TVCs showcase V-Zug's high-quality products in use. An additionally produced brand movie makes the perfection of production tangible. The brand movie is presented at trade fairs and events and used in the B2B sector.

International reach

The multichannel campaign is played out broadly for the Swiss market and is also used globally in versions adapted to the international market. The following applies to the entire content: V-Zug communicates the advantages of its products in a clear and detail-focused visual language and thus positions itself as a premium brand with a down-to-earth approach and Swiss understatement.

The SLK had dismissed two complaints in October 2019: Roger Federer and Xenia Tchoumitcheva did not make any surreptitious advertising according to the commission.

This is due to numerous complaints filed by the Foundation for Consumer Protection (SKS) against prominent Swiss influencers, as the Swiss Fairness Commission (SLK) announced on Thursday.

The SKS had objected to a film by Roger Federer and a post by Xenia Tchoumitcheva on Instagram with the Fairness Commission because they were not marked as advertising. However, the SLK had rejected their submissions (Werbewoche.ch reported). The SKS filed an appeal against these decisions. This is to be dealt with in May, Thomas Meier of the SLK told Keystone-SDA.

The SKS also objected to contributions from snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov and mountain biker Jolanda Nef. Here, the consumer protection foundation was proven right.

Almost 20 percent of all complaints concerned this area. Slightly more complaints were filed about possible violations of the principles against gender discrimination (22.5). In third place were complaints about aggressive sales and advertising methods (12.4 percent).

Because the number of complaints against influencers has increased sharply, the Internet is now the most affected media channel, accounting for 37.5 percent of cases. The number of complaints against print campaigns has fallen from around 17 to just over 7 percent in the last three years, according to the statement.

Half of the complaints approved

Of the total of 97 cases, the SLK approved half. Slightly more than a third were rejected, and the SLK did not take action on the remainder. In most cases, the SLK relied on the Unfair Competition Act (UCA).

Eight percent of all complaints were competition complaints filed by a company against competitors. Just under 12 percent concerned laws and directives such as the Trademark or Coat of Arms Protection Act, the Price Disclosure Ordinance (PBV) or the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Code on Marketing Communications.

In Switzerland, any person is authorized and legitimized to complain to the Swiss Fairness Commission about commercial communications that they believe are unfair. (SDA)

The women's protection association "Staffetta democratica" (Democratic Squadron) has reached an agreement with the Italian government on an initiative to enable women to demand help in pharmacies in the event of violence.

"Together with supermarkets, pharmacies are the only stores that are still open. Here they can turn to pharmacists who have been sensitized and know how to guarantee help," reported the Roman lawyer Andrea Catizone, initiator of the campaign, in an interview with the Austrian news agency APA. The 1522 hotline, which collects reports of domestic violence, is active around the clock despite the coronavirus.

Support from culture and the media

The campaign is supported by well-known women from politics, culture, literature and journalism. "It is important to communicate now that the protection system also works in times of crisis. Both the violence protection centers and the women's shelters continue to offer their support services. There are still enough places available in women's shelters across the country," emphasized Catizone.

This should also be communicated more strongly by the government. In an appeal to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the association called on the cabinet to launch an advertising campaign to make it clear to women in conflict situations that help is available despite the curfew. This did not fall on deaf ears. Family Minister Elena Bonetti agreed to support the campaign.

Shocked by murders of women

Bonetti reported that the anti-violence centers for women have reported a drop in daily calls for help of up to 50 percent since the beginning of the epidemic. "This decline is worrying: many women are afraid to report abuse, especially in these times. Yet the anti-violence hotlines continue to work," said Bonetti.

Meanwhile, brutal murders of women continue to shock the Italian public. This week, a 28-year-old nurse from Messina in Sicily strangled his girlfriend, with whom he was living. He had accused the young doctor of infecting him with the coronavirus. The perpetrator alerted the police after the murder and slit his wrists. Emergency services stormed into the shared apartment shortly afterwards. The young woman was found dead there. (SDA)

The Bern-based agency was founded in 2015 and has made a name for itself as a specialist in digital communication and content marketing. The now 17 employees help clients to spread their stories cross-medially.

Newsroom Communication helps with strategy development, organization and implementation of modern corporate communications. The agency has a large number of specialists who design and implement the right content format for their clients.

Under the motto "State of the art in corporate communication", the agency promises to find the right mix for companies, event organizations, associations or sports clubs in order to design their communication in line with the times.

Newsroom Communication's most important clients include Valiant Bank, Swiss-Ski, the Swiss Economic Forum, BSC Young Boys, Eintracht Frankfurt and Swiss Olympic.