Tricia Thompson

Did you know…Seventy-seven percent of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world a better place, while 73 percent of investors state that efforts to improve the environment and society contribute to their investment decisions.   Goalball UK combines elite level Paralympic sport, featuring a desire to succeed on the global stage, with a truly inclusive option for those who are often excluded from physical activity and being in a team at school or within local community sports and recreational activities. Whilst we strive to succeed as a nation on the world stage, for many of our players and athletes their ‘medals’ are won each day as they increasingly live independent, confident lives.  Only 11% of people with a Visual Impairment (VI) participate in 30 minutes of physical activity weekly, compared with 39% of the general population. This situation perpetuates issues around physical and mental health, social isolation in the VI community. For the last decade, Goalball UK has worked at the heart of this community, the largest disability cohort, providing transformational opportunities to experience the challenge and joy of sport.  We are the recognised governing body for the sport in the UK. However, our work goes much further than the remit of many sports bodies.  We enable introversion to be replaced by a desire and ability to engage with their community and beyond - a powerful antidote at the best of times. However, in a post pandemic world many activities for the disabled have been erased. Goalball enables our players to live independent lives. For example, diary management and travelling on public transport to training and international competitions, whether alone or in a group, boosts confidence. Whilst other skills such as ‘sweeping’ rather than ‘pinpoint’ techniques developed to find the ball also translate to and enhance the ability to locate domestic items at home. The net effect is that many previously protective families relax and embrace this newly acquired freedom.  The format of the sport also enables community cohesion with sighted people able to be part of playing and training. Siblings, family, and friends can provide practical and emotional support simply by wearing eye shades, allowing them to truly appreciate the unique challenges faced by the players.  We have a decade of anecdotal evidence of the profound impact goalball has on the lives of our players and their families, and now we have the systematic research to prove this. According to independent analysis conducted by York St John University in 2020, we deliver a truly impressive Social Return on Investment of £4.31 for each £1 invested.   We combine elite level Paralympic sport, featuring a desire to succeed on the global stage, with a truly inclusive option for those who are often excluded from physical activity and being in a team at school or within local community sports and recreational activities.  #PleaseShare #Inclusion  

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Time for a New Approach in NGB Sports Marketing? Attending the SportsPro Live event this past April, one panel talk still resonates deeply with me. "𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗚𝗕 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰 & 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿". Hosted by Tammy Parlour MBE, with Jason Brisbane (GB Wheelchair Rugby), Jon Dutton OBE (British Cycling), David Clarke OBE, PLY (Paralympics GB), and Drew Barrand (British Aquatics), it offered some really insightful conversation. Despite the diverse nature of their sports, a common thread emerged that 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: _Limited engagement outside the competition cycle. _Innovation stifled by bureaucracy. _Funding constraints. _Disconnect between athletes' brand popularity and the NGB's reach. _A gap in thinking and acting like a consumer brand. While this is certainly an oversimplification, it highlights 3 critical brand opportunities I think marketing resource could address: 1️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 - The level of engagement and ownership that NGB's superstar athletes have in growing their sport is underutilised. Think of athletes like Adam Peaty for British Swimming or Hannah Cockroft for Paralympics GB. Their massive platforms can elevate not just their sports but the entire NGB, driving higher engagement and broader appeal. 2️⃣ 𝗨𝗽𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 - NGBs should prioritise upskilling athletes to build their own brand profiles. Creating a generation of unique identities that resonate with fans and sponsors alike, translates team values and personalities into additional marketable assets. The halo effect on their sports would be tremendous, increasing visibility, engagement, and ultimately, participation - not to mention the improved earning potential of those athletes would relieve pressure on NGB budgets! 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - It's time to bring in young consumer brand experience rather than relying solely on traditional retiree hires to drive strategic decisions. Fresh perspectives are crucial. Think of how Nike revolutionised its strategy by incorporating young talent who think differently about engagement and innovation. A problem shared is a problem halved. Many of us passionate about sports are ready to support and drive this change. Let's challenge ourselves to think differently and act boldly to transform sports marketing for the better. I love to connect good people with great ideas and create a meaningful impact on the sports industry - so I'm keen to hear the thoughts of others on this... #SportsMarketing #AthleteBranding #NGBInnovation #BrandEngagement #FirstFiveMarketing

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Some great sessions at SportsPro Live this week. 🙌 Repeated themes throughout: authenticity + storytelling + fan engagement Highlights worth a watch: ✍ Mark Kirkham, Sally Moore and Nadia Kokni speaking insightfully about the shift from eyeballs to engagement in sports marketing. Gemma Woor, Queenie Porter and Ellie Norman demonstrating the importance of authenticity in partnership activation. And Amar Singh, Arthur Guisasola, Shebahn Aherne and Mark Goldbridge discussing the need to embrace new media platforms for storytelling and engagement. 🤳 Congrats all. Enjoyed it. 👏 ☝ HOWEVER! Despite the diversity of programming, great speakers etc, it is surprising that there was no panel, debate or discussion about the rapidly changing world from an athlete’s perspective or those people who work in the space. 🤷‍♂️ There is no sport, or any of the above, without athletes. Athletes are rights holders too. Surely this should be a mandatory at every sport industry event? 😬 Even more surprising from a media organisation that publishes an ‘athlete marketability’ ranking every year. 👀 Regardless, great to meet some interesting people and familiar faces. 🙏 ---- #splive24 #sportsbiz #sportsmarketing #sponsorship #sportbiz

