Nike 6.0 Lets Snowboarders Live/Play at Marco's Mansion

Brands looking for new ways to capture the action/extreme sports crowd should take a close look at a recent viral from Nike entitled, "Marco's Mansion". To capture the attention of snowboard enthusiasts who wish they could live on top of the mountain, Nike 6.0 created a man-made igloo (called Marco's Mansion) that a team of notable snowboarders could throw down on all day and sleep in at night.

The concept of the piece is extremely creative and is a great way to drive some incremental interest in the sport and several notable personalities (Marco Smolla and his gang).

Check it out below:

3 Sports Technologies to Keep an Eye On

Are you looking for the latest technologies in the sports space? Are you looking for new ways to utilize technology to enhance the game day experience for fans?

Here are three (3) technologies that are changing the game in sports: 

New York Jets - Touchscreen Device

The New York Jets are testing a touchscreen command center, built by design agency Roundarch, that enables team personnel to track various game day operations. With the touch of a button, teams can gauge which concessions and merchandise items are selling fast, whether there are traffic issues outside the stadium, and ticket sales information. Source: Roundarch

New England Patriots - Yinzcam

The New England Patriots are offering all fans attending games at Gillette Stadium a unique opportunity to gain more access than ever before. The Patriots are offering a Yinzcam smartphone application that allows fans to see instantaneous replays during games, live stats and scores, and NFL RedZone. Fans can access the mobile app inside Gillette Stadium by connecting to a Patriots WiFi network. Source: USA Today  

Orlando Magic - Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)

The Amway Center, the new home of the Orlando Magic, will soon be considered one of the most technologically advanced arenas on the planet. The Magic and arena officials have partnered with the Harris Corp. to install an Internet Protocol Television network that features 1,100 flat-panel video screens throughout the building programmed to enhance the fan experience. The two parties will operate a behind-the-scenes control room where technicians can display specific messages, images, mosaics, video, and animation to fans as they scour throughout the arena. Source: Orlando Sentinel

Bring Game Day Experiences to Life with 3D Photo Walls

Sports organizations looking to feature new entertainment options for fans on game day should consider investing in 3D photo walls. These fixtures provide great game day photo opportunities for fans and serve as a means to drive awareness for corporate sponsors.

While 3D photo walls are relatively uncommon in the United States marketplace, they are becoming a well recognized activation piece in global markets. In the United Kingdom, Global Games Sports has emerged as an industry leader producing the 3D photo wall fixtures. The company produces fixtures standing 6-7 feet high that are made of resign and fiber glass. These display pieces run approximately 2,000 euros but are very durable and can be customized to the exact specifications required by teams, sponsors, athletes, and fans.

3D photo walls can serve as a great, engaging way for sponsors to drive team affiliation awareness (via backdrops, props, adjoining signage, etc.) and awareness for jersey sponsorships.

Check out a few examples below: 

 

 

Identify With Your Fans' Attitudes, Behaviors, and Values

Sports organizations looking to create new, compelling content during the offseason should consider creating pieces that speak directly to their fanbase. As members of a fan base, individual fans regularly conform to the attitudes, behaviors, and values of their fellow peers. That is why Eagles, Raiders, and Cowboys fans love being who they are. As a result, it's important for teams and brands to understand the attitudes and behaviors of their avid fanbase and speak directly to them with compelling story telling.

Nike recently produced a terrific piece about the fans of the historic Brazilian soccer club Corinthians, entitled "30 Million Strong", that serves as a benchmark for brands and organizations looking to demonstrate how well they truly understand and value their fanbase. In the piece, Nike showcases how Corinthians is more than just a soccer club, it's "the people's team", a republic and lifestyle for fans.

Nike is using the viral piece to drive membership of its Corinthians Facebook Fan Page - a great idea!

Check it out below:

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

Four (4) August Sports Business Events to Check Out

Sports professionals looking to expand their knowledge base and network with others should consider checking out these four (4) upcoming sports business events:

India's Emerging Influence on Sports Panel Discussion

• Panel of Speakers: Tejpaul Bhatia (MediaMerx), Venu Palaparthi (DreamCricket.com), Akash Jain (National Basketball Association), and Miguel Abaroa (Starbeast Motorsports)
• Date: August 17th
• Location: Madison Square Garden (4 Penn Plaza, NYC)
• Time: 6-7pm (Discussion), 7-8pm (Networking), 7:30pm (Game)
• Price: $40, which includes admission to the panel discussion, (1) ticket to the NY Liberty game and a voucher for a free popcorn and soda
• For More Information, Click Here: http://www.iseeresearch.com/news or contact Jay Bavishi, Founder and CEO of iSee Research at jay@iseeresearch.com

