Heineken Gives Teams a Few Ideas to Drive Fan Engagement and Socialization

As teams look for new ways to leverage social media, they should keep a close eye on related programs and tactics implemented by brands across the world. In recent weeks, Heineken launched two (2) innovative social campaigns that could easily be replicated by teams to engage their fanbases in new ways on game day.

In Singapore, Heineken created a "Social Christmas Tree" out of 48 LED screens towering eleven meters high that became a destination for consumers to send messages to their friends and family around the holidays. Heineken allowed consumers across the world to submit greetings and messages that would be featured live on the Heineken Social Christmas Tree - an effort that truly united people from across the world and visibly brought social media to life in the public space.

Sports Application: Sports organizations can consider creating a "Social Tower" within the concourse level where fans across the world can upload photos, videos, tweets, etc. that are displayed on gameday. Teams can also provide fans on-site an opportunity to film live videos that are displayed on the tower throughout the season, etc. The Social Tower can serve as a great way to unite fans from across the world and truly allow fans at home to feel connected to the stadium experience. Creating such a stadium landmark can also serve as a seamless play to incorporate messages and content from corporate partners. 

Check out the Heineken Social Christmas Tree below:

Heineken recently enhanced the experience for music attendees at the Heineken Open'er Music Festival with some creative activation utilizing giant QR Codes (referred to as "U-Codes"). Heineken drove engagement amongst attendees by featuring a footprint on-site where fans could videotape a personal message (detailing who they were, where they were from, what there interests were) and have it embedded into a giant QR code sticker that was printed out and placed on their clothing.

The U-Codes proved to be great ice breakers for festival attendees and generated so much buzz that over 5,000 people received them over a 4-day period (exceeding Heineken's expectations by 200%).

Sports Applications: While QR Codes are still not widely adopted in the United States, teams can experiment with using them in a variety of ways, including:

• Replicating the U-Code project at team tweetups (where attendees are more inclined to adopt); this tactic can serve as a great way to build relationships amongst the team's social influencers
• Featuring an activation display within the stadium concourse where fans can record their own mantra/team message and have it printed onto a t-shirt as a QR Code (and sold for $20+)
• Drive QR Code adoption amongst fans by giving away t-shirts at a designated game and alerting fans that they can "scan to win" a variety of prizes (virtual downloads, autograph merchandise, personal video messages from players, etc.)
  

Check out the Heineken U-Code project below:

HEINEKEN - U-CODE

Tissot Uses QR Codes to Bring Its Race Models to Life

Are you looking for new ways to leverage models on-site at sporting events? Are you looking for ways to integrate social media elements into your current activation plans?

Swiss watch manufacturer Tissot recently took its on-site activation at MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix events to new heights by placing QR codes on the outfits of its Umbrella Girls (models)on-site. The social media strategy enables racing fans touring the at-track Tissot footprint to bring their unforgettable real-world experience to life in a virtual setting where they are more apt to learn about products, take advantage of special promotional offers, and ultimately make purchases. 

How does it work?

Fans simply have to walk up to the Tissot models and scan a QR code on their outfit with their smart phone (usually this requires downloading an app like Microsoft Tag Reader). When scanning the QR Code from a close distance, fans are then directed to a Tissot mobile page where they can purchase products and engage in special offers.

This strategy serves as a terrific benchmark for brands looking to engage with consumers on-site or on-premise (at bars, restaurants, retail, etc.) more effectively. The QR codes serve as a conversation starter for models, demonstrate that a brand "gets" social media, and helps foster a memorable experience for fans.

Check out the video below as this will soon become commonplace in the sports marketplace as QR codes become readily adopted. While the United States lags behind, QR codes are already heavily embedded in Japanese culture.

Tissot is incorporating Danica Patrick in the QR Code mix as well...