The Wizard Writes: 25th Anniversary of the Big Sky State Olympic Games

25th Anniversary of the Big Sky State Olympic Games

Posted by Wizard of Ahs , Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 1:43 PM

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Montana's Big Sky State Olympic Games. Wizard of Ah's produced the Opening Ceremonies for the event that took place on July 16 in Billings.

The Ceremony kicked off on Friday night with the Parade of Athletes along with various events including a performance by country star Aaron Tippin, and an exciting audience participation act, The Drum Cafe. A special event, called the Montana Mile, where women and men compete for the state's best time in the mile was held. The evening concluded with the lighting of the State Games Torch by three 2010 Winter Olympic athletes; bobsledders Erin Pac and Elana Meyers, who won bronze medals and Johnny Spillane, who won silver medals in several skiing events.

The Big Sky State Games is one of Montana’s largest sporting events. Around 10,000 participants from around the state competed in 37 different sports.

The winners platform.

Olympic bobsledders Erin Pac, Elana Meyers and Nordic
skier Johnny Spillane light the State Games Torch.

Click here to see more photos from the Opening Ceremonies.

Tip Of The Week!

Non-Traditional Revenue

Have you ever heard the term "nontraditional revenue"? If you’re not immersed in radio and TV ad sales, you’re most likely not familiar with that industry buzz phrase, more commonly referred to as NTR. But the concept, when applied to your business, can add bottom-line income to your existing revenue streams.

A little history first: A number of years ago, when radio stations were being snapped up and co-joined into large, publicly traded radio groups, there was an urgency on the part of the parent companies to justify the high acquisition costs and demonstrate profitability to their shareholders. But traditional revenue for radio stations (ad sales) was limited for two good reasons. First, the price stations could charge for commercials was determined by ratings and day-parts in each particular market—something the stations had no control over. Second, there was a finite inventory available on any given day, which also limited the amount of income stations could generate.

So they decided to get creative. Part of a radio station’s promotional activities included sponsoring events staged by promoters. When an ad package was purchased by those promoters, the radio stations had to provide additional free commercials, live mentions, on-site talent appearances, and any number of other giveaways. In return, the stations were given signage placement, a space at the event and an on-stage opportunity--but very little else.

It didn’t take long for station marketing directors to notice the promoter’s revenue streams, which included parking fees, gate admissions, booth sales, beverage sales, print co-ops, sponsorships and the like. The marketing directors felt that since the radio stations provided the event visibility and were generally perceived as “owning” the event, they should grow, own and promote virtually identical events. So they did, creating entire NTR departments within their radio groups—and they've prospered ever since.

Over the next few weeks we’ll cover the Top 5 ways to apply the concept to your own company to help generate additional revenue.

1. If your business is one that serves the consumer service industry, such as a bridal gown store, a caterer or a florist, then create a bridal show at a local hotel for you and other noncompeting bridal service providers, such as DJs, tux companies, photographers and printers. You'll generate admissions and booth revenue, plus you can use aggregate exhibitor money to buy advertising that you wouldn't normally be able to afford.

25th Anniversary of the Big Sky State Olympic Games
Posted by Wizard of Ahs , Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 1:43 PM

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