To better understand how brands from India are beginning to impact the sports marketplace, take a close look at how Mahindra, an Indian conglomerate best known for passenger, commercial, and agricultural automotives is leveraging its association with the NBA:

• Overview of the Mahindra NBA Challenge
• Mahindra NBA Challenge Microsite 
• NBA.com/India (Mahindra NBA Challenge Promotional Integration)
• NBA India's Facebook Page (Integration) 

Milwaukee Sports Marketing Professionals Event

• Date: Monday, August 9th
• Location: Fred Miller Pub (3939 W. Highland, Milwaukee, WI)
• Time: 5:30pm
• Price: N/A - Must RSVP to MSMP@gmrmarketing.com by Monday, August 2nd
• For More Information: Follow MSMP on Twitter (@MKESportsMktg) and Facebook (Search: Milwaukee Sports Marketing Professionals)
• *If you can make it, I look forward to connecting with you there!

London Sports Networker Event

• Date: Tuesday, August 10th
• Location: Marylebone Station, Melcombe Place, London NW1 6JJ, United Kingdom
• Time: 6-9pm
• Price:  £10 GBP online,  £15 GBP at the door
• For More Information: Click here
• Lewis Howes and Daniel McClaren are two of the best in the biz. If you are in the London marketplace, be sure to check it out!

August SportsBiz Networking Event

Date: Wednesday, August 18th

Location: Slattery's Midtown Pub (8 East 36th St., New York City)

Time: 6:30-9:30pm

Price: Free (RSVP Now)

For More Information: Click here

Russell Scibetti and Joshua Duboff have done a tremendous job putting these events on all across the country!

July 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 Newsletter

Thank you for coming here to check out the July 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 newsletter. As you tune in to Major League Baseball games, the NFL preseason, and other sporting events, please feel free to send along any sponsorship/marketing best practices and unique activation tactics that happen to catch your eye.

Click here to check out the new July 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter.

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

• Player / Alumni Challenges (Highlighted by the Herbal Magic Weight Loss Cup)
• Miller Lite's Recent "Ray for a Day" Initiative
• Facebook-Themed Scoreboard Features
• World Cup Activation and Branding
• Xtreme Insight's World Cup 2010 Wrap Report
• Creativity in the Sports Marketplace
• July 2010 Partnership Activation Rising Stars
• Sports Technology Watch
• Facts and Insights About the the 2010 Wimbledon Championships
• Creative Ways to Leverage Dunkin' Donuts
• 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 July 2010 Issue now... and please feel free to send along any feedback or suggestions you have this month! 

 

If you enjoyed the July 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

Live on Social Blueprint Connect!

If you are looking for social media insights, case studies, and personal success stories using social media, you need to check out some of the terrific things that Trevor Turnbull is doing with Social Connect Blueprint. The online social media focused platform serves as a terrific resource that is both educational and interactive.

On the site, Turnbull delivers a number of "How-To" training videos and live interactive webinars for individuals to enhance their social media knowledge and skill sets. In addition, he has featured a number of live interviews with social media professionals and recently incorporated eWayDirect's Jason Peck, Laura Gainor, and myself into the mix.

Take a moment to check out our interviews below and all of the additional content featured on Social Connect Blueprint here!

Brian Gainor Live on Social Blueprint Connect

Jason Peck Live on Social Blueprint Connect

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!

Leverage Airline Partners with Special Video Shoots

Sports properties looking for new ways to leverage airline partners should consider sending a team of athletes to an airplane hanger for an exclusive video shoot. Here, players can perform tricks, stunts, and show a little enthusiasm for fans to enjoy.

By simply using an airplane as a backdrop (or prop), teams can create a highlight video that can be shown on the scoreboard during a game or on its homepage to help drive affiliation awareness. Airline partners can even consider bringing this to life by running a sweepstakes that allows a few select fans the chance to take part in the filming of the shoot live in person (and receive a behind-the-scenes tour, etc.)

Check out the video below, which should help reinforce the opportunity at-hand!

140 Reasons Sports Teams Should Use Twitter

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 - February 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 February 2010 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to three (3) friends at work.

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

• Sidewalk Challenges
• Insights Into Using Augmented Reality
• 27th Annual IEG Sponsorship Conference
• 7 Tips for Bringing Your In-Venue Signage to Life for Consumers
• Details on the UK Sports Network
• The February 2010 Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• Sports Social Media Watch - Molson Canadian
• Activation Tactics from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and 2010 NBA All-Star Game
• 2010 Australian Open
• Ways to Leverage an ESPN 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 February 2010 Issue now... and don't forget to pass it along to some friends!

