January 2011 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Thank you for coming to check out the January 2011 Issue of the Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter. After checking out the newsletter/site, I hope you have some time available to spend with family and friends, for that is the most important thing in life.

Let's make 2011 a great year! Thank you again for your interest in Partnership Activation and I look forward to having the opportunity to connect with you in the near future!

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Marquette Athletics - BIGNOGGINS
• Creative Promotional Tactics From Across College Athletics
• Creating Concessions/Merchandise Apps that Benchmark the Carl's Jr. Happy Star Rewards
• Synergy Events' Activation on Behalf of Reebok at the NHL Winter Classic
• Hot Off the Press: Networking is a Contact Sport
• Creativity in the Sports Marketplace
• January 2011 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Social Media Watch: Preseason/Post-Season SM Inventory
• Brand Activation at the 2010 China Open
• The Ashes Cricket Series
• Three Things You Need to See: Word Lens, Interactive Digital Signage, and Multiple Dance Cams
• Five #SportsBiz People You Must Follow on Twitter
• Activation and Branding from the NHL Winter Classic
• Creativity From the Idea Box

Click here to check out the January 2011 Newsletter and be sure to follow Brian Gainor on Twitter for additional sponsorship/marketing tactics throughout the month!

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing. 

Texas Sports Entities Turn to Branded Tanker Trucks for the "Wow-Factor"

A company called Frontier Mobile Media is creatively driving interest and excitement around three (3) Texas sports entities in a totally new way - tanker trucks. Frontier has created unique tanker wraps for Cowboys Stadium, Longhorns Energy, and Mustangs Energy, a move that has generated a lot of attention amongst fans of all ages.

The branded tanker trucks serve as mobile billboards that can peak the interest of fans on campus, inside the tailgate lots, and along the highway during the season. The tanker wraps are creatively designed, as the Cowboys Stadium tanker even features a call-to-action for fans to follow the venue on Facebook and Twitter (although it should include details of the Twitter handle and Facebook Fan Page domain). The tankers serve as a great tie-back for oil/energy sponsors to drive awareness of their affiliation with a sports entity.

Check out some photos of the branded tankers below:

Agency: Frontier Mobile Media

Photography: Wade Griffith, Getty Images (Website / Flickr Gallery)

Partner: Cowboys Stadium

Agency: Frontier Mobile Media

Photographer: Wade Griffith, Getty Images (Website / Flickr Gallery)

Partner: Texas Longhorns Energy (University of Texas Athletics)

Agency: Frontier Mobile Media

Photographer: Wade Griffith, Getty Images (Website / Flickr Gallery)

Partner: Mustangs Energy (SMU Athletics)

  

Thank You! - Runner-Up, Sports Social Media Professional of 2010

In mid-December, Lewis Howes and the SportsNetworker.com held a poll to gauge who was the Top Sports Social Media Professional of 2010. I was honored to be included among a number of noteworthy nominees (see below) and just wanted to say a quick thank you to all those of you who voted for me and have helped spread the word about the site.

The final results were announced late last week and CNBC's Darren Rovell was named the winner but I am honored to say that I finished as the runner-up with 370+ votes. There are so many terrific individuals doing amazing things in the sports social media/sports business space and I really do appreciate everyone's continued support for Partnership Activation. I had the honor of guest blogging for Darren Rovell on CNBC.com in 2008 and really consider it a privilege to be considered in the same class as him.

I wanted to send a quick note of congratulations to all of the other nominees that were considered for Top Sports Social Media Professional of 2010, including: Jim Bankoff (SB Nation), Matthew Higgins (NY Jets), Amy Martin (Digital Royalty), Darren Heitner (Sports Agent Blog/Dynasty), Russell Scibetti (The Business of Sports), Ben Sturner (Leverage Agency), Daniel McLaren (UK Sports Network), Jason Peck (JasonFPeck.com), Scott Phelps (Pittsburgh Steelers), Ash Read (FundSport.com), Sam Taggart (Vaynermedia), and Stephanie Bagley (Vaynermedia).

... And a special thanks to Lewis Howes for putting the promotional poll together to recognize a number of individuals doing great things in the space! Check out a great interview Lewis did with Darren Rovell by clicking the image below:

December 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Happy Holidays from Partnership Activation! Thank you for coming to check out the December Issue of the Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter. After checking out the newsletter/site, I hope you have some time available to spend with family and friends, for that is the most important thing in life.

