The Task
The Greater Washington Board of Trade set out to elevate its member publication, OPPTY, from a 12-page newsletter into a dynamic, full-scale magazine. Their goal was ambitious: strengthen brand visibility, establish thought leadership, and attract a broader base of members and partners. To meet that vision, Washingtonian Custom Media reimagined OPPTY as a 28-page, high-impact publication—delivered in both print and digital formats to maximize reach and engagement.
Our team executed a full redesign and editorial expansion that transformed OPPTY into a magazine with a strong editorial voice and visual identity. For the premiere issue, the Board of Trade chose to spotlight Washington, DC’s growing role as a national hub for cybersecurity. WCM’s editorial team curated and developed content that featured regional experts, industry perspectives, and Board of Trade initiatives—creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities.
Visually, we broke from the newsletter format with bold design choices. Our creative team replaced the traditional multi-topic cover with a single striking image and a vibrant, modern color palette that was carried throughout the magazine. This approach created a more immersive and polished reader experience, designed to reflect the energy and sophistication of the region’s business ecosystem.
Designing for Impact
To provide structure to the newly expanded OPPTY, WCM introduced chapter-style layouts, enabling the content to unfold with clarity and purpose. Each section incorporated callouts, sidebars, and real-world case studies, supported by high-quality photography, custom infographics, and original illustrations. This blend of visuals and editorial storytelling helped distill complex topics while holding reader interest.
The result was more than a redesign—it was a strategic brand tool that positioned the Greater Washington Board of Trade as a forward-thinking voice in the business community.
WCM continued to produce each new edition of OPPTY with a focus on editorial excellence and visual innovation. Topics spanned key sectors shaping the region, from manufacturing and transportation to workplace culture and supply chain resilience—underscoring the Board’s central role in regional progress and economic leadership.
Highlights
Design Consultation
Project Management
Storytelling
Technical Editing
Substantive Editing
Copyediting
Proofreading
Fact Checking
Research
Original Content Development
Editorial Planning
Print Management
Concept Development
Layout and Design
Digital and Multimedia Design
Art Direction
Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Original Photography
Original Illustrations