In Lockdown: The Power of Together
In Lockdown
By Ella Clarke
Freelancing for CAPE has been a great experience for me as I relate to the same values and beliefs as CAPE’s founder, Louise Garlick; we love bringing people together and creating beautiful events in the sport industry. It is amazing to have witnessed that even in the depths of the pandemic, sport has brought us together positively although no longer together on the pitch, we continue to work as a team in the industry looking ahead to more optimistic normal times as the year continues.
2020 had its up and downs for everyone but a massive achievement for CAPE was becoming the accredited broker and hospitality provider for the Rugby League World Cup 2021. Coming into the company as an Account Manager on the Rugby League World Cup, I focused on promoting this incredible tournament by marketing the different hospitality packages we deliver and showing what CAPE could provide for corporate companies and individuals. Tailoring bespoke packages has enabled us to manage the clients’ whole experience so that they can relax and have once in a lifetime experience.
With the Rugby League World Cup being so inclusive; with Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments as well as matches being played all over the country, the tournament really is for everyone. The sense of community that the tournament brings has been at the forefront of my mind. Conveying the message of community, and how hospitality and sport can be so inclusive has been the main objective.
Starting in 2021, Louise and I set up a webinar hosted by CAPE called ‘Hospitality Uncovered’ to show people that hospitality comes in all forms and can bring communities together from all backgrounds, so creating memories and building closer relationships with colleagues and friends.
Our first webinar looked at how the Rugby League World Cup 2021 hospitality will benefit communities and promote rugby across the UK. We were extremely fortunate to welcome Jodie Cunningham, Ambassador and Community Engagement Lead at the RLWC 2021; Zoe Pickering, Regional Sales Manager at Splendid Hospitality and Lynsey Douglas, Women’s sport Global Lead and Head of Brands with all questions being asked by Sarah Butler, PR Professional who brought the webinar to life.
This webinar was greatly informative as it demonstrated how men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments are being hosted on an equal playing field in promotion and sponsorship, and therefore provide more exposure in their individual sport allowing younger generations to get involved regardless of their gender or ability. The RLWC is really paving the way for how tournaments should take place and how brands should be using their profile to get behind the positive values and, in addition, support key areas such as diversity, inclusion and equality.
Our second webinar saw panellists, Atlanta St John, Marc Lee and Richard Whincup, leading on from the last theme of the webinar, the panellists discussed how rugby can influence communities and bring people together. Listening to their interesting stories, especially around women's rugby, I would urge you to watch a live women’s sport’s match; there is no chance you will be disappointed! In addition, they discussed how inclusive hospitality packages can range from pizza and beers in a car park with friends to three course meals in a hospitality box with clients. From grassroots, to elite levels it was clear how sport enables you to have so many transferrable skills which will help you in all parts of your life; determination, teamwork and learning how to accept failure. Through the panellist’s stories, it was clear that rugby and sport as a whole has played a substantial role in their life bringing an immensely positive aspect to their personal and professional lives.
I really look forward to seeing how the webinar grows in the months to come and, although my time at CAPE has come to an end for now, I will always support the company and hopefully work together in the future. The best of luck to everyone competing in the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
If you are interested in purchasing any tickets or hospitality, please get in touch by contacting fly@corporatecape.com and watch highlights from the webinar here.