The Brand Fans. Independent Sponsorship Intelligence.

The Brand Fans.  Independent Sponsorship Intelligence. We believe in the power of sponsorship and cause marketing to create long-term powerful connections. We make sponsorship work and we have the tools to prove it!

We create emotional brand experiences through sponsorship and cause marketing that deliver long-term connections and market leading return on investment.

10/08/2026

A sold-out Aviva Stadium for Arsenal v Real Betis! 🏟️

We were thrilled to work with TEG to deliver the full matchday presentation programme, bringing the stadium to life with an exciting mix of entertainment and fan engagement.

From violinists, drummers and flag bearers to Fan Cam, Social Wall, in-stadium effects, LED, Big Screen, pyrotechnics and, of course, Gunnersaurus! 🔴⚪

A huge thank you to TEG, particularly Daniel Pennyfeather and Anna Williams, and to all of our fantastic delivery partners who helped make the event such a success: TEG Sport, FAIreland, Aviva Stadium, Arsenal, NEP, Hit Machine, Aperture, Raw Marketing & Events Ltd, CT-Group, Black Powder Monkeys, Damann, Nicole Lonergan, Aisling Sage, Will Dalton, Stephen McQuarry, Niall McDermott, Alan Matthews and Dublin Arsenal Supporters Club.

A brilliant team effort to create an unforgettable matchday experience for a packed Aviva Stadium. ⚽

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs  #6: Why don't fans engage with us?“We’re there… so why aren’t fans responding?”Showing up isn’...
07/08/2026

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs #6: Why don't fans engage with us?

“We’re there… so why aren’t fans responding?”

Showing up isn’t enough. One of the most common challenges in sponsorship is expecting engagement without giving fans a reason to care.

The reality? Fans engage when there’s clear value, something that enhances their experience, rewards their loyalty, or connects authentically with what they love.

If a sponsorship lacks purpose, relevance, or creativity, it risks becoming background noise.

At The Brand Fans, we help brands move beyond presence to meaningful participation through strategic sponsorship activation planning. Because if fans don’t feel it… they won’t engage.

Get in touch: https://www.thebrandfans.com/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

Data continues to rise in importance within the sponsorship industry, climbing three places in the 2026 ESA Sponsorship ...
05/08/2026

Data continues to rise in importance within the sponsorship industry, climbing three places in the 2026 ESA Sponsorship Trends rankings. 📈

But the focus is shifting. It's no longer about collecting more data; it’s about using the right data in the right way.

With measurement growing in importance, this highlights a clear industry shift: data is no longer just a tool; it’s becoming a cornerstone of effective sponsorship strategy and stronger brand partnerships. 📊

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

Entries for the ESA Awards 2027 are now open! 🏆The ESA Awards celebrate the very best in sponsorship, showcasing outstan...
03/08/2026

Entries for the ESA Awards 2027 are now open! 🏆

The ESA Awards celebrate the very best in sponsorship, showcasing outstanding campaigns across the full spectrum of the industry and recognising excellence from across Europe.

🗓️ The deadline for early bird entries is Friday, 25th September 2026, with the final entry deadline on Friday, 16th October 2026.

Discover more and complete your entry here: https://sponsorship.org/esa-awards/esa-awards-home/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs  #5: What Now?The deal is signed. Everyone's happy.Then somebody asks..."What happens next?"One...
31/07/2026

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs #5: What Now?

The deal is signed. Everyone's happy.

Then somebody asks..."What happens next?"

One of the most common sponsorship mistakes is focusing all the effort on securing the partnership, without putting enough thought into how it will actually deliver against objectives.

The sponsorship itself is only the starting point. The real value comes from activation, planning and ex*****on.

The best sponsorships don't start with the contract. They start with a clear plan for what success looks like and how it will be achieved.

Need help turning sponsorship strategy into action? Find out more: https://www.thebrandfans.com/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

College football returns to Dublin this August 🏈🇮🇪The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will see Texas Christian Unive...
29/07/2026

College football returns to Dublin this August 🏈🇮🇪

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will see Texas Christian University take on the University of North Carolina at Aviva Stadium, bringing another major international sporting event to Dublin.

Since its return in 2022, the College Football Classic has become a key fixture in the sporting calendar, attracting fans from both sides of the Atlantic and showcasing Dublin on a global stage.

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

27/07/2026

Every successful sponsorship starts with a plan ✔️

From defining objectives to identifying the right audiences, effective planning lays the foundation for sponsorship success.

https://www.thebrandfans.com/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs  #4: Too MuchSponsorship should enhance the fan experience, not take it over.Sometimes, in the ...
24/07/2026

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs #4: Too Much

Sponsorship should enhance the fan experience, not take it over.

Sometimes, in the pursuit of visibility, brands can place themselves so close to the action that they become a distraction rather than an addition.

The best sponsorships feel natural, relevant and add value to the experience. When fans start noticing the sponsorship more than the event itself, it may be time to rethink the approach.

At The Brand Fans, our SPi (Sponsorship Performance & Impact) model helps brands understand how sponsorship is really being received by fans, providing the insight needed to optimise activations and create more effective experiences.

Want to understand the true impact of your sponsorship? Find out more: https://www.thebrandfans.com/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

22/07/2026

Putting fans front and centre.

We’re proud to support Virgin Media Ireland in bringing their football sponsorships to life through authentic, fan-first content. ⚽

🎤 With Mick Medeiros on the ground, chatting to Shelbourne fans ahead of kick-off, the focus was simple: capturing the real stories of loyalty, passion, and the moments fans go above and beyond for their club.

📸 virginmediaireland

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs  #3: Chairman's Whim"I love it. Let's sponsor it."Thankfully, this is less common than it was 2...
17/07/2026

🚨 Sponsorship Watch Outs #3: Chairman's Whim

"I love it. Let's sponsor it."

Thankfully, this is less common than it was 20 years ago, but it still happens from time to time.

The challenge? A sponsorship that makes perfect sense to one person may not make sense for the brand, the audience or the wider business.
The strongest sponsorships are built around customer insight, clear objectives and strategic fit — not personal preferences.

Just because the Chairman loves Extreme Llama Racing doesn't mean your customers will.

Want to make smarter sponsorship decisions? Find out more: https://www.thebrandfans.com/

The Brand Fans, Independent Sponsorship Intelligence - We believe in the power of sponsorship, and we have the tools to prove it works.

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