Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/16/2015 -- Austin, Texas-based marketing firm Catalyst has been awarded the opportunity to speak on brand magnetism and how to create powerful brands in student housing at the 2016 NAA Student Housing Conference & Exposition.

The 2016 conference will be held in February in Chicago and connects nearly 1,000 student housing industry leaders. The conference and exposition includes sessions on Gen Y and Gen Z, How to Rock the Online Reputation Race, The Seven Deadly Sins of Email, and more.

Catalyst will be teaming up with leaders from Campus Advantage to present on branding and the five steps to creating a powerful brand. Jamie Matuesk, Vice President of Catalyst, Christy McFerren, Creative Director of Catalyst, Katy Smerko, Vice President of Leasing at Campus Advantage, and Madison Meier, Director of Business Development at Campus Advantage will walk through a real-time discovery questionnaire and explain how properties can put it into action right away when branding student housing projects.

Catalyst has performed a number of very successful rebrands for student housing properties, including The Marq, which has won multiple awards for the marketing effectiveness of their brand's roll out. The 612-bed student housing property in Milwaukee, Wis., serves students primarily attending Marquette University and won gold at the 2015 Communicator Awards, as well as silver at the Internet Advertising Competition, the W3 Awards, and the Davey Awards.

"The term branding evokes a myriad of thoughts, definitions, and feelings, and everyday we see great brands that promote customer engagement and national appeal" says Matusek. "This speaking opportunity will allow our team to share insights and key parts of our process that have lead to the creation of lasting brands within the student housing industry."

Matusek and McFerren will be discussing how the branding process involves more than just a logo and a color palette, but rather starts with a unique name and comes to life with a feeling the brand evokes. Additionally, they will be focusing on three categories — new developments, acquisitions, and a portfolio refresh. They will be giving pointed examples with work they've completed recently including the branding of a new development The Knox in Knoxville, Tennessee, the acquisition of The Republic at Sam Houston in Huntsville, Texas, and the rebrand and refresh of The Marq in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"When we take on branding projects, we employ a five-step process," McFerren says. "We want to be sure every brand we develop is given the opportunity to communicate its own magnetism — that unspoken authority that trusted brands express by nature."

Catalyst will be speaking on brand magnetism on Wednesday, February 17 from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois.

About Catalyst
Catalyst is the leader in student housing marketing and serves industries including commercial real estate, multi-family housing, finance, universities, senior housing, development firms, and others. The firm concentrates on the science of marketing by using data-driven strategies to generate tangible results for clients that grow their business. The Austin-based firm offers a wide range of marketing strategy, design, and public relations services. Visit http://thelyst.com to learn more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/16/2015 -- Austin, Texas-based marketing firm Catalyst wins 2015 Silver Davey Award for marketing effectiveness for The Marq.

This year marks the 11th annual Davey Awards, which is overseen and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The Davey Awards is an international creative award focused exclusively on honoring outstanding creative work from the best small agencies worldwide.

In its eleventh year the Davey Awards received over 4,000 entries from ad agencies, public relations firms, interactive agencies, in-house creative professionals, graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firms. The Davey Awards celebrates the idea of David and Goliath, highlighting the work that small agencies do every day where strength comes from ideas, intelligence, and out-of-the-box thinking, not a "giant's" bankroll.

Catalyst performed a complete rebrand for The Marq, a 612-bed student housing property in Milwaukee, Wis., serving students primarily attending Marquette University. Upon engagement, the property faced challenges due to their reputation within the marketplace and the older construction of the building, neither of which appealed to students looking for a premier housing option. Having rebranded the property, Catalyst developed an integrated ad campaign leading up to a VIP brand reveal party to showcase the property's new look to students and school officials. In addition to showing off upcoming renovations at the property, the reveal party included live music, fine food, and exclusive prizes and giveaways as part of its red carpet extravaganza.

Catalyst, in conjunction with The Marq's on-site leasing team, has achieved great results for the 2015–2016 school year as ripples from this campaign continue to boost numbers. The effective rental rate increased 3.1%, from $674 for 2014-15 AY to $695 for 2015-16 AY, rising above the $690 pro forma effective rate for 2015-16 AY. Occupancy increased from 80.17% in Fall 2014 to 96.36% in Fall 2015 for a total gain of 16.2%.

