Thousands of people have taken part throughout the country over summer, but it’s not just the competitors and their Manu skills on display at the Z Manu World Champs.
The nationwide event has been a masterclass in sponsorship activation. Event organizer Scott Rice, an expert in sports sponsorship, has brought together a stellar lineup of brands integrated into every touchpoint of the competition.
“Not only have our sponsors cleverly leveraged their own sponsorship of the event, but they have joined forces and worked together. It’s a great pool of complementary brands,” says Rice.
As naming rights sponsor, Z Energy plays a pivotal role. “Without Z, quite simply it wouldn’t be the Z Manu World Champs!” says Rice.
Activations on show
Along with naming right sponsorship, Z activations include the Z Manu Wildcards, where nine competitors have been fast-tracked to the Grand Final. Manu Face captures classic Manu expressions for the big screen, and Z Spin the Wheel allows audience members to spin a virtual wheel on the big screen for prizes.
Burger King has made a splash with its Dry Thru, a human-sized dryer for jumpers to dry off post-manu. The BK Manus for Manus challenge has select jumpers competing to splash higher than the Free Manu Burger flag — if they succeed, everyone at the event wins a Free Manu Burger. Burger King has also renamed their Bomb Burger to the Manu Burger in celebration, and fans can get “Manu King” tattoos on-site.
Tip Top’s Shoot to Scoop competition challenges contestants to shoot balls into an oversized tub to win a year’s supply. This has been a hit at regional events over summer.
Push Play Sessions have enabled everyone to enjoy the spectacular Manu platform in Viaduct Harbour and enjoy free time in pools as the competition has run. Water Safety NZ, is the event’s charity partner, receiving funds raised throughout the competition and running a Manu with Manu campaign alongside.
Original Kiwi Dip has created an interactive Ball Pit activation, offering a family-friendly experience, along with free sampling of chips, celery, carrot, and OKD dip.
Sponsor creativity
Frank Energy’s Back Slap Thunderclap (FEBSTC), triggers a synchronized crowd clap when a jumper’s back slaps the water. The Frank Energy People’s Champ fan-favorite jumper will perform a special jump during the final.
Snickers Ball Activation is a daily competition at the Auckland qualifiers where selected jumpers attempt to bomb and launch a Snickers-branded volleyball into the air.
Bluebird has partnered with Kelly Tarlton’s Penguins for a unique activation, where the penguins “score” manus with fun ratings displayed on the big screen. ZM and Flava are turning up the volume providing a DJ desk and music throughout the event as media partners, whilst Bumper is bringing interactive fun including a giant Jenga competition and giveaways.
“Sponsor creativity has elevated the experience for our Manu athletes and made the Z Manu World Champs an awesome event for spectators also. It’s a great free experience to enjoy during the New Zealand summer!”
The Z Manu World Champs are in Auckland as part of the Moana Festival. On-demand strategy and execution agency These Guys I Know has worked with Z Manu World Champs for the second year.
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