How to waste your precious time finding sponsors

For some mysterious reason, my company regularly receives solicitations from corporate sponsorship seekers from all over the country. The other day, for example, I received an unsolicited email from producers of a Thanksgiving parade letting me know that they've put their sponsorship packages "on sale," as if they were Walmart or Target. Thinking through the implications, it boggles the mind to...

M.A.C.: Official in London, Milk in Manhattan

While M.A.C. goes solo this week in New York, they've re-upped as the official make-up sponsor of London Fashion Week. "Fashion is part of the DNA of M.A.C - it inspires our artists and products worldwide. M.A.C is proud to take the lead in beauty as the official make-up sponsor of London Fashion Week in a city that continues to play such a vital role in M.A.C's global fashion outreach," said ...

Sailing for Green

Not that green! The Sunday Times reported that America's Cup contender Teamorigin, run by entrepreneur Sir Keith Mills, will give prime sponsor inventory to Carbon Trust, a non-profit aimed at reducing carbon emissions. "Together they are launching a new environmental campaign named The Race for Change — a platform to attract other corporate sponsors," the story states. “The America’s Cup ...

IMVU and Alloy Team Up for Virtual World Sponsorships

Who says virtual world communities flopped for marketers? In the words of Lee Corso, not so fast my friend. IMVU.com, which is an avatar-based social network and virtual world that boasts 35 million registered users, 100,000 registered developers and more than $1.5 million in revenue each month has partnered with Alloy Media + Marketing to sell sponsorships and advertising in the fast growing ...

Deal Flow 9-15-2009

The Winter Dew Tour announced that Totino’s has signed on as event title sponsor for the first stop of the 2009-10 season. Totino's recently decided not to renew their X Games sponsorship. The $354 million Downtown Dallas arts compex will be known as the AT&T Performing Arts Center in a deal with the telecom giant announced today. Valencia has agreed to carry a sponsor on their shorts, r...

OgilvyAction Sets Up Shop in the Middle East

Ogilvy's brand activation division, OgilvyAction, has opened new offices in Jeddah and Beirut as part of its regional expansion strategy. "We understand that in offering a fully integrated 360° marketing solution, we must adhere to the current regional consumer and retailer's needs so that we can develop new and creative ways to communicate our clients' brand on every level" says Edmond Moutra...

Quick Sales Tips for Today

… Recruit and date first before presenting the Marriage Proposal. The old saying, never kiss on the first date. … Avoid only calling on a client, despite what your relationship may be, if it’s continually just to “Sell an Idea” or “Ask for a Favor”. The client will get tired of your voice. Like a real life marriage, you need to keep your partners off balance. Keep the relationship interesting ...

Heineken and Tiësto Team Up for U.S. Tour

Heineken has reunited with fellow Netherlander, and legendary DJ, Tiësto to launch his newest album, "Kaleidoscope." The two Dutch icons will kick off a seven date tour where fans will have the chance to win premium upgrades, including a backstage meeting with Tiësto, autographed merchandise and exclusive VIP access within each venue. "Heineken loves to bring new premium experiences to the con...

Making the Most of Media

Sponsorpitch did a poll last week asking people to vote on the best activation of a sponsorship at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. While I am not going to argue that it wasn't a cool and creative idea to make a plane out of tennis balls (I was impressed), is that really activation? Or activation as good as it can be? To me, the ball plane is a tactical creative execution. Calling it activ...

Sponsorship Lessons From ESPN's Foray Into Local

ESPN is again piling on the demise of (or creating new opportunities for - depending on how you look at it) the local sports journalist - this time online with its launch of city exclusive portals. Following up on Chicago's test market site, ESPN launched ESPN Boston today and is reportedly eyeing Dallas, New York and Los Angeles next. Some like the idea, some don't. Nevertheless, there are a...