GOLD COAST — Day three of the FISU-NUSF Seminar was all about messaging and money with the focus of presentations and workshops centred around marketing and sponsorship.
Kicking off the penultimate day of the conference was an entertaining presentation by Dr. Abdul Kalam from Bangladesh who not only shared his country’s event experience but also broke out in song, much to the audience’s delight.
New Caledonia representatives showcase their strategy and action to acquire sponsorships for a Futsal tourney
The Bangladesh presentation was followed by one from the Chinese Taipei delegation before guest speaker Jilly Holroyd, Venue Operations Manager at the recently competed Rugby League World Cup, shared her vast and varied experience in sports operations. Ms. Holroyd spoke about the impact of sponsors on events as well as her early experience in attracting sponsors.
Leaving the audience with thought provoking context in relation to the use of sponsors in events, Jilly’s presentation was a perfect Segway into a presentation by the delegates from New Caledonia who showcased their sponsor acquisition process to fund their recent trip to the Asia-Pacific University Futsal Championship.
Located in a remote part of the world meant it was essential for the team from New Caledonia to secure sponsors to help them travel to China to compete.
“With a combination of sponsorship and patronage, we were able to raise much needed funds for the team and make a successful trip to China,” said team manager Eric Michalak.
Seminar attendees immerse themselves on the topics as Toni Lourens presents on sports marketing and sponsorship acquisition
Toni Lourens from Australian University Sport hosted the remainder of the day. She provided the delegates with tools and information on how to formulate a marketing and promotion plan, as well as a guide to identifying and securing sponsors.
“Each country and region is faced with similar but different challenges. However, the tools and templates we are able to provide them through this seminar enables all of our delegates to return home and be engaged in organising their International Day of University Sport (IDUS) plan,” said Mrs. Lourens.
Cities and campuses around the world helped to celebrate the International Day of University Sport, a day officially proclaimed by UNESCO to take place every 20th of September
September 20th is IDUS, the day is when the world celebrates university sport. Launched in 2016 and officially proclaimed by UNESCO, the day does more than drive general awareness of FISU and the University Sport Movement – it also creates links between universities and their local communities as the day’s events are focused around sport, physical activity and healthy living.
Equipped with theory and templates, representatives from the 17 countries and regions in attendance actively participated in a workshop where activities were identified for the 2018 IDUS event, with a focus on identifying unique opportunities available and potential sponsorship opportunities.
The evening was spent at the Australian Outback Spectacular where delegates were immersed in a truly Australian experience including a meal and show that told legendary stories of the Australian high country and horseback riders.