JULY 5-30 & AUGUST 2-13, 2017
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
A WORLD CLASS ORGANIZATION THAT BEST EXEMPLIFIES THE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE THROUGH SUPERIOR COMPETITIONS WITH A BREATHTAKING BACKDROP.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
We Believe.. We believe in providing a unique sporting event that upholds the reputable worldwide class of equestrian sports. Through providing opulent hospitality, first class footing and stabling, exhilarating competition, thrilling exhibitions and entertainment, The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival aims to be one of North America's most sought after shows to be a part of. GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
SECOND TO NONE BUSINESS OPERATION Exhibitor friendly services, first class personnel, and top quality equestrian competitions are the reputable trademarks of one of the nation’s oldest and most respected horse show producers. For over four decades, the Great Lakes team has developed and produced some of this country’s groundbreaking events including: American Invitational, American Gold Cup, Charlotte Jumper Classic, FEI World Cup Finals, Lake Placid Horse Show Series, National Horse Show, New Albany Classic, Olympic Games Selection Trials, Pan American Games Selection Trials, Tampa Bay Show Series, World Equestrian Games Selection Trials, Winter Equestrian Festival
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
ONE
LEAD BY TOP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
family owned horse show production company.
10
MICHAEL MORRISSEY
of the Nation's most popular shows are managed by our team.
50
President Part of the team that brought the first World Cup Finals to American shores.
years of show management experience.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
Part of the management team that created the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida and oversaw the growth of the event for over 20 years.
MATT MORRISSEY Vice President Played major roles in events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival, CP National Horse Show, Wellington Equestrian Masters and many more.
BUILDING A SUPERIOR SHOW The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival will take place July 5th - 30th and August 2nd -13th at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Michigan. The Great Lakes team is looking forward to delivering world class competi tion with continued success and growth to the events at FlintFields Horse Park. The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival will feature six weeks of exciting equestrian competition located in a fantastic tourist destination that caters to equestrian athletes and equine enthusiasts alike. Competitors and spectators will be able to enjoy all that Traverse City has to offer while attending this elite equestrian competition.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
"The footing is great; the horses really seem to love the footing here. The staff are doing everything they can to keep all of the exhibitors happy. They have been very accommodating. They are offering nice ranking classes, which makes it a good show to come to. It is a beautiful area. I cannot say enough good things about the people running the show." Margie Engle, 10x Rider of the Year, Winner of 6 World Cups and 20 Nations Cups GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
TRAVERSE CITY A ONE OF A KIND DESTINATION
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
ABOUT TRAVERSE CITY Named one of the best small town travel destinations by Trip Advisor, Traverse City provides an unmatched destination for any sporting event. The mild climate, endless summer activies, superb dining, water front lodging options and breathtaking landscape make this area and venue a favorite amongst exhibitors and spectators alike. To date, the equestrian competitions held at Flintfields Horse Park have brought in more than $100 million in tourism revenue to Traverse City, an already im mensely popular travel destination.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
BUILDING A WORLD CLASS FACILITY Situated on 88 acres, FlintFields Horse Park is located just seven miles north of the picturesque city of Traverse City, Michigan. The facility was built in 2007 and has been home to many prestigious horse shows and events. The property showcases five beautiful competition rings as well as large schooling rings. The Grand Prix arena is truly on par with some of the world’s best and most picturesque Grand Prix arenas. Other amenities include convenient on site camp ground spaces that are very popular among the shows riders and trainers.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
NO INVESTMENT IS AS REWARDING AS ONE MADE IN OUR COMMUNITY Over 1,000 hotel rooms reserved each week during the festival.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
Over 20 million dollars spent in the Traverse City Community over the summer. Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport hosts more private jets during the weeks of the festival than the rest of the entire year. 8,000 riders, trainers and owners come to the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival each year.