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!

10 Ways to Leverage Sharpie as a Corporate Partner

Are you looking for new ways to leverage Sharpie as a corporate partner? Are you looking for new ways to provide fans a medium to have a voice?

Check out ten (10) ways to leverage Sharpie below: 

I. Sharpie Sign Creation Stations

II. Fan Message Board / Signature Walls

III. Video Board Feature Detailing the Art of an Autograph

IV. Player/Legend Autograph Appearances

V. Autographed Game Day Magazine Promotional Offer (via Jumbotron/PA)

VI. Interactive Digital Autograph Display

Teams can feature an interactive display in the concourse/OOH destinations where fans can practice their autograph on a basketball/football/tennis ball using a digital Sharpie pen

VII. Giant Autograph Inflatables

 

VIII. Personalized Photo Autographs via Email

 Click here for more information.

IX. Autograph Ball Display

X. In-Venue Autograph Booth

     

Partnership Activation 2.0 - November 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 November 2009 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to three (3) new industry contacts who also may enjoy some of the insights shared in the newsletter.

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

• Canstruction Events
• Giving Meaning to Retail
• Creating a Superstar Experience for Fans
• Farmers Insurance Group Partnership Spotlight
• Details on The Business of Sports Network
• The November Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• 2009 NFL International Series Insights
• Ways to Leverage a Corona Partnership
• Creative Activation Tactics

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

Also, this month, we are excited to announce a special Holiday offer from our partners at adidas Eyewear for 25% off retail prices. To take advantage of this special deal, log on to www.promotive.com and enter the code 057C-5FDD-DAED-F443 in the “have a code” box.  Once you enter the code, register and receive 25% off any pair of sunglasses you purchase!

*For those interested in subscribing/unsubscribing to the newsletter distribution list (who have not already done so), please send an email to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com and include "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Please also include your full name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

The 10 Best Sports Billboard Themes of 2009

Partnership Activation has compiled a top 10 list of the best sports billboard themes of 2009. The deck is filled with a collection of tremendous out-of-home marketing ideas that will help you grow your brand. With billboards becoming an integral part of the marketing mix, this is a must-see! 

Hint: to be able to see the deck clearly, click "Full" in the menu bar below the powerpoint below - If you would like to download a copy of the presentation, please click HERE.

The Mallards Introduce the Coors Light ICE ROW

Are you looking for new ways to leverage the first couple rows of seats at your venue? Are you looking for ways to promote MillerCoors' products?

The Quad City Mallards of the IHL recently unveiled a partnership with Coors Light and Euclid Beverage that is highlighted by a unique branding concept. The team has created a Coors Light ICE ROW that enables fans seated in the front row closest to the ice to experience a number of exclusive opportunities.

Thirty minutes prior to the walk up general admission, fans seated in the ICE ROW will be provided access to the Mallards locker room and hockey operations prior to the game. This will enable them to have plenty of time to enjoy the coach's comments to his team and fully experience the Mallards' behind-the-scenes experience.

The Mallards are also complementing the deal by creating four "Coors Light Corners" on their rink at the i Wireless Center. Coors Light logos will be displayed on the ice in each of the four corners for all fans to see (and hear on radio broadcasts).   

Velodrome Branding is Harder Than You Might Imagine

Are you looking for new signage application techniques? Are you looking to sell sponsorships for a velodrome facility?

The enclosed clip details the process it takes to paint sponsor signage onto a Velodrome. Prior to the 2009 World Cup, officials at the British Cycling called in a team of experts to apply signage at the British Velodrome, a very arduous process. Check it out!

Partnership Activation 2.0 - September 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 September 2009 Partnership Activation 2.0 monthly newsletter. If you like what you see, please pass it along to four (4) friends who also may enjoy some of the insights shared in the newsletter.

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

• Interactive Outfield Features (Coca-Cola Bottle)
• New Developments in C-Store Activation
• Effective Ways Sports Organizations can Capitalize on Current Events
• Details on IEG's Off the Wire Newsletter
• The September Recipients of the Partnership Activation Rising Stars Program
• Ways to Leverage a Pepsi Partnership
• Creative Activation Ideas

*For those interested in subscribing/unsubscribing to the newsletter distribution list (who have not already done so), please send an email to newsletter@partnershipactivation.com and include "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Please also include your full name, company affiliation, and contact information when subscribing.

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