The Fishers Event Center Blueprint: Turning Locals into Lifers

Hear from the marketers behind the Fishers Event Center: How it started, how things are progressing, and what the future holds.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION

Building a brand isn’t magic... it’s maintenance, consistency, and showing up even on the days when absolutely no one is coming to save you. In this session, the marketing team behind the Fishers Event Center pulls back the curtain on how we built a fan-first brand from scratch, in a community where loyalty matters more than impressions and relationships beat algorithms every time.

We’ll dig into why “getting eyes” means nothing if those eyes disappear tomorrow, why brand recognition is the real engine behind ticket sales (not last-minute promo panic), and how relational equity with community partners is your secret growth hormone. Expect a little tough love, a lot of humor, and some very real talk about doing the work, staying weird, and building something people actually want to show up for.

Key Takeaways

• Build Fans, Not Drive-By Viewers: Move past shallow impressions and focus on creating fans who will show up, share, support, and stay.
• Brand First, Sales Second: A strong, consistent brand does the heavy lifting for long-term ticket revenue.
• Relationships Are Currency: Community partners aren’t transactions; they’re long-game collaborators whose trust compounds like interest

ABOUT ANNE CLENDENIN

Anne is a purpose-driven, results-oriented marketing executive with more than 20 years in the sports and entertainment industry, spanning venue, agency, and promoter roles. She specializes in strategic marketing, brand building, community engagement, and driving business growth. Throughout her career, Anne has elevated major national sporting events, increased attendance and revenue, and strengthened stakeholder and community relationships. Known for her entrepreneurial vision, collaborative leadership, and energetic, hands-on approach, she continues to shape fan-first brands and create impactful live experiences.

ABOUT HANNAH SUTHERLAND

Hannah is a passionate, results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience across product promotion, design, and digital marketing. She is skilled in strategic planning and creative development, with a focus on fan engagement, experiential marketing, and community building. Committed to delivering innovative solutions, Hannah helps brands grow while creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact.