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Maxim steers national launch event to success

July, 2024

‘A national first’ is often a phrase the media push back against when they hear it – and the PR team needs to show it stands up to media scrutiny, writes Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.

In the case of BattleKart, Maxim was able to prove the claim and also give the press the opportunity to get a look behind the scenes and then let them step inside a life-size video game for the first time in the UK.

BattleKart brings together the world of indoor karting and gaming, thanks to augmented reality technology and electric karts, which means there is no danger of fuel spills or environmentally damaging emissions.

A photograph of a very large, dark room. Filling the entire floor is a light display that shows go karts creating a snake-like trail.

BattleSnake is one of six games available at the new BattleKart Sittingbourne venue.

From the press perspective what was not to like, as BattleKart combines the physical thrill of karting with the strategy of video gaming adrenaline, and on the night saw them go head-to-head against their colleagues, rival outlets and even the team from Maxim.

Crucial to the evening’s success was Maxim getting the right press to experience BattleKart for themselves. Working closely with Carly Warner, the Business Development Manager for the interactive digital visitor attraction, we scoped out a press event that would meet her expectations.

Press list prepared and signed-off, we then got on the phone and invited the media, confirming the joining details. The press release was written and a photographer for the evening was briefed and booked.

Two photos side-by-side. On the left, three people have their backs to us. They are wearing black hoodies branded with the text: KMTV film crew. On the right, a woman is being interviewed in front of a television camera.

The KMTV crew loved trying BattleKart for themselves, before interviewing Carly Warner.

On arrival it was a case of introducing the journalists to the BattleKart team to understand how this national first had landed in Sittingbourne, before heading down to the augmented reality track to experience it for themselves.

The reporters took to their electric-powered karts and went head-to-head with their colleagues in all six individual games, each with a different footprint projected from above, with tips and tricks available to enhance the experience.

The result was strong media coverage, including the Sun, ‘Cene magazine, KMTV, KentOnline, numerous KM Media Group titles, KentLive, CommunityAd, insideKENT, plus a number of business titles to promote the corporate event aspect of the BattleKart business.

Two photos side-by-side. On the left, Andrew Metcalf of Maxim is driving a go kart. On the right, his colleague Rachel Knight is driving another go kart.

Maxim's Andrew Metcalf and Rachel Knight had to try out BattleKart for themselves.

BattleKart originated in Belgium, and has spread to France, Germany, Netherlands, as well as Australia, Saudi Arabia and Dubai – and now Kent.

Open to people of all ages taller than 145cm or 4’ 9.1” inches, BattleKart Sittingbourne is based at Hooks Hole Farm, Chestnut Street, Borden. More information can be found at www.battlekart.com/en/sittingbourne.

🚀 If you need help to launch your product to the press give Maxim a shout.

Andrew Metcalf - Director

Andrew Metcalf

Maxim / Managing Director

posted in: marketing, maxim/client news, media relations, public relations,

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