NEWS

AWAY WE GO ~ MATIKE MAI ANNOUNCED AS Pacific Affiliate for Local Action Marketing, Los Angeles

16 October 2025

A new pathway now connects Pacific-based sports, brands, and government agencies with major events in Los Angeles, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Games.

Away We Go ~ Matike Mai has been named the official Pacific Affiliate of Local Action Marketing (LAM) - a new global sports marketing agency launched today in Los Angeles.

Away We Go ~ Matike Mai specialises in commercial, sponsorship, brand, marketing, and activation services. Established in late 2022, it has worked with an extensive portfolio of New Zealand clients over the past 3 years, including Triathlon NZ, Surfing NZ, and NZ Rugby League. Following strong growth, the agency recently opened its offering to Australia and the Pacific.

The Auckland-based agency is one of eight regional affiliates announced by LAM today. It joins a global network of specialists spanning the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, anchored by a new Los Angeles-based team of 25+ senior leaders and industry experts.

  • LAM has been established to help sports, brands, and government agencies navigate, stand out, and thrive during Los Angeles’ major sporting and cultural events.

  • It is a fully accredited provider to the LA28 Local Organising Committee, the City of Los Angeles, and other key event organisers.

  • The agency brings together elite former agency and in-house leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and former athletes.

  • Its local team of LA natives are experts offering deep knowledge, relationships, and networks across the region.

  • Operating as an out-of-office collective both in LA and globally, LAM keeps client costs low through minimal overheads.

From today, Away We Go ~ Matike Mai will begin operating under a dual brand.

Local Action Marketing Pacific (LAM Pacific) will focus on connecting Pacific-based clients to global major-event opportunities in Los Angeles while providing global clients with a trusted delivery partner in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

CEO Rachel Froggatt said the affiliation ensures that Pacific organisations can engage on equal footing with global players, as LA prepares for one of the world’s busiest event cycles.

“Many Pacific-based sports bodies, brands, and government agencies want to be part of what’s happening in Los Angeles, but they don’t always know where to start. It’s an incredibly busy, expensive, and complex marketplace, and without trusted networks, it can be daunting.

Local Action Marketing Pacific is designed to be a low-cost, low-complexity partner for any organisation wanting to activate in Los Angeles, drawing on both local and global expertise.

We see our role as complementary. We provide flexible, on-the-ground support in LA and across the Pacific, working seamlessly alongside services offered by local organising committees, ticketing agencies, and any regional partners. We ensure clients have total end-to-end support.”

SERVICE OFFERING

  • LAM provides scalable on-the-ground marketing and logistics services in Los Angeles, including strategic planning, location scouting, event and guest-experience production and activation, legal support for contracts and local regulation compliance, hospitality, accommodation and transportation, community engagement initiatives, video and photography, PR, advertising, broadcast and talent, design and social media services.

  • Away We Go ~ Matike Mai provides regional expertise across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific through Local Action Marketing Pacific, supporting clients in three ways - by acting on their behalf and managing our LA-based team directly; enabling clients to work hands-on with the LA team; or working directly for global clients on projects in the Pacific region.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

  • LAM - for Sports Organisations: A national sports body preparing for a pre-event training or staging camp in Los Angeles can partner with LAM to manage logistics, facilities, and local coordination. LAM works directly with LA-based venues, accommodation providers, and service partners to streamline operations and ensure athlete readiness. LAM can also help design and deliver a “country house” presence in LA - a branded base for athletes, sponsors, fans and supporters that showcases national identity, hosts media and VIPs, and provides a home away from home during the event period.

  • LAM - for Brands: Pacific brands can work with LAM to plan and capture authentic content around LA’s major sporting calendar. For sponsors of Pacific teams, LAM provides on-the-ground access and production support to create stories, imagery, and experiences for use back home. With a strong understanding of commercial blackout periods and event regulations, LAM ensures all activity is compliant, efficient, and designed to maximise impact in domestic markets.

  • LAM - for Government Agencies: Government agencies looking to promote trade, tourism, or cultural exchange in the lead-up to Los Angeles’ global event cycle can partner with LAM for locally informed guidance and activation delivery. The team supports event staging, VIP hosting, and official engagement activities, connecting agencies with trusted vendors, creative talent, and media channels. LAM ensures initiatives align with event frameworks and community programmes, helping showcase Pacific nations on the global stage with authenticity and impact.

Major Upcoming Events in Los Angeles (2025 - 2028)

2026

  • NBA All-Star Game (Los Angeles) - February

  • FIFA World Cup (Los Angeles will host eight matches) - June

  • U.S. Women’s Open Championship (Riviera Country Club) - June

2027

  • Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) – February

2028

  • Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games – August

ENDS