Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Running Symposium – Mapping the Course of Endurance
Posted by: Team Active
At the Running Symposium – Mapping the Course of Endurance, that took place in London on the 19th April, event organisers and other running professionals from around the globe got together to discuss the latest trends affecting the industry.
An open discussion led by Keith Williams (Senior Manager, Emerging Markets EMEA) and Sam Renouf (VP, Emerging Markets & GM, APAC) covered 3 main areas:
The effect of mobile usage and social media.
The surge in adventure and MOB TM /adventure racing.
How altering pricing strategies can be beneficial for running events.
Amongst the topics of discussion one key conclusion came out - event organisers must stop and think before putting on their next event ! Organisers should not just switch the event live and react on a daily/monthly basis. Instead, they should plan in advance for the audience's reaction. Optimising demand generation can be leveraged through channels' event organisers already have at their disposal.
Sam Renouf commented on ACTIVE Network’s data gathered over recent years, saying that those participants who register from a social media network and from a mobile device have risen significantly in the past couple of years. So much that ACTIVE.com predicts the number of participants registering to events from their mobile device will surpass desktop by early 2014. By mobilising event sites, organisers can improve participant's usability and convenience.
To help understand how social media interactions actually translate into offline actions ACTIVE revealed the results of a research conducted to 500 consumers that demystifies what exactly happens "beyond the click”. Follow this link to access the results Infographic- http://ow.ly/kzeBc .
Symposium participants also discussed the accelerated growth of adventure racing, or the so called mud and obstacle races (MOB TM) and how they are likely to influence traditional running events. “Over 80% participate in a MOB with at least 1 friend and 29% of them heard about the event through social media as seen from a 2012 ACTIVE.com survey1. Considering this, event organisers should consider this social athlete when strategising their race planning.” said Keith Williams.
Running Symposium participants concluded that event directors need to utilise better strategic event planning when considering pricing. Setting up 4-5 pricing tiers through the event's registration page can help drive demand, while early event sell-out will not only improve relations with the event but also allow charities involved, with an extended window to fulfil their entries. Endurance event organisers can grow their revenue by around 18% by making a shift in their pricing strategy, according to ACTIVE Network’s client case studies presented at the Running Symposium.
With these channels and trends still being recent to the market, it is down to the proactive event organiser to take advantage from these trends and combine them into their strategic fit.
The symposium proved to be a big success, with great feedback received from delegates who considered it “a very useful initiative, which provided valuable information, relevant to the industry”.
If you are an endurance event organiser of any race type and would like to attend one of ACTIVE’s future Endurance Symposiums, you can request to be included in our invitation list
here .
1 ACTIVE Network survey to 1000 ACTIVE Lifestyle participants. Profile of a MOBTM-Ster. The ACTIVE Network (August 2012)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Fireside Chat with London Marathon Race Director, Hugh Brasher on RideLondon Buzz
Posted by: Team Active
Just as excitement around the 2012 Summer Olympics RideLondon
Managed in part by London Marathon
The event will take place on the weekend of 3rd August 2013.
We sat down with our customer, London Marathon Race Director, Hugh Brasher, to talk about how the event registration is going so far.
What has the reaction been to the RideLondon event in London? Recently, you announced that 25,000 people registered in 5 weeks! Were you surprised by this? I was absolutely ecstatic at the initial reaction to the event! So far, there has been a surge in women registering for the 100 mile cycling event. We’re actively working to encourage even more women to participate! I am also surprised that 92% of the entrants cycle twice a week or more and yet 63% haven’t done a cyclo sportive, so the registration shows we are inspiring people to enter an event (RideLondon 100) that they have never attempted before.
Why did you choose to work with ACTIVE Network? We chose to work with ACTIVE because of its breadth and experience, as well as the commitment they demonstrated to our organization. The ACTIVE team had the RideLondon website up and running under an incredibly tight deadline. The commitment to meet deadlines and the team’s proven ability to do that was what really swung it for us. The ACTIVE team put in lots of late nights and hard work and we are ecstatic with the results we’ve seen so far.
I hear you’ve run the London Marathon four times, the New York Marathon three times, and already worked on 29 London Marathons. Wow! What is it about running that you love so much? Yes, but unfortunately, I think my marathon running days are in the past. I ran the London Marathon in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 2003 and the New York Marathon six or seven years in a row. I used to run 70 miles a week! I really enjoyed the competitive element of running. Everyone has their own goals, whether it be running a 5k for the first time or running a marathon. Running is also accessible and relatively easy to do…..just lace up your running shoes and get outside. I see similarities in the sport of cycling.
