All Posts Tagged With: "corporate hospitality"
CEO Jon Stromberg: THG Strategy Fits Needs of Global-Minded CEOs
As more CEOs are looking globally to grow their businesses in an ever challenging marketplace, they are seeking new avenues to extend their relationships and reach in many countries—a trend that mirrors THG’s experience offering hospitality packages across the globe, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“Our C-level contacts and clients realize that as they expand their global reach in today’s ever-changing market, connecting with customers outside of an office atmosphere whether it be the Masters Golf Tournament or Singapore Grand Prix, to the World Soccer Championships or Americas Cup is a key advantage in allowing each to pinpoint and develop regional relationships around the world,” Stromberg says. “Language and cultural barriers seem to disappear when experiencing a global event of personal interest to customers.”
The assessment fits with findings from IBM’s most recent Global CEO Study, which highlights increased investments in global opportunities and an emphasis on building collaborative relationships with customers and prospects to engender future success. The study details the focus on relationship building is due to a more demanding and sophisticated customer bases across more countries and CEO recognition that quality customer relationships offer a way to differentiate their companies from competitors.
Through its 63 global locations, which span from London and Sydney, to Kuala Lumpur and Chicago, THG is seeing more evidence that affirms the IBM study findings. Companies are seeking THG’s assistance to craft hospitality offerings at a larger number of events in multiple countries to address their global business goals.
“Response and interest in our global THG Open Contract program is stronger than ever,” Stromberg says. A key benefit of the service, he explains, is the ability for companies to tailor the Open Contract to respond to business-and relationship-building needs at both corporate and regional levels.
For example, a global THG client that provides technology-based security solutions used the Open Contract format to provide relationship-building opportunities during the U.S. Open Golf Championships, the Autumn Rugby International’s, and the Malaysian Grand Prix in the past year.
“The company has now expanded its Open Contract and plans to allow each global region to use a portion of the funds to build customer relationships in targeted geographic areas, working in conjunction with THG’s Chicago office,” Stromberg says.
“Our Open Contract program is the perfect complement for C-level executives to meet their global business goals,” he says.
For more about THG’s global event hospitality offerings, click here.
Paul Meakins: THG’s British Open Hospitality Offers Strong Business-Building Opportunities
The 2009 British Open Championship held up to its 138 years of world-class tradition, resulting in one of the most exciting finishes in Open history and a treat THG clients will never forget, says THG General Manager Paul Meakins.
THG clients experienced not only the worlds top golfers battle against the host Turnberry course, they saw 59-year-old Tom Watson shoot a remarkable 65 during the first round and hold his lead for a majority of the tournament. Watson lost to Stewart Cink in a Sunday playoff.
The premier THG hospitality resulted in commitments from a majority of attending clients to sign up for next year’s 2010 British Open to be held back at St. Andrews Golf Club. Reviewing the large number of corporations who attended from around the world is a sign that now more than ever, many companies are looking globally to achieve their business goals, Meakins says.
“This is a trend we expect to continue,” Meakins adds. “Multi-national companies are putting more emphasis on growth and they’re seeking out global events like the British Open to provide opportunities to build relationships and new business.”
“THG’s network of 350 covered events addresses the global needs of today’s business leaders providing executive hospitality to top-tier events in multiple countries,” adds THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
As seen annually during this major event, THG clients at the 2009 British Open took advantage of the company’s facilities and enjoyed five-star catering service in between rounds of play to network with colleagues and prospects, Meakins says.
THG is offering hospitality packages during the 2010 British Open, where the company will once again host more than 50 corporations and their top accounts. For more information, click here.
CEO Jon Stromberg: MLB All-Star Hospitality Proves a Winner for Clients
With a first pitch thrown by President Barack Obama and a homerun-robbing catch in the seventh inning, the 2009 All Star Game was a thriller for THG clients who took part in the company’s top-tier hospitality offerings during this year’s midsummer classic in St. Louis, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.
“The game was a winner on all fronts—exciting play, excellent networking opportunities and a showcase of baseball at its finest.”
THG clients took part in a pre-game, interactive appearance with three-time All Star and former Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinal standout Andy Van Slyke. He quizzed THG attendees on All Star game trivia, offering autographed baseballs for correct answers, and gave an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to play in the All Star Game.
“Andy’s appearance was a perfect precursor for a great night of baseball,” Stromberg says. The American League team beat its National League opponents, 4-3.
THG hospitality offerings—including Van Slyke’s appearance and pre- and post-game networking opportunities—took place at the new Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark (see image), which is adjacent to Busch Stadium in the city’s historic downtown district.
THG has organized hospitality during the All Star Game for the past 17 years, with a majority of their top Fortune 1000 accounts already secured for next years 2010 All Star Game scheduled for July 13 at AT&T Park in Anaheim, Calif. For more information, click here.
Jon Stromberg THG CEO: Clients Take Advantage of the THG Corporate Village during the U.S. Open Golf Championships
Despite rainier than usual conditions, THG clients had an outstanding time participating in THG’s hospitality during last week’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black golf course, where up-and-comer Lucus Glover captured his first U.S. Open victory.
More than 300 clients and guests per day from 65 corporations took part in THG’s hospitality village during the U.S. Open Championship — the 18th consecutive U.S. Open organized by THG.
“Event hosts and guests appreciated their hospitality pavilions this week immensely due to the on-course conditions,” said THG CEO Jon Stromberg. “Countless clients thanked the event staff for their 5 star service, confirming several success stories with clients, enhancing their business relationships, and enjoying the unparalleled networking opportunities.”
THG’s golf simulator facilities proved to be a favorite, with many clients using them in the THG village to work on their own games after watching their favorite golfers on the course, Stromberg adds. THG clients also enjoyed time meeting and mingling with Golf Channel celebrities Mark Lye, a current Champions Tour player, and Jennifer Mills.
“While we can never predict the weather, participants took full advantage of the quality time with their invited guests and enjoyed a tremendous tournament,” Stromberg says. “This year’s success has translated to the strong interest in our hospitality packages during the 2010 U.S. Open Golf at Pebble Beach in Carmel, California.”
For more on THG’s U.S. Open Golf hospitality client offerings, click here.