As 2010 comes to a close, I am truly excited to share this month's newsletter with you. It is pretty amazing that we are coming up on the 30th Issue of the Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter. I want to say thank you for all your support, especially to those of you who have shared it with friends and colleagues on numerous occasions via email, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, word of mouth, etc.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• The Nike Vault - Los Angeles
• Creative Promotional Tactics From Across the NHL
• Sports Authority Leverages Social Media to Engage Shoppers on Black Friday
• Leveraging Signage in New Ways
• Explore Engage's Augmented Reality Experiences
• Hot Off the Press: Sponsorship Mag
• Creativity In the Sports Marketplace
• December 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Social Media Watch: Panthers Purrsuit
• A Close Look at Fan Engagement at the Consol Energy Center
• International Sports Business Watch: The 98th Grey Cup
• 5 #SportsBiz People You Must Follow On Twitter
• Ways to Leverage the Holidays
• Creativity From the Idea Box

Click here to check out the December 2010 Newsletter and be sure to follow Brian Gainor on Twitter for additional sponsorship/marketing tactics throughout the month!

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

November 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Thank you for coming to check out PartnershipActivation.com. I am excited to share with you the November 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter and hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Thank you for your continued support and willingness to share the newsletter and content featured on the site with your friends and colleagues. It's remarkable that in just 2+ years, newsletter readership has spread to 60+ countries across the globe- a true testament to your support!

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Nike Capitalizes on Live Moments
• Creative Promotional Tactics from Across the NBA
• Sports Properties Leveraging QR Codes to Deliver New Content for Fans
• Professional Bull Riders' Partnership Tactics
• The Dallas Mavericks' YouTube Channel
• Creativity in the Sports Marketplace
• A Look at the November 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• UTEP's "Orange-out" Week
• Incorporating Social Media in the GameDay Experience
• Activation at the Allstate Wrigleyville Classic
• The NFL International Series
• The Abu Dhabi Formula 1 FanZone
• Creative Activation Tactics
• Unique Ways to Leverage Johnny Walker as a Corporate Partner

Click here to check out the November 2010 Newsletter and be sure to follow Brian Gainor on Twitter for additional sponsorship/marketing tactics throughout the month!

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

August 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Thank you for your continued interest in Partnership Activation. Click here to check out the new August 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter.

Thanks to our friends at adidas Eyewear, if you pass along the August 2010 Newsletter to a friend or colleague in the industry and they submit a sponsorship/marketing "best practice" that is selected to be featured in the September Newsletter, you BOTH can win a FREE pair of adidas Eyewear!  

Pass along the newsletter and send in your "best practice" submissions to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com! Only (1) winning duo will be selected! In the meantime, check out the great adidas Eyewear styles that you could win here: http://www.adidas.com/us/eyewear.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Marketing Hometown Pride
• 20 Top Sports Graduate Programs to Consider
• Creative Promotional/Engagement Tactics from the Barclays Premier League
• 2010 NFL Training Camp Title Sponsorship Breakdown
• In-Venue Baseball Destinations
• A Look At SportsAgentBlog.com
• August 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Thermopylae Drives Mobile Fan Engagement
• The Singapore Youth Olympic Games
• Maker's Mark Thought Starters
• New Idea Box Insights

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

Check out the August 2010 Issue now... and please feel free to send along any feedback or suggestions you have this month! 

 

If you enjoyed the August 2010 Issue, you may also be interested in:

• 140 Reasons Sports Teams Should Use Twitter
• 40 Ways Sports Teams Can Utilize Foursquare
• The 100 Hottest Promotional Items in Sports
• World Cup Viewing Parties From Across the Globe
• The 10 Best Sports Billboard Themes of 2009

June 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Thank you for coming here to check out the June 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 newsletter. I promise that there will be no mentions of vuvuzelas as best practices this month. As you tune in to some incredible sports coverage this weekend (World Cup, Wimbledon, etc.), please feel free to send along any unique activation tactics that may catch your eye.

Click here to check out the new June 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. This month I would love to hear your feedback. Please feel free to share your thoughts by emailing me at bgainor@partnershipactivation.com.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Innovative Mobile Tours
• Ten Sports Business Trends to Keep an Eye On
• Leveraging the World Cup
• The Heineken Stadium of Stars
• World Cup Activation and Branding
• The Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration Program
• Creativity in the Sports Marketplace
• June 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• A Compilation of the 2009-2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Sports Social Media Watch
• Facts and Insights About the 2010 French Open
• Creative Ways to Leverage Trading Card Partners
• Idea Box

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

Check out the June 2010 Issue now... and please feel free to send along any feedback or suggestions you have this month!

May 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Are you looking for the latest and great best practices in the sports marketplace? Are you looking for new ways to leverage corporate partners?

Take a moment to check out the new May 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to two (2) friends in the industry.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Flash Mobs in Sports
• CrowdWave Technology
• Hyundai's World Cup Initiative
• SF Giants' Flickr On-Field Photo Day
• A Close Look At... The NHL Playoffs
• NBA Digital Discipline Series
• Creativity in the Sports Marketplace
• May 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Insights on Stickybits
• A Close Look At... The NBA Playoffs
• UFC 112: Invincible
• Lottery Partner Thought Starters
• Idea Box

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

Check out the May 2010 Issue now... and don't forget to pass it along to some friends!

