A walk around the 2014 Baseball Winter Meetings Trade Show is a glimpse into the services and products already popular in the baseball industry, those (as well as technology) in the pipeline, and the issues facing teams in their day-to-day business and team operations. Minor league teams can be (and need to be) nimble in their business operations and partnerships, as well as their promotions, which is why the Trade Show is a staple for many MiLB executives.
While MiLB teams are known for their creative promotions and partnership activations, they are a bit behind (due to budget and resources) when it comes to making the most of analytics (for ticket sales, especially), mobile solutions, and digital content creation. Also, lacking the enormous financial windfalls afforded MLB clubs thanks to media rights deals and streaming revenues, MiLB teams are more dependent on making ends meet through merchandise, concessions, partnerships, and, of course, getting fans to games.
For major pro teams and minor league teams, alike, getting butts in seats and building superfans remains of utmost concern and much of the exhibitions at the Trade Show reflects as much. And much of it is getting smarter, faster, and more strategic.
See a full list of exhibitors here and discuss the Trade Show with us: @SportTechie and @njh287.
This just one of dozens of Digital and Social Media Sports posts created by Neil Horowitz. Be sure to follow Neil for a business-minded look at all things digital and social in sports.