Why are you excited about RideLondon? What will it do for the city of London and the sport of cycling? I am so excited to have a festival of cycling in London – the greatest city in the world (in my opinion). As the first Olympic legacy event, I hope that it will inspire people to take part in sports and activity, and change their lives!
What was your favorite sport at the Olympics this summer? Why? The 5,000 meters gold medal victory by Mo Farah was absolutely stunning. He proved to the world that he is the best distance runner. Despite the pressure, he not only won the 10,000 meters, he also brought home the 5,000. It was inspiring to watch.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Hugh! So what are you waiting for… sign up for the RideLondon event today !
Friday, October 05, 2012
Trends in the Charity and Sports Events Markets
Posted by: Team Active
Yesterday morning, at London’s Commonwealth Club, we saw the insight and thought leadership driving the recently announced partnership of ACTIVE Network and Just Giving. An audience of 93 leading organisations heard from both companies and industry leaders before they had their say.
Co-host Keith Williams, Head of Biz Dev for ACTIVE Network, revealed new data showing the endurance sports market (running, cycling, and triathlon) in the UK has seen a 23% growth in the number of events organised since 2008. Cycling and triathlon have shown the sharpest increase, buoyed by on-going success of British Cycling and the publicised achievements of the Olympian Brownlee Brothers. This increase in the number of events contrasts markedly with ACTIVE’s insight into event participation – which has seen just a 1% increase in those four years. There are more people participating but they are being more choosy, meaning competition is intense and on the increase.
Use of Social Media influence in the endurance and fundraising events market was spotlighted at the event with JustGiving, revealing that each individual fundraising page that is shared on Facebook is seen by an average of 562 people [3]. ACTIVE Network published research that revealed Facebook has driven 300% more ROI to event organisers than email communications [4].
Through insight and case studies courtesy of Jo Dyson and Graham Tyrell (Maggies Cancer Care Centres) and Mike Tomlinson (Run for All), the hosts illustrated the importance of engagement with the consumer, putting them at the centre of your organisation. The use of video, social media, mobile optimisation, and accessible intelligence and understanding around your community are areas that give significant return on investment.
“Making Every Step Count” also allowed an opportunity for endurance event organisers and charities to network, share ideas and create new business relations. The benefits for event organisers, corporates and charities teaming up and forging stronger relationships were highlighted by Jenny Baskerville from KPMG who partnered Barnardos on the Big Blue Kick, and by Mike Tomlinson and the story behind Run for All.
Find out more about ACTIVE Network & JustGiving partnership here
[1] Based on past and current analysis of Google analytics and ACTIVE Network data over a period of 12 months.
[2] JustGiving analysed internal data for over 300,000 fundraising pages, with additional data from Google Analytics and Facebook Insights. In total, each individual fundraising campaign has an average of 562 impressions on Facebook, through fundraisers and sponsors sharing information about the event
[3] Data verified based on the analytics of ACTIVE Network client endurance events based on the referral links from registrants over a period of 4 months in 2011.
Monday, July 30, 2012
JustGiving and ACTIVE Network to Offer Integrated Event Management and Fundraising Solution
Posted by: Team Active
New technology helps charities encourage spontaneous online fundraising at
the point of purchase
JustGiving and Active Network (NYSE: ACTV), today announced a
strategic partnership that will see them collectively launch an integrated event registration and
fundraising tool for UK charities, aimed at helping event managers sell out their events and maximise
fundraising, with zero up-front costs.
Data from JustGiving shows that organised event fundraising continues to grow as a source of
income for charities in the UK, with the number of organised events registered on JustGiving
increasing seven-fold over the past five years to over 1,600 events. Over the same period,
fundraiser participation in organised events has doubled. Yet currently, research suggests just six in
ten large charities manage registration for these events online.
Zarine Kharas, CEO of JustGiving commented, "When we ask charities what they’d like to be able to
do using JustGiving, online event registration consistently ranks as one of the top requests. The
strategic partnership with Active Network will mean that online event registration and fundraising
will soon be an integrated process. By bringing together our market leading expertise in fundraising
and event management, we hope to revolutionise the way charities and companies manage and
grow their event fundraising."
