President of the Marketing and Promotion Commission, Vincenzo De Bartolomeo, speaks about elevating fencing through innovative marketing and promotion.
Vincenzo De Bartolomeo, a Member of the Executive Committee of the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) and President of the Marketing and Promotion Commission, is on a mission to reshape the way fencing connects with the broader public. In an exclusive interview, he shared insights into his vision and the steps being taken to enhance the visibility and appeal of fencing across Europe.
A Strategic Vision for Growth
“President Pascal is very motivated and wants to give a strong innovative push in this area,” Vincenzo begins, emphasizing the critical role marketing and promotion play in the EFC's broader strategy. These two elements, he explains, are essential for increasing the number of fencers and enhancing the general interest of civil society in the sport.
“It is important to have a good marketing policy to define our objectives and consequently the promotional activities,” he notes. By clearly outlining goals, the Confederation can craft tailored promotional campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
When asked, "If the EFC were a person, what characteristics should it have to best represent the brand?" Vincenzo responded with a creative analogy.
"From my perspective, fencing is often perceived by those outside the fencing community as international, stylish, and captivating. Yet, within our community, we know it to be rigorous and competitive—sometimes even playful. I would characterize the EFC as a blend of Daniel Craig's suave and resilient James Bond (007) and Uma Thurman's bold, multifaceted personas from Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, and Be Cool. "
Communication: The Heart of Promotion
Marketing and promotion, as Vincenzo describes, are deeply intertwined. “The link between the two initiatives is in communication: incoming and outgoing. Our idea can be summarized in 'Inform and be informed,'” he states. Central to this initiative is fostering collaboration with European Federations to understand their unique approaches to promotion.
“By working together,” he adds, “we can create a cohesive communication strategy that benefits everyone in the fencing community.”
Beyond the Competition: A New Column for Broader Engagement
One of the standout initiatives Vincenzo has championed is this introduction of the “Beyond the Competition” column on the EFC website. “Fencing is not only competition but also values to be exported to our Continent and its surroundings,” he explains with enthusiasm.
The weekly feature will spotlight initiatives organized by European Federations and the EFC itself, as well as short interviews with influential fencing managers. “Through this column, we aim to showcase the depth of fencing as a discipline that goes beyond medals and rankings,” Vincenzo adds.
Linking Competition to Branding
While fencing’s cultural and educational dimensions are important, competition remains at the sport’s core. Vincenzo highlights the importance of seamless event organization as a key promotional tool. “An excellent organization of competitions is the best 'business card' to present the brand of our Confederation,” he asserts. By delivering top-tier experiences to athletes and spectators alike, the EFC can bolster its reputation and attract more enthusiasts to the sport.
Facing Challenges with Ambition
As the President of the Marketing and Promotion Commission, Vincenzo is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. “The growth of fencing is the most fascinating challenge that a fencing sports manager must face,” he shares. To achieve this, he underscores the importance of addressing the needs and difficulties of national federations.
“Promoting the training of coaches and collaborating with schools are key priorities,” he elaborates. These initiatives, tailored to the unique circumstances of each country, are vital for nurturing grassroots development.
When asked about his dream for fencing, Vincenzo’s passion is evident: “To develop widespread communication so that in every corner of our continent more and more people read and talk about fencing and……'fall in love' with this wonderful discipline.”
