What a year for tech. For every hack, exploding smartphone or imploding startup, there were just as many memorable highlights.

Use these easy tips to make your brand stand out.

Steven Grasse, the unorthodox ad man who created Sailor Jerry rum and Hendrick's gin, is about to get into the hard soda business with liquor giant Diageo. And Mr. Grasse is so bullish on the product that he is putting his agency's name on it.

Even hashtags and retweets are off limits.

Golf entertainment leader Topgolf® has selected Ignite Creative Services, LLC. as their national agency of record handling marketing, advertising, food and beverage. The two-year agreement extends through June 2018.

Branding and bars have long gone hand in hand. But the days when cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, cardboard coasters and matchbooks were the last word in tactile advertising are over.