connecting people,opportunities and ideas

Kathleen Hessert @kathleenhessert is live blogging from SBJ’s Sponsorship Symposium today in NYC.

She has posted some juicy tidbits about sponsorship and social media. Here are some of my favorites:

“Sponsorship hasn’t changed. The world has changed.It’s been a sobering year”

AmEx Rich Learfield VP Global says Social Media allows them to gain scale & engage passionate fans so we look for best ideas

Soc media importance will grow more w/location based services @tpmcghee ie where fans congregate after game? share pic of experience

Anheuser Busch doubling spend on social media. Huge platform to access fan base- ask fans imp questions. Want to go where fans are

talked to several sports ppl w/influence last night in NY who still don’t have a clue- others part of the social media momentum

Not re: brand awareness must be activation according 2 Dan McHugh- Anheuser Busch. Partners must ans. How can U move more beer

Gatorade dropped TV spend from 87% of budget last year to 66% this year. Digital marketing moves from 0% to 6%

ROI is king BUT @tpmcghee AT&T says sponsors don’t have answers to what makes ROI which is 1 reason why sharing doesn’t happen

NFL CMO says must look at fans dfferently, sponsors differently. Dialogue must B deeper but partners won’t share metrics for ROI

I am a proud Chicagoan by origin (well, River Forest to be exact).  Despite the loss in the Olympic competition for 2016, there are still many great things that make Chicago a unique destination for tourists.  Our city of broad shoulders will collectively shrug them and move on.  We have overcome adversity and loss before.  Can we blame it on Steve Bartman? Just kidding…
The Chicago fire destroyed the city in 1871, and also led to an amazing design revival led by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.  Their design created the open space along the lakefront with flowing yet efficient integration of spaces and buildings.  Currently living in LA, I have seen the communal pride and lasting legacy it enjoys from the Olympics in 1984.  I was hopeful that Chicago could have enjoyed  the same.
I am confident that; the fire, second city status, the challenging winters and the working class mentality is what makes people from Chicago so special.  They are resilient, have a great sense of history and place.  They also have collective patience and humor – I mean, after all, they have the Cubs…
For being a big city, it is also a small town where ethnic diversity is celebrated through unique communities.  The summer festival season in the neighborhoods around the city provides the opportunity for Chicagoans to connect and celebrate.  The city is also evolving – I remember the post college days when I lived in a shoddy apartment in Wicker Park for $100 a month.  Now, I wish I bought that building!
I also remember when Millennium Park was abandoned railroad tracks and the adjacent Prudential Building (the old one) was the tallest building in Chicago.  Civic leaders came together and help fund a dream.  Now, they provide a seamless, authentic connectivity between the bustling downtown and serenity and beauty of the lakefront parks and museums – the old and new.  The Prudential Buildings demonstrate creative architectural design – celebrating the past while modernizing for the future.
Tourist tip to Chicago – Three things you must do:
1.  Take an architectural river cruise
2.  Go to the observatory room at the Chicago Board of Trade at the closing bell and watch the action – their version of the human zoo
3.  Go to a Cubs Game during the day at Wrigley, sit in the bleachers with friends; without necessarily watching the game, sing “take me out to the ballgame” in your finest Harry Carry impersonation, shout out, “how about another Falstaff” or Old Style -depending on your era and finish by doing a home run trot – visiting each of the sports bars which encircle the park and finish at the Wild Hare and Flying Armadillo Frog Sanctuary while dancing to reggae.
Other activities include the aforementioned Millennium Park, the band shell for concerts at night, Navy Pier – where you can rent a bike and ride along the lakefront path (25 or so miles), play volleyball at North Avenue Beach, visit the observation tower of what used to be Sears Tower (can we still call it that?  While we are at it, Marshall Fields will still be Marshall Fields in my mind), beat traffic by driving lower Wacker, walk through the connected underground tunnel from office buildings, check out the lakefront museums and watch a sunset from Adler Planetarium.
Last, but not least,  it is a phenomenal sports town.  The Jordan years were always fun and that old stadium rocked!  My memories ranged from sneaking in and sitting with Rory Sparrow’s wife and kids in front of Jerry “Crumbs” Krause.  I remember, halftimes in the President’s Club with the likes of Jesse Jackson, Belushi and Siskel acting important while claiming to be underground security for Reinsdorf when pressed.  I often exited with beverages for the Ladaudio brothers or other compatriots.  Da Bears ’85- who can forget Ditka, Sweetness, The Fridge and the Super Bowl Shuffle?  Topping it off was the division-street celebration after the Super Bowl victory.  The Sox – iconic of the South Side and The Cubbies – lovable losers.
So, hang in there Chicago.  You/we have overcome much before.  Remember, we are defined by how we respond to challenges and adversity.

