More than 40 companies took part in THG’s hospitality offerings during last month’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, with several calling the event a positive and unforgettable experience, says THG Worldwide CEO Jon Stromberg.
“The feedback from our clients at the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix affirms that our business is about more than hospitality—it’s about providing an exciting environment where memorable experiences help our clients achieve business development goals,” Stromberg says.
THG guests enjoy the Restaurant Hélène de Champlain in Montreal
“This year’s event was another sell-out for us,” Stromberg says. “We’ve already had a strong number of clients renew for the 2011 Grand Prix and ask for hospitality options during other North American events.”
This year’s Canadian Grand Prix, which marked the return of the event to the Formula 1 circuit, saw McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton capture the checkered flag in a contest that saw multiple lead changes due to frequent pit stops to address tire wear issues.
Surrounding the race THG clients were able to enjoy full hospitality facilities at the Restaurant Hélène de Champlain (see photo at right). For pre-race warm-up activities, THG hosted celebrity and former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve, who shared an insider’s view of the race and Formula 1 events. After his presentation, Villeneuve met THG clients and signed autographs.
THG’s Montreal team coordinated client hospitality for the event, earning high marks from clients for their attention to detail and the accommodations provided to guests, Stromberg adds.
For more information about THG Worldwide’s hospitality programs to enhance your global business relationships, visit the company’s website.
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.
THG Sports’ top 20 sales producers in North America spent a recent weekend celebrating their success and enjoying the attractions in Las Vegas as part of the company’s employee incentive program to reward top-tier performance, says CEO Jon Stromberg.
“We brought our top sales executives from Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal, San Diego and 
Toronto to Las Vegas to recognize their contribution to THG’s sales success this spring,” Stromberg says. “The trip is part of our broader corporate goals to encourage and reward employees who share our vision for success.”
The THG Sports team enjoyed an expenses-paid, long weekend (June 25-27, 2010) at the Bellagio Hotel that included group activities, including a team dinner at the hotel’s Yellowtail restaurant (see photo). A year ago, THG Sports hosted a similar outing with top sellers in Miami.
“We’re delighted with the positive feedback and continued performance we see through providing these team incentives,” Stromberg notes. “It’s a nice way for us to give back to employees who go the extra mile to help us achieve our goals.”
This year’s U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, Calif., marked a milestone for THG: The event was the 20th year for the company to provide hospitality during this prestigious event and resulted in positive reviews from the nearly 80 companies who took part, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“The U.S. Open is a signature event in golf and a key event in our portfolio,” Stromberg says. “A majority of our clients have already renewed their space for the 2011 U.S. Open in Bethesda, MD, and the 2012 US Open in San Francisco, CA.”
This year’s event featured a nerve-testing win by Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, who held his game together while other top players struggled. His win ended a 40-year drought in the winner’s circle for players from Britain.
In addition to taking in tournament play, THG clients enjoyed hospitality offerings 
that included opportunities to meet golf pro celebrities Mark Nye and Frank Nobilo and take their turns on golf simulator machines, which THG offers as a value-add at signature golf events. Several clients took home daily prizes (see image at right) that included full sets of golf clubs and a bag awarded to participants who hit the best shots, including the longest drive.
For some THG clients, the simulators proved almost as popular as watching the pros on the links at Pebble Beach: “We may just hang here this afternoon and play Pebble Beach by simulator with our clients,” one guest noted.
For more on THG’s golf event hospitality during key events throughout the word, visit our company website.
THG Sports has launched an employee wellness program to augment its company culture and the incentives it offers employees, says CEO Jon Stromberg.
The first element of the wellness program: A THG-subsidized membership at a gym or workout facility of an employee’s choosing. The company plans to announce other wellness program components in the coming months.
“It’s no secret there’s a strong link between physical fitness and on-the-job productivity and performance,” Stromberg says. “Given we’re a sports-based organization, a majority of our employees already follow work out schedules. This program makes it less of a financial burden for them to continue. For others, it’s a good incentive to become more physically active and fit.”
