Coca-Cola Ski Opening Schladming-Dachstein 2023

Main category

B2C

Sub-category

14. Brand Activation

Watch the event video

Event Description and Key Objectives

To position The Coca-Cola Company as a beverage and communication partner at major events, implementing activations that go beyond mere product and logo placement, providing added value. Coca-Cola is more than just a beverage; it is one of the most recognizable international brands, with a beverage portfolio of over 200 brands worldwide, while also being a local enterprise in Austria. This diversity and scope give rise to a wide array of communication topics. To intertwine three global themes (international music sponsorship, brand positioning related to Christmas, and "only Coke can do" initiatives) with three local themes (sustainability, including recycling and packaging innovations; local production and value creation; and the promotion of distribution partners), the decision was made to leverage this outstanding sponsorship opportunity. Comprehensive activations around the sponsorship are included.

Key challenges

One of the main obstacles we faced was aligning the various agendas of Coca-Cola's global and local initiatives into a cohesive event strategy. Integrating international music sponsorship, specifically the Robbie Williams concert, with our local partnership in Schladming, the host of the Special Olympics and a major Coca-Cola sponsor, required meticulous coordination. Additionally, we needed to support our local distribution partners (CCHBC) by engaging numerous regional hospitality partners during the event. Positioning the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour around the Ski Opening and concert was another logistical challenge, requiring careful planning to maximize visibility and engagement. Managing stakeholder expectations, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities raffle for a Robbie Williams meet and greet, added another layer of complexity. Moreover, ensuring effective media presence across numerous screens and advertisements in Austria's second-largest ski area demanded strategic placement and timing. We also had to provide VIP treatment and concert tickets for our key customers and partners, ensuring a premium experience.

Basic information about the event

Name of the organiser

[m]STUDIO , GroupM Kommunikationsagentur GmbH

Location

Schladming, Austria

Event duration

23.07.2023-08.12.2023

Client

The Coca-Cola Company Austria

VOTING LINK

Event results

Creativity

Our approach demonstrated creativity and originality in several key areas. We utilized innovative advertising formats by integrating Coca-Cola branding on the Robbie Williams concert stage, specifically on the side wings, adhering to strict guidelines while ensuring high visibility. This creative placement allowed us to seamlessly blend brand presence with the concert experience. To surpass the presence of other well-known beverage brands in the hospitality sector, we successfully dominated the entire gastro mile with Coca-Cola and Römerquelle branding. This strategic move ensured that our products were the most visible and accessible to event attendees, reinforcing brand dominance in the region. However, the highlight of our creative efforts was the iconic Coca-Cola truck. This attraction became a massive draw, with thousands of people queuing for up to six hours to take photos with the Coca-Cola Santa and the truck. This not only created a memorable experience for attendees but also solidified Coca-Cola's brand association with festive joy and community engagement.

Innovation

For the first time, all the points mentioned in the second section (Key Challenges) were not only consolidated in a single project but were executed in such a way that all predetermined goals were exceeded. Additionally, innovative approaches were implemented, setting a new benchmark for future projects.

Execution

The event was executed with meticulous attention to project management, staff coordination, partner relations, and logistics. The complexity of the project stemmed from the numerous tasks and objectives involved. Internally, seven different Coca-Cola departments were responsible for various aspects, while externally, coordination was required with multiple stakeholders, including Planai Bergbahnen, Robbie Williams' management, the concert organizer, the city of Schladming, the Schladming Tourism Office, and the state of Styria. A team of experts was formed that worked together over several months, this team worked diligently to prepare and implement the project at every level. Staff coordination was pivotal, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to ensure smooth execution. Relations with the client and partners were managed through regular updates and collaborative planning sessions, ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned with the project's goals. Logistically, the project team planned meticulously to handle the challenges posed by the scale of the event. This included managing transportation, accommodation, and on-site logistics to ensure everything ran smoothly on the day of the event.

Measurable results

• Intensive brand engagement with customers • Unique customer experiences (superstar concert, Coca-Cola X-Mas Truck & Village, charity event, meet & greets, etc.) • Increased brand awareness • Enhanced brand love • Support for Coca-Cola sales in the Schladming-Dachstein region • Ski opening highlight concert featuring superstar Robbie Williams • Coca-Cola X-Mas Truck including Santa and the Christmas Village • Coca-Cola spots and advertisements on billboards and the concert stage • Charity collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House Charities • Creation of unique content in the Schladming-Dachstein region • Influencer marketing • PR and media coverage

Communication

The integration of Coca-Cola into the Ski Opening and Robbie Williams concert offers a direct opportunity to present the brand and build an emotional connection with the audience. This includes product placements on stage, Coca-Cola branding at the venue, and a dedicated Coca-Cola bar in the VIP area. Participation in the charity auction links the brand with a good cause, fostering positive associations. An exclusive "only Coke can do" package provides a unique chance to present the brand positively while doing good. Displaying the Coca-Cola X-Mas commercial on large screens in the ski area and the arrival of the Coca-Cola Christmas truck, complete with Santa and various attractions in a branded Coca-Cola Christmas Village in Schladming, further engage the audience and draw their attention to the brand. Social media use allows for broad reach, engaging the target audience beyond the event through content, photos, videos, and interactions, thus enhancing brand presence and loyalty. Collaborating with selected influencers increases the brand's reach and credibility, effectively communicating messages to the target audience. Providing VIP tickets and involving influencers in on-site activities further strengthens brand presence and captures the interest of their followers.

Sustainable practices

Sustainability was a key focus of our sponsorship, emphasizing social impact, sales uplift, and brand awareness. In alignment with our ESG goals, we concentrated on the "Social" aspect, which is vital for Coca-Cola. We demonstrate our commitment to social impact through ongoing initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion, including the Austrian & Swiss Diversity events, Pride, Eurogames, Inclusion Run, and the Special Olympics. This collaboration with the Special Olympics was particularly significant, reinforcing our partnerships with the state of Styria and the city of Schladming. It also laid the foundation for future Special Olympics events. By supporting these initiatives, we enhanced Coca-Cola's social impact, strengthened community ties, and promoted inclusivity and diversity, ensuring our activities benefited society positively.