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.

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

Just three weeks into her role as an Account Executive for THG’s Montreal office, former Olympic synchronized swimmer, Isabelle Rampling, closed her first sale.

Rampling (pictured at right) is among eight new Account Executives who over this last quarter joined THG’s Montreal office as part of the company’s broader North American expansion plan. “She brings the dedication and commitment she demonstrated as an Olympic swimmer to our sales team,” says THG Montreal Sales Director Patrick Boghossian. “We’re delighted to have her on board, and for the opportunity to showcase her unique background.”

The links below highlight Isabelle’s performance for Canada’s team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and her synchronized swimming career:

Olympic competition video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQoPwdkySuk
Olympic competition photos: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/ApgLqw1wM-X/Olympics+Day+10+Synchronised+Swimming/DB7WJwLRE5Y/Isabelle+Rampling
Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabelle_Rampling

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.