Strategic Sponsorship Marketing Analysis

Have you ever wondered about water? The Story of Water starts in our own backyard. From the majestic Rockies, water travels to the Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Aquatic Biosphere is going to tell that story, the people, the history, and the ecosystems through a major public attraction. Welcome to the Aquatic Biosphere Project - for the Story of Water. The Aquarium Society of Alberta incorporated as a Federal non-profit in 2014, and an Alberta Extra-Provincial Non-Profit in 2015. The Society became a registered Canadian charity in 2015. The legacy development was named 'The Aquatic Biosphere Project' in 2018 to better reflect the intended broad reach and impact to the region beyond the scope of just an aquarium. The Aquarium Society of Alberta's mission is to educate, inspire and empower people to play an active role in the conservation of our aquatic ecosystems. The Corporate Values of the Society are: Ethical Practices, Innovation, Creation, Stewardship, Collaborative Results and a Wonder of All Things. The major strategic objective identified for the Aquatic Biosphere in 2022 is strategic marketing. This has been divided into social media, strategic partnerships, and branding. With the assistance of Riipen and the experiential learning programs therein, the Aquatic Biosphere Project (ABP) is pursuing assistance to solve these three problems. Project 1: Strategic Market Analysis – Sponsorship/Funding Partners There is a great deal of strategy in the selection of funding partners, for both parties involved. A common question asked of a non-profit of this nature is 'who else is on board?' or 'who has skin in the game.' This question is often asked at development meeting with municipalities, or when engaging potential sponsors in-kind. It is a credibility that is earned through strategic partnerships that allows large projects to flourish and gain attention. This is an ongoing task for a non-profit, and a critical skill for start-ups. Using what you know of the Aquatic Biosphere’s mission, values, and objectives, launch an analysis to determine who would be the highest potential for success in a funding partner for this project. Funders /sponsors will predominantly include (but are not limited to): foundations and corporations who can act as financial (cash) sponsors. These selected partners will provide key benefits to the organisation, including marketing, operating capital, and to foster a positive reputation to allow for the growth of critical strategic relationships. Key deliverables: Sponsors will need a criterion to be measured against. This can be a decision matrix or similar tool. Identify 10 strong potential cash sponsors, minimum eight from Canada, balance from the United States if appropriate. Candidates must be complimentary to the goals and values of the Aquatic Biosphere Project. These can be corporations, societies etc. How would you pitch to raise funding? Place yourselves in our shoes and present a short pitch deck to one of your selected sponsors. Identify their: Values Past Partnerships Asks/Requirements Potential Risks Associated with This Partner Key Decision Makers Identify their focus of desired outcomes – marketplace, customer, employee engagement, what do they want out of the relationship? Key Items That Would Be Beneficial in Marketing or “Pitching” Directly to This Organisation. Why They Are a Good Fit for This Project, your rating (from matrix) Expected Strategic Outcome: 1. The Aquatic Biosphere will have a list of best-fit cash sponsors with whom the ABP can focus productive outreach and conversations. 2. The Aquatic Biosphere will have a better understanding of strategic marketing in attracting vital cash sponsors.

Environmental Podcast Research & Production

A podcast focused on topics around water and the impacts water have on our environment, culture and industry. The Water We Doing? Podcast has Season 2 underway and needs creative support for topic generation, research, copywriting and scripting, sponsorship acquisition and advertising recordings, and audio/video post-production. Working with our host, students will be responsible to create 30 minute episodes and extended interview content in both audio and video formats. Product credits in the episodes for the students and the school.

Aquatic Biosphere Website and Social Media Alignment

TWe need assistance in putting a bright polish on the outward facing elements of the Aquatic Biosphere Project as it prepares to enter its capital campaign. This project is Canadas first "Living Museum of Water" on the prairies, which is an endeavor roughly the scale of Vancouver Aquarium, Telus World of Science, or the Calgary Zoo. You are the key to showing off the most exciting project in Edmonton's history. A grand new attraction: The Aquatic Biosphere. Using current website and social media best practices, analyze and remediate the AquaticBiosphere.ca website and its social media platforms to: a) enhance and attract project supports and donors while building a community base; b) provide ongoing information and updates to support funders, sponsors and client interests. A team of two – website development and social media marketing/communications - working together to complete these goals from the two directions would be ideal. There needs to be an analysis of purpose, defined focus for each of the platforms, and a coherent integration of their implementation to best suit the target markets that habituate a chosen platform. The website requires a flow analysis of content with recommendations on remediation, a summary of necessary fixes to broken or malfunctioning elements, and the application of those corrections. A full list of social media accounts and website platforms and access will be provided on acceptance and assignment. The two individuals, working from different aspects need to work together to create an integrated experience to the visitor from all these pieces, drawing the visitor into what will eventually be a multi-platform story. This phase forms the initial steps.