In the high-stakes world of Major and Minor League Baseball, fan engagement isn’t just a bonus; it’s a home run. With thousands of games, passionate fans, and a digital landscape that demands instant access, how do MLB and MiLB ensure their audience stays connected? The answer lies in the power of calendar marketing – and when delivering this essential service, ECAL stands out as the MVP. Let’s dive into the ten pivotal reasons why these iconic leagues trust ECAL to keep their fans in the game daily.
1. Unmatched Scale Management
ECAL handles the massive volume of over 7,000 games annually, ensuring every event is accurately delivered.
2. Real-Time Fan Engagement
Instant updates on schedule changes, broadcast information, and game events keep fans engaged.
3. Personalised Fan Experiences
Fans can tailor their calendars to follow their favourite teams and leagues, fostering deeper connections.
4. Seamless Digital Integration
ECAL integrates with all major digital calendars, ensuring accessibility across all devices.
5. Data-Driven Fan Insights
Valuable data on fan behaviour helps MLB and MiLB optimise marketing strategies.
6. Enhanced Fan Loyalty
Consistent, relevant updates strengthen fan loyalty and connection to the leagues.
7. Increased Attendance and Viewing
ECAL contributes to higher attendance and viewing numbers by keeping fans informed and excited.
8. Global Reach, Local Impact
ECAL’s platform enables localised data delivery, reaching fans worldwide and in specific markets.
9. Strategic Marketing Channel
Calendar marketing with ECAL is a powerful tool for direct fan communication and engagement.
10. Consistent Fan Connection
ECAL provides a constant connection point for fans to the sport and the league within their daily lives.
The relationship between sports and fans is built on moments of excitement, anticipation, and connection. ECAL’s calendar marketing platform doesn’t just deliver schedules; it delivers these moments directly into fans’ lives.
By mastering the scale, personalising the experience, and providing real-time updates, ECAL ensures that MLB and MiLB fans are always part of the action. As digital engagement continues to evolve, the power of a well-integrated calendar remains undeniable – a testament to ECAL’s innovative approach and ability to connect leagues with their fans in meaningful ways.
Ready to transform your fan engagement strategy? Discover how ECAL’s calendar marketing solutions can help your sports organisation connect with fans on a deeper level.
Schedule a Demo or start a free trial and learn how we can bring the power of real-time, personalised engagement to your audience.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing 25 Electrified the Global Stage
The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing 25 electrified the global stage, marking the first major athletics event of 2025. From March 21 to 23, over 500 athletes from 120 nations gathered in Nanjing, China. This pivotal moment in the athletics calendar, bridging the gap between the Paris 2024 Olympics and Tokyo 25, delivered high stakes and showcased emerging stars.
World Athletics partnered with ECAL, the leading provider of calendar marketing solutions, to ensure fans didn’t miss a single moment of this action-packed event. This collaboration brought convenience and personalisation to the fan experience, allowing attendees to sync the entire championship schedule or favourite events into their digital calendars.
Enhancing the Fan Experience at Nanjing 25
Nanjing 25 was more than just a competition; it provided a chance for redemption, a platform for new talent, and a glimpse into the future of athletics. With 26 events spread across three days, staying organised proved crucial. ECAL’s technology empowered fans to:
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Effortlessly sync the complete schedule: Users gained instant access to all event times, locations and disciplines in their calendars.
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Sync their favourite events: Fans ensured they didn’t miss their favourite events or medal races with a single event sync option and one-click access to watch live in their region.
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Enjoy seamless cross-device synchronisation: The schedule was accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
The Championships became a theatre of post-Olympic rivalries. Athletes sought redemption, and new stars emerged, offering a tantalising preview of Tokyo 25. With ECAL, fans easily navigated this dynamic landscape, ensuring they were always in the right place and time.