“We’re excited about the other wellness program components we’ll announce soon,” he says. Those include sponsored sports and group wellness activities tailored during both the winter and summer months.
Due to a number of significant events in South America in the coming years, THG Sports is expanding
its South American sales team to support its executive sports entertainment efforts.
“The opportunities are significant for the right person,” says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg. “We’ve had great success with our bi-lingual South American sales team and want to expand it.”
THG is seeking a Sales Executive fluent in Spanish and Portugese to work with its South American sales team, which operates from THG’s North American Headquarters in Chicago. The candidates should be fluent in writing and speaking both languages.
Specific qualifications for the candidate include: A minimum of two successful years of sales experience, or a strong desire to develop sales skills and succeed in corporate sales.
THG’s executive package includes: Initial and ongoing sales training, management promotion opportunities based on performance, international sales opportunities, salary and uncapped commission structure (first year earnings average between $75,000-$100,000), full group health benefits and 401K.
For more information about the Sales Executive position and THG, visit our Career Builder ad here.
Clients participating in the executive entertainment and hospitality provided by THG Sports during the recent 2010 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., witnessed what may be one of the most memorable finishes in the tournament’s history, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.
“A key part of the recipe for THG’s success is providing our C-level clients and their guests with the opportunity to ‘be there’ when history is being made,” Stromberg says. “The 2010 Masters was a perfect example—and Phil Mickelson’s finish is certainly one of the history books.”
The success of this year’s Masters has fueled strong interest in executive entertainment and hospitality for the 2011 and 2012 tournaments, Stromberg adds. For more on Masters and other hospitality opportunities, visit the THG Sports website.
THG’s parent company, Marcus Evans, offers additional news and interactive features of significant sporting and other events. Visit the site for more.
NHL Hall of Famer Paul Coffey with THG Clients
For its hospitality offerings during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, THG Sports sought to create an unforgettable experience for clients and their guests, pairing them with former Games medalists and celebrity athletes to provide unique insights and perspectives across a variety of sports and competitions—from the opening to the closing ceremonies, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“Without a doubt, our partnerships with celebrities like former NHL player and Hall of Famer Paul Coffey and NHL standout Trevor Linden proved a memory-making winner at this year’s Winter Games in Vancouver,” Stromberg says. “They definitely helped make the hockey events—including the historic finals between the Canadian and U.S. teams—clear high points for our clients and their guests.”
NHL standout Trevor Linden with THG Clients
In addition to featuring hockey greats during key hockey match-ups during the Winter Games, THG also partnered with celebrity speakers for its hospitality services around other events:
Luge: THG featured former Canadian luge standout Kathy Salmon- Farstad, who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Games. Salmon-Farstad currently works as a color commentator for luge and other events and she helped THG clients and guests gain a deeper appreciation for the sport. As one client noted, “Kathy was phenomenal! I actually understand Luge now!!” Salmon-Farstad also let THG clients and guests try on her Winter Games gear, including photo-ops with the torch she carried for this year’s games.
Alpine Skiing: THG partnered with 1976 Winter Games gold medal winner and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Kreiner-Phillips for an insider’s perspective on the sport. Kreiner-Phillips brought her gold medal to THG’s hospitality event, and allowed THG clients and guests to hold and photograph the medal, an opportunity one client dubbed the “coolest experience ever!”
Opening/Closing Ceremonies: For its hospitality during the opening ceremony, THG featured gold medalist Cassie Campbell, who led the women’s Canadian team to gold medals in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Games. Campbell, who currently works as a hockey analyst in Canada, offered her perspective on upcoming events and the Winter Games experience. For the closing ceremonies, five-time speed-skating medal winner Marc Gagnon also provided a “hands-on” experience, sharing his three gold and two bronze medals with THG clients and events.
“Our clients and guests left this year’s Winter Games with a keen sense that they were a part of several historic events,” Stromberg says. “I’m delighted at how well our team performed in providing a world class hospitality experience on par with the unmatched athleticism and talent of the Winter Games athletes.”
