Jon Stromberg

On the heels of successful client hospitality during the recently completed Rugby Autumn Internationals, THG Sports is fielding strong interest from C-level executives for hospitality during some of the sport’s top events, including the Six Nations Rugby events in Europe, and the 2011 Rugby World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“The hospitality experience THG Sports provides during rugby events is unmatched,” Stromberg says. “Our two-decade track record of providing best-in-class hospitality translates to an unforgettable experience and unprecedented opportunity for our clients to build relationships and business opportunities with their clients and customers.”

At the Autumn Internationals, held last month in France and England, THG clients enjoyed exclusive hospitality packages that included gourmet food and drinks and an “insider’s view” of match play and the sport from rugby legends, such as Jason Leonard, Lee Mears, Philippe Saint-André and Jonah Lumo.

“We tailor all of our hospitality offerings to match the world-class atmosphere and expectations of our clients and their guests,” Stromberg says. “We’re already seeing interest growing in what promises to be a strong rugby forward event calendar.”

In February, THG Sports will provide premier hospitality and world-class speakers during the 2010 Six Nations events in England, France, Scotland and Italy. In March, THG will be providing hospitality during the Six Nations match-up in Ireland. In 2010, THG will be providing exclusive hospitality during group games that lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Championship in New Zealand.

“The next 18 months offer a wealth of rugby hospitality opportunities for C-level executives with business interests across Europe and New Zealand,” Stromberg says. “We look forward to providing our clients with the best staff, facilities and experience to achieve maximum ROI from their hospitality investments with us.”

For more information about THG’s hospitality offerings during rugby’s premier events, visit here.

About THG

THG (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, and the College Basketball Championships. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.

About Jon Stromberg

Jon Stromberg currently serves as CEO of North America for THG Sports. Jon began his career at THG Sports in sales in 1991, progressing through the ranks to become CEO in October 2008. He received his Bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Read more about Jon on the Web at:
Jon Stromberg Blog
Jon Stromberg on Naymz

The recent Shanghai Champions Golf Tournament and Barclays Singapore Open proved to be successful platforms for executive hospitality for companies with U.S. and Asian business interests, according to Jon Stromberg, THG Sports CEO.

“We had a record numbers of C-level hospitality clients and guests from U.S. and Asian companies at both events,” Stromberg says. “The strong interest highlights growing business opportunities in Asia for multi-national companies and recognition that these events offer excellent networking and business development opportunities.”

Both events proved popular with spectators, THG clients and their guests. At the Shanghai Champions, record-setting crowds watched PGA pro Phil Mickelson apply his short game on the final holes for a win. Meanwhile, Ian Poulter’s comeback in the final round of the Barclay’s Singapore Open proved a compelling finish, besting China’s Liang Wenchong for a win.

At both events, THG’s full hospitality including golf simulators and lessons from golf pros were popular attractions for clients and their guests. Likewise, guests raved about THG’s gourmet cuisine, which blended Asian and Western style cuisine.

“The Shanghai and Singapore tournaments affirm the trend of growing interest in the U.S. and Asia for hospitality during sports events featuring the world’s best players, and business-building opportunities for companies operating in both regions,” Stromberg says.

The trend is driving corporate hospitality reservations from current and prospective clients during upcoming premier North American events, including the 2010 U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, the 2010 MLB All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif., and the 2011 U.S. Open in Bethesda, Md., he adds.

About THG
THG (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.

About Jon Stromberg
Jon Stromberg currently serves as CEO of North America for THG Sports. Jon began his career at THG Sports in sales, progressing through the ranks to become CEO in October 2008. He received his Bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Read more about Jon on the Web at:
Jon Stromberg Blog
Jon Stromberg on Naymz

THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg announces promotions for 13 sales executives following their successful efforts in the past quarter to meet performance goals and surpass client expectations.

“These promotions are part of our ‘grow from within’ strategy that rewards team members who are critical for our company’s ongoing success,” Stromberg says. “With the expansion of THG’s team and office locations in North America, we’re on track for an excellent fourth quarter and expect additional promotions to follow.”

