2020 DC Debates
Sick and Safe Leave Study
September 28, 2020
Strategic Communications
November 25, 2020
The DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) engaged Bayne LLC to develop and execute a strategic communications plan for the first inaugural DC Candidate Debates, and to produce and manage the debates using a COVID-19-appropriate virtual platform for the 2020 FEP participating candidates for: the At-Large Member of the State Board of Education Debate and the three At-Large Council Member Debates.
Event Production/Logistics/Management
- Researched best practices for conducting virtual debates to inform event strategies and resources
- Produced four live-session debates over two days
- Developed debate guide
- Developed debate rules, recruited moderators, and registered candidates
- Selected the online platform for livestreaming the debates, provided technical training for the debate moderator and panelists
- Secured software licenses
- Engaged candidates and conducted equipment testing with each participant
- Conducted debate preparation sessions with 27 candidates
- Conducted two test runs with each of the debate moderators
- Developed a virtual backdrop for the virtual debates
- Produced original video and go-go-inspired audio for debate transitions
- Provided four staff members to help candidates troubleshoot technical issues
Branding/Marketing/Promotion
- Developed a strategic communications plan and marketing strategy
- Solicited and engaged debate partners who helped promote the debate and who submitted debate questions
- Created a landing page for hosting debate information and links to the live stream
- Developed original branding and promotional materials, including logos and letterhead
- Wrapped 35 Metro buses with ads promoting the debates (with focus on wards east of the Potomac River); ads ran initially for 6 weeks, and were extended free-of-charge by Outfront media for an additional 12 weeks
- Procured radio ads on stations across the District, including WHUR, WKYS, El Zol, and iHeart Radio
- Purchased digital ad space on major social media networks and on banners across websites popular in the District, generating of 1 million impressions.
The link to the debates can be found below:
At-Large Member of the State Board of Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PARjueaynM&t=21s
At-Large Council Member Debates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osq4cGp0L_E&t=991s