The new tool will allow event participants to sign up for an event online in minutes, pay securely and
begin fundraising immediately. It will allow charities, companies and event managers to coordinate
and manage their event registration and marketing online, with the option to build in automatic
fundraising page creation for each event participant. Organisations granted advance access to trial
the new solution in its early phase include, Barnados, Brighton Marathon, KPMG and Maggie’s
Centres. Phase one of the launch is planned in the UK starting in Autumn 2012. "Active Network and JustGiving’s tool has been very beneficial for the Brighton Marathon, which has
ambitious fundraising goals," said Tom Naylor, Event Director for Brighton Marathon. "We’re already
seeing a considerable increase in the number of fundraising pages created compared to last year."
Learn More: Explore the benefits and features of our integrated event management and fundraising technology
Friday, May 25, 2012
SportAccord Convention makes the best use of the RegOnline mobile survey capabilities
Posted by: Team Active
We were pleasantly surprised when, in our final exhibition day at the SportAccord Convention, a member of the organisation approached us, like he was doing with other exhibitors and delegates, to survey us on our experience at the event using our own RegOnline survey tool through an iPad device.
We were pleased to see them making such a good use of the mobile technology capabilities RegOnline can offer as, without doubt, the response levels of conducting a survey while still on site, tend to be far greater and more reliable than through a post-event email survey. We managed to caught it on camera so you could also get inspired with survey implementation ideas for your own events, whether these are at exhibitions, seminars, endurance events or any others.
VIDEO
Friday, May 25, 2012
Active Network Morning Exercise at the SportAccord Convention – Day 5
Posted by: Team Active
Today is the final day of the SportAccord Convention 2012 and it was also the last day of Active Network’s Morning Exercise sessions. Aiming to seize it to the maximum, the running and walking groups decided to take an extra longer session, with some of the groups, including in their route the 398 staircase from the river promenade until the top of Battlefields Park. Running up those steps was no easy task but WE DID IT!
It is with a bit of sadness that we conclude our morning exercise programme in Québec and say goodbye to the new friends we made during these sessions, but that will just make us want to come back for more next year.
Here are the Day 5 morning exercise photos during the SportAccord Convention 2012:
The first group heads off into the city The other group heads off to the park The first break point as we reach a nice viewing area The first two reaching the top of the 398 step staircase Another arrival Here are the girls! The boys quickly running up And two more eager to make it to the top How nice the well deserved rest feels!
From CEOs to Operations staff, the Active Network Morning Exercise sessions brought together SportAccord participants of all fitness levels and business titles. There, on the grass, we are all the same. In the morning we exercise together, and during the day, whether we had business relations or not, we remain with the special connection between us. After all, WE DID THE STEPS together!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Guess who Active's own Keith Williams met at SportAccord Convention...
Posted by: Team Active
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Active Network Morning Exercise at the SportAccord Convention – Day 4
Posted by: Team Active
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Active Network meets Triathlon New Zealand at SportAccord convention
Posted by: Team Active
It has been a busy first exhibition day for us here at the SportAccord Convention and we have been overwhelmed by all the interesting meetings we had, including with one of our existing clients, Carl Jackson from Triathlon New Zealand. This organisation has been using Active Network technology for all its events online registration and data management for 18 months now and the team is so happy with the service that Carl wanted to share a bit of their experience with us:
VIDEO
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Active Network Morning Exercise at the SportAccord Convention – Day 3
Posted by: Team Active
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Active Network Morning Exercise at the SportAccord Convention – Day 2
Posted by: Team Active
Today the day started off with a cooler breeze, making it just perfect for the SportAccord morning exercise. And what a take we had today! Over 50 people took part!
We had a Tabata session, a 3K walk and a 5K run around Battlefields Park.
With some pretty fast runners involved in some of the groups, in no time they were back at our meeting point and joined in for the Tabata exercise - “a great, fun, workout and I got to meet some nice people as well ahead of today’s convention” – said one of the attendees.
Here are some pics from today’s session:
Our Tabata instructor, Arch Fuston, setting up the music for Tabata Bring on the water boys! The first Tabata takers being briefed Here’s today’s first running group coming back Stretching out at Tabata Working out those abs
Tomorrow our exercise attendees will be in for some more running and walking as well as Muaythai, the kickboxing type of exercise from Thailand, brought by Muaythai previous world champion and TV celebrity Stephan Fox.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Active Network Morning Exercise at the SportAccord Convention – Day 1
Posted by: Team Active
The Active Network is at the SportAccord Convention in Québec this week as the convention’s technology partner and the proud sponsor of the morning exercise sessions.