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Keith Prowse launches BEYOND THE GAME Keith Prowse, one of the UK’s award-winning hospitality industry leaders, has launched fresh insights into how lifestyle trends and generational dynamics are reframing premium experiences at UK sport and entertainment events.  The research paper – BEYOND THE GAME – analysed corporate and private clients to understand their motivations in attending a premium experience at sport, entertainment, and lifestyle occasions. With a positive outlook on corporate marketing spends* and disposable income more likely to be spent on experiences rather than material goods, BEYOND THE GAME highlights clear generational differences nuanced by social circles, the culture and heritage of the event, as well as its values and conscientious stance, that are ultimately impacting purchasing and attendance decisions. Samantha Coates, Head of Marketing, Keith Prowse, said: "Analysis of purchasing data revealed shifting trends, prompting us to delve deeper into the factors influencing consumer choices. Research conducted highlighted a significant impact from generational attitudes. Society is moving away from valuing material possessions as a measure of success, and instead placing greater emphasis on personal fulfilment and experiences. This trend presents valuable insights for corporate businesses, who face an increasingly diverse workforce across generations. In response, we’ll be rolling out new concepts designed to address this evolving landscape." * Source: The IPA Bellwether report, April 2024. For the full story, including a link to the BEYOND THE GAME research paper, go to: https://lnkd.in/ejtPxZJK Nick Gratwick Daniela Forsyth James Speed Neil MacLaurin Neil Thornton The 2024 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – focused on elevating and innovating the live experience – is being held at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on October 9th and 10th, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on October 8th. Key pillars include architecture & design, fan experience, F&B, hospitality, interiors & fit-out, premium sales & service, sustainability, technology and venue commercialisation. #premiumhospitality #premiumexperience #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalityindustry #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #liveentertainment #sportsvenuebusiness #sportsvenuebiz #svblive Sports Venue Business The Sports Networker Cassandra Calleja John Sheehan David Hall

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Read this fantastic article from Women & Golf we hope it will inspire more women to try, and then embrace #Speedgolf https://lnkd.in/enStjPMt

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United, we run. 🏃 I’m delighted to announce my role in the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) as a “Now” Advisory Board Member alongside some amazing people: Andrew Smith | Chris Conlan | Dan Isherwood | David Birch | Gary Cove | Gary Roethenbaugh | Jon Rew | Jon Wild | John Chatwin | Mel Bound | Neil Venables | Richard Payne | Siobhan Curtis | Will Golder As a member-based independent national trade organisation for the UK and Ireland, the RIA has formed an all-encompassing network connecting all aspects of the running industry. The RIA will also focus on development, recruitment, and education, from providing its members with spotlight opportunities and growth potential to connecting brands and professionals within a supportive network. With various in-person events on the horizon, I can’t wait to see the positive momentum this initiative will offer like-minded professionals and our Aspire team. By bringing together the values of running with the collaboration potential of a diverse group like this across all sides of the industry, I believe the RIA has the ability to create something truly special. I look forward to working closely with Rebecca (Becs) Richardson, Jonathan Midwood and the wider Running Industry Alliance (RIA) & The Running Conference (TRC) team over the coming months. If you’re interested in learning more, read the official press release – https://bit.ly/4dCOB1V. #RIA #RunningIndustryAlliance #MovementForChange #MakingMovementMatter #Aspire

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TEAMcard and Silverstone Circuit agree new expanded venue-wide partnership Silverstone Circuit, the home of British motorsport and host venue to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix has renewed with TEAMcard in an expanded agreement that will cover access control, accreditation, visitor management and verification services for the entire 155-acre site. Silverstone partnered with TEAMcard for venue access control in 2021, setting the foundations for a successful partnership that saw two record-breaking summers for racing fans entering the circuit. Matthew Evans, Business Systems Manager at Silverstone, said: "Working with TEAMcard has been a real game-changer for us. We have a whole host of different events that take place across the year attracting all sizes of crowds, from domestic race meetings to major events like Silverstone Festival, MotoGP and Formula 1. Regardless of the event size, the TEAMcard access control solution works seamlessly every time – we know we can really trust it." Now moving towards a third year in partnership, Silverstone have expanded their relationship with TEAMcard by activating the use of additional modules in the TEAMcard product stack – Accreditation, Visitor Management and Verification. These new modules will allow Silverstone to organise, manage and record the movements of every person arriving at the circuit, 365 days a year from a single system. Mike McEachern, Head of IT at Silverstone, said: "Working closely with everyone at TEAMcard has allowed us to better understand the wider product stack, and how their other solutions could work alongside access control to benefit our whole business. Stacking other modules like accreditation, visitor management and verification is allowing us to streamline more processes, collect better data and create better customer experiences across the board." For the full story, go to: https://lnkd.in/ervmHCmi #accesscontrol #accreditation #eventindustry #eventsindustry #eventmanagement #formula1 #f1 #sportbiz #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #Silverstone Daniel Huson Lee Howkins James Holifield Stephane Bazire Ben Phillips Robert Byrne Victor Leitch Josh Whittaker-Vyse Jean-Francoys Brousseau #sportsvenuebusiness #sportsvenuebiz #svblive Sports Venue Business SVB LIVE Cassandra Calleja

