This weekend’s Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Levi is the first of 52 races collectively marketed by Infront – All available sponsorship packages for this event are sold

Zug, Switzerland / Levi, Finland, 12 November 2010 - Infront Sports & Media launches into the FIS World Cup season with the alpine competitions in Levi, Finland taking place this weekend. Responsible for the distribution of media and marketing rights for the event, the company has received very satisfying results. All available sponsorship packages are sold, proving the strong appeal of the streamlined marketing concept now in its second season. Live and/or delayed coverage of the race will be transmitted in more than 50 countries, enabling fans around the world to follow the action as well as providing sponsors with an attractive international communication platform.

Streamlined concept now well established
In 2009 a new streamlined sponsorship concept combined with a consistent venue dressing design was introduced by Infront for the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Based on the principle of “less is more” it has proven highly appealing to partners. Infront reduced the sponsorship packages on offer from 14 to seven, guaranteeing higher exclusivity and greater brand visibility.

 

Now in its second season, sponsor’s appreciation of the concept is clearly proven by a strong demand and enhanced commitment. Many partners have secured multiple event involvement, including Emmi (dairy company), Milka (chocolate), Colmar (ski clothing), Rauch (fruit juices), Generali (insurance) and Helvetia (insurance). After last year’s positive experiences, these sponsors have all strongly enhanced their commitment to the series, whilst new partners such as Stobag (awning systems) have also joined, with a strong presence throughout the season.

 

Sponsors recognise potential
The sponsor line-up for the upcoming race in Levi is also impressive. It is the first event (out of 52) marketed by Infront, from the total 76 Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races. Besides the international partners, it involves strong national brands such as Lappland Airports (Finavia, national airport operator) and Sampo Bank (a part of the major Nordic Danske Bank Group).

 

Bruno Marty, Infront’s Executive Director of Winter Sports, comments: “More and more companies are realising the high potential of winter sport in order to enhance their brand awareness and reach out in key markets. In addition, the serial character of the FIS World Cup events offers sponsors continuous visibility throughout the whole season, strengthening the connection between brand and event. Although the season has already started, we are still experiencing promising sponsor demand for both new and or increased involvement with upcoming events.”

 

Infront fully involved in FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Final
The 2010/11 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season will culminate on 16 – 20 March 2011 with an exciting final in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. The final includes five disciplines – Downhill, Super-G, Slalom, Giant Slalom and the Nations Team Event – and involves more than 900 athletes from 35 countries. The event marks the highlight of the ski year and will be followed by fans from all over the world.

 

Infront will be fully involved at the Audi FIS Ski World Final in Lenzerheide – not only handling the media and marketing rights, but also providing top-class hospitality services through its subsidiary Infront Hospitality Management. The company has broad experience taken from leading international sports events and has already managed hospitality at previous major FIS Alpine Ski Events, including the 2008 final in Bormio.

 

Infront and Winter Sports
Infront Sports & Media, based in Zug, Switzerland, has grown impressively in recent years and is today one of the leading international sports marketing agencies in the world. The company employs more than 500 employees across 24 offices in 10 countries and enjoys long-lasting partnerships with around 130 rights holders and hundreds of commercial partners.

 

Infront has focused strongly on developing its role in winter sports, to the point that it now represents six of seven Olympic winter sport federations at international level. This includes a long-term partnership with the IIHF in world ice hockey and a major role in international skiing, where it manages more than 90% of the media and/or marketing rights to FIS World Cup events. Partnerships with the FIBT for bobsleigh and skeleton, FIL for luge, the IBU for biathlon and the WCF for curling complete Infront’s winter sports portfolio. As a result Infront is able to offer the very best winter sports opportunities from one central source.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jörg Polzer
Associate Director, Corporate Communications
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com