Ensuring sport professionals keep healthy and active during this premier annual event at the service of sport, the Active Network kick started with the morning exercise sessions today!
At 6:30h in this sunny morning in the city of Québec, participants started with a 5K morning run (which turned out into a 10K run for some), and a 3K walk going through the city and Battlefields Park that offers stunning views to the river.
With over 30 attendees, we were able to snatch up some great photos of Active Network’s Morning Exercise Day 1:
The Morning Exercise meeting point opposite l’Àssemblée Nationale The very well deserved rest Morning walk – energising, great sightseeing and very social Arrival of the first running group Here’s Château Frontenac team The hard core team – just finished their 10K And for tomorrow’s morning exercise we will have another 3K walk, 5K run and Tabata with Active Network’s very own Active X Director Arch Fuston, coming all the way from San Diego especially to pump up energy levels high at the SportAccord Convention.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Active Network Seeks “Active Samaritans”
Posted by: Team Active
Active Network Seeks “Active Samaritans” to Support United Through Sport Charity at the SportAccord Convention
Active Network is looking to support its chosen charity, United Through Sport, with the help of the SportAccord participants. Anyone at the SportAccord Convention will be able to support the charity, simply by visiting the Active Network stand (119) and leaving their business card or requesting a consultation. Active Network will give up to $0.30 for each of these stand visits. http://www.justgiving.com/ActiveSamaritan . Through this page anyone can become an “Active Samaritan” by donating or helping to fundraise for the cause. One week after the convention, Active Network will verify the name of the person or the company who financially helped the most and, in return, it will make a donation to the charity on behalf of the top “Active Samaritan”.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Active Network Powers SportAccord Convention Registration and Attendees Morning Workouts
Posted by: Team Active
Active Network (NYSE:ACTV)—the leader in activity and participant management™ solutions—has teamed with SportAccord Convention 2012 to create an engaging Convention for both attendees and organisers alike. In addition to powering registrations through its RegOnline attendee management solution, Active Network is hosting the SportAccord Convention morning exercise sessions—giving attendees an opportunity to kick start their day, pump up their energy levels and socialise with fellow delegates. SportAccord Convention attendees will have a choice of several, free workouts including: a power walk in Battlefields Park, a 5K run across the city of Quebéc, a strength training Tabata workout, and Muaythai, a Thai combat sport that offers a rigorous total body work out.
For attendees interested in registering for any of these morning workouts, visit: http://bit.ly/morningworkouts .
For organisers interested in learning how Active Network technology can power your next event, visit the company at stand #119 or online at www.activenetwork.com
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
The Active.com Vintage team fundraises for client event
Posted by: Team Active
The Active Network team is devoted to improve the efficiency of clients’ events, grow their participation and sometimes, even get involved themselves.
This time, Ana de Jesus, Izania Downie, Katie Harvey and Sandrine Lagrange, from the London office, joined the Vintage Midnight Walk in aid of St Joseph's Hospice and Richard House Children's Hospice. The event, that took place on the 10th of September, involved a 10 mile walk around the streets of East London starting at midnight, where all participants were dressed up in vintage clothing. The aim of the event was to raise funds for the hospices that work every day to support the elderly (St. Joseph’s) and children with life threatening diseases (Richard’s House).
The girls, with team name “Active.com Vintage Team”, had the goal to raise at least £500. Three sessions of home baked cakes sale in the London office helped them fundraise £191. Adding to further fundraising through friends and family they managed to reach the final result of £511. The Active.com Vintage team is proud to have achieved this result and remains very grateful to their network of friends, family and colleagues.
The Vintage Midnight Walk, other than an original event to raise funds for a good cause, was also a great, fun night out for all those involved and a good opportunity for the participants to learn how to dance the Charleston during the tea and cake break. www.active.com , choose your event and enter online!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Active Network Lunch & Learn does it again!
Posted by: Team Active
The Active Network delivered another successful Lunch & Learn event dedicated to the endurance sports industry on the 15th of June at the Claremont Hospital in Sheffield.
