The Problem

Dominion Energy faced a unique challenge in maximizing their sponsorship investment at the 2022 President’s Cup in Charlotte, NC. The decision to sponsor the event was made before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with expectations of leveraging the tournament to elevate brand visibility and foster key business and community relationships. The unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic cast uncertainty on how to effectively capitalize on the sponsorship opportunity in a post-pandemic landscape.

The Solution

In response to Dominion Energy’s needs, Wilkinson Sports Advisory (WSA) offered a comprehensive solution encompassing strategic planning, logistical coordination, and on-site management. WSA leveraged its expertise in sports event management and sponsorship activation to provide tailored services, including:  

1.     Strategic Recommendations: Offering insights and recommendations on merchandise and collateral to align with Dominion Energy’s branding and sponsorship objectives.

2.     Budget Planning: Developing a detailed budget that optimized spending and maximized ROI, ensuring that every dollar invested contributed to the overall success of the sponsorship.

3.     Custom Event Invitation System: Creating a personalized invitation system and managing the distribution of electronic invitations and tickets to streamline the guest management processes.

4.     Logistics coordination: Facilitating pre-event communications and coordinating logistics across multiple Dominion Energy teams, ensuring seamless coordination and execution.

5.     On-Site Management: Providing on-site staff throughout the tournament, managing VIP coordination and last-minute requests, and overseeing décor setup and daily operations within the Presidential Chalet.

6.     Post-Event Evaluation: Conducting a thorough evaluation o the sponsorship activation, providing insights and recommendations for future sponsorship opportunities based on performance and outcomes.

The Result

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration between Dominion Energy and Wilkinson Sports Advisory yielded remarkable results. Dominion Energy's guests enjoyed a safe and seamless hospitality experience, reaffirming brand loyalty and fostering meaningful connections. With WSA's strategic guidance, Dominion Energy navigated the post-pandemic landscape with agility and resilience, maximizing the impact of their sponsorship investment while prioritizing health and safety. Armed with insights and recommendations, Dominion Energy is well-prepared to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate future challenges with confidence. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration, adaptability, and strategic innovation in achieving sponsorship objectives and shaping the future of sports sponsorship.