"With this 4th award for integrated marketing, we are once again able to highlight and prove the effectiveness of integrated marketing in the student housing industry," said Jamie Matusek, Vice President of Catalyst.

"We continue to seek ways to educate our clients so they understand the importance of ensuring that marketing tactics are executed in integrated campaign formats as often as possible because these are the type of results we consistently see from this approach. It's a win every time," she said.

The Marq's rebranding project included renaming, logo development, tagline authorship, interior design collaboration, property signage, a paper system, a website, sales collateral, VIP launch party pieces, social media imagery, emails, and direct mail sends.

SEE THE WORK

About Catalyst
Catalyst is the leader in student housing marketing and serves industries including commercial real estate, multi-family housing, finance, universities, senior housing, development firms, and others. The firm concentrates on the science of marketing by using data-driven strategies to generate tangible results for clients that grow their business. The Austin-based firm offers a wide range of marketing strategy, design, and public relations services.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Catalyst continues to highlight and validate the effectiveness of integrated marketing in the student housing industry.

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/05/2015 -- Austin, Texas-based marketing firm Catalyst is named 2015 Silver Award Winner in the W3 Awards' Real Estate category for its integrated campaign to rebrand and launch The Marq.

This year marks the 10th annual W3 Awards, which is overseen and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The W3 Awards honors creative excellence on the web, and recognizes the people behind award- winning sites, marketing programs, social content, mobile site/apps and online video.

In its tenth year the W3 Awards received over 5,000 entries from Ad agencies, Public Relations Firms, Interactive Agencies, In-house creative professionals, Web Designers, Graphic Designers and Web Enthusiasts.

Catalyst performed a complete rebrand for The Marq, a 612-bed student housing property in Milwaukee, Wis., serving students primarily attending Marquette University. Upon engagement, the property faced challenges due to their reputation within the marketplace and the older construction of the building, neither of which appealed to students looking for a premier housing option. Having rebranded the property, Catalyst developed an integrated ad campaign leading up to a VIP brand reveal party to showcase the property's new look to students and school officials. In addition to showing off upcoming renovations at the property, the reveal party included live music, fine food, and exclusive prizes and giveaways as part of its red carpet extravaganza.

Catalyst, in conjunction with The Marq's on-site leasing team, has achieved great results for the 2015–2016 school year as ripples from this campaign continue to boost numbers. The property is currently ahead of last year by 23.64%. The effective rental rate increased 3.1%, from $674 for 2014-15 AY to $695 for 2015-16 AY, rising above the $690 pro forma effective rate for 2015-16 AY. Occupancy increased from 80.17% in Fall 2014 to 96.36% in Fall 2015 for a total gain of 16.2%.

"With this 3rd award for integrated marketing, we are once again able to highlight and validate the effectiveness of integrated marketing in the student housing industry," said Jamie Matusek, Vice President of Catalyst.

"We continue to seek ways to educate our clients so they understand the importance of ensuring that marketing tactics are executed in integrated campaign formats as often as possible because these are the type of results we consistently see from this approach. It's a win every time," she said.

The Marq's rebranding project included renaming, logo development, tagline authorship, interior design collaboration, property signage, a paper system, a website, sales collateral, VIP launch party pieces, social media imagery, emails, and direct mail sends.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Austin agency raises the bar for digital marketing for student housing and other key industries served

Austin, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/01/2015 -- Austin-based marketing agency Catalyst is proud to announce that we have achieved Google Partner status. This certification was achieved by running high-performing campaigns meeting the required performance threshold, including exceeding the minimum spend of $10,000 within the last 90 days and passing two of three certification exams.

This elite status allows Catalyst to have advanced notice of products Google is currently beta testing prior to roll out, and allows us to proactively manage accounts and updates prior to product changes. As a Google Partner, Catalyst will also have access to privileged industry research, special events and training hosted by Google. "This is an important achievement as it allows our team to more expertly serve our customers through digital media," said Jamie Matusek, Vice President. "Our current and future customers have the benefit of key expertise from a digital team focused on staying ahead of the curve. Our customers can have confidence knowing that Google advertising experts are handling their marketing," she said.

