As we’ve discussed over the past couple of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects across the globe. While public health is the greatest concern, businesses have been left wondering how they should respond during a time of uncertainty. For many brands, that isn’t an easy question to answer, but this much is true: people are paying attention.

The current pandemic has had widespread effects across the globe, and we continue to feel them here in the United States as the disease spreads and social distancing persists. While public health, of course, is the main priority, companies are looking for ways to stay relevant in the meantime. Here, we take a look at where consumers stand on brand communications, their behavioral changes during this time, and the things they will and won't spend on in the coming weeks.

In this time of extreme disruption around the world, companies and consumers are dealing with the previously unimaginable obstacles presented by COVID-19. From airline and hospitality giants to your local bar or restaurant, each has been greatly impacted by the spread of this disease. As experiential marketers, we, too, are grappling with our own set of challenges. Namely, how can brands facilitate connection – with and for consumers – during an indefinite period of time without live, in-person events?

It has been nine weeks since China confirmed the first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Since then, nations across the world have seen its spread and felt its impact. The pandemic is not simply a public health issue, but also a financial issue that is affecting people and businesses on a deeply personal and emotional level.

For those who were around in 2013, TikTok bears some initial resemblance to Vine, the now-defunct app known for its entertaining bite-sized video content. This has led to some skepticism from marketers in terms of the long-term viability of an app like TikTok. To learn how TikTok is different  and why it seems poised for the long-term success that eluded Vine, head over to Social Media Explorer to hear from our very own Jeff Snyder.

Recent years have brought great change in the realm of food and beverage. People across the world are more keenly aware about the nutritional value of what they put in their bodies, and as a result, brands are developing products catered towards those needs.

Though Netflix and Hulu have long been established household names, you may have noticed that a few competitors have popped up in their midst. Of course, by a few, we mean many. The streaming wars are in full swing in 2020 as 90% of U.S. consumers report watching video content on the internet. Further illustrating the growth of the streaming segment, Nielsen adds that 60% of Americans subscribe to more than one paid video streaming service.

It’s no secret that snacking is on the rise. Whether it’s due to dietary constraints or simply seeking a burst of afternoon energy, consumers across the globe are eschewing the standard three square meals for snacks. In fact, snacking is preferred over meals for 59% of adults worldwide, and that number jumps up to 70% when isolating Millennials.

Debbie Giblin recently joined the Inspira team as Director of Consumer and Retail Experience Strategy. To learn more about Debbie, read along in this edition of the Employee Spotlight!

Though the category of financial services has long been depicted as staid and stodgy, the marriage of financial services with technology (aptly named Fintech) has caused companies to rethink how their products and services appeal to the modern consumer. Some of the changes in financial services can be chalked up to more approachable branding, but others are challenging industry norms. Here, we take a look at some of the top trends in Fintech and how they’re coming to life in the form of products and services.