Orange is the New Hack at #CMWorld

Red may reign this fall on Paris runways. But in the power corridors of content marketing—Cleveland, Ohio—orange rules.

The hot new color trend’s impact was palpable at Cleveland’s Content Marketing World (#CMWorld) 2017.

The globe’s largest and most influential gathering of content marketing professionals, #CMWorld opened on September 6, 2017.

As a fashion industry content marketer, I was struck by the florid color’s ubiquity—and social influence.

You don’t just “wear” Pulizzi Orange… You embody it. You become it. It’s not just a color: It’s a movement.
~ Ann Handley

The #CMWorld crowd was awash in a sea of orange apparel.

Tricia McKnight totes a geo-circle brief case in "It" color orange. — Tricia McKnight totes a cool geo-circle brief case in “It” orange. Tricia has an entire set of luggage in the power color.

Tang-tinged shirts and shifts…

Ruth Carter styles an orange ombré sheath.

Orange hazmat-hued hose and hats…

All the pros know. Wearing orange at #CMWorld is the way to get ahead. ~ Joe Pulizzi Share on X

Orange = “the New Hack”

“It’s weird,” said a Brooklyn-based content marketer with whom I spoke—and who insisted on anonymity. “It’s like the orange shiz is some kind of code. Seems to give you access to decision-makers and influencers here. Look at the orange shirts huddled around Ann Handley. The color’s like a shortcut to power.”

For #CMWorld networkers, orange is the new hack.

Loes Van Dokkum in Italian patent leather double-strap Mary Jane's from Yoox. — Loes Van Dokkum in Italian patent leather double-strap Mary Jane’s from Yoox.

A source close to conference leadership tacitly agreed, hinting that the orange color’s intensity corresponds to wearer status.

For #CMWorld networkers, orange is the new hack. Share on X

It seems the conference’s biggest power brokers sport an eye-blinding shade known as “Pulizzi Orange.”

Bernie Borges, Cathy McPhillips and Joe Pulizzi accent outfits with "Pulizzi Orange." — Bernie Borges, Cathy McPhillips and Joe Pulizzi accent outfits with “Pulizzi Orange.”

Amy Higgins adds edge with gradient orange drop earrings.

Joe Pulizzi-inspired Color Trend

The traffic cone tone is named for #CMWorld founder and the “Godfather of Content Marketing,” Joe Pulizzi, who works the orange color trend head to toe.