Spike 150
PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Golden Spike connected the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. One hundred and fifty years later, Utah threw a party to celebrate that accomplishment and share the historical event with the world.

Client
State of Utah
Year
2018 – 2019
SERVICES
Communications Strategy
Media Relations
Campaign Creative
THE CHALLENGE
The Spike 150 Organizing Committee aimed to use the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary to unite and inspire a global audience. Our team was tasked with designing the cornerstone celebration and executing statewide strategies across media relations, school programs, and community partnerships.
THE SOLUTION
We developed a global media relations program and helped create the Spike 150 brand, applying it across advertising, social media, and educational toolkits. On May 10, 2019, over 20,000 people gathered at Golden Spike National Historical Park, with concurrent celebrations held in 31 Utah cities. The campaign secured 643 news stories with a global reach of 420 million people, drawing 200 reporters from 80 international outlets to Promontory Summit.