Anna Huddleston

To create press buzz for the unveiling of its limited edition diamond-encrusted SD1100 Digital ELPH camera Canon turned to tennis pro Maria Sharapova a long-time ambassador for the brand.

The camera containing 88 white diamonds totaling 2.22 carats was unveiled last month at the Canon Center Court a 50-foot dome resembling a tennis ball at South Street Seaport to tie in with Canon’s longstanding sponsorship of the US Open which wrapped up this month in Lake Success NY. At the event Canon showed for the first time its newest commercial featuring Sharapova titled “Fans.”

The concert sponsorship activation model has become for the most part a rather formulaic platform. Hit folks in the parking lots set up near concession stands before the first set and serve up some branded love after the encore wraps up. Nuff said papi.

It says something about the power of event marketing that big-time TV networks are no longer relying only on their own form of media to get the word out about their programming. More and more big and small networks basic cable stations and premium pay stations alike are all turning to experiential to promote shows. To create buzz for mid-season replacements reality shows election coverage—you name it—networks are taking it to the streets to hook in viewers and entice media buyers.

To promote its new handheld device the BlackBerry Storm Verizon Wireless in November launched a series of promos in Atlanta Chicago New York City and San Francisco that had consumers grabbing among a flurry of swirling tickets for a chance to win the new phones and other prizes.

Duracell partnered with sister Procter & Gamble brand Charmin at its popular restrooms pop-up in Times Square now on its third run to expand the brand experience for New Yorkers and tourists alike during the holiday season. Like Charmin which bases its program on meeting a consumer need (clean public bathrooms that are normally a rarity in NYC) Duracell provides a respite from the busy streets where people can recharge their cell phones and other electronics and reboot to get back on their feet.