Jon Stromberg

THG Sports’ hospitality clients at the Montreal Men’s Tennis Finals this past weekend witnessed a thrilling final match in which Scotland’s Andy Murray bested Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro after three long sets that included two tie-breakers and 100-plus degree heat.

“With the heat, our clients really appreciated our air conditioned facilities,” Stromberg says. “The match was a showcase of great tennis and our clients are looking forward to this weekend’s women’s finals in Toronto.”

THG Sports clients also enjoyed a special treat: Popular tennis coach, former star player and commentator Brad Gilbert offered an insightful look at the ins and outs of pro tennis during a Q and A session with THG Sports clients. His celebrity appearance was especially relevant, as Gilbert has coached tournament winner Murray, whose victory earns him the No. 2 world ranking behind Roger Federer.

“Brad was a big hit,” Stromberg says. “He’s extremely personable and his knowledge of the game and insider’s stories were a perfect complement to our hospitality services.”

THG Sports entertained a number of North American clients during this event, many of whom have secured their allocation to the 2010 finals, Stromberg says.

For more information on THG Sports’ tennis hospitality offerings at top-tier events around the globe, click here.

About THG Sports: THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs at premier sporting events in the United States and abroad—including the US Grand Prix, World Cup Soccer, Masters, US Open and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG Sports’ services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none. More information on Jon Stromberg available:

Jon Stromberg Global Strategy: http://jonstromberg.com/ceo-jon-stromberg-thg-sports-strategy-fits-needs-of-global-minded-ceos/
Jon Stromberg on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstromberg
Jon Stromberg on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jonstromberg
Jon Stromberg blog: http://jonstrombergblog.com/

As more CEOs are looking globally to grow their businesses in an ever challenging marketplace, they are seeking new avenues to extend their relationships and reach in many countries—a trend that mirrors THG Sports’ experience offering hospitality packages across the globe, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“Our C-level contacts and clients realize that as they expand their global reach in today’s ever-changing market, connecting with customers outside of an office atmosphere whether it be the Masters Golf Tournament or Singapore Grand Prix, to the World Soccer Championships or Americas Cup is a key advantage in allowing each to pinpoint and develop regional relationships around the world,” Stromberg says. “Language and cultural barriers seem to disappear when experiencing a global event of personal interest to customers.”

The assessment fits with findings from IBM’s most recent Global CEO Study, which highlights increased investments in global opportunities and an emphasis on building collaborative relationships with customers and prospects to engender future success. The study details the focus on relationship building is due to a more demanding and sophisticated customer bases across more countries and CEO recognition that quality customer relationships offer a way to differentiate their companies from competitors.

Through its 63 global locations, which span from London and Sydney, to Kuala Lumpur and Chicago, THG Sports is seeing more evidence that affirms the IBM study findings. Companies are seeking THG Sports’ assistance to craft hospitality offerings at a larger number of events in multiple countries to address their global business goals.

“Response and interest in our global THG Sports Open Contract program is stronger than ever,” Stromberg says. A key benefit of the service, he explains, is the ability for companies to tailor the Open Contract to respond to business-and relationship-building needs at both corporate and regional levels.

For example, a global THG Sports client that provides technology-based security solutions used the Open Contract format to provide relationship-building opportunities during the U.S. Open Golf Championships, the Autumn Rugby International’s, and the Malaysian Grand Prix in the past year.

“The company has now expanded its Open Contract and plans to allow each global region to use a portion of the funds to build customer relationships in targeted geographic areas, working in conjunction with THG Sports’ Chicago office,” Stromberg says.

“Our Open Contract program is the perfect complement for C-level executives to meet their global business goals,” he says.

For more about THG Sports’ global event hospitality offerings, click here.

With a first pitch thrown by President Barack Obama and a homerun-robbing catch in the seventh inning, the 2009 All Star Game was a thriller for THG Sports clients who took part in the company’s top-tier hospitality offerings during this year’s midsummer classic in St. Louis, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“The game was a winner on all fronts-exciting play, excellent networking opportunities and a showcase of baseball at its finest.”

THG Sports clients took part in a pre-game, interactive appearance with three-time All Star and former Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinal standout Andy Van Slyke. He quizzed THG Sports attendees on All Star game trivia, offering autographed baseballs for correct answers, and gave an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to play in the All Star Game.

