Sports Illustrated
CLIENT
Event Production, Experiential, Sports
SERVICES
Hosting select guests for an unforgettable afterparty experience to celebrate race weekend in Montreal.
Maison SI
CRUEL partnered with Sports Illustrated to bring Circuit Series events to Canada, providing an immersive experience that blends high-quality hospitality experience and a race weekend celebration during Montreal Grand Prix. The ultimate aim was to make the event, Maison SI, an integral part of Montreal's Race Weekend fabric—for years to come.
Leveraging Sports Illustrated's signature approach to events, Maison SI was planned as a unique, premium, and highly curated event, inviting select guests from around the world. To further enhance the event's appeal, it was hosted by internationally recognized DJ and model Chantel Jeffries, along with three-time Olympic medalist snowboarder Mark McMorris.
The debut of the Sports Illustrated Circuit Series in Canada successfully delivered a blend of hospitality, celebration, and race weekend festivities, hosting hundreds of guests for both a VIP media event and a nightlife component. With the involvement of high-profile figures and the brand's unique approach to event planning, Maison SI was positioned as a significant part of Montreal's Race Weekend, reflecting Sports Illustrated's commitment to celebrating sports and providing ultimate fan experiences during Grand Prix’s around the world.
CREDITS
Executive Producer: CRUEL
Sponsorship: CRUEL & Authentic
Production: Spotlight Audio Visual Inc. @savi.av
Videography & Photography: Tristan Forbes @tris416, Kaizen Parcasio @ky.ze
Founded in 2013, CRUEL began as a university lifestyle platform in Montreal and a vibrant hub for young people, fuelled by the rise and influence of social media. By 2015, our company had transformed into a marketing agency, attracting clients keen to engage with youth culture, and leveraging expertise from hosting thousands of events and pioneering localized content initiatives. CRUEL's early success was marked by the nationwide launch of Snapple Spiked in 2016, leveraging an authentic, grassroots-focused campaign.
By 2018, CRUEL’s emergence as a creative force in the agency marketplace was nationally recognized, earning accolades such as Campaign of the Year and Brand of the Year for the launch of the 7ACRES cannabis brand. Since then, our agency has embraced adaptability and innovation, shifting from traditional event marketing to a fully integrated approach that now combines Branding, Content, Experiential, and Partnership services.
Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation, while also staying relevant, was highlighted by the LottoMax Dream Drop campaign in 2022, which was recognized with a Cannes Lion for Experience Design. In 2023, CRUEL continued to capture media attention, featured in prestigious publications such as Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, and Vogue. By delivering fully-integrated brand experiences that capitalize on contemporary trends, CRUEL consistently delivers innovative strategies to connect brands with the next generation of consumers.
BRANDING
Research and Insights
Brand Strategy and Planning
Brand Identity
Art Direction
Illustration
Graphic Design
UI and UX DesignCONTENT
Brand Storytelling
Digital Strategy
Content Production
Commercial Photography
Channel Planning
Community Management
Digital Platform Development
Emerging Tech Integrations
3D Motion DesignEXPERIENTIAL
Activation Development
Installations and Pop-Ups
Event Strategy and Production
Interactive Product Sampling
Logistics Management
Staff Recruitment/Training
Retail EnvironmentsPARTNERSHIPS
Strategic Partnerships
Negotiation and Contracting
Sponsorship Framework
Property Representation
Sponsor Activation
Valuation and MeasuremenBrand of the Year ADCANN and
Canadian Cannabis Awards
SUPREME CANNABIS (2018)
Best Marketing Campaign
O’Cannabiz Awards
SUPREME CANNABIS (2019)
ADC Awards 2022
Gold for Media InnovationMR. SATURDAY (2022)
Cannes Bronze Lion for Brand
Experience and Activation
MR. SATURDAY (2022)
Atomic Awards, Gold for Niche Targeting, Collaboration, Engagement
MR. SATURDAY (2022)