Hi Friends!  Can you help me by providing feedback on our logos?  We are considering going back to the original logo per the advice of some design experts.  Considering this is an interactive forum of smart marketing and sponsorship executives, I am asking you for input.

Here they are:

A: Original Logo

B: Updated Logo

            Kim Skildum-Reid, of Power Sponsorship, is hosting two webinars designed for helping sponsorship companies get more bang for their buck and edit portfolios.

These webinars are made available for people all over the world. Sydney, Tokyo, Vancouver, London, Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong and everywhere in between will be able to view these webinars at their respective times.

The first presentation is on September 29^th at 9 am Eastern time (6pm on the 28^th in Los Angeles). The second is on October 26^th at 6pm Eastern Time.

During the 90 minute webinars you are able to ask questions and make the presentation interactive. The presentations are also available up to 48 hours after the presentation.

The who’s who of the sponsorship industry has viewed these webinars; companies like McDonald’s, Walt Disney Company, National Hockey League, Guinness USA, and many, many more.

            The September webinar addresses the topic of getting more for less. In this economy, sponsorship companies are having a tough time maximizing strategic results but minimizing costs. The presentation talks about where and how to cut costs, how to effectively market your sponsorship portfolio, renegotiating tips, mid-term renegotiation, and much more.

The October webinar focuses on developing and selling in best practice leverage situations. It mentions leverage case studies from a large range of sponsorship types, provides proven plans for creativity that really work, tips for giving your plans an edge, and getting internal buy in.

Both of these webinars will be extremely informational and provide important information to everyone in the sponsorship industry.

The woman behind these presentations is Kim Skildum-Reid. She is one of the world leaders of sponsorship. She provides expert consulting and coaching to major sponsors as well as frequently speaking and writing.

Her co-authored books The Sponsorship Seeker’s Toolkit and The Sponsor’s Toolkit and her book The Ambush Marketing Toolkit are all industry bestsellers. Not only does she do all of this, she also manages www.powersponsorship.com.

So tune in on September 29^th or October 26^th for a painless and interactive learning experience in the sponsorship industry.

We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share this with others. If you are not already a member of The Sponsorship Insights Networking Group on LinkedIn and Facebook, I wanted to invite you. My friend, Dan Beeman created it about a year ago. It has helped my career and can help yours too. Our group of 3,800+ sponsorship and marketing professionals has grown quickly and members come from the top positions at such agencies as IEG, IMG, Wasserman, Momentum and leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, MLB, AVP, MLS, NASCAR and more.

Members connect with each other to enhance their knowledge, further their careers and interact online via our discussion forums and blog. We are committed to being the best, free business networking site for sponsorship and marketing executives on the internet. We also send a monthly, e-newsletter and provide exclusive discounts for conferences and appropriate vendors. All of this is provided free for you and appropriate associates.

To join, please click on the links below and forward to your associates.

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/59380

Yesterday I took my kids to to Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor in Valencia, CA.  I had promised the trip all summer and waited until the crowds died down and the weather was still warm.  It was a good strategy – we had fun and there were few lines.

As you know from reading this blog, I am always thinking about sponsorship and revenue enhancements for properties, so I took a few mental notes.  Overall, I saw lots of opportunities for new revenue and other ways to better enhance their existing partners activation.

Opportunities

• Property naming rights sales opportunities.  What does Six Flags even mean anyway?
• Ride, parking lot or area naming rights
• Partnerships with non-profits to drive traffic in slower season, create third party promotions
• Adult-area sections.  This may include beverage, clothing and music preferences for over 18 that might not appeal to the rest of the park.  Naming of this could be sold to a casino.
• Music partnership – they played a certain play list which consisted of lots of Tom Petty.  They could partner with Rhapsody, XM/Sirius, a record label, Apple/Itunes or a radio station.
• Dodge and Chrysler were the automotive sponsors, but there appeared to be no activation or displays besides their signage.  The Tram ride from our remote parking would make an excellent opportunity for transportation-related branding and, of course the valet area s well
• Coke was the beverage sponsor and had some iconic and creative recycling trash receptacles, but there seemed to be no water sponsor unless Coke successfully negotiated the water category as part of an overall beverage deal (they like to do that).
• Kodak had their intercept locations to take photos, but did not capture us with any memorable offer or creative merchandising of their location upon exit.  They had a few staff members that looked like to just wanted to go home.  Why no high-speed cameras when we came out of the Tornado or other rides?
• Apparel Sponsorships – lifeguards and staff could all wear some cool, noticeable apparel that could be sold in their retail locations
• First Aid locations could tie-in with a local hospital

