Seven Sponsorship Categories for Spring 2020
Self-distancing doesn't mean all sponsors are closed for business. In fact, while everyone hopes for a swift end to the Coronavirus outbreak, some sponsors are busier than ever trying to meet the new demands of an almost completely virtual economy. Properties may want to think about how they can adapt offerings and help these companies by tapping into their sizable and passionate audiences to spread the word about Coronavirus initiatives. Do you have assets such as unique content, social media, email lists and virtual events that can be activated in today's turbulent times? Here's a great example of a virtual partnership and here's some categories to be considering while you're quarantining.
Delivery - With a lockdown in place in some places and dine-in business coming to a dead stop, companies like Instacart, Uber, GrubHub, DoorDash, and Postmates are experience a surge in activity. Luckily, some like GrubHub, are suspending commissions to help support local restaurants!
VOIP - Zoom, 8x8 and Cisco are seeing record business as two of the leaders that are helping keep business connected while offices are closed. Lest we think this is a temporary trend, it's almost a certainty that more companies will be looking to employ these technologies well beyond the Coronavirus pandemic as a way to mitigate the risks associated with future potential crises.
Movie Studios - While theatres are suffering, movie studios in some cases are pushing up release dates and going direct to on-demand. Since studios spend a good chunk of marketing spend with exhibitors (theatres), how will this marketing spend be diverted to build awareness for on-demand titles during the next few months?
Health Apps - It's impossible to turn on the TV and not a see a Peloton ad, but don't forget about mental health apps like Calm, Talkspace and Headspace, each of which have been active sponsors of late. If you haven't tried them, these apps provide the perfect antidote to stressful times at home.
Gaming - According to Verizon, U.S. video game usage has skyrocketed 75 percent since the quarantine first went into effect. Many consumers are looking to gaming to stay social during times of isolation and boredom. Similar to partnering with movie studios, how can properties assist publishers in the mission?
Telemedecine - While the telehealth category as evolved making significant improvements in recent years, it's very possible that the urgency and distancing required as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak may be the thing that pushes telemedicine into the mainstream with every doctor, patient and insurer adopting platforms like Teladoc and Zocdoc.
Meal Kits - Countering our collective urge to binge eating during stressful times, meal kit providers like, Blue Apron, are busier than ever providing healthy meals at home. Don't believe me? The company, which was reportedly struggling and up for sale in February, has seen its stock 3X in 3 days.
Want to see which sponsors are normally spending in Spring? Check out our seasonal sponsors for Spring 2019 from a year ago. Hopefully next year's list will look a lot more like '19!