For more information on THG’s sports hospitality offerings, click 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 Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.
When the Canadian Team won the hockey gold medal on Sunday afternoon and posed for their picture on the ice, I envisioned every child who plays hockey in Canada having that poster on their wall or that screensaver on their computer for years to come. When our clients who attended the game see that image at any point in the future, they will we able to say “I was there. I was a part of history.”
The Canadian Team won gold on their home soil and stood solidly with nearly 19,000 countrymen to sing Canada’s national anthem. The Vancouver games were filled with moments that will go down in the history of sports. Were you or your clients there to witness a piece of history, a piece they will always attribute to whoever was responsible for making this moment come true?
The thrilling, historic finish to the gold medal hockey game reminded me that our company is not just about hospitality…it is about history. Sports history, national history and our clients’ personal histories. What will they take home from our events? Memories and mementos yes, but also something you cannot buy–history. When they see that replay one month, one year, or even 10 years from now, they will remember and be able to say “I was there”. When they retell their story to a colleague, to a friend, to a grandchild, they will remember “I was there for that moment in sports history” and they will remember the relationship with the business client or partner that enabled them to be there.
As a CEO watching the Olympics with my children, I thought of the historical events I have had the privilege to experience over the years. I will always remember Arnold Palmer in tears as he walked up the 18th fairway during his last round at Oakmont during the ’94 US Open; the crowd’s reaction when Michael Johnson won the 200-meter sprint during the ’96 Olympics, or standing on the 18th green among the silence as Phil Mickelson dropped the final putt to win the ‘04 Masters.
For nearly 20 years in North America, and 27 years globally, THG Sports has given our clients access to historical moments in sports. What will the next one be? Will you and those who matter be there for it?
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Matt Light speaks to THG clients in Miami
THG Sports completed its 19th year providing first-class hospitality for a capacity list of clients and guests during last weekend’s Super Bowl in Miami, an anticipated event that delivered a thrilling finish for the first- time Super Bowl champions New Orleans Saints, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“This was one of the best Super Bowl games in memory. Our clients were delighted to be part of the excitement leading up to and during the game,” Stromberg says. “Our skilled on-site operations team proved once again their ability to provide five-star service and a Super Bowl experience that guests are sure to always remember.”
Highlights of the event for THG clients and guests included:
- Game-day celebrity reception and sit-down luncheon at the Westin Colonnade Merritt Ballroom in Coral Gables, Fla., as a precursor to the kick-off.
- Upgraded suites for all attending guest accommodations at the Westin Colonnade.
- High staff- to- guest ratio allowing for a superb atmosphere for C-level executives to enhance there guest relations and network before and after the game.
- Key note celebrity speech from New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion, Matt Light, who offered his perspective on what it’s like to play in the Super Bowl. Light also impressed THG clients and guests with his generosity and candor during a Q&A session following his presentation.
- A post-game celebration and late evening meal service that featured official NFL merchandise and a replay of the game’s second-half and the Saints’ march to victory.
“A majority of our annual clients have re-booked with us for 2011 Super Bowl in Dallas—another mark of a successful event,” Stromberg says. “The excitement surrounding the game and THG’s hands-on approach to hospitality provided the perfect atmosphere for clients to entertain and build relationships.”
For more information on THG’s sports hospitality offerings, click 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 Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.
Through a year of negative press and talk of global economic downturn, THG staff continued their division growth with over 30 first-time sales, 16 division promotions, and three new office openings across the North American region, according to THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“Our experience shows that five-star hospitality at signature sporting events remains a critical channel for C-level executives to meet their business development and relationship-building goals,” Stromberg says. “In a year where many companies scaled back, THG expanded its teams, adding 24 budgeted sales executives to our North and South American operations.”
Highlights for 2009 include:
- The completion of our 19th year in North America with top satisfaction ratings from clients—a testament to THG’s expert pre- and post-event client relations. (Special thanks go to John D, Emily Darin, Sarah Hurd and Allison Ziola for their tireless efforts on behalf of THG clients and guests at events.)