“ECAL’s ingenious calendar solution was the perfect way to amplify the fan experience at Nanjing 25,” said Founder and CEO Patrick Barrett. “We’re proud to have provided a service that fully empowered fans to immerse themselves in the championships’ excitement.”
The stage was set with Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Mondo Duplantis, Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Yaroslava Mahuchick among the stars competing at the event from March 21 to 23.
As Nanjing hosted this global athletics celebration, ECAL’s technology ensured that fans enjoyed an unforgettable and perfectly timed experience, allowing them to focus on the incredible performances that unfolded before them.
Read more about this exciting global event and sync your calendar so you never miss a moment.
Fans worldwide offered the opportunity to be part of something bigger
Liverpool FC fans around the globe have a unique opportunity to own a piece of football history—and make a difference in the process. Through a strategic partnership with ECAL, the club’s official calendar marketing provider, supporters can seamlessly bid on match-worn shirts from Premier League and Champions League games, with proceeds benefiting the LFC Foundation.
A campaign with purpose
The goal was clear: promote the newly launched Liverpool FC Auction Store, educate fans on the chance to secure priceless memorabilia and raise funds for charitable initiatives. ECAL collaborated closely with Liverpool’s marketing team to craft an impactful campaign, delivering timely auction notifications straight to fans’ calendars.
Patrick Barrett, CEO of ECAL, emphasised the platform’s power, stating, “Our partnership with Liverpool FC is about enhancing the fan experience. Integrating auctions directly into calendars made it incredibly simple for fans to engage, bid, and contribute to a great cause — all in just a few clicks.”
Seamless fan engagement
The campaign included 12 tactical events designed to build excitement and encourage participation. Fans received calendar alerts with shirt details, uplifting messages, and a straightforward ‘Bid Now’ call-to-action linking directly to the auction store. This approach removed friction from the bidding process, ensuring supporters knew auction start and end times, no matter where they were. The calendar integration was a direct, personalised touchpoint, keeping fans connected to the club and its charitable efforts.
Outstanding results
ECAL delivered over 1.4 million event impressions to MyLFC Members, and the campaign significantly boosted traffic to the auction store, increasing participation and final bid values. Ultimately, the player shirt auctions raised substantial funds for the LFC Foundation, which supports young people and families through life-changing programs locally and globally.
Winning on and off the pitch
Liverpool FC’s collaboration with ECAL showcases how innovative digital strategies can amplify fan engagement while driving positive social impact. By meeting supporters where they are – in their digital calendars – the club made it easy for fans to bid on cherished memorabilia and contribute to meaningful community work. Barrett noted, “This campaign was a win for everyone — the fans, the club, and the Foundation. It shows what’s possible when technology, passion, and purpose align.”
For Liverpool supporters, the campaign offered more than just a chance to own a piece of history; it was an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
For more information on ECAL’s calendar marketing platform, visit the Advanced Features section of the website, or contact us directly via email.
ECAL is proud to announce its expansion into Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. This exciting development was formalised in December 2024 at the prestigious World Football Summit in Riyadh, where ECAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the local digital agency, Xplere. This strategic partnership sets the stage for ECAL to bring innovative calendar marketing solutions to the region’s rapidly evolving sports and events ecosystem.
The Thriving Landscape of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil revenues. With substantial investments in tourism, entertainment, and sports, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global hub for major events and cultural activities.
The numbers tell an inspiring story. The events market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow into a $20 billion economy by 2025, creating a fertile ground for innovative marketing solutions.
For Australian companies like ECAL, this dynamic market offers immense opportunities. With a booming hospitality and tourism sector and sports events serving as a key driver for attracting local and international audiences, ECAL’s data-driven calendar marketing solutions are perfectly positioned to thrive.
A Partnership Rooted in Growth and Collaboration
The partnership with Xplere is a cornerstone of ECAL’s strategy in Saudi Arabia. With Xplere’s deep understanding of the local market and ECAL’s expertise in calendar marketing, the collaboration is poised to deliver exceptional value to clients.