Partnership Activation - April 2010 Newsletter

Are you looking for the latest and great best practices in the sports marketplace? Are you looking for new ways to leverage corporate partners?

Take a moment to check out the new April 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Sports Murals
• Insights Into the Dallas Mavericks' E-Cycling Initiatives
• Coca-Cola Brings the World Cup Trophy to 86 Countries Worldwide
• 3D Hockey Dasherboard Signage
• Details on The Row Show
• The April 2010 Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• Sports Social Media Watch - Chad Ochocinco Goes Mobile
• Activation Tactics from the 2010 Final Four and MLB Opening Day
• The Hong Kong Sevens
• Ways to Leverage a Bank of America Partnership
• Creative Activation Tactics

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

Check out the April 2010 Issue now... and if you like what you see, please vote for Partnership Activation as the Best Sports Business Blog of 2009 HERE.

Partnership Activation - March 2010 Newsletter

Are you looking for the latest and great best practices in the sports marketplace? Are you looking for new ways to leverage corporate partners?

Take a moment to check out the new March 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to two (2) friends in the industry.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Store Challenges
• Insights Into Using Crowdsourcing in Sports
• Carlsberg Lets Fans Give Their Best Pep Talk
• Selling Signage for International Stars
• Details on the Top 50 Sports Business Blogs
• The March 2010 Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• Sports Social Media Watch - World Class Moustaches
• Activation Tactics from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games
• 2010 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
• Ways to Leverage a Dr. Pepper Partnership
• Creative Activation Tactics

If you are interested in signing up for the newsletter, please send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com. In the body of the email, please include your name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

Check out the March 2010 Issue now... and don't forget to pass it along to some friends!

  

Brian Gainor - Climbing the Ladder in Sports

Partnership Activation's Brian Gainor spoke at the 2009 Ohio University Sports Business Forum about creating a comprehensive plan to guide one's career in the sports industry. The presentation was part of a terrific event, put on by the Ohio University Center for Sports Administration, that featured some of the sharpest minds in the sports indusy.

Gainor touched on six key points throughout his presentation:

• Think of Yourself as a Brand
• Understand the Sports Landscape
• Networking is Not an Option
• Get as Much Experience as Fast as You Can
• Learn. Learn. Learn. - Education is Key
• Do the Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Watch the presentation below:

Check out some recaps (and hopefully videos soon) of the event's other speakers:

• Tom Stultz, IMG College
• Wade Martin, Cincinnati Bengals
• Jon Niemuth, Ellerbe Beckett
• Jaime Fluker, NCAA
• Dan Cloran, Xavier University

If you are considering going to graduate school to further your sports business career, Ohio University should rank at the top of your list.

Why Ohio University?

1. The Curriculum: The MBA/MSA combination
The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. This degree combination recognizes the growing complexity of the sports, facility and entertainment industries, and reinforces Ohio University's commitment to preparing students for the leadership challenges of the future.

The MBA phase of the program uses a problem-based learning style, immersing students in collaborative projects and working situations that are commonplace in the business world. Students learn basic business concepts in a real-life context, and develop skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork that are essential for success, while developing their ability to be creative, take initiative, and accept personal responsibility for their actions.

The MSA program combines classroom and practical experience to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the sport industry. An interdisciplinary approach gives students the freedom to choose courses of personal interest and build a foundation of knowledge in their desired career fields.

2. SAFM Alumni Network
More than 85 percent of Ohio University's 1,200 graduates are employed in key positions within intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, public assembly facilities, sports tours, motor sports, corporate sports organizations, sports media, and the entertainment industries. The loyalty of their alumni and the reputation of the program translate into a wide variety of excellent internship and employment opportunities. 

3. Practical Learning Opportunities
Learning also take places outside the classroom as students work on class projects, such as the program’s annual alumni symposium and various opportunities offered by the Ohio University Athletic Department.

4. International Diversity
The program’s reputation has grown on both the national and international levels, attracting students from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Taiwan and Thailand. Our international diversity provides a valuable perspective as the sport industry becomes increasingly globalized.

Partnership Activation 2.0 - December Newsletter

Are you looking for the latest and great best practices in the sports marketplace? Are you looking for new ways to leverage corporate partners?

Take a moment to check out the December 2009 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to friends as a FREE holiday gift.

This month's newsletter features a collection of insights, including:

• Custom Music Videos
• The Best Utilization of Twitter in College Athletics
• Hosting Events in Nontraditional Venues
• Charlotte Checkers Partnership Spotlight
• Details on SportBusiness Newslines
• The December Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• 2010 World Cup
• Ways to Leverage a Taco Bell Partnership
• Creative Activation Tactics

Check out the December 2009 Issue now... and don't forget to pass it along to some friends!