By EGC Group The current FIFA World Cup concludes this weekend. While the winning team is guaranteed high-profile headlines in every conceivable media outlet, it’s the halftime show that has PR pros anxiously waiting for an opportunity to earn their clients headlines of their own. Introducing the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show For decades, the halftime show for football’s ‘Big Game’ has been one of the biggest stages in entertainment. Taking a cue from this kind of success, the FIFA World Cup has created its own version. The first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show released the lineup of artists who will be taking the stage. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel (conductor), and PS22 Chorus performing with Coldplay, are all featured. As the tournament continues to grow, cultural moments such as these show how global sports are evolving past the game itself as well as presenting opportunities for non-sponsors to earn media attention. Added Opportunities The halftime show creates additional opportunities to generate buzz, expand the conversation beyond sports fans, and bring music, entertainment, and culture into one global moment. While it gives artists another massive platform (despite the fact that names as big as these don’t need them!), it actually gives brands more opportunities to generate earned media by joining the conversation. The best PR teams recognize that more action around the World Cup means more ways to authentically engage in the moment. Whether it be a clothing brand promoting ‘get the look’ of whatever outfit Madonna inevitably stuns in, or a beer brand capitalizing on the fan that goes viral for chugging mid-performance (it’s likely!) – PR teams across every category will be tuned into the halftime show to spot the moment they can ‘newsjack’ on behalf of their clients In Closing Despite the grand scale of the first FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, the rules of authentic engagement and earned media apply to any brand at any level. Reach out to the prSuade team to learn more about how your team can earn attention in unexpected ways.
