A global series of in-person events I launched to connect Nokia’s most passionate fans, bloggers, and influencers — face to face.
Nokia’s flagship phones, powered by the S60 operating system, had a loyal global following — fans who often became bloggers, influencers, and passionate advocates for the brand. As Nokia’s social media and community manager, editor-in-chief of the S60 blog, and host of the S60 podcast, I was the main point of contact for this community. My goal was to foster strong relationships with these voices, spark positive online sentiment, and earn favorable reviews of our devices.
While I regularly met many of these fans at major events like Mobile World Congress and Nokia World, we wanted to create something more personal — a dedicated series of in-person events where community members could meet each other (often for the first time), get hands-on with new products, and connect directly with Nokia leadership. These events also gave me the opportunity to record interviews for our blog and podcast, turning real-world conversations into valuable content.
The first “Evening with S60” took place in London, followed by stops in San Francisco, New York, Helsinki, Milan, and beyond. We often timed them alongside industry events, hosting gatherings in rented restaurants, bars, or Nokia flagship stores. Attendees received early access to new devices and face time with Nokia executives — creating moments of genuine connection and brand trust.
I worked closely with the Nokia events team to bring these experiences to life. I planned the agendas, coordinated product demos and executive appearances, sent invitations via social media and influencer forums, and served as the host for each event.
Key success metrics included influencer sentiment and press coverage — both of which consistently trended positive. But the real takeaway? While most engagement happens online, nothing builds a stronger, more loyal community than real, in-person connection.
