SITUATION:

The New Orleans Hornets came to The Ehrhardt Group, Inc. looking for help in reintroducing the team to the community during its return to the market for the 2007-2008 season. The first major project was to conceptualize, plan, organize, direct and execute a series of small group meetings with New Orleans most influential groups for the purpose of season ticket sales.  

OBJECTIVES:

 To position Hornets Basketball for success during the season ticket renewal process, specifically with the addition of new season ticket holders from an identified group of business, civic and community leaders in metropolitan New Orleans.

STRATEGIES:

• Identify potential season ticket holders
• Review existing season ticket holder base.
• Identify likely prospects from lists of metropolitan businesses, civic and community groups.
• Identify and contact influencer hosts for Hornet get-togethers
• Use existing season ticket holders and sponsors as a base
• Identify prospects among influencer lists who could serve as in-home, country club, church organization, etc. hosts for Hornets season ticket events.
• Lay out a schedule of events throughout the season
• Integrate Hornets well known names as feature guests
• George Shinn
• Hugh Weber
• Byron Scott
• Jeff Bowers
• Willis Reed
• Organize a program that inspires confidence in Hornets Basketball and motivate influencers to buy tickets and back the organization.
• Talk about the Hornets investment in New Orleans
• Organize logistics for entire influencer meeting, greeting and season ticket sales program.

RESULTS: