Advertising and promotion
Advertising is information placed in the media placed in the media by an identified sponsor that pay for the time or space. It is a controlled method of placing messages in the media (Cutlip et al., 2006)
Advertising, content and message, media placement and timming are determined by payment for advertising space. Given the range of media available, and with limited event advertising budgets, careful consideration must be given to which forms of media advertisements should be placed in. print, broadcast , Internet and outdoor media each have their advantage and disadvantages. While pricing is important, creating an expected level of awareness and action among targeted participants also shows whether the advertising campaign is effective. Advertisements must contain images and messages that can induce buying behavior. Normally promotional actions are included within advertising strategy , such as discounts, competitions, giving premiums or rebates.
There are other ways of advertising an event. An informal way is by word-of-mouth. Also referred to as viral marketing, positive word-of-mouth promotion from friend, colleagues, family or opinion leader is one of the strongest ways to convince people to visit the event . Asian communities it is a leading form of communication, with a greater degree of credibility. Word-of-mouth can be face-to-face or on Internet chat-rooms or blog sites. It also has the ability to spread much faster and reach a wider audience than other forms to communication. However , it is an uncontrolled communication channel, and target audience. A strategic event communication programme will generate and reinforce strong positive images and consistent message. An active public relation programme of actions to drive positive publicity, in particular, will help to maintain and affirm prominent word-of-mouth discussion on the event. If there is a blog site or unofficial event forum on the Internet, the event PR team should think of ways to get involved and influence discussion.
Motives for event participation
Understanding the motives to be part of an event will assist in the effective preparation of a marketing strategy. The marketing massage can be focused on various target segments and can better package the event offerings. Massage these motives will lead to a higher degree of participant satisfaction . The motives and expectations of the various stakeholders in an event will differ. Motives to travel and watch the event live at the venue or on television may also differ. Live performances will be one-of experiences. There will be several unknowns as part of this, such as the interactions between players and fans, the weather and the outcomes of the event. These will be experiences different from watching the event on television at home. Location within the venue is also subject to varied motivations. Some people may prefer to be up front at the racing track or concert, or sitting at the side of a grass pitch to be as near the action as possible. Others will be concert to be farther back, with perhaps less interaction and activity
The seeking of entertainment value is an essential factor. Based on the individual’s background and passive or active involvement, entertainment value consist of the net outcome of perceived benefits and sacrifices(Dobni,2006). The benefits can be the ability to arouse