Patrick Barrett, Founder and CEO of ECAL, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating:
“I’m incredibly proud of the strong and valued relationship we’ve built with Xplere. Together, we’re achieving great things and expanding the use of ECAL in Saudi Arabia. Seeing how our partnership grows, creating new opportunities and delivering outstanding results is exciting. Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is not just about growth; it’s about creating meaningful partnerships and contributions within the ecosystem.”
By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mission, ECAL is committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s evolving narrative.
The growth of the major event economy in Saudi Arabia presents exciting opportunities for ECAL, driven by several key factors:
Increased Demand for Event Marketing Solutions
As Saudi Arabia hosts an increasing number of events—from international sporting leagues to cultural festivals—there is a heightened need for effective marketing strategies. ECAL’s innovative calendar solutions enable businesses to reach their audiences precisely and drive meaningful engagement.
Adoption of Emerging Technologies
The Kingdom’s substantial investment in technology aligns seamlessly with ECAL’s digital-first approach. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, ECAL can help businesses in Saudi Arabia enhance their marketing efforts and create impactful customer experiences.
A Thriving Sports and Entertainment Sector
Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment landscape is booming with major events like Formula 1, international football matches, and cultural festivals. ECAL’s ability to deliver timely and actionable event notifications ensures audiences remain engaged and connected.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
ECAL’s expansion into Saudi Arabia wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of key partners and stakeholders. The company extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gönül Serbest, Lamia Damerje MDY, Troy Toohey, Dominic O’Brien, Global Victoria, Daniel J, and the Australian Saudi Business Forum for their instrumental roles in making this leap a reality.
The Road Ahead
As ECAL embarks on this exciting new chapter, the enthusiasm for its world-leading calendar marketing solutions within Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of remarkable. With a loyal user base and a rapidly expanding events economy, ECAL is well-positioned to make a significant impact.
Stay tuned for more updates as ECAL and Xplere continue to grow and contribute to the Kingdom’s vibrant sports and events ecosystem.
In another groundbreaking innovation by ECAL, set to revolutionise digital calendar communications, ECAL has unveiled it’s ‘Native Language Translations AI’ service.
In collaboration with Microsoft, and as part of its Calendar AI toolbox, ECAL’s ‘Native Language Translations AI’ feature delivers smart, personalised events content in the user’s preferred native language, directly into their calendar.
The service covers 248 countries, 49 languages, intelligently translated, with key nouns such as sporting team names, venue names, and brand names preserved. ECAL, the world’s leading calendar marketing technology, ensures this information is localised to the user, and dynamically updates with the latest details and new events suiting the user profile, with smart alerts and direct action links to enhance the experience and drive fan engagement, tune-in and participation.
Officially launched by Premier League as part of their 2024/25 season schedule release in June, the Premier League is the world’s most popular and most watched sports league on the planet, with an estimated one billion homes watching the action across 189 countries.
With continued internationalisation of the game a major strategic priority for Premier League, ECAL’s new language translations AI enables the league to discover new fans, new markets, and deliver personalised communications at the right time, in the right place, in the user’s preferred native tongue with ease.
Already, 18% of new users subscribing to the Premier League’s digital calendar service powered by ECAL, are being served events content in a native language other than English thanks to this new breakthrough feature.
Combined with ECAL’s ‘global displays’ that already has a smart language translation feature for the ‘sync to calendar’ user journey, and now with the events content intelligently translated too, ECAL is able to deliver a truly global calendar marketing and communications service.
ECAL Founder & CEO, Patrick Barrett, says: “This feature underscores the importance our business places in the power of partnerships, and our commitment to innovation, as much as the importance of harnessing AI to achieve a positive and powerful product outcome. We believe that this feature will deliver better business for our major client partners around the world, and at the end of the day, will intelligently connect more users to the events and the brands they love the most.”
