The mystery has been revealed. Buzz has been building all week about teaser billboards spotted around Toronto featuring an RBC and OVO logo. A Drake-sponsored credit card? Was RBC sponsoring the popular OVO Fest?
Neither, as it turns out. Instead, RBC and OVO (an acronym that stands for October’s Very Own, a reference to Drake’s birth month) are putting on OVO Summit this August. Described as an “immersive conference for Canadian creatives and lifestyle entrepreneurs looking to grow their careers,” the conference aligns with RBC’s larger efforts to help young Canadians find careers in a changing economy, such as the RBC Emerging Artists Project and Future Launch.
“RBC is committed to helping young people reach their full potential, and this partnership presents a unique opportunity to hone in on RBC and OVO’s shared commitment to supporting the next generation of Canadian creatives and entrepreneurs,” Matt McGlynn, RBC’s vice-president, brand marketing, told The Message. “RBC and OVO are both internationally recognized, made-in-Canada brands, and working together will allow us to create exceptional, unforgettable experiences for our clients.”
“Whether you’re an athlete, student, artist, or a globally-recognized institution like OVO or RBC, one thing we all have in common is we’re always chasing new ideas and information to help us on our path to success,” said Oliver El-Khatib, co-founder, OVO, in a release. “OVO Summit is our chance to curate a relevant educational experience for all the like-minded, driven young Canadians who are passionate about careers in music, sports, arts, and entertainment.”
The release does not mention Drake by name. Asked if the Toronto-born superstar might be involved with the Aug. 2 summit, McGlynn said only: “This is a partnership with the OVO brand.”
While the OVO Summit is the only specific activation of the OVO and RBC collaboration revealed on Thursday, it seems the partnership will extend beyond that. “This is a meaningful partnership that we’re hoping will continue to grow and evolve over time,” said McGlynn.
“More announcements are on the way. In addition to the 2019 OVO Summit, RBC clients and fans of the OVO brand can expect exclusive drops, access, and experiences throughout the partnership.”
