IEG’s sponsorship experts provide unique perspective on the latest industry developments, news and trends. These posts will make you think, challenge conventional wisdom, give you new ideas, and spark discussion.
Jim Andrews Jun 30
Activation Watch: Praiseworthy Programs from Budweiser and Spanish Insurer
When you’ve been tracking the sponsorship industry for nearly a quarter of a century (yikes!) it can be a challenge to find partnerships that stand out or break new ground.
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Filed under: beer, branded content, international, pro sports, social media, trends, activation
Jon Kander Mar 11
Not Sold on Lewis Hamilton’s Secret Life
Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, and Reebok unveiled an alternate reality game (ARG) yesterday called Lewis Hamilton: Secret Life. Hamilton is the central character in this game, which allows its users to experience a facet of Hamilton’s “life” beyond being a Formula 1 driver. The overall goal of the game is to help Lewis train and prepare to recover priceless artworks, sculptures and manuscripts from thieves. Apparently (or as Reebok would like you to believe), Hamilton is a big “The Thomas Crown Affair” fan and bypassing museum security/stealing priceless artifacts is his secret passion.
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Filed under: branded content, motorsports, new media, non-traditional categories, social media, sports, activation
Shelley Fasulko Jun 19
Sponsored Content — Pick or Pan?
I have a love-hate relationship with sponsored content and my fear is that too many consumers have a flat out “hate-it” relationship with it.
This fear is based on nothing more than sociological observation. During my daily commute, whilst precariously balancing my Starbucks to avoid burns, and adjusting the volume on my iPod to prevent dirty glares, I make a habit of observing my fellow train passengers’ behavior. It’s no rarity to see people breeze right past the sponsored insert in the middle of the free daily — or worse, drop it right on the train floor. While it pains me to say it, I must admit, if it weren’t for my personal investment in the world of marketing I would likely do the same.
Sponsored content — done right — is an incredibly valuable benefit to all parties involved: sponsor, rightsholder and audience. We all know the trick is making it so compelling that the audience wants to engage with it. When it comes to sponsored content there are definitely deal breakers that compel us to either pick or pan the content.
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Filed under: sponsored content, branded content