With more than 400 million active users worldwide, Facebook’s potential to influence the way marketers relate to their customers is massive. The social networking site’s figures show that a staggering 50% of its active users log on to Facebook in any given day and more than 100 million users access the network through their mobile devices.
ESA’s Insights Forum: ‘Sponsorship in a New Era’ on the 29th April, will look at the swift pace of change within the digital landscape and explore the implications for the sponsorship industry and what can be done to maximise the opportunities.
Speakers Trevor Johnson, Head of Strategy and Planning (EMEA), Facebook and a senior director for Digital Marketing, RIM/Blackberry, will provide an overview of the latest trends for social media and digital marketing.
Johnson will talk about the growing reach of Facebook, how the brand is being developed and the opportunities it presents. He will focus on social media’s unique role in being able to target consumers based on their self-declared passions and interests.
The RIM/Blackberry director will cover what the proliferation in social media and apps means for brands and how this impacts on sponsorship while also giving examples of how Blackberry is using and maximising sponsorship within its marketing activity.
Thomas Godfrey, Commercial Director of Sport England will join Johnson to add some details about a partnership the community sports governing body has entered in to with Facebook and how the ‘Sport Hub’ initiative is succeeding in reaching the public through social media.
A panel discussion will follow focusing on the opportunities and challenges facing sponsorship professionals as they incorporate digital marketing into their campaigns to add further value. The discussion and debate will be moderated by Matt Rogan, Commercial Director of Lane4, who heads ESA’s Educational and Training programme.
Rogan said: “Sponsorship works when a brand engages in a very active way with its key audiences. Increasingly this involves deeply personalised communication. Our delegates will hear about the latest advancements within digital media which enable this - be it via social networking or through a mobile device. As with all ESA Insight sessions, I’m confident that attendees will leave with some new invigorating ideas that can be explored and introduced within their existing and future campaigns”.
‘Sponsorship in a New Era’ is the second in a series of four ESA Insights forums, designed specifically for senior sponsorship professionals, to expand knowledge and understanding across key issues at the heart of the industry.
The morning forum will be held at the offices of The Football League, 30 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8FL. It starts with a networking breakfast from 8.30am and closes at 11.30am. Prices start at £100 (plus VAT). ESA members receive a special rate and there is a discount for group bookings. To reserve a place contact ESA on +44 (0) 208 390 3311.
