South African Brands Ready For World Cup
Speaking exclusively to Sportindustry.biz’s sibling website in South Africa, Fiona Ross, Head of Brand at Virgin South Africa, has stated that South African brands will be ready to fully exploit the World Cup this summer.
In an in-depth interview with Sportindustry.co.za, Ross stated that marketing techniques in the host nation were up to scratch and that she fully expects the World Cup to ‘sharpen skills’ further still.
‘Techniques in South Africa are relatively sophisticated, we have some very strong, well managed local brands and we have an advertising community that produces some exceptional work. The USA and Europe are probably further down the line with social media and its impact on brand relationships and purchasing decisions, but we’re not too far behind.
‘Hopefully the World Cup will have sharpened skills given the size of the audience. I’m looking forward to seeing the various campaigns play out over the next few months.’
Ross will add her substantial expertise to the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards Judging Panel – a role in which she will be responsible for helping to choose the inaugural Awards’ winners.
Presented in front of a star-studded audience of all the key stakeholders in South African sport, the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards will recognise and reward the best the South African sport business has to offer in categories covering marketing, PR, sponsorship, media, advertising and design.
The City of Ekurhuleni will stage the inaugural Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards which will take place on February 17th, 2011 and will be hosted by Emperors Palace.
The annual Awards ceremony will see the country’s top-performing sport brands and organisations receive recognition for their work at a glamorous black-tie event in what has become the most visible and sought-after endorsement of commercial achievement in sport.
To learn more about the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards and to read the full interview with Ross, visit www.sportindustry.co.za.