For more information on ECAL’s ‘Native Language Translations AI’ service, visit the Advanced Features section of the website, or contact us directly via email.
NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, The Skimm & other big brands join ECAL in deal
Leading calendar marketing and communications company ECAL is a business on the move, acquiring US-based Rokt Calendar, adding more than 20 tier-one brands to its growing client portfolio.
A pioneer of the segment, ECAL is famous for its smart, dynamic ‘sync to calendar’ technology, allowing passionate sports and entertainment fans to sync their favourite events directly to their personal digital calendar, so they stay up-to-date and connected.
With over 70% of adults relying on a digital calendar to manage their lives, in a world full of noise, ECAL continues to grow in popularity, increasing its global audience to over 25 million.
The NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, Indycar, EuroLeague, Fox Sports, The Skimm, and SiriusXM are just some of the household brands moving to the ECAL platform following the acquisition.
The move secures ECAL’s position as the global leader in calendar marketing, with the acquisition adding an increased presence in the US to an already dominant position in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Europe.
ECAL Founder & CEO, Patrick Barrett, believes the consolidation paints a very bright future for ECAL and limitless potential for the calendar marketing segment.
“This is a really exciting deal for us, and we are very appreciative of the team at Rokt who believed that ECAL was the best future home for their important calendar clients,” Barrett said.
“ECAL as a business has invested heavily in developing the most sophisticated and modernised solution of its type, and through this acquisition, we are able to set a high benchmark standard for smart, personalised communications into calendar for over 400 major brands globally and growing.”
“We’re always innovating”, Barrett adds. “In the last two months we’ve launched two breakthrough features – a ‘Native Language Translations AI’ that delivers events content in the preferred native language of the user; and a ‘Super Calendar Display’ that has re-imagined what’s possible in an embeddable calendar widget for a website.”
“ECAL works because it is the most effective communications channel for events across any industry, without exception, and actively works to drive engagement, tune-in and sales. It is also a highly effective data acquisition and insights tool for these brands, who want to better understand who and how their audiences interact with their content, so they can better deliver on their CRM and personalisation objectives.”
With 100% delivery rates, 100% content relevancy, and click-through rates of up to 10% for in-demand promotions and over 15% for livestream and ticket on-sale, ECAL’s direct-to-calendar approach avoids the inbox chaos, and commands consumer attention at the right time, in the right place, with the right action.
“With the ever-increasing fragmentation of communications and the need for brands to ‘cut-through’ the noise and counter a shrinking attention span, the calendar is one of the last remaining sacred spaces, and a ‘single source of truth’ for most people,” Barrett says. “If it’s not in the calendar, it generally doesn’t get done!”
About ECAL:
ECAL is a world-leading calendar marketing, communications and data platform, used by over 400 major brands globally across sports, entertainment, media, ticketing, venues, and gaming. Owned by HyperKu and headquartered in Melbourne, with a presence in London, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Manila, ECAL’s smart ‘sync to calendar’ technology enables rich, dynamic, event-based communications straight to the personal digital. calendar of users, to communicate events better and achieve extraordinary business outcomes.
ECAL’s clients include the likes of Premier League, Formula 1, Formula E, Disney+, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, World Rugby, World Athletics, Volleyball World, Fox Sports, SiriusXM, The Skimm, LaLiga, ECB, The FA, ICC, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, Betano, AFL, NRL, Cricket Australia, NBL, A-Leagues, Ticketek, Club Wembley, Venues NSW and others.
Media Enquiries / Further Details
For details or interviews, please contact:
Patrick Barrett, Founder & CEO
Email: hello@ecal.com
In the bustling heart of London stands an iconic landmark, a symbol of sporting prowess and entertainment extravagance – Wembley Stadium. Home to legendary moments in football history and a magnet for global events. Ensuring every moment is seamlessly integrated into the lives of members, is ECAL, the world’s leading calendar marketing solution.