I know they have a corporate sponsorship team, but it appears they could use some help on a local level.  What do you think?  We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share this with others.  If you are not already a member of The Sponsorship Insights Networking Group on LinkedIn and Facebook, I wanted to invite you.  Our group of 4,000+ sponsorship and marketing professionals has grown quickly and members come from the top positions at such agencies as IEG, IMG, Wasserman, Momentum and leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, MLB, AVP, MLS, NASCAR and more.

Members connect with each other to enhance their knowledge, further their careers and interact online via our discussion forums and blog.  We are committed to being the best, free business networking site for sponsorship and marketing executives on the internet.  We also send a monthly, e-newsletter and provide exclusive discounts for conferences and appropriate vendors.  All of this is provided free for you and appropriate associates.

To join, please click on the links below and forward to your associates.

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/59380

Lastly, you can follow/find Dan at:

http://twitter.com/danbeeman

dan@sponsorshipinsights.com

www.sponsorshipinsights.com

www.facebook.com/dan.beeman

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=45136322100

I was reading a few blogs over the weekend when I stopped in my tracks and almost lost it.   According to a blog on sponsorship.com; owned by IEG, the ambush marketing tactics that Powerade ZERO used for the US Open was SMART.  We  have all worked so hard to support legitimate and ethical sponsorship practices.  Now, to read their coverage of an ambush marketer and praise it is beyond me.

What do you think of this article and the position IEG’s author has taken?  Does this undermine their thought-leadership?

Read more here:
http://www.sponsorship.com/About-IEG/Sponsorship-Blogs/Carrie-Urban-Kapraun/September-2009/Sponsorship-Thoughts-on-my-First-US-Open-Experienc.aspx

We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share this with others.  If you are not already a member of The Sponsorship Insights Networking Group on LinkedIn and Facebook, I wanted to invite you.  It has helped my career and can help yours too.   Our group of 4,000+ sponsorship and marketing professionals has grown quickly and members come from the top positions at such agencies as IEG, IMG, Wasserman, Momentum and leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, MLB, AVP, MLS, NASCAR and more.
Members connect with each other to enhance their knowledge, further their careers and interact online via our discussion forums and blog.  We are committed to being the best, free business networking site for sponsorship and marketing executives on the internet.  We also send a monthly, e-newsletter and provide exclusive discounts for conferences and appropriate vendors.  All of this is provided free for you and appropriate associates.
To join, please click on the links below and forward to your associates.
http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/59380

Newly Updated with additions!  As a project to help myself better understand all the different and valuable sponsorship websites and service providers, I did a quick Google search.  Then I took some language from their websites and offer a brief description from my perspective.  I hope this is helpful to you and look forward to your feedback about other services/websites/software.

Top Sponsor Related Websites in no particular order

1.    http://www.sponsorshippro.com
SponsorshipPRO+

SponsorshipPRO+ was designed to help sponsorship sellers systematically identify, organize, archive and present important marketing assets to their clients in a dynamic format.

They have the top selling sponsorship fulfillment software product on the market and offer free demonstrations to anyone interested.

2.    http://www.sponsorshipinsights.com
Sponsorship Insights Group
Sponsorship Insights Group is dedicated to connecting People, Opportunities and Ideas. We help properties generate partnerships with appropriate brands.
This group offers a monthly newsletter and a blog to share new ideas and innovations in the sponsorship world. They partner with companies like IEG to provide new and upcoming information in those blogs.

3.    http://www.sponsorwise.com
Sponsorwise
Sponsorwise has created a web-based proposal management system that allows you to accept proposals, and manage them quickly and easily, online.
Through this site, you can receive proposals from others and submit proposals to clients. They offer pre-set proposal templates and makes organizing your proposals extremely easy.

4.    http://www.sponsorship.com
IEG
IEG has developed industry-leading models to help you do everything from selecting the right opportunity—or level of opportunity—to measuring the ROI from your existing relationships.
IEG offers solutions to sponsorship in five important areas: sponsorship consulting, valuation services, research, events & training, and publications.

