Physical + Digital Collectibles is Future of Fan Engagement with Tareq Nazlawy

SUMMARY

In this episode of "Trading Cards and Collectibles," host Ryan Alford interviews Tareq Nazlawy, CEO of Trace, about innovation in sports fandom. They discuss how Trace blends digital and physical collectibles to deepen fan engagement, using examples from tennis and Formula 1. Tareq Nazlawy explains how fans can collect digital “moments” as virtual ticket stubs, making remote participation meaningful. The conversation covers the challenges of innovation, the importance of user experience, and how brands can build lasting relationships with fans through data-driven engagement and authentic experiences. Listeners are encouraged to try Trace and share their feedback.

TAKEAWAYS

• Innovation in sports fandom and collectibles
• Integration of physical and digital collectibles
• Evolution of fan engagement platforms
• Challenges of innovation in established industries
• Importance of user experience and reducing friction in adoption
• Digital collectibles as virtual mementos for fans
• Data-driven relationships between brands and fans
• Examples of digital collectibles in sports, such as tennis and Formula 1
• The role of authenticity in fan experiences
• Opportunities for brands to engage with and understand their fan base

Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, strategy, and live action across the entire collectibles universe as the home for the hobby on the Radcast Network. Cards, kicks, vintage, digital collectibles - if it has a story or a market, we cover it. Hosted by marketing disruptor and creator Ryan Alford, each episode blends real market news, on-air pack rips, honest product reviews, and conversations with athletes, investors, creators, and hobby influencers. We even take it live on eBay, selling what we pull so you can follow the journey from pack to purchase.

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