PUTTING TRAVERSE CITY ON THE MAP Equine population in Michigan has climbed nearly 25% since 1996. 33 States and 13 Countries are represented at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival competes directly with some of the longest running and reputable summer shows in the country including shows in Lexington and the Hamptons.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
"I think next year and the year after, we will have more horses and riders. This is an exceptional venue. Horses, in my view, need to be near nature. In our sport, it is a marriage, and today our sport goes to so many places that are artificial. Here they use everything — they use topography and you are surrounded by nature. The trees are beautiful, and the city of Traverse City is a fantastic place. I think this show, and this place, have a lot of potential." -Leopoldo Palacios, Olympic Course Designer
THE GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL WILL HOST SIX WEEKS OF HIGH LEVEL SPONSOR VISI BILITY AMONG THE EQUESTRIAN MARKET. EQUES TRIAN CONSUMERS ARE INFLUENTIAL AND LOYAL CUSTOMERS THAT ARE DEDICATED TO QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT THEIR EQUINE ENDEAVORS.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
RIDER DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE UNITED STATES • 83% are women • 66% have a college degree • Average income of $227,500 • 22% own two or more homes • 40% own a farm, 66% of those are 10+ acres • 43% own 2 to 5 horses • Compete at least six times per year
HORSE DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE UNITED STATES • 9.2 million horses owned • 4.7 million people participate in the horse industry • 14.6 million people over the age of 12 ride a horse on a regular basis
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
WHY SPONSOR? Equestrian consumers represent a discerning and attractive marketing group; educated and affluent families that embrace the equestrian lifestyle, and professionals that drive purchasing decisions. Equestrians have proven passionate loyalty to products and services that support their common interests. Many of our exhibitors have competed on these showgrounds on an anual basis. FlintFields Horse Park’s beautifully manicured grounds, list of elite horses and riders and fantastic vacation setting draw spectators from Michigan’s Great Lakes area. They delight in strolling the pristine grounds, shopping the wide array of boutiques, and sampling food and beverage selections while watching horses compete for exclusive awards and prize money.
BUYING POWER OF THE AMERICAN AFFLUENT
72% Plan to take a vacation this coming summer.
Affluents are just 25% of the U.S., but they spend a majority of all the dollars spent in the U.S. on hotels, airfare and cruises
Spend more than 45% of all dollars spent on car rentals during trips, recreational expenses during trips, and luggage.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
29% Plan to spend more on leisure in 2017.
Annually Spent (Billions)
400
300
200
100
69% of Affluents make their luxury purchases online.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
Je w el ry
Al co ho l
Le is ur e
El ec tro ni cs
Ap pa re l
Tr av el
G ro ce rie s
Ed uc at io n
In su ra H nc om e e an d G ar de n
Au to m ot iv e
0
Affluents on average own 2.4 vehicles.
VENDOR AND SOCIAL EVENTS The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival provides a unique and attractive setting to showcase your brand or product with one of the most affluent market segments. This luxurious equestrian facility includes an exclusive VIP club fully equipped to host large hospitality events, brand exhibits or product samplings.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
STRENGTHEN YOUR BRAND The possibilities are endless when it comes to connecting your brand with the competitors and fans. Choose from hosting a wine and cheese reception, beer tasting or create a unique experience to meet your needs. Our dedicated team will work to ensure all bene​ fits and marketing opportunities are fully developed. Your goals are our priority and our trained team can establish plans to meet any marketing objective.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
B2B OPPERTUNITIES High level equestrian competitions, like the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival offers sponsorship partners a unique business to business opportunity. By sponsoring the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, you and your business will be able to network with an elite group of some of the top decision makers in the country.
WHY IS SPONSORSHIP A GOOD B2B OPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Opportunities to conduct research or focus groups, access to research. Provides multiple outlets for communication, combines direct marketing, print advertising, face-to-face, word of mouth, target outdoor, targeted online advertising, etc.
