Using the World Series of Poker as a Marketing Opportunity

It’s that time of the year again. The World Series of Poker is less than two weeks away. I plan to make my annual journey to play at least one event. Since I don’t play no limit hold’em I have to plan ahead. I’ll be playing in the May 30th $1500 Omaha High/Low. What will you be doing during this summer’s biggest poker event?

Hundreds if not thousands of poker related businesses will be using the opportunity to market to the biggest live poker crowd you can find. Some will set up booths, some will broadcast their news stories, some will send their players in their logo wear. Maybe you are a small affiliate and can’t afford to send players to play wearing your logo, set up a booth or afford a license to broadcast the event. What can you do?

One of the best ideas is to play in one of the smaller events. While I’m there I plan on wearing either a PAS or RakeTracker shirt. In the other events I’ve worn the shirt they have become conversation pieces. You will be at the same table for hours and it will drag. People will want to discuss anything to pass the time and your subtle advertising will be an easy conversation starter.

Even if you don’t play poker or don’t think you are good enough to cash in an event at least making an appearance will be a good idea. You never know when you might run into a player that will now be able to put a face with your affiliate business. The more a player or customer knows about you the more likely you are to convert or retain them.