Experiential Marketing and Sponsorship Case Studies

Learn more about our work and client success in our experiential marketing and sponsorship case studies. 

Sponsorship Case Study: Willy Bietak Productions Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Founded by Willy Bietak, a former Olympic ice skater, Willy Bietak Productions, Inc., provides portable ice systems for outdoor ice rinks and ice shows around the world. The company’s extensive portfolio includes ice shows on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, holiday ice rinks in California and more. In 2008, Willy Bietak Productions approached Resonate Agency with the goal of making San Francisco’s Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square the most high-profile ice rink west of the Mississippi.

Resonate Agency negotiates and navigates everything for the ice rink. We gain approval from San Francisco City Hall and the Board of Supervisors; secure support of Union Square businesses, restaurants and local community partners; and ensure compliance and partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. As well, Resonate Agency develops and executes comprehensive sponsorship programs that raise more than $1.2MM in cash and in-kind trade, annually. Finally, Resonate Agency also guarantees a smooth ice skating season each year and handles the marketing, advertising, promotions, partners, public relations and community relations of the ice rink. As proof of the rink’s success, the “TODAY” show calls the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square one of the “Best Ice Skating Rinks in the U.S.”

Sponsorship Case Study: Sofitel San Francisco

San Francisco Peninsula-based Sofitel San Francisco engaged Resonate Agency to help turn the hotel into a coveted event destination, increase overnight guests and boost food and beverage sales.

Resonate Agency created two signature events for the hotel, a New Year's Eve event and Liquid Chef Competition. We created strategic marketing plans for the events, developed partnerships and successfully executed the events. The soirees became the two highest revenue-generating events in Sofitel’s North American portfolio, clearly indicating a successful return on investment.

New Year’s Eve became the largest revenue-generating event in Sofitel’s North America property portfolio. We developed ongoing, exclusive partnerships for this event with KISS FM as the radio station partner, Korbel as the official bubbly and Amstel Light as the import beer.

The Liquid Chef Competition became an exciting event for bartenders and mixologists from the Bay Area to compete for prestige and prizes. We partnered exclusively with ALICE@97.3 as the radio station partner. For the inaugural competition, we partnered with EFFEN Vodka and every year a new spirits sponsor joins us.

We also developed other successful events with the hotel in conjunction with key partners, including KCBS, KFOG 104.5, KGO Radio, Beam Global, FIJI Water, Mercedes and Acura.

Sponsorship Case Study: ZenPay

ZenPay sought Resonate Agency’s help to create awareness and educate consumers about their online payment service. Resonate Agency created a strategy for ZenPay to reach its target consumers via sponsorship and activation at community events; ZenPay could generate qualified leads through event presence, engagement and signage. After vetting all available opportunities that matched ZenPay’s target consumer, a strategy was built around brand activation at San Francisco’s 2015 Chinese New Year Community Fair.

At the Community Fair, ZenPay’s brand ambassadors welcomed consumers to the brand booth and encouraged them to download the ZenPay Mobile App. Consumers were then presented with red envelopes containing promotional codes that allowed them to receive money in their new ZenPay account. Additional company information appeared on signage and via printed collateral. The overall look of the activation space, red envelopes, collateral and signage was festive and reflected the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year.

Over the two-day activation, ZenPay reached 80% of all festival attendees.  Additionally, through interactions with brand ambassadors, more than 14% of consumers downloaded the app.

With the help of Resonate Agency, ZenPay gained concentrated exposure to their target demographic and impressive conversion rates. Resonate Agency also provided the client with key learnings and consumer feedback that led to future product enhancements.

Connect with us today for additional information on our experiential marketing programs and sponsorship case studies.