Catalyst offers search and display advertising services on Google and is currently studying to become experts in mobile, video, and shopping advertising. These services allow clients to rank above or next to relevant Google search results on all devices, and on a variety of websites.

"At Catalyst, we are focused on being leaders in the industry by staying up to date on the latest technologies available and adhering to industry best practices," said Melissa Cornine, Digital Marketing Specialist. "By achieving Google Partner status, we can remain one step ahead of the competition and make sure our clients are positioned to succeed in every way possible."

About Catalyst
Catalyst is the leader in student housing marketing and serves industries including commercial real estate, multi-family housing, finance, universities, senior housing, development firms, and others. The firm concentrates on the science of marketing by using data-driven strategies to generate tangible results for clients that grow their business. The Austin-based firm offers a wide range of marketing strategy, design, and public relations services. 

Visit thelyst.com to learn more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Austin, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/02/2015 -- Each year the Austin Business Journal selects twenty-five women of distinction to recognize for their success in business and contribution to the community. This year marks the 21st year of the Profiles in Power awards, and Catalyst Vice President, Jamie Matusek has officially been announced as a nominee.

In Jamie's role as Vice President, she is an integral part in fostering growth throughout the company, whether that is with employees, projects, or programs. She brings the best in her staff to the surface by requiring thoughtful input and encouraging success.

Jamie has earned this nomination because she demonstrates strong leadership characteristics as an entrepreneur, industry standout, and mentor. While advancing her own career by means of high ethical and professional standards, she has also advanced the success of her present and previous companies regularly through mentorship and community involvement.

This year's event will be held on Friday, August 7 with keynote speaker Gay Gaddis—CEO and Founder of T3. Finalists will be announced and judges will select one Rising Star and up to five outstanding candidates. Jamie's undying work ethic and steadfast integrity make her the perfect candidate for this award, and the Catalyst team looks forward to seeing what more she accomplishes here at Catalyst.

Learn more about the Profiles in Power & Women of Influence award here here.

About Catalyst
Catalyst is the leader in student housing marketing and serves industries including commercial real estate, multi-family housing, finance, universities, senior housing, development firms, and others. The firm concentrates on the science of marketing by using data-driven strategies to generate tangible results for clients that grow their business. The Austin-based firm offers a wide range of marketing strategy, design, and public relations services.

Visit http://thelyst.com to learn more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/05/2015 -- Austin, Texas-based marketing firm Catalyst was awarded the 2015 Gold Award of Excellence in Marketing Effectiveness for The Marq.

This year marks the 21st annual Communicator Awards, which is overseen and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The 2015 Communicator Awards received more than 6,000 entries worldwide in advertising, corporate communications, public relations, and more.

Catalyst performed a complete rebrand for The Marq, a 612-bed student housing property in Milwaukee, Wis., serving students primarily attending Marquette University. Upon engagement, the property faced challenges due to their reputation within the marketplace and the older construction of the building, neither of which appealed to students looking for a premier housing option. Having rebranded the property, Catalyst developed an integrated ad campaign leading up to a VIP brand reveal party to showcase the property's new look to students and school officials. In addition to showing off upcoming renovations at the property, the reveal party included live music, fine food, and exclusive prizes and giveaways as part of its red carpet extravaganza.

Catalyst, in conjunction with The Marq's on-site leasing team, has achieved great results for the 2015–2016 school year. The property is currently ahead of last year by 23.64%. "Integrated marketing is a concept that has not been quickly embraced by the student housing industry, yet it is proving it can produce amazing results," said Jamie Matusek, Vice President of Catalyst.

"We are looking forward to helping our clients understand the importance of ensuring that marketing tactics, such as traditional advertising, digital advertising, social media, direct mail, and email should all work together to achieve higher response and measureable results," she said.

The Marq's rebranding project included renaming, logo development, tagline authorship, interior design collaboration, property signage, a paper system, a website, sales collateral, VIP launch party pieces, social media imagery, emails, and direct mail sends.

About Catalyst
Catalyst is the leader in student housing marketing and serves industries including commercial real estate, multi-family housing, finance, universities, senior housing, development firms, and others. The firm concentrates on the science of marketing by using data-driven strategies to generate tangible results for clients that grow their business. The Austin-based firm offers a wide range of marketing strategy, design, and public relations services.

Visit thelyst.com to learn more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm