“Did you hear the one about…?” That’s an obvious opener, and you’ll likely hear it once or twice over the course of this year’s Canadian Sponsorship Forum — maybe from me, but more likely from a colleague you’re cozying up to as we work, network, and socialize. You might even hear it from our host partner, the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, as we join them in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Thirty years — now that’s a successful business!
When I first started my business, I asked myself, “What do clients want?” And not a day goes by that I don’t ask that question. My clients are my passion — well, one of my passions!
Seriously folks… this year’s Canadian Sponsorship Forum provides me, and a very select group of presenters from across the country, the opportunity to share with you our passions for what we do. Our passions for our properties, our brands, our events. Our passions for innovating, creating, building, growing, and reinforcing our positions within the marketplace. Our passions for instilling best practices in all that we do. Our passions for over-delivering on value for the property, the sponsors, and consumers and creating a win-win-win scenario for everyone.
We’re going to work hard over the course of the conference. We’re going to answer the tough questions like: What do clients want? What do sponsors want? And what do consumers want? And at the end of it all, you’ll emerge with a better understanding of client, sponsor, and consumer passions… and a better understanding of what drives business and sponsorship success, and ultimately a better understanding of your target audience. After all, business is about people and passion, and you won’t understand your clients’ business unless you first understand what people want, and give it to them passionately!
We’re going to work hard, but we’ll play hard too. There are plenty of opportunities for networking and socializing. Our hosts will do what they do best and make our stay hospitable and memorable. And Just For Laughs, our host partners, will keep us in stitches doing what they do best — with passion!
Welcome to Montréal! (Did you hear the one about the guy from Montréal who…)
Mark Harrison
President, TrojanOne
Chair, Canadian Sponsorship Forum
