Shimano, along with Rapala, two of the world’s biggest angling brands have sealed wide ranging sponsorship deal as Event Partners with the World Predator Classic. The three-year deal will ensure the event is a truly global phenomenon. Following the launch of the event at last year’s EFTTEX in Vienna, there has been a huge amount of trade interest in the event with many of the trade’s leading marketing decision makers seeing the potential benefits of the event. With lure fishing being one of the biggest sectors in angling with good growth potential, the timing for the event and its ability to create ongoing promotion opportunities, could not be better.
Gerard Bakkenes, Senior Marketing Manager of Shimano Europe Fishing explains: “We know what sort of event Ross Honey, the tournament founder, can deliver and we are delighted to sign up as an Event Partner. Lure fishing is one of the biggest angling categories in the world, so we see the WPC as an excellent platform on which to base some of our marketing activities. It isn’t just about the event itself, but the future along with the ongoing, day to day marketing exposure that it provides the brand. The culture of the event is attractive, and blends in with our company philosophies; “Having people enjoy their favorite past time in nature”. The great benefits of being part of this potentially big fishing phenomenon cannot be overestimated. We are committed to an initial three-year deal and see this as an event, which has the potential to grow out to a global one. Shimano is very happy to be part of that.”
Teemu Mäkelä, Rapala’s Marketing Director, is equally delighted: “Rapala is a global brand that looks for the best promotional opportunities, and we believe we have found one. Ross’ reputation is well known with a proven track record in global events in both the angling and golf leisure sectors. Being the global leader in the fishing lure business, Rapala is happy to be a part of the tournament that creates more visibility and a good platform for international competitive lure fishing in Europe. This is a really strong marketing, promotional and sponsorship opportunity and one we’re delighted to have secured for the next three years.”
Tournament founder Ross Honey explains: “We are absolutely delighted to begin working with the biggest names in world predator fishing. They share the vision and, more importantly, understand the benefits of a long-term sponsor relationship. We are really pleased with their full backing, and of course, their willingness to put pen to paper and signing a full three-year deal.”
“The superb venue, Hellevoetsluis, south of Rotterdam in The Netherlands is the perfect location with huge predators inhabiting the water that is some 30 miles long. Not only do we have a live leader board, GPS tracking of each boat and cutting edge technology beaming in the action to big screens for the spectators during the day, but we also have rock concerts every night. The fabulous host town is doing all it can to welcome anglers and spectators from all over the world. This is more than merely a fishing contest: a lot, lot more”.
“From 2015 we will be rolling out the global events creating even more opportunities for local qualifying event sponsorship. There are two great things about this marketing platform, firstly it is an ongoing 365 days a year proposition, and secondly, there is room for everyone to benefit”.
“The inaugural final event taking place on June 20th, 21st and 22nd 2014 is just the start. From 2015 we will be rolling out the global events with national qualifying, creating even more opportunities for anglers and event sponsors alike.”
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