The 13 promotions include entry-level and veteran THG team members and advancements to Senior Account Executive, Team Leader, Assistant Sales Manager and Sales Manager roles within THG’s North American division. The team members receiving promotions and their office locations are:

Toronto

Pierre Marchand: Pierre has moved up the ranks from Assistant Sales Manager in Chicago to Sales Manager for THG’s Toronto office during his tenure with the company. His strong sales and training performance have earned a promotion to National Sales Manager overseeing THG’s new Augusta Tournament Hospitality division.

Los Angeles

Armando Vera: Armando has been successful as Assistant Sales Manager and Sales Manager for THG’s Chicago and LA offices. The latest promotion moves Armando to National Sales Manager for THG’s Championship Hospitality office in LA, a division that focuses on U.S. Open Golf Championship hospitality.

New York

Evan Raggi: Evan has been promoted to Assistant Sales Manager overseeing the THG’s Championship Hospitality team in New York. The promotion follows Evan successfully meeting sales and management training goals while working in THG’s Chicago office.

Chicago

Joel Chiappetta: Joel’s promotion, which followed his earning THG’s top sales rep incentive for new business development and consistent month-to-month sales, moves him to a full Sales Manager position in the Chicago office.

Ben Shepherd: Ben’s promotion to National Sales Manager recognizes his work in THG’s Houston and Chicago offices managing THG teams and meeting sales goals. In his new role, Ben will focus on developing sales and team members for three key events.

Juan Garcia: Juan’s promotion to Assistant Sales Manager in Chicago follows his successful efforts to grow business around the Winter Games in Vancouver and develop client relationships with large global corporations, including several in South America.

Don Houston: Don’s reputation as a consistent producer has earned a promotion to Team Leader, following his success in the Chicago office as a Senior Account Executive.

Montreal

Peter Yannopoulos: Peter’s performance as a Senior Account Executive and Team Leader has earned a promotion to Assistant Sales Manager in the Montreal office.

Matthew Haney: Matthew has been promoted to Senior Account Executive for the Montreal office following a strong term of consistent sales.

Corinne Vandal: Corinne earned her promotion to Senior Account Executive following three successful sales in as many weeks after starting to work for THG’s Montreal office.

San Diego

Scott Burcar: Scott has been promoted to Assistant Sales Manager following a quick-rise success as an Account Executive, Senior Account Executive and Team Leader in the San Diego office.

Gus Demos: Gus has been promoted to Senior Account Executive following consistent month-to-month sales and a specialized focus on U.S. Open Golf Championship event hospitality.

Graham Ruskin: Graham has been promoted to Senior Account Executive following success with handling referral business and other business development work.

THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg announces the completion of office upgrades for its new Augusta Tournament Hospitality division, a Toronto-based group dedicated to providing top-tier hospitality packages and services during professional golf’s annual Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

“The completion of our Toronto office upgrades reflects our two decade-commitment to providing unmatched hospitality during one of golf’s premier events,” Stromberg says. “The division allows us to leverage our team’s Masters Tournament experience and client services expertise to provide an unparalleled level of exclusive hospitality and ROI for our C-level clients and their guests.”

The opening of the Toronto office marks the second division-level expansion for THG Sports in 2009, following the launch of its Championship Hospitality division, with offices in Los Angeles and New York. This group focuses its efforts on C-level client hospitality offerings during professional golf’s U.S. Open.

“In today’s more challenged business environment, exclusive hospitality at premier events continues to be a proven platform for C-level executives to meet their goals for business development and growth,” Stromberg says. “With its new divisions, THG Sports is positioned to further capture this interest and deliver an experience that exceeds the ROI goals for our clients.”

The photos below highlight the new Augusta Tournament Hospitality office and team in Toronto, as well as Championship Hospitality and other North American offices for THG Sports.

Augusta Tournament Hospitality (Toronto office and team)

Championship Hospitality (New York office and team)

Championship Hospitality (Los Angeles office and team)

Chicago office and team

San Diego office and team

Montreal office and team

THG Sports provided hospitality for more than 300 C-level executives and guests during this month’s 2009 Presidents Cup in San Francisco, an event that provided stellar professional golf and unprecedented business development and networking opportunities, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“We’re continuing to see strong interest from C-level executives in securing hospitality opportunities at signature U.S.-based events to support their international business goals,” Stromberg says. “The Presidents Cup exemplified this trend with its line-up of the world’s best golfers competing for the prestigious Cup.”

