CEO Jon Stromberg: THG Serves Up Memory-Making Winter Games Experience
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.
THG CEO Jon Stromberg: Miami Super Bowl Provides Life Long Memories For Hospitality Clients
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.
CEO Jon Stromberg: 2009 Proves a Winner for THG
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.
Jon Stromberg CEO THG North America: Asian Golf Events Popular for Multi-National Clients
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
Jon Stromberg CEO THG North America: 2009 Presidents Cup Delivers Top-Tier Hospitality Experience
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.
Jon Stromberg CEO THG North America: European Formula One Events Draw Strong Client Response
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
Jon Stromberg CEO THG Sports North America: Y.E. Yang’s PGA Victory Spurs Interest in Global Golf Hospitality
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.
CEO Jon Stromberg: Montreal Men’s Tennis Finals Offers Thrilling Finish For Clients
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’s tennis hospitality offerings at top-tier events around the globe, click here.
About THG Sports: THG (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/
THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg: Sales Team Celebrates Performance at Miami Gathering
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.
“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.
THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg: THG Set to Complete North America Office Upgrades
THG Sports has completed upgrades to three of its primary offices in the past year, says THG Sports North America CEO Jon Stromberg.
“The upgrades follow on our success and mark our efforts to provide a first-class environment for our team to excel,” Stromberg says. “We’re excited about the new facilities and what they’ll mean for our teams in each location.”
The upgrades include the move of THG’s operations in New York to 2 Grand Central Tower; the relocation of Toronto operations to the renowned C.I. Place in the heart of the city’s financial district and the relocation of THG Sports’ Montreal office from KPMG Tower to the landmark, 800 René Lévesque West building, which houses some of Canada’s best-known corporations.
| THG Sports’ new home in New York | THG Sports’ new home in Toronto |
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| THG Sports’ new home in Montreal | |
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