Sponsors can incorporate the show into advertising and PR campaigns to better connect with audience. Use of property imagery that can offset production costs. Opportunity for more high-profile visibility. Potential for business opportunities with cosponsors or related organizations. Opportunities to showcase products and provide thought leadership. Opportunities to involve merchants or vendors. Numerous opportunities for direct interaction with decision makers. Access to a very targeted and “clean” audience. Better potential for a long-term relationship building.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
THE VIP CLUB LET US ENTERTAIN YOU. The VIP CLUB overlooks the incredibly picturesque Grand Prix competition arena with gorgeous views that go on for miles. The tent provides an exclusive area for guests to enjoy the thrilling action of competition. Hospitality will include a wonderful selection of foods, wines and desserts that will be available during featured events. Corporate sponsors can obtain access to the VIP Tent to entertain their own guests as well as host their own special event if desired.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
PUBLICITY AND MARKETING The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival will use various forms of outreach for publicity and marketing including purchasing traditional advertising in radio, magazine, newspaper, and websites to stimulate attendance and awareness about the festival prior to the start of the competition.
Social Value
Throughout the event press releases and competition results will be sent out daily to local and industry media outlets. E​ -Blasts can be developed for sponsors and will highlight sponsored events and classes, distribute competition results and horse show news. Logo inclu​ sion on advertising and press releases is available for corporate partners. GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
All coverage is promoted throughout social media platforms with interaction on our Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter profiles daily. Sponsored Ad posts can be developed for sponsors, suited for targeted audiences.
SPONSORSHIP COMPONENTS The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival recognizes that each potential sponsor has individualized marketing needs. Our team will work to formulate a unique and exciting sponsorship package to achieve each sponsors marketing and promotional goals. GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
SIGNAGE Venue Signage: Venue banners are located throughout the show grounds in high visibility and high traffic areas including the front entrance, schooling arena fencing, and walkway fencing. Arena Signage: Arena banners will be displayed on the main competition arena fencing. Corporate Jump Sign: A custom jump or jump signage will be used in high visibility areas in compe tition rings.
PRINT ADVERTISING Prize List: These materials are the official publication of the horse show that list competition rules and regulations as well as a schedule of events. The materials are mailed to competitors, riders, and trainers and are also available on the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival website. GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
MEDIA TIE‐IN Our team works closely with our media partners and outlets to ensure coverage of not just the competition, but inclusion of our sponsors and sponsors’ promotional initiatives. Corporate spon sors will receive media tie -in to all publicity including press releases, articles, and event advertisements as appropriate.
PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS Several 30 second public address announcements will be made daily throughout the competition.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
LIVE STREAMING COMPETITIONS During the six weeks of the show, high profile competitions will be live streamed on popular equestrian webcasts. This broadcasting will provide sponsors the opportunity for further exposure with the option of a fixed logo bug and airing of commercials. Those who have sponsored signage in rings will also have increased visibility due to broadcastings.
By sponsoring a competition the corporate sponsor will have the opportunity to participate in the awards ceremony for their featured competition. The awards for the competition will feature the sponsor logo and offer a photo and media opportunity especially for the high profile competitions such as the weekend Grand Prix.
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
ONLINE ADVERTISING Website: Corporate sponsors logos and website links will be placed on the competition website. Social Media: The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival uses multiple social media platforms to reach follow ers and inform them of horse show news, partnerships with sponsors and other pertinent information. Electronic E Blast: Show news, updates, and sponsorship announcements will be sent out to our mailing list and will provide direct contact with the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival audience. Direct access to mailing list are reserved for the highest levels of sponsorship.
ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD The electronic scoreboard located at the competition arena gives the sponsor the opportunity to feature sponsor logos or commercials, which will be played throughout the competition. GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
BACK NUMBERS Competition back numbers are worn by every exhibitor during the six week competition allowing sponsors to receive continued exposure throughout the entire event.
THANKÂ YOU
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE AT ANY LEVEL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT: MATT MORRISSEY
MATT@MMG.MANAGEMENT
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM
GREATLAKESEQUESTRIANFESTIVAL.COM