Sports Leaders Discuss How to Build Brand Fans Through Marketing Technology and Beyond

SAN MATEO, Calif., March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Executives from the Detroit Pistons, the Portland Trail Blazers, sports analytics agency E15, and Marketo, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKTO), will take the stage in Austin at South by Southwest (SXSW) for a panel on how marketing technology is reshaping the way sports franchises interacts with fans. "Sports & MarTech: Converting Fans to FANATICS!" will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT at the Four Seasons San Jacinto room. It is part of the SXSW Interactive SXsports programming track.

The session will feature panelists Charlie Metzger, executive vice president and CMO of the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment; Vincent Ircandia, senior vice president of Business Operations for the Portland Trail Blazers; and Jaime Faulkner, CEO of E15. It will be moderated by Marketo's CMO, Sanjay Dholakia.

"I am thrilled to be leading this exciting discussion on how these incredible sports organizations have taken fan loyalty to the next level," said Dholakia. "In this digital age, the insights supplied through technology and analytics provide brands an opportunity to engage with customers in new and innovative ways, which can move the needle for any business, regardless of industry."

In an era where consumers can choose from any number of leisure activities, professional sports and entertainment organizations must compete for fan attention both on and off the court. From beacons to mobile, the session will cover how franchises are tapping in- and out-of-stadium technology to convert fair-weather fans into die-hard enthusiasts. It will also teach marketers how the same principles of engaging each consumer as an individual can transform any customer base into loyal advocates, regardless of the industry.

Additionally, Marketo will be on-site at the Hilton Austin Downtown with its "Hydration Station" from Friday, March 11 to Sunday, March 13. Conference attendees can stop by for complimentary fruit-infused water.

About Marketo
Marketo (NASDAQ: MKTO) provides the leading engagement marketing software and solutions designed to help marketers develop long-term relationships with their customers – from acquisition to advocacy. Marketo is built for marketers, by marketers and is setting the innovation agenda for marketing technology. Marketo puts Marketing First. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with offices around the world, Marketo serves as a strategic partner to large enterprise and fast-growing small companies across a wide variety of industries. To learn more about Marketo's Engagement Marketing Platform, LaunchPoint® partner ecosystem, and the vast community that is the Marketo Marketing Nation®, visit www.marketo.com.

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SOURCE Marketo, Inc.