Since the Las Vegas Events followed a marquee event, the Cowboys are the title sponsors of Christmas, so the first thought must have been to find a brand associated with the Western way of life. Perhaps a clothing company in the Cowboy / Cowgirl Merchandise space is looking for her profile and strengthening her connection with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
But when putting together the proposals, Las Vegas Events Marketing Vice President Bo Gardner had an unexpected opportunity: the opportunity to partner with a company that would showcase every aspect of Cowboy Christmas, rather than a partner that could compete with some exhibitors.
So as the NFR returns to Vegas, there is a huge expo under the Monica: Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas in the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“This is the first time Cowboy has sponsored the Christmas title,” Gardner said, referring to Patrick Gottsch, CEO of Cowboy Channel RFD-TV, as the key to building a partnership. “It’s a perfect fit because, in the overall planning of things, it brings such a strong value to Patrick’s brand and our brand. He has the opportunity to inherit more than 230,000 participants and all our viewers and sponsors benefit from knowing that there is a Cowboy Channel.”
The Cowboys Channel took over the NFR broadcast rights last year, replacing the CBS Sports Network, and in reality, the situation was much better. Due to epidemic restrictions, the NFR had to take a year off from Las Vegas and was held in suburban Dallas. But the Cowboys channel has improved NFR’s TV ratings.
Still, on RFD-TV, Gottsch and his colleagues – who have long been involved with Cowboy Christmas – are eager to return to Las Vegas, looking for a way to gain a larger presence at the huge Western Lifestyle Expo.
“Cowboy Christmas is always something we look forward to every year,” Gotts said, before acknowledging the rebrand. “I don’t know how it could be more perfect. Sponsoring it and calling it Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas is not a wise thing to do. We can reap many benefits throughout the year.”
“It’s a great marketing opportunity for both companies. We can market it all year round and get people excited.”
And remember, it’s not just Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. Most of the space on the second floor of the expo is occupied by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Hunter and Outdoor Christmas.
“We overlap with Cowboy Christmas. Live stage down, and we create half the content on that stage. We are 100 percent partners in this, “said Steve Decker, CEO of RMEF. Being away for a year, we’re really pushing the consumer experience. It will be historic and much more. And for those who have never been, it’s an experience everyone needs to see. “
Decker promised that Hunter and Outdoor Christmas Expo-passengers would meet on both floors of the conference center with an extended experience.
“Every vendor is coming back, and some, and (we’ve got) a few new interactive events,” Decker says. He mentions the new Cowboy Revival on the main stage live stage every afternoon, hosted by country music writer and artist – and former Rodeo Cowboy – Shane Minor. The program will shed light on the history of traditional country music.
In view of the lost year, Decker is satisfied that Hunter and Outdoor vendors can get back on track.
“It’s an opportunity for our exhibitors to get down there and do what they do. These are very small businesses, and this expo is a big part of their success,” Decker said. “A lot of these small businesses depend on it. It’s an important source of income. It’s a great way for these small businesses to end their year.”
Similarly, the Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas has expanded overall. Echoes of Decker’s enthusiasm for Gardner and Gotts Live Stage Schedule: The Cowboy for Conversation Calcutta, which begins at 10:15 am.; Long-running and popular outside the barrel with Flint Rasmussen at 11:15 am.; Then Cowboy Revival 12:30 pm. And every afternoon the brand new Cowboy Channel ends with the NFR Telgate Party, starting at 1:30 pm.
