Marketing on Ice: Stingrays Unleashed

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.Rob Concannon's journey from hockey player to president of the South Carolina Stingrays is a testament to Charleston's magnetic pull. After arriving in 1995 as a player for the Stingrays, a friend's prophetic words—"if you go to Charleston, you will never move home"—proved remarkably accurate. Nearly three decades later, Rob has transformed from a "mouthy" left-winger to the visionary leader behind the Stingrays' remarkable success.The conversation reveals how the Stingrays have mastered the art of sports marketing in a competitive landscape. Rob explains their creative approach to themed promotional nights, from Star Wars extravaganzas to Bluey appearances that draw thousands of families who might not otherwise attend hockey games. "In minor league sports," he notes, "you have to become creative in terms of attracting fans." This strategy has paid dividends as attendance soars and community excitement builds around the team's record-breaking season—52 wins, 109 points, and the prestigious Bradham Cup as regular-season champions.Community engagement emerges as the heartbeat of the Stingrays' organization. The team's commitment to "Tikamolam"—repairing the world—manifests through their "Community Assist of the Game" program supporting local nonprofits, school visits, reading programs, and countless other initiatives that forge meaningful connections throughout the Lowcountry. These efforts aren't mere publicity stunts but genuine expressions of the organization's values, established by former owners Anita and Jerry Zucker and carried forward by current owner Todd Halloran.As the Stingrays head into the playoffs with home-ice advantage, Rob balances present excitement with future planning. The team's participation in "ECHL Unfiltered," a documentary offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, further demonstrates their innovative approach to fan engagement. Whether discussing marketing strategies, player development, or community impact, Rob's passion for both hockey and Charleston shines through.South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is a public, nonprofit organization that fuels South Carolina’s innovation economy by supporting technology-based startups, academic research, and industry partnerships. Through funding, coaching, and its investment arm SC Launch, SCRA helps early-stage companies grow, commercialize ideas, and scale within the state’s key innovation sectors.Support the showTitle Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing AssociationPresenting Sponsor: Charleston Media SolutionsAnnual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research AuthorityQuarterly Sponsor: King and ColumbusCAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.comProduced and edited: RMBO AdvertisingPhotographer | Co-host: Kelli MorseScore by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenuStudio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew ChaseYouTube...