Sporto Conference Honors Top Sports Brands and Marketing Campaigns
The organizers of the sports marketing conference Sporto concluded the first day of this year’s event in Portorož with an awards ceremony honoring the most successful brands and marketing campaigns in sports from the past year. Among the most valuable brands in Slovenia are sports stars Luka Dončić, Tadej Pogačar, and Janja Garnbret.
Top Brands and Campaigns Recognized
- Luka Dončić, Tadej Pogačar, and Janja Garnbret emerged as the top sports brands in Slovenia.
- NK Maribor was recognized as the most valuable brand among clubs.
The selection of the most valuable sports brands took place within the framework of Sporto for the 16th consecutive year, with the winners chosen in collaboration with the market and media research institute, Mediana.
During the Thursday evening program in Portorož, the winners were announced. In Croatia, footballer Luka Modrić, athlete Sandra Elkasević, and football club Dinamo were selected as the best. In Serbia, tennis player Novak Djoković, athlete Ivana Španović, and football club Crvena zvezda were honored.
Award Categories
- The best sports sponsorship was awarded to the collaboration between Hisense and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) during this year’s European championship.
- The campaign “Sport is live! City of Ljubljana,” created by Agency DROM, was chosen as the best example of digital communication.
- Laško’s campaign “Conquering Paris” in collaboration with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, executed by agencies Lune and TBWA, was recognized as the best sports activation.
Additionally, the conference organizers selected Mastercard Slovenia’s campaign “The Un:Accessible Slopes” by McCann Ljubljana as the best sustainable campaign and the farewell evening of basketball player Goran Dragić, “I Feel Slovenia Dragon Night” by Sportanzo and Fabulatorij, as the best sports event.
Special Recognition and Awards
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Sporto conference, special awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of sports and sports marketing in the Adriatic region.
- Former sports journalist and rally driver, Darko Klarič, and businessman Jože Mermal, CEO of BTC, received lifetime achievement awards.
- Klarič was recognized for his selfless support of sports, including financial contributions, and his role in managing sports clubs, while Mermal was honored for his support of women’s sports, social responsibility, and creating positive narratives.
Regional Sports Projects
As part of the 20th-anniversary celebrations, the conference organizers also awarded two regional sports projects, the Plazma Youth Sports Games and the Adriatic Basketball League (ABA), for their role in promoting sports and connecting the region.
The two-day conference, continuing into Friday, provides participants with insights into the latest trends in sports marketing, including sponsorship developments, event organization challenges, and shifts in the sports market model.
Conclusion
The Sporto conference in Portorož celebrated the achievements of top sports brands and marketing campaigns, highlighting the valuable contributions of individuals and organizations to the sports industry in the Adriatic region. The event serves as a platform for industry professionals to explore current trends and challenges in sports marketing, fostering innovation and collaboration.
FAQ
What were the criteria for selecting the top sports brands and campaigns?
The organizers considered factors such as brand awareness, global reach, performance, personality, engagement, and fan involvement in the selection process.
Which brands and individuals received special awards at the 20th-anniversary celebration?
Darko Klarič, a former sports journalist and rally driver, and Jože Mermal, CEO of BTC, were honored for their significant contributions to sports and sports marketing in the region.