Red Bull Flugtag 2010

Arguably one of the most successfully marketed companies in the world, Red Bull allocates an unprecedented 35% of their revenue on marketing. Why do they do this? Because it works. While the price of Red Bull remains nearly twice that of all competing energy drinks, they still manage to hold upwards of 40% of the energy drink market. Their top competitor, Monster Energy, holds only a 21% market share.

Among the many famous Red Bull marketing campaigns (Red Bull Air Race & the Wings Team to name a few), one campaign has always stood out... the Flugtag.

In this campaign Red Bull offers their consumers a chance at greatness, as well as a chance to defy gravity. Teams of five are encouraged to invent creative, man-powered flying machines in which to jump off of a 30 foot dock into a lake or river. Sounds crazy right? Tell that to the 300,000+ spectators last year alone.

While this campaign doesn't necessarily advocate world change or anything of that nature, it allows thousands upon thousands of people to have a lot of fun (and also buy a TON of Red Bull). Further, this year's event boasts record levels of attendance and certain greatness.

USA Flugtag 2010 takes place in 4 cities over the course of the summer (Miami, Long Beach, Philadelphia and over very own Twin Cities). Their inclusive recruitment campaign invites thousands of potential teams to submit their ideas for approval. If selected, teams build their machines and compete for prizes ranging from luxury cruises to skydiving ventures.

This year's Minnesota event can be seen on July 24th on Lake Harriet. Get there early, because it's going to be busy...

To close, here is a short clip that really gives you an idea of what Flugtag is really about - being yourself and having a good time...with Red Bull.