At Club Wembley, the mantra is simple: elevate the membership experience. Luke Rowlinson, CRM & Digital Exec at Club Wembley, affirms this commitment, stating, “At Club Wembley, our members are experiencing more events as part of their membership than ever”. With a calendar boasting six England Senior Men’s fixtures, electrifying encounters with global football powerhouses like Brazil, and the prestigious Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finals, the Club Wembley experience is unparalleled.
Club Wembley isn’t just about football. Its membership entitles individuals to a multitude of experiences, from adrenaline-pumping NFL clashes to the spectacle of live wrestling. “Alongside our core membership events, our members get priority pre-sale access to all the concerts and other sporting events at Wembley,”.
In a world driven by digital connectivity, ECAL provides Club Wembley with a dynamic solution to keep its members informed and engaged. “With a packed calendar, our membership can track the events they wish to attend all from their digital calendar”.
ECAL seamlessly integrates into a members’ digital life, offering real-time updates and personalised event information. From upcoming events, priority ticket access notifications match itineraries to direct access to purchase tickets, ECAL ensures that members are equipped with all the information they need at their fingertips.
ECAL’s super new ‘calendar’ display is a game-changer!
ECAL is excited to unveil its latest product feature, a super new ‘calendar’ display for your events. This new Event Display type is easily embedded to your website, and power-packed with features, designed to offer publishers big and small with a super stylish, intuitive and highly functional showcase of their events. Whether its navigating a world of sports events, local teams, conference agendas, TV programming, or business division tasks and to-do’s, ECAL’s innovative new display provides an unmatched calendar experience.
ECAL’s embeddable Event Displays are now available in four (4) modes to suit you and the available space on your site: the new ‘Calendar’ mode, plus a ‘Page’, ‘Carousel’ & ‘Column’ mode. All ECAL Event Displays are highly customisable, mobile responsive and have ECAL’s world-leading ‘Sync to Calendar’ functionality natively built-in.
A ‘super’ Calendar packed with features!
ECAL’s new ‘Calendar‘ display provides a stylish, rich and interactive display of your events, perfect for a ‘What’s On’, ‘Schedule’, ‘Events’ or ‘Calendar’ page of your website. Filter events by ‘month’, ‘week’, ‘day’ (timeline), ‘list’ or ‘stack’ view, according to your preference. Filter by category or schedule type, easily sort by time or use the date picker. Scan the calendar to see cool event previews on hover. Click to reveal the event details pop-up with direct action links, share with friends, and scroll through the carousel to discover next events upcoming. Want to stay in-sync? Then of course, you can ‘Sync to Calendar’ and receive your favourite events directly to your personal digital calendar.
Key Features include:
- ‘Month’, ‘Week’, ‘Day’ and ‘List’ views
- Daily timeline and Stack views
- Custom styling including feature banners
- Advanced content filters and date pickers
- Timezone auto-detection and display
- Instant event previews on hover
- Slick animated transitions between views
- High impact Event Details pop-up
- Events carousel with cool ‘next event’ navigation
- Direct action links
- Share single events (social, email)
- Colour key to easily identify event types
- Sync to Calendar feature ‘built-in’
- Easy to implement!
See live demo below!
28 February 2024
ECAL has been appointed as the official Preferred Calendar Marketing Partner of the United Soccer League (USL), the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organisation in North America.
ECAL, the world’s leading calendar marketing platform, will be used by the USL and its various leagues and teams across the USL ecosystem, to help communicate events better, by delivering smart, dynamic match schedules and other important events, directly into the personal digital calendar of fans.
The adoption of ECAL is designed to improve communications to a digital first audience, enhance the fan experience, and actively drive engagement, sales, and provide invaluable consumer data and insights.
ECAL adds to the USL’s growing Preferred Supplier Program, which aims to connect its franchise network with ‘best-in-class’ suppliers to deliver the best possible products and experiences to football fans across North America. This partnership is another significant milestone for ECAL as it continues to expand its footprint in the United States, solidifying its position as the dominant calendar marketing platform globally.
