Deandra Duggans is working to merge the gap between brand and fans, by invoking a new sense of what that relationship means in the digital and traditional media world. Duggans shares about her time in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, trying to play music that the players like, but also that the fanbase will accept. Duggans then talks about her move out to Las Vegas, helping the Aces at a time where a sold-out situation each night leads to new brand initiatives to ensure that the fan base is always growing. Duggans was interviewed while speaking at the annual college athletic director conference (NACDA) and provides her thoughts on DEI marketing.
Sarah Uhran has taken the concept of personal branding for athletes and turned it on its head. Uhran represents a new type of dynamic that showcases not only the athlete brand from what the public sees, but also the consistent advisor role of ensuring athlete success in their personal or professional interactions with others. Uhran discusses how she has helped guide athletes toward the best decisions possible throughout her involvement with her clients. Twitter: @SarahUhran
The core principles of design and branding are discussed beyond the idea of logo, focusing on environment for both the staff member and the fan. John Roberson covers some of the dynamics of what his company, Advent, has done in the marketplace in order to create an atmosphere that people want to touch and feel connected by, that includes the Stanford Cardinal's Home of Champions and the Dallas Cowboy's The Star display of The Ring of Honor Walk.
Mike Forman has entered into the unique experience of helping on-board his new ownership group at the Carolina Hurricanes, which has helped re-invigorate the local fan base as well as create dynamic, outside the box thinking. Forman describes the process of meetings, which has solidified direction toward a fan-focused model of customer service and branding. Forman talks about his new ownership group has also connected older fans from the Hartford Whalers days in a way not thought possible under the old regime. Twitter: @MForman5
The difference between sponsorship and philantrophy is explored by Dan Frystak, who presents the argument of how activation depends on the experience of the consumer interacting with the branding mechanisms of the product. Frystak explores why several companies are positioning themselves toward activation through experiential marketing, as compliments to major events such as the Super Bowl and the Phoenix Open. Frystak talks about the involvement of celebrities, especially sports figures, and finding which ones enhance the brand rather than detract from it.
Luke Jarman is entering the United States sports market with a wealth of branding experience on the world stage. Jarman shares his experiences ranging from the United Kingdom, Brazil and Qatar, and how his company, ICON, has helped share some of the marketing efforts to a global sports marketplace. Jarman talks about how images, colors and shapes can transform attitude and affinity toward stadia and events, as well as why countries such as Qatar are making significant investments in the space overall. Twitter: @LucasMonkeyBoy
The Spokane Empire are the rebranded name of the former Spokane Shock, which dominated Arena Football 2, and Arena Football, from 2006-15, becoming the only professional indoor franchise to secure a championship in both leagues. Ryan Eucker serves as the director of operations, and reveals the story behind the rebranding, which became a point of contention after leaving the Arena Football League in 2015 for the Indoor Football League to start the 2016 season. What becomes a complicated mess ended up transition the franchise in various ways, as Eucker explains, including forming a "name the team" contest with the Spokane faithful. And Eucker does mention the legacy of the cowbells in the Spokane Arena, which became a massive fan issue during the 2009 season. Twitter: @RyanEucker
For the past 15 years, Brandiose has been at the cutting edge of developing and reworking sports team logos and identity. This goes beyond the simple piece of creating a hat or uniform, and transforms into a deep-dive into how the team reflects the local area around it. Jason Klein is co-founder of Brandiose with his childhood friend, Casey White. Klein discusses some of the rehabbing, as well as redevelopment of major and minor league brands, from the ground up. Klein shares his insight about the intensive process as well as respect to symbolism especially Native American monikers or identifiers. Twitter: @Brandiose
The East College Athletic Conference supports 303 member institutions at 3 levels of the NCAA. That means dealing with various budgets as well as department staffs. Drew Brown discusses his role within an external relations capacity for the ECAC, as well as how to fairly faciliate both operations and marketing from a conference level.
The role of brand and corporate sales are discussed with Brendan Falvey, who has worked on every corner of brand development in sports. Falvey has been on the side of the sports franchise with the Colorado Rockies, selling sponsorships to companies. He has also been on the company side, trying to initiate sponsorship opportunities. And finally, Falvey has been on the business development aspect as a middle man between the company and team, trying to best create activation for both the client and the team. His experience is dynamic, helping ensure that the role of brand and brand development is taken serious by all parties involved. Twitter: @BFalvey