Building Brand Affinity Through Hyper-Local Activations

Challenge

MERGE was challenged by client Land O’ Frost to build and drive awareness of one of its locally owned brands, Ambassador Hot Dogs, while promoting the relevance of the brand in Minnesota, positioning its products as a “must-have Minnesota staple” for every gathering.

For the second consecutive year with a feature sponsorship, Ambassador Hot Dogs was the official hot dog partner and championship rink sponsor of the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. 

Solution

MERGE created a unique hyperlocal event activation. The team created a multi-touchpoint takeover to elevate the brand presence from the foundational year (2022) and create a greater brand interaction at each major stopping point of the event, driving home the message: Ambassador is as Minnesota as Pond Hockey.

In order to create a buzz around the brand’s on-site presence to engage participants, players, families, and volunteers, MERGE employed PR/earned media, owned and paid social, on-site event support, sponsorship strategy and partnership management, branded signage, limited edition merchandise, giveaways and more.

Results

The efforts built brand affinity, fostered engagement and drove product trials on-site at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. 

The efforts netted over 11 million impressions with only a $25,000 budget. Key metrics include:  

• 227% increase in brand awareness from year 1 to year 2
• 68% increase in product trial from year 1 to year 2
• 427% increase in earned media impressions in activation year 2
• 9 media features across 6 media outlets totaling 5.8 earned media impressions for year 2
• Increased retailer participation with in-store support from supermarket chain, Cub Foods

Ambassador Hot Dogs & Pond Hockey