5.    http://www.sponsordirect.com/
Sponsor Direct
Sponsor Direct offers a leading-edge software solution designed to help you maximize the yield of your sponsorship, donation or corporate contributions program while reducing costs associated with managing these programs.
They focus on companies who are looking to connect to the world via the internet and other technologies.

6.    http://www.pinpointsponsor.com/
Pinpoint
Pinpoint Sponsorship is dedicated to creating tools and services to guide companies and rights holders to build win-win relationships and more valuable sponsorships.
They offer surveys, focus group discussions and a strategic plan in order to help their clients succeed in reaching the benefits of the sponsorship industry. They offer free virtual demonstrations to how their process works.

7.    http://www.powersponsorship.com/
Power sponsorship
Power Sponsorship is all about making best practice sponsorship achievable for all sponsorship professionals.
They offer a variety of services and learning tools: training, consulting, coaching, books, media commentary, articles, blogs, and an expert witness to determine the best solution.

8.    http://www.sponsorpark.com/
SponsorPark
SponsorPark exists for the purpose of supporting people’s passions by connecting sponsors to sponsorship opportunities. SponsorPark services allows for proactive outsourcing and competitive partnerships, all while operating more efficiently than ever.
They give sponsors and sponsorship opportunities the ability to manage and campaign with their own accounts, as well as search for each other and find the match that fits both parties the best.

9.    http://www.sponsorpitch.com/
SponsorPitch
SponsorPitch, built by and for experienced sponsorship executives, includes a first of its kind video pitch platform that allows properties to upload a video and showcase their opportunity to potential sponsors through the power of video, as well as text, attachments, links, social media and much more.
Sponsor Pitch is an organization that matches pitches to sponsorship companies who focus on that specific opportunity.

10.    http://www.sponsorshipsecrets.com
Sponsorship Secrets
Sponsorship Secrets is offering you a pre-packaged sponsorship proposal program that can get you the financial support you need and deserve. Sponsorship Secrets makes it easy for you to create a specific proposal tailored to your needs.
They offer user friendly sponsorship packages, and offer services to grass-root competitors and athletes to help get them the sponsorships they need.

11. New addition to the list – how did I miss them?

SPONSORIUM!

http://www.sponsor.com

SPONSORIUM created the PerforMind software, a web-based sponsorship proposal and management tool currently used by the world biggest brands and corporations.

Others?

We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share this with others.  If you are not already a member of The Sponsorship Insights Networking Group on LinkedIn and Facebook, I wanted to invite you.   Our group of 4,000+ sponsorship and marketing professionals has grown quickly and members come from the top positions at such agencies as IEG, IMG, Wasserman, Momentum and leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, MLB, AVP, MLS, NASCAR and more.

Members connect with each other to enhance their knowledge, further their careers and interact online via our discussion forums and blog.  We are committed to being the best, free business networking site for sponsorship and marketing executives on the internet.  We also send a monthly, e-newsletter and provide exclusive discounts for conferences and appropriate vendors.  All of this is provided free for you and appropriate associates.

To join, please click on the links below and forward to your associates.

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/59380

Lastly, you can follow/find Dan at:

http://twitter.com/danbeeman

dan@sponsorshipinsights.com

www.sponsorshipinsights.com

www.facebook.com/dan.beeman

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=45136322100

I have blogged in this space before about an organization I belong to which has provided endless value to my career.  They are now doing a member drive and have a great offer.  Please read below and let me know if you are interested in joining.  As you’ll see, there are a few requirements and costs.  But, if you qualify, it is well worth it!  Go to www.mengonline.com for more information.  To apply, go here and tell them I sent you for the discounted membership. NOW is the Best Time to Add Your Voice to MENG’s Vibrant Community of Senior Marketers! Right now you have a unique, one-time chance to join MENG at half the Initiation Fee.  That saves you $100! This offer has never been made before, and is good only through Nov 15, 2009.

MENG – Marketing Executives Networking Group MENG career advancement Get unprecedented access to senior-level marketing positions. Connect with category leaders who offer their insights and support. Access MENG preferred recruiters. Tap into Career Maximization Webinars Develop relationships with blue-chip brand CMOs. MENG benefits Pose a question in one email.  Get same-day responses from experts. Ask top marketers for a company contact. Join monthly seminars on careers, social media and marketing best practices. Enjoy discounts from Netshare, Salary.com, Execunet, The Ladders. Discover opportunities ahead of the marketplace. Member profile Most members are VPs, SVPs, and Presidents. 84% have Fortune 500 experience. 70% have graduate degrees. Individual specialties span the gamut of marketing functions. All business categories in B2B and B2C are represented.