For those in the Chicago area, I wanted to let you know that your editor here at BevReview.com, Steve Tanner (that's me!), will be speaking at a networking/education event this Thursday night, November 19… and you are invited! This monthly series of events is called Nightstand, and they are hosted by Headstand Media, a web design firm here in the city.

Yes, that's me in this goofy photo
(the guy with glasses, not the can!)

They've asked me to share about the legal fun we had last month… you remember, that whole "Monster Energy vs. BevReview.com" thing? Yeah, that was a lot of fun, wasn't it? And even though we haven't posted any updates on that situation, it did resolve positively. (We've held off talking about it while some conversations were still taking place behind-the-scenes; we'll post a full update soon!)

Anyway, the topic of my presentation? Social Media vs. Corporate America: A Monster-ous Case Study. Here's the event overview as shared on Headstand Media's site:

What happens when corporately-crafted public relations initiatives go bad and social media lets you know about it? We'll take a look at one such situation from October that targeted the folks behind Monster Energy drink. What happened, how did the company respond, and did the mobilization of fans via the 'net have an effect on the outcome?

We'll host a conversation facilitated by Steve Tanner, Editor of beverage review website, BevReview.com. A negative product review, overly litigious law firm, microbrewery in Vermont, and a horror film actor placed Steve in the middle of a battle with the folks at Monster Energy. He'll explain how "going viral" with his situation created a positive result in the end… but he won’t be providing any Monster Energy drinks for the discussion, so bring your own!

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Over the years, I've worked with some of the folks at Headstand Media on various Web-based, non-beverage projects, so I'm honored to have been invited to share.

Here's the best part… if you are in the area, you can attend too! This is a free event; all you have to do is RSVP before Thursday night to attend. How about that?

It all takes place at…

Headstand Media
333 W. Wacker Dr.
Suite 850
Chicago IL 60606

Informal networking & food begins at 6 p.m. (yes, there's free food and drink!), introductions start at 7 p.m., followed by some beverage review guy talking at 8:30 p.m.

Here's the official information about the night. Just reply to that post with your RSVP information.

Hope to see some of you there!

- Steve

The above 1968 advertisement recently surfaced on the photo sharing site, Flickr. The copy reads as follow:

Hot Dr Pepper

Here's something truly different. Dr Pepper… which is great as an ice cold soft drink… is also delicious served steaming hot. And Hot Dr Pepper is so easy to prepare. Just heat Dr Pepper or Diet Dr Pepper in a saucepan till it steams. Then pour over thin slices of lemon. Hot Dr Pepper. That's a hot idea!

And here folks think recent flavor ideas like Diet Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate are crazy!

This vintage commercial demonstrates the elegance associated with Hot Dr Pepper:

Finally, here's another Hot Dr Pepper image, which appears to be some sort of point-of-sale signage:

So, has anyone ever tried Hot Dr Pepper? We've experimented with making coffee using Dr Pepper instead of water, but never this. I think I might have to try this during the Christmas season… simply to check it out!