ECAL’s smart, dynamic ‘Sync to Calendar’ marketing service will empower USL leagues and teams to deliver a wide range of events content to fans, from match schedules, to ticketing alerts, Member events, community events, promotions and more, directly into their personal digital calendar of choice.
This official USL digital calendar service will ensure fans know exactly what’s on, when, and with direct access to everything they need to participate and engage, fromTV, streaming, tickets, merchandise and much more.
The ECAL platform also delivers invaluable benefits from a data and insights perspective. With the USL intent on knowing and growing its audience, ECAL will be an important tool in the USL realising its customer identification and personalisation goals into the near future.
Patrick Barrett, Founder & CEO of ECAL added: “ECAL is excited to partner with the USL. Our business is committed to connecting large, passionate audiences to the brands and events they love. With soccer thriving in the United States and considering the USL’s broad and ambitious vision for growth, we believe we are well placed to help USL, it’s franchises, and partners realise that vision.”
About USL:
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing professional soccer organisation in North America, possessing more than a decade of experience in bringing football to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing three men’s leagues (USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two), two women’s leagues (USL Super League, USL W League), one elite player development platform (USL Academy), and a national youth platform (USL Super Y League), the USL is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 200 clubs in its membership. For more information, visit: https://www.uslsoccer.com/
USL Media Contact:
Kathleen Goy
Global Head of Events
kathleen.goy@embedcard.com
About ECAL:
The world’s leading events and calendar marketing platform, ECAL is trusted and relied upon by hundreds of the world’s biggest brands across sports, entertainment, media, and ticketing, servicing many millions of users. ECAL is on a mission to communicate events better, and sets the global standard for effective events content management, marketing and smart, dynamic communications to calendar. For more, information, visit: https://ecal.com/
Contact Details:
Patrick Barrett
Founder & CEO
patrick@ecal.com
ECAL proudly announces its partnership with Six Nations Rugby, Europe’s iconic international rugby union competition, to bring a slick and sophisticated digital calendar experience to rugby fans right across the globe, as one part of a larger digital overhaul by Six Nations. ECAL’s smart, sophisticated calendar marketing solution is yet again seen as a ‘must have’ piece of the puzzle, for leading sports and media organisations wanting to implement a modernised digital solution stack that delivers greater engagement, personalisation, user data and insights.
Six Nations Rugby is the official organisation responsible for the annual international rugby competitions that include the Guinness Six Nations, Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Under-20 Six Nations, Under-18 Festivals, and the brand new Autumn Nations Series.
In the dynamic world of sports and entertainment, staying connected to your favourite events is paramount for fans. Whether they’re cheering on their team in the stands or eagerly anticipating a heated rivalry match on TV or their mobile device, ECAL ensures that every kick, try, and tackle is never missed.
Tecwyn Davies – Head of Digital Products & Innovation at Six Nations Rugby says: “ECAL is an important part of our digital marketing mix, facilitating real-time updates on all our Championship matches for fans. Its effortless integration only enhances the user experience, enabling us to deliver value to our broadcasters by driving live tune-in”.
The all-new Six Nations Rugby’s ‘digital calendar’ is dynamic, and syncs all the latest match details and other important event information, straight to your personal digital calendar of choice, so you never miss a moment. Match details are updated throughout the season, complete with localised broadcast information and direct access to the most relevant products and features such as the Match Centre, Latest News, Video and Fantasy at a simple click or tap on the mobile.
ECAL’s ‘Sync to Calendar’ solution is now live and seamlessly integrated into the brand new Six Nations website. You’ll find ‘Add to Calendar’ buttons on each match centre page and a master ‘Add to Calendar’ button on the ‘matches’ page that lets you choose your favourite team by competition.
Get in sync with your favourite Six Nations Rugby here!