- Record-setting renewals for the 2010 Masters Tournament, following THG’s client successes at the 2009 event.
- The March 2009 launch of the THG Blog. “The blog allows clients to review monthly THG Articles and key sports hospitality data, and provides a channel for THG sales executives to keep up with the consistent growth and development of the sports division across all North American locations,” Stromberg says.
- The June 2009 launch of THG’s “Sports Internship Program,” which offers select opportunities for undergraduates and recent graduates seeking a career in Executive Level Sales to expand their experience working with C-level management within fortune 1000 corporations. The THG Sports Internship Program allows the participant to work closely with select in house National Sales Managers assisting with group development needs. The eight- to 10-week program has proven to be an exceptional opportunity for participants to experience leadership and training to learn the business inside and out.
“The outlook for 2010 is exceptionally good, with a strong forward calendar of events in Miami, Vancouver, Pebble Beach, Augusta and Montreal,” Stromberg says. “In addition, our plans to expand our ‘best practice program’ and enhance our clients’ experiences will make this another exciting year.”
The following are highlights from THG’s North American offices:
Chicago:
The headquarters for THG’s North American office ended 2009 with strong quarter growth over the previous year period.
THG Chicago Sales Group
The “high ticket” wing of the office now has a six-team structure, including a new Global Sales Team added in 2009, which includes bi-lingual Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking staff who specialize in serving our South American client market.
Top producers in the Chicago office include CEO Jon Stromberg ($1 million in sales), Joel Chiappetta ($650,000) and Juan Garcia ($550,000).
In early summer, THG rewarded North Americas top 20 producers with a weekend of fun and relaxation in Miami’s South Beach.
THG’s Chicago Team in Miami
San Diego:
Shawn Pockett continued in 2009 as Sales Director to advance the San Diego sports group, helping the office increase its sales 50 percent between 2007 and 2008. The San Diego office growth continued in 2009, with more than $100,000 in additional sales in the first half of the year compared to the prior year. THG expects the office to continue its growth due to a strong team and a forward calendar through 2012 full of key West Coast events. Top performers in San Diego include sales manager Brian Kanig and assistant sales manager Scott Burcar who continue to pull in consistent sales for the group, and Seniors Graham Ruskin and Gus Demos, both of whom were promoted in the last quarter due to sales achievements. The San Diego office expects to add eight to 10 additional staff members to accommodate expected growth in early 2010.
THG San Diego Sales Group
Montreal:
The Montreal office closed 2009 with fourth quarter growth of 110 percent compared to the same period in 2008—momentum that’s sure to lead the office to additional record-breaking results in the coming year. The office, which THG relocated to a new high-rise location in the heart of the city last May, enjoys proximity to several key events—the 2010 Winter Games, the Canadian Open and the Grand Prix—to start the new year. Working under sales director Patrick Boghossian, several THG team members have received promotions in the past six months: Peter Yannopoulos, Alex Mouton, Matt Haney, & Corinne Vandal. Their advancement has allowed the office to add eight additional team members, bringing the total in Montreal to 18. With continued growth, the office expects to expand to 28 team members in the coming year.
THG Montreal Sales Group
Toronto
The opening of the Toronto office in 2009, Augusta Tournament Hospitality, dedicated to providing top-tier hospitality during our annual Masters Golf Tournament program, marked our second division-level expansion for THG Sports in 2009, following New York and Los Angeles. Under Pierre Marchand, the group’s C-level relationship skills have grown to a high level, allowing us to leverage our 19 years of Masters Tournament experience and further enhance our global client attendance starting in 2010 at this major event.
THG Toronto Sales Group
Los Angeles & New York
THG’s Championship Hospitality offices in Los Angeles and New York now serve as the nucleus for marketing our executive hospitality during the U.S. Open Golf each year. Both offices opened in 2009 and work with THG’s other North American locations to promote the company’s exclusive event hospitality during this event.
Managers Armando Vera in Los Angeles, and Evan Raggi in New York, now allow for advanced support layers, growing our C-level client attendance into this major annual event.