This thought leadership event was divided into three sessions starting with a presentation on the future and impact of technology for endurance events, followed by a round table discussion between Sheffield local council, Danny Porter Foundation, Rapha Condor Sharp and the Claremont Sports Medicine and Performance Centre, finishing off with a speed networking session between delegates and speakers.
The topics of discussion during the day included, but were not limited to:
Ways to attract sponsorships
The digital and live events lifecycle
Fundraising and cause awareness through sports events
Marketing and PR to grow event awareness and participation
The importance of data management and intelligence
The influence of local councils in events organisation
Health, food and nutrition for event participants
After a delicious lunch provided by the Claremont Hospital catering team, the speed networking session allowed all participants to meet, exchange business cards and ideas, which was very well received by all those involved.
To finish off the day, and given the interest of most participants, Active Network and Claremont Hospital have prepared a cycle ride up the local hills of the Peak District that was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who took part.
Here are just some of the comments left by delegates of the event:
“A relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a good opportunity for networking with a manageable number of people. The Lunch & Learn had an excellent mix of presentations, discussions and networking. Plus the post-event bike ride was a great idea!”
Gary Roethenbaugh, Managing Director at Multi Sport Research
“A very worthwhile experience with a lot of like minded people who were able to share their experiences.”
Martin Nash, Director, Mountain Bike Instructor
If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive future Lunch & Learn invitations please contact
Marketing.Global@ActiveNetwork.com
Friday, May 06, 2011
Lunch & Learn - Sheffield's Next
Posted by: Team Active
This time Active Network’s Lunch & Learn is moving up north to Sheffield. It will be taking place on the 15th of June at the Claremont Hospital in Sheffield.
The focus will be on the opportunities and threats affecting the endurance sports events industry both in the local area and nationwide. This time the round table invited speakers will include British Cycling, Sheffield City Council, Rapha Condor Sharp, Danny Porter Foundation and others who will discuss a variety of topics from the influence of local councils in events organisation, attracting the media attention, industry best practices to the relevance of fundraising for sporting events amongst several other topics of interest. You will also have the opportunity to listen to a presentation on event technology trends to help event directors increase participation and event management efficiency.
This insightful session will include a complimentary lunch and a speed networking session so you have the opportunity to meet and make potential new business connections, finishing off the day with a cycle ride in the surrounding Peak District accompanied by some members of the very own Rapha Condor Sharp.
Event Agenda 10:00 Meet & greet delegates (coffee/tea served)
10:30 - 11:15 Presentation: The influence of technology for endurance events
11:15 - 12:15 Round table session
12:15 - 12:45 Pre-lunch drinks & Active Network presentation
12:45 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:15 Speed networking
2:15 - 2:30 Preparation for the social road cycle ride
2:30 - 4:00 Cycle ride
4:30 End of day
Confirmed speakers include: Paul Rowlands, Press Officer at British Cycling and Rapha Condor Sharp Ben Brailsford, 2012 Delivery Manager Sheffield City Council Dr. Roger Palfreeman, former British Cycling team Doctor Stuart Grainger, Chairman for Danny Porter Foundation Dr. David Bailey, former Sports Scientist for GB Tri John Herety, Manager for the Rapha Condor team. This exclusive event to leading endurance sports and charity event directors, associations and industry media is limited to 30 delegates! So if you are interested in attending this event or can think of someone who might be interested please email us on global-inquiries@activenetwork.com indicating yours and your company’s contact details.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Lunch & Learn for Fundraising Events
Posted by: Team Active
On the 23rd of February, Active Network hosted a Lunch & Learn focused on sports events for fundraising at the CHASE exhibition where some of the largest charitable and not-for-profit organisations in the UK were represented.
This half day industry event resulted on 3 very interactive sessions between speakers and delegates where the fundraising trends and the influence of sports events to increase charity awareness and funds were discussed in-depth.
The day started with a presentation by Active Network on the future of event technologies for fundraising events to improve efficiency and participation, which was followed by a round table session between
Virgin Money Giving ,
Walk the Walk ,
Action Challenge and the
Running Bug .