In particular, the Presidents Cup match-up of Y.E. Yang and Tiger Woods, their first competition since Yang bested Woods at this year’s PGA Championships, captured the attention of THG clients and record-setting worldwide television audiences. Woods beat Yang to give the U.S. team the tournament victory. Japan’s rising star, Ryo Ishikawa, also thrilled participants with a stellar short game and predictions that the 18-year-old may eventually claim Woods’ title as the world’s best golfer.

During the event, THG clients enjoyed the company’s signature “five-star hospitality” at the private Lake Merced Golf Club, with four-course meals service and first-class accommodations. THG clients also took advantage of golf clinics and Presidents Cup play analysis from celebrity Mark Lye, a Golf Channel commentator and former PGA player.

“Mark’s clinics were extremely popular,” Stromberg says. “They gave our clients and their guests a tangible way to turn the inspiration they gained watching the pros and improve their own games.”

THG is fielding strong interest from current and prospective clients for hospitality packages during upcoming premier West Coast events, including the 2010 U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, the 2010 MLB All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif., and the 2012 U.S. Open in San Francisco.

About THG: THG (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.

With the excitement following the 2009 Euroleague Basketball Final, and the 2009-2010 College Basketball season beginning in the coming weeks, THG Sports is fielding strong interest from Fortune 1000 clients to secure their executive hospitality during next years NCAA College Finals in Indianapolis April 3rd & 5th, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“Both the NCAA and Euroleague Finals have always been key platforms for C-level executives to strengthen their business relationships,” Stromberg says. “THG has grown alongside both events and produced a long track record of success and reputation for exclusive, five-star hospitality.”

Next year’s NCAA College Basketball Finals marks the 20th year THG has organized corporate hospitality during the event—and its third return to the private Skyline Club in Indianapolis overlooking the heart of downtown and the Lucas Oil Stadium.

“We’re planning another knock-out NCAA celebrity coach’s dinner, placing some of the best division 1 coaches with our platinum clients sitting at their private tables,” Stromberg says. At this year’s Final Four in Detroit, Rick Barnes of the University of Texas and Bob Mckillop of Davidson University earned rave reviews from THG clients and guests.

NCAA coaches and hall of fame celebrities have always been a key feature of THG’s annual hospitality, traditionally numbering over 20 per day during the Semi-Finals and Final games. Past celebrities include Bobby Knight, Gene Keady, Tom Izzo, Jim Calhoun, Clark Kellogg, James Worthy, and Jamie Dixon.

THG is also preparing for next year’s Euroleague Final Four, slated for May at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris. The initial qualifying rounds for next year’s Final Four start next week.

“The build-up to this event is tremendous, particularly with the league’s decision to hold next year’s Final Four in Paris, a host city for great European basketball championships,” Stromberg says. The French capital’s offering of a “neutral court,” given it has no Euroleague team, adds to the Final Four’s prestige, he adds.

Like its annual NCAA counterpart, THG’s exclusive hospitality during the Euroleague Final Four gives clients and guests an insider’s experience of the marquee games. “We were very fortunate at this year’s Final Four in May to have Johnny Rodgers share his insights on the game and his title-winning experience with the Panathinaikos team in 2000 and 2002,” Stromberg says.

For more information about hospitality during the NCAA and Euroleague 2010 Basketball Finals, click here.

About Jon Stromberg
Jon Stromberg currently serves as CEO of North America for THG Sports. Jon began his career at THG Sports in sales, progressing through the ranks to become CEO in October 2008. He attended DePauw University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in economics and communications and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Read more about Jon on the Web at:
Jon Stromberg Blog
Jon Stromberg on Naymz

THG Sports clients once again gave high marks to the company’s executive hospitality during the recent European swing of the Formula One circuit, with a majority renewing contracts immediately for 2010 F1 relating events, including the just-announced return of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in June 2010, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.

“Formula One events provide an exciting platform for our global-minded clients to enhance relationships with their best customers, while generating new business through networking,” Stromberg says. “Our clients consistently recognize that THG matches the excellence of Formula One races with 5 star service during each race, including on-site management to ensure ROI from all participating guests.”

During this month’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza, THG provided hospitality for more than 200 C-level clients from multi-national companies, including Bayer, Credit Suisse and Federal Mogul. “Our celebrity speaker, former Italian F1 driver Emanuele Pirro, proved to be a big hit,” Stromberg says.

