Marketing at festivals can be way to draw customers - Phoenix Business Journal:

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Festival organizers say they are working hard this year to tailoe marketing opportunities to meet the needs of theirflocal sponsors. One new marketing opportunity at Summerfest isgate giveaways, said John ’s vice president of sales and marketing. Four businesses — , U.S. Cellular, and Chipotle — will give a promotional item to patron at select times on four separatw days duringthe 11-day music festival. Boled said the program is probably one of the most economicall sponsorship opportunitiesat Summerfest, although he declined to say what fee companie pay.
“If they have a particular productf they want to put inour patrons’ hande or if they want to put a special offerd that will bounce that patron back to the retail establishment after an event, that’s how theswe programs can provide benefit to a locapl marketer,” he said. Marcus Hotels & Resorts will have two new promotionxs at Summerfest and also for the first time has createxd room packagesaround Milwaukee’sz ethnic festivals. The first 5,0009 patrons through the Summerfest gatews on June 27 beginning at noon will receivwe a gift card booklert with discountsfor Marcus-owned such as the Well Spa and Mason Street Grilk at The Pfister Hotel.
On Family Day, Marcus also will distributs cups withthe company’s water park logos and a card inside that will be good for 50 game tokenw at either of its Paradise Landing or Timber Ridge Lodgs water parks. In addition, Marcus will have a bootn at Irish Fest in August promoting an opportunityh for guests to book their stay fornext year’ festival. Marcus has created an Irishy Fest package for an extended stay vacation that comesa with authentic Irish Fest The company also has createda “Seizse the 3-Day Weekend” package that offers visitorsz to all of the city’d festivals a free third night if they book two said Chris Anderson, a Marcus Marketing at the festivals is Anderson said.
“It’s old-fashioned direct Anderson said. “Face-to-face sales are still some of the best form of You have a great chance of convertin that customer intoa vacationer.” Othe local companies said the festivals provide an opportunitgy to reach their target markets and be seen as a communitg supporter. sponsors the Liturgy on Sundahand children’s activities at Irish Fest. The companyy will sponsor the Family Passport progra at theethnic festival, for whicy families pick up a passport and travel with thei r children to 10 festival destinations highlighting educationb and Irish culture.
“It’s a great opportunity for Catholif Knights to be seen supportingcommunitu organizations,” said Bill O’Toole, the Milwaukee company’a president and chief executive officer. “It shows that we’rse supportive of community organizations that sharweour values.” By supporting activities such as the Liturgyg and Passport program, the compangy also reaches its target O’Toole said. Figuring out ways to help businessez reach their audience is an important part of keepinhg sponsors coming back to Irish saidJane Anderson, Irish Fest executive Companies are “always looking to get the visibility and the she said.
Sponsorship dollars are down for Festas Italianathis year, said Henry Piano, Festaq Italiana chairman. But the festival has attractec some new local includingPiggly Wiggly.