Out of both sessions we were able to discuss several topics of relevance to the fundraising sports events reaching some of the below conclusions:
Sports events can really engage participants and supporters, consequently raising more funds, but can be challenging to organise in-house due to liability. The decision for a charity to organise its own event or use a third party, and/or to buy places in other events, depends on the charity’s overall strategy. Technology can drive conversion to fundraising and increase return on investment. Intelligent use of data can help convert donors into fundraisers. The implementation of health & safety procedures during the event can have a significant impact on the event’s awareness both in a positive or negative way and the involvement of local authorities can help facilitate the required procedures. Events should have a differentiator factor such as the attendance of a personality or the release of a new course distance to attract attention from the media to publish their press releases. Social media can raise awareness and participation if you have the resources to dedicate systematic time on the development of your social media strategy. After lunch the event finished off with a speed networking session where all event participants had the chance to meet, exchange business cards and ideas.
This event showed to be a huge success with a waiting list of over 20 people as the room limit filled up pretty quickly, but further Lunch & Learns will take place throughout the year across the country so more event organisers and industry leaders will be able to have the same experience.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive future Lunch & Learn invitations please contact
Ana.Jesus@ActiveNetwork.com
Friday, January 28, 2011
Lunch & Learn for Non-Profits Announced
Posted by: Team Active
We are pleased to announce that following the success of Active Network’s Lunch & Learn for the Cycling and Triathlon industries in December, we will be conducting the next Lunch & Learn for the charity and non-profit industry on the 23rd of February. This event will be held along the
CHASE 2011 - The Charities and Associations Exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.
In this exclusive event you will listen to a round table discussion between Walk the Walk, Virgin Money Giving, Action Challenge, Child Reach International and the Running Bug that will discuss the
opportunities and challenges of fundraising through sporting events amongst other related topics. You will also have the opportunity to listen to a presentation on
event technology trends to help event directors increase participation, donations and event management efficiency .
This insightful event will include a speed networking session so you have the opportunity to meet other industry professionals and make potential new business connections, finishing off with a delicious free lunch.
Event Agenda 10:00 – Presentation by Active Network on the future of event technology for fundraising events
11:00 – Round table discussion on topics including:
The importance of sporting events for fundraising Challenges for charities’ event organisers Getting involved with established sports events for fundraising Health & safety in the event organisation How to promote a charity sport event 12:00 – Speed networking session
12:45 – Lunch
Confirmed speakers include Guy Aubertin, Event Director for Walk the Walk, Alex Heasley, Head of Customer Services for Virgin Money Giving, Ed Cervantes-Watson, Commercial Manager for Action Challenge, a senior representative from Child Reach International and John Griffith, Director for Running Bug.
This event to leading charity directors and event organisers, associations and industry media is limited to 30 delegates! So, we urge you to
contact us now to the email
Ana.Jesus@ActiveNetwork.com indicating your interest to attend. In your e-mail please include yours and your company’s contact details indicating how many participants per year usually attend your fundraising events, if any.
Please note that all delegates to Active Network’s Lunch & Learn will also receive a complimentary entry to CHASE exhibition.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sports Networking Events are Here to Stay
Posted by: Team Active
Active Network hosted its first Lunch & Learn event specific to the cycling, mountain biking and triathlon industries at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre in Wales last Wednesday the 8th of December.
This full day unique industry event gathered sportives and multisports event directors, charities, governing bodies, sports scientists and media organisations that were able to learn new industry trends from leading experts as well as network with all speakers and attendees during lunch and at the speed networking session.
Active Network opened the event with a presentation on the future of event technologies to improve efficiency and participation, which was followed by a round table session where IRONMAN Wales, Celtic Tri, Cyclosport, Human Being Active and Advanced Sports Performance directors and senior representatives had an open discussion on general industry topics that generated great discussion and involvement between both speakers and attendees.
After lunch at the Dropoff Cafe the event finished off with a speed networking session where all event participants had the chance to meet, exchange business cards and ideas, where some of the topics of discussion included:
Difficulties in gaining the support of local authorities in the organisation of sport events Event branding and the issues involved in allowing exclusive sponsorships Governing body issues within the sportives market Benefits of event relations with charities and their choice criterium Overall, Active Network’s Lunch & Learn was a very successful initiative that brought together peers who wouldn’t normally have the chance to meet and discuss opinions and even business opportunities.
Attendees were left with the promise of continued Lunch & Learn initiatives across the country in 2011 so watch this space for more to come or e-mail ana.jesus@activenetwork.com if you would like to be added to the invitation mailing list for future Active Network Lunch & Learns.
