Jon Stromberg CEO THG North America: 2009 Presidents Cup Delivers Top-Tier Hospitality Experience

lakemercedgcTHG 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.2009-presidents-cup-011

“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.

THG CEO Jon Stromberg: Completion of Euroleague Basketball Finals Sparks Interest in 2010 NCAA College Championships

finalfourWith 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

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: THG Sports’ Largest Annual US Event Evolves Following 19 Years of Service

Since 1991, 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 20th 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 Sports’ central nucleus for marketing and selling hospitality services during the U.S. Open. The new division will work with THG Sports’ 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’s 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/

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 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/