“Andy’s appearance was a perfect precursor for a great night of baseball,” Stromberg says. The American League team beat its National League opponents, 4-3.

THG Sports hospitality offerings-including Van Slyke’s appearance and pre- and post-game networking opportunities-took place at the new Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark (see image), which is adjacent to Busch Stadium in the city’s historic downtown district.

THG Sports has organized hospitality during the All Star Game for the past 17 years, with a majority of their top Fortune 1000 accounts already secured for next years 2010 All Star Game scheduled for July 13 at AT&T Park in Anaheim, Calif.  For more information, click here.

Despite rainier than usual conditions, THG Sports clients had an outstanding time participating in THG Sports’ hospitality during last week’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black golf course, where up-and-comer Lucus Glover captured his first U.S. Open victory.

More than 300 clients and guests per day from 65 corporations took part in THG Sports’ hospitality village during the U.S. Open Championship — the 18th consecutive U.S. Open organized by THG Sports.

“Event hosts and guests appreciated their hospitality pavilions this week immensely due to the on-course conditions,” said THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg. “Countless clients thanked the event staff for their 5 star service, confirming several success stories with clients, enhancing their business relationships, and enjoying the unparalleled networking opportunities.”

THG Sports’ golf simulator facilities proved to be a favorite, with many clients using them in the THG Sports village to work on their own games after watching their favorite golfers on the course, Stromberg adds. THG Sports clients also enjoyed time meeting and mingling with Golf Channel celebrities Mark Lye, a current Champions Tour player, and Jennifer Mills.

Attendees pose with Mark Lye

“While we can never predict the weather, participants took full advantage of the quality time with their invited guests and enjoyed a tremendous tournament,” Stromberg says. “This year’s success has translated to the strong interest in our hospitality packages during the 2010 U.S. Open Golf at Pebble Beach in Carmel, California.”

For more on THG Sports’ U.S. Open Golf hospitality client offerings, click here

Top producers for THG Sports North America met last weekend to celebrate a successful April sales effort with a getaway trip to Miami’s luxurious Shore Club, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

Jon Stromberg in Miami

“The trip is part of our incentive program to reward our team for producing stellar results,” Stromberg says. “Our goal was $1.5 million in sales for April and we had 20 divisional sales executives meet their targets and join us for a weekend of relaxation and fun in Miami. Given our results, the investment has paid for itself many times over.”

THG Sports executives from the company’s Chicago, Montreal and San Diego offices took part in the Miami trip (see group photo).

Stromberg says THG Sports is planning a European trip featuring three days in Amsterdam in September. “Everyone’s focused on making the ‘list’ and joining us for the fall trip,” Stromberg says.

The Miami getaway is part of THG Sports’ internal incentive program that rewards top performers. Past incentive programs have included trips to Las Vegas, Major League Baseball outings and division office dinners.

Chicago (April 28, 2009): THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg says the appointment of Roy Keane to head the Ipswich Town Football Club is part of an effort by THG’s parent company, marcus evans, to bring the team back to the top level of competitive football play, the Premier League.

“We’re excited about the prospects for the team under this new leadership,” Stromberg says. “This change is a win-win for everyone, particularly Ipswich fans.”

Keane’s recent appointment to head the Ipswich club follows his work as head of the Sunderland football club, which he left last December. With his two-year contract, Keane replaces Ipswich coach Jim Magilton. For the past eight years, the Ipswich Tractor Boys have played in England’s second-highest league, the Coca-Cola Football League Championship. This past season, the club failed to make the playoffs.

In a release, Marcus Evans, the founder of the eponymous hospitality company that includes the THG Worldwide division, says Keane “is a proven winner who encourages his team to play the attractive football that Ipswich Town fans have come to expect. I believe he is the right man to take this club where we want to be-the Premier League.”

“The team under our new coach is already off to an impressive start with this past weekend’s 3-0 win over Cardiff,” says Stromberg, whose company provides hospitality offerings through its association with the Ipswich club. “It bodes well for the future.”

For information about THG Worldwide’s hospitality offerings with the Ipswich team and other events, visit the company’s Web site (http://www.thgsports.com) or its official blog, (http://www.thgworldwideblog.com).

About Jon Stromberg and THG Sports: Jon Stromberg is the North American CEO for THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) , a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs at premier sporting events in the United States and abroad-including the US Grand Prix, World Cup Soccer, Masters, US Open and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG Sports’ services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.