Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament

In February of 2003, dates became available in the equestrian event calendar for a competition that could attract the best show jumping athletes from the United States and the world. With the goal in mind of creating an event that would benefit Syracuse and central New York, we applied for the dates with the equestrian governing body and developed the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament for production the last week of October.

In the following months, besides finding a venue and having a crash course in starting a not-for-profit company, I was in charge of all marketing and advertising to not only attract the riders but also sponsors, media and spectators. In combination with the competition, the event provided clinics, demonstrations, sponsor and vendor displays, souvenirs and receptions. Our initial budget of approximately $650,000.00 has grown over the event’s six years to over 1.2 million. The Saturday evening competition has sold out every year and spectator attendance for each of the five ticketed events has increased with every year.

Tournament Program:

Schedule of Events, Maps, Advertising, Articles and Information for Spectators.

Advertising:

Each aspect of the tournament, from competition, clinics, seminars, receptions and special events were reviewed yearly and considered with current and new audiences to determine the best advertising placement.

Equestrian magazine advertising promoting a featured clinic

Local newspaper advertising to reach spectators

Posters for National and local distribution

Trifold brochures for mailing, event and store displays

Coupons for event tickets donated to non-profit fundraising events

KRISTIN BARRETT-ANDERSON

Event Design:

For the 2008 Event, the Syracuse Invitational partnered with The National Horse Show and offered an exclusive viewing opportunity on the stage of the War Memorial. A number of the tables were sold for $10,000.00 each. A very special environment was created to accommodate our table holders and sponsors while incorporating the history, tradition and brand of the National Horse Show.

KRISTIN BARRETT-ANDERSON