Blogs

Karen is a highly respected veteran of the Sponsorship industry and has amassed a wealth of knowledge and contacts over the past 30 years. Karen started Karen Earl Sponsorship in 1984, and continued on as Chairman after its name change to Synergy in 2008 until stepping down in April 2012. As Chairman of the European Sponsorship Association, Karen continues to lead the from the front and steer the organisation which aims to protect and promote the industry, raise standards within it and offer ... read more

Sophie Morris Strategic Marketing & Sponsorship Consultant Millharbour Marketing What’s your favourite ever sponsorship activation? Can I have two? Firstly it would be MasterCard’s 23rd Man as part of their sponsorship of the Barbarian’s rugby team. I was leading sponsorship of another Barbarian sponsor at the time and got to meet the lucky 23rd man and see what a wonderful experience it was. The other would be 02’s activation of their England Rugby sponsorship, particularly ... read more

The ESA Excellence Awards aren't just about recognising the best examples of sponsorship and activation across Europe. They're also the perfect excuse for our industry to let their collective hair down, meet up with old and new friends and enjoy a great evening of entertainment. And what a line up we've got for the 2015 Awards!! Pierre Novellie Pierre Novellie was born in Johannesburg in South Africa but moved to the Isle of Man when he was a boy. He is one of the best up-and-coming comedians ... read more

British Canoeing (BC) is the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK. Formerly known as the British Canoe Union, Canoe England and GB Canoeing, BC now bring together the Scottish, NI and Welsh bodies into a unified umbrella. We spoke to Mark Taffler about what they’ve learnt since 2012, and where they’re going. What’s your name and position within the organisation? Mark Taffler – Commercial Manager Tell us about British Canoeing and how it’s evolved since it was the ... read more

Member Spotlight: SSE plc is one of the UK’s leading energy companies, involved in the generation, distribution and supply of electricity and in the extraction, storage, distribution and supply of gas. Its core purpose is to provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way. It supplies energy to around 8.58 million energy and home services customers throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. SSE has a strong pedigree in sport and entertainment sponsorships, and has ... read more

Career Top Tips: Edd Hood is Director, Communications, at JMI, the world’s largest motorsports agency. ESA Future Leaders Board member, Lizzie Isherwood, spoke to Edd about his role, how he got to where he is today and the highlights of his career to date. In a nutshell, what does your role as Director, Communications entail? In a nutshell? {laughs} I guess the core of my role is developing and managing the communications output of all JMI’s clients that are associated with the London ... read more

Member Spotlight: RTR Sports Marketing is based between Bologna, Italy, and London, UK. Founded in 1999 by Riccardo Tafa, the company has worked with clients from across the sporting spectrum, with activities ranging from sponsorship to licensing and from hospitality services to digital activations. They’re currently working extensively in the arenas of F1 and MotoGP, where RTR have ongoing relationships with most of the teams as well as the rights holder itself, Dorna. The agency’s main ... read more

Member Spotlight:   Diageo is a world leader in beverage alcohol and owns brands that include, amongst others, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Smirnoff and Guinness. As a global company, Diageo employs more than 28,000 talented people, and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. Diageo brand Guinness is the #1 stout in the world and sells over 90 million litres per year. Guinness is also inextricably linked with the sport of rugby and Rory Sheridan, Diageo Head ... read more

Member Spotlight: Dorna Sports is an international sports management, marketing and media company that was founded in 1988. With its HQ in Madrid, and further branch offices and/or subsidiaries in Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo, Dorna has been the exclusive commercial and television rights holder for the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP™) since 1992. MotoGP™ is the world’s premier motorcycling championship, comprising 18-rounds across 15 different countries. ... read more