Why:

As Super Bowl XLIII was preparing to make its mark on Tampa, Florida in February 2009, the local venues and event promoters were gearing up to put on the most elaborate series of parties in Tampa Bay. From A-List celebrities to corporate giants, they were all coming to Tampa Bay and the red carpet would be rolling out.

Athletes & Executives, isa national organization that brings together top level executives with current and retired professional athletes for business networking. They were looking for an innovative and dependable group to manage and produce their 2009 Network with the Pros event prior to Super Bowl Sunday.

A&E approached Red Frog based on our expertise in non-traditional marketing and the ability to make our clients get noticed.

The purpose of the event was to bring together high profile CEO's , executives, sports agents, athletes, and pro players (retired and current) in a business casual daytime environment to mix, mingle and network in hopes of building long standing relationships…and signing deals

How:

Red Frog launched putting first things first. We procured 100% of the funding for the event through high profile sponsors included Robb and Stucky, The Strand at Clearwater Centre, Penthouse Magazine, Budweiser, Moves Magazine and ESPN sports.

We secured the location in Robb and Stucky at the famed International Plaza in Tampa. With an exclusive event agreement that included closing down the entire store during daytime hours to accommodate the event, we were pleased with our vision so far. Funding was promised and we had the premier location, but we knew there was much more to do and the end was far from near.

The Creative Shop at Red Frog developed the event theme and visual concepts to be reflective of a distinguished athletic design. This theme was carried through all sponsorship materials, marketing materials, and the overall look and feel of the event itself.

For the next 5 months, Red Frog worked tirelessly with press agents to arrange media relationships on site, finalize details with the caterers and live musicians, and of course- the endless open bar sponsored by Penthouse Magazine that was to include specially branded drinks named after sponsors and athletes.

Upon arriving at the event, guests were wowed as they were taken through "vignettes" (theme rooms) established by award winning interior designers. Each room featured a different corporate sponsor, activity, and the food, drink, and social flair of the room was reflected of the vignette theme.

The favorite room of athletes was a media room for interviews with ESPN sportscasters.

Other features of the event included a well-organized 300 item silent auction and private VIP networking rooms where doors where closed and contracts were signed between brands and athletes.

Results:

Given the economic hardships at the beginning of 2009 and the multiple obstacles the Super Bowl events in Tampa Bay experienced, Network with the Pros was a shining star of success. This was evident by the 300 VIP attendees, press response, and a positive cash flow from sponsorship sales at the completion of the event.