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Some of you may have seen a University of Bristol report last week highlighting that Premier League-related gambling ads were up 300% on last year.   Labelled an “explosion” by the authors from the Hub for Gambling Harms Research, it’s clear that the expectation from some communities for betting ads to be limited during live match coverage doesn’t quite align with the general opinion of the sportsbook.   One report in itself covering one weekend of Premier League action is unlikely to cause the dramatic marketing U-turn that some want, but it does bring up a few key issues that could be easily rectified, if only to show that the path of self-regulation has merit.   ⚽ If a self-imposed code of conduct suggests curbing marketing during football events, you’d like to think that there would be some sort of plateau as guidelines develop, certainly not a threefold hike. 📊 74% of content marketing posts weren’t clearly identifiable as adverts. This, if accurate to ASA rules, seems negligent and you’d like to think, straightforward to sort.   Market forces are driving operators to fight for share-of-voice however they can, but maybe in the light of reports of this kind, more could be done to improve basic marketing hygiene and compliance.   #igamingmarketing #premierleague #sportsbetting #advertising

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I was lucky enough to speak at the Everything in Sport: Women's Edition last week. Discussion subjects ranged from commercial strategy to governance to athlete welfare, and lots more in between. With buckets of expertise and experience present from across the industry, the key takeaway was that women's sport, as an entity, is still at the start of its growth journey and the focus for all stakeholders should be eyeballs, eyeballs, eyeballs!    If we provide a big enough shop window for athletes and their stories, and are laser-focused on increasing audience share, there is a real opportunity to create a value cycle that delivers for all parties. Storytelling, engagement and connection should be the mantra....the rest will follow. #story10 #EIS #WomenInSport

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Check out the latest Her Business of Sports podcast which features me and hosted by the wonderful Erin Gennard from INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CONVENTION Listen now ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #womeninbusiness #HerBusinessOfSport #Podcast

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Weather plays as significant a role in golf economics in equatorial and temperate climates as in Northern and Southern Hemispheres that have severe winters. There is no shut down period in SE Asia with courses open 365 days a year. Lightning activity in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, deprive courses of a large number of rounds year around. The monsoon and typhoon seasons across SE Asia have an impact on the golf course which no amount of drainage can moderate and also take a significant number of rounds off the books for golf courses. There are reports of summer heat, already high in the region, increasing in recent years and now having an impact on the tolerance of even the most hardy heat tolerant local golfer. Tracking the economic impact of weather is vital and with the Climate Change modifying weather patterns and seasons, it is key for the industry. Sporting Insights has been tracking rounds on a quarterly basis in Great Britain for 5 years. The release of this information is eagerly awaited and has proven vital for the industry to communicate and plan forward. The Sporting Insights Rounds Monitor is easy to implement and can have a major impact on the ability of golf clubs in an area, a region or nationwide to see how they are performing vis a vis their peers and how external factors such as the weather are impacting their clubs and the industry. Please contact me at [email protected] for more information on how we can assist.

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James White and I at ResultX Group have been banging on about how to monetise your social media content and Frank Dunne at Sportbusiness wrote a piece that perfectly encapsulates exactly what we have been saying: https://lnkd.in/guHqukiK Check it out #newblogpost #sportsmedia #monetisingcontent #socialmedia #emerce #mediarights #sportsmarketing

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Investment in sport is more than medals—it’s about building pathways and uniting communities. With support like this, we have the chance to create a model where UK basketball players, especially in fast-growing formats like 3x3, can control their own narratives and futures. Here’s to opportunity, innovation, and a new era for British athletes!

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From Singapore to London, The Sports Consultancy is adding to the conversation in the world of sport, entertainment and culture. Kirsten Sibbit-Johnston will be at the heart of discussions around 👉 investment 👈 along with peers and colleagues who also value this agenda item, and the opportunities around accelerating finance in female sport. RAISE, the Global Women's Sport Conference #Sport #BusinessOfSport #WomensSport #SportSponsorship #SportInvestment #ChangeTheGame

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This is a great read. Redtorch Strategy Director Chris Argyle-Robinson explores the question: Are sports organisations too focused on the now? Quick wins like ticket sales and engagement are crucial but what about tomorrow’s fans? Sport has two big jobs: 1️⃣ Converting today’s demand. 2️⃣ Building tomorrow’s. I had a conversation the other day when the person I was speaking with described a massive challenge in sports marketing: sport doesn't get 'brand' and it's role in delivering marketing effectiveness. Have a read: https://lnkd.in/eT2EbfjS

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