Patrick O'brien
About Patrick O'brien
Patrick O'Brien serves as the Manager of Sponsorship at The Calgary Stampede, where he has worked since 2010. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and event management, he specializes in developing sponsorships that align with major global brands.
Work at Calgary Stampede
Patrick O'Brien has served as the Manager of Sponsorship at The Calgary Stampede since 2010. In this role, he has been responsible for developing and managing sponsorship agreements with various corporate partners. His tenure at The Calgary Stampede spans 14 years, during which he has utilized his extensive experience in marketing and event management to enhance the sponsorship program. O'Brien previously held the position of Sponsor Account Manager from 2006 to 2010, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
Education and Expertise
Patrick O'Brien earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Marketing from Saint Mary's University, where he studied from 1991 to 1996. His educational background has provided a solid foundation for his career in marketing and sponsorship. With over 20 years of experience, O'Brien has developed a strong skill set in marketing, sponsorship, new business development, and event management, making him a knowledgeable professional in his field.
Background in Sponsorship Management
Prior to his current role at The Calgary Stampede, Patrick O'Brien worked at Alpine Canada Alpin as the Manager of Partner Services & Race Events from 2000 to 2006. This six-year experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into partnership management and event coordination. His career has been marked by a consistent focus on building relationships with corporate sponsors and aligning their marketing objectives with event programming.
Collaborations with Major Brands
Throughout his career, Patrick O'Brien has collaborated with several major brands, including BELL, BMO Bank of Montreal, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's. These partnerships have been part of the Stampede Champion Partners program, where he has worked to create sponsorships that deliver value to both the event and the sponsors. His role involves engaging with a team of over 40 volunteer committees to design and implement effective sponsorship strategies.
Innovative Programming and Activation Strategies
In his role at The Calgary Stampede, Patrick O'Brien focuses on innovative programming and activation strategies that provide incremental value to corporate sponsors. He emphasizes a collaborative approach to account management and new business development, ensuring that the marketing objectives of corporate partners are met and exceeded. His strategic initiatives contribute to the overall success of sponsorship agreements and enhance the experience for both sponsors and attendees.