In Quebec City, downhill ice skating has a huge following among adrenaline junkies and residents alike.
With four teammates barreling down an ice surface at ridiculous speeds, this somewhat contact sport seems to gain popularity every year.
The Crashed Ice Competitions, as seen in this video, are quite fittingly sponsored by Red Bull energy drinks.
This sport has International events as wellâ€"the images here are from the 2005 Red Bull Prague Crashed Ice Competition.
Implications - It's become increasingly important for companies -- whatever business they're engaged in -- to tie their brand with real-world events and products. Sponsoring an already established sport or convention is a good start, but buzz is created and broadcast best when large companies reach out to small, grassroots movements and fund their growth. This builds word-of-mouth advertising (arguably, the most convincing) and wins the support of an entire community.
Downhill Ice Skating
Roller Derby Meets Hockey at the Red Bull Crashed Ice Competition
Trend Themes
1. Downhill Ice Skating - A growing trend among adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts, presenting opportunities for new products and technology in related industries such as winter sports equipment and apparel.
2. Red Bull Crashed Ice Competitions - A trend in extreme sports events, offering sponsorship opportunities for companies seeking to reach a young and adventurous demographic.
3. Grassroots Sponsorship - A trend in corporate social responsibility that benefits both companies and communities, presenting opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations with local organizations.
Industry Implications
1. Winter Sports Equipment - There is an opportunity to create specialized equipment and gear that cater to the needs of participants in downhill ice skating and other related winter sports.
2. Sporting Events - Companies can explore new opportunities to sponsor and host extreme sports events targeting a young demographic.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility - There is an opportunity for companies to engage in social responsibility initiatives by sponsoring grassroots movements and benefiting both the community and their brand reputation.