Relationship marketing during Rugby World Cup 2003: a comparative analysis of public and private sector sponsors Available to Purchase

Mega events offer a rich context for relationship marketing research, but no known research has investigated relationship leveraging among clients during mega events. This paper compares relationship leveraging by an Australian state government department and a private sector banking firm during Rugby World Cup 2003. A qualitative case study method highlighted a less structured approach to public sector relationship leveraging. Different timeframes for the relationship lifecycle, as well as philosophical, environmental and operational factors, impact upon event-based relationship marketing. Future comparative research is recommended.