THG also received positive client responses for hospitality it provided during the Belgian, Hungarian and German Grand Prix races this summer. “We continue to see strong year-to-year interest in Formula One events, and we’re excited to see the governing body for Formula One has agreed to bring the Canadian Grand Prix back to Montreal,” Stromberg says.

In years past, the Canadian Grand Prix has been a must-see event for Fortune 1000 companies with U.S. and Canadian operations. The event was not held this year, as organizers were unable to reach an agreement for a 2009 race.

“The news of the reinstatement in Montreal is already driving interest among our Fortune 1000 clients with North American operations to reserve their hospitality packages,” Stromberg says.

For more information about THG’s hospitality offerings during Formula One events around the world, click here.

About Jon Stromberg
Jon Stromberg currently serves as CEO of North America for THG Sports. Jon began his career at THG Sports in sales, progressing through the ranks to become CEO in October 2008. He attended DePauw University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in economics and communications and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Read more about Jon on the Web at:

Jon Stromberg Blog
Jon Stromberg on Naymz

On the heels of South Korean Y.E. Yang’s historic and stunning win over Tiger Woods at this month’s PGA Championship; THG Sports is seeing an increased interest from global clients to secure hospitality during golf’s majors on behalf of their Asian clients, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“Since Y.E. Yang’s victory two weeks ago, we’ve noted a rise in client requests to upgrade existing hospitality contracts to accommodate inquiries from Asian accounts interested in the U.S. Open, the Masters and the PGA Championships,” Stromberg says. “These are Asian golf fans who want to see Yang compete at the highest levels of the game. His win is great for golf and could not have come at a better time.”

As the first Asian to win a major, Yang’s victory has spurred global interest in golf at a time when a growing number of companies are eyeing expansion into emerging Asian markets. Peter Dawson, chief executive of the hallowed Royal & Ancient Golf Club in Scotland, says Yang’s victory will make him a “household name” and bring a greater degree of attention and interest to Asian golfers and signature events around the world.

Further, golf observers say Yang will inspire younger Asian golfers to pursue the sport. Already, golfers like South Korea-born Danny Lee, 18, have been gaining additional attention and interest from fans and sponsors. A year ago, Lee won the U.S. Amateur title to replace Woods as the youngest player to earn the honor.

“Yang’s win is a watershed moment for golf and hospitality opportunities in the U.S., as well as Japan, Korea and China,” Stromberg says. Asian-based events that will also benefit include THG’s hospitality during the 2009 Shanghai Champions Golf Tournament in November and the 2010 Barclays Singapore Open.

“We’re excited about the opportunities this will bring our key accounts,” Stromberg says. “Our Open Contract program allowing select accounts global event access has also been heightened by Yang’s win, with a number of businesses seeking new opportunities in multiple markets.”

For more information on THG’s golf hospitality offerings, click here.

About THG Sports: THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.

THG Sports has organized premium corporate hospitality during the US Open Golf Championships. Entertaining more than 60 corporations annually during this major event, THG Sports’ involvement next year will mark its 20^th year and third return back to the breathtaking Pebble Beach Golf Links (June 17-20, 2010).

“We’re acknowledging the prestige of this event and our two decades of experience fine-tuning hospitality services during the U.S. Open with a new, specialized division developed to market this major event to our global clients,” says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg

Championship Hospitality, Inc. will serve as THG’s central nucleus for marketing and selling hospitality services during the U.S. Open. The new division will work with THG’s coastal locations in Los Angeles and New York, and its offices in Chicago and San Diego to promote the company’s exclusive event hospitality during the event.

“Championship Hospitality Inc. allows for advanced support layers in both Operations and Client Services to assist our C-level clientele,” Stromberg says. “Our Best Practice program surrounding the US Open has always been a central focus to ensure each corporation takes full advantage of their event reservation.”

THG Sports’ hospitality during the US Open Golf provides exclusive access to THG Sports’ organized facilities, including premiere dining, PGA celebrity attendance, along with a number of executive activities for hosts to enhance their strongest client relationships. THG Sports typically hosts more than 60 corporations during the US Open, and expects to now advance its C-level support through the specialized focus of Championship Hospitality Inc., Stromberg says.

About THG Sports: THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, 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.

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/

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/