Top Speakers Confirmed for 'Fantastic' Conference

One of Asia's leading sponsorship experts, Hong Kong-based Jason Cornell' has been confirmed as another international speaker at the upcoming Sport is Fantastic conference.
Through his consultancy the Cornell Sponsorship Group, Jason advises both brands and rights holders on a select retainer basis regarding sponsorship including negotiation, activation and measurement.
Recent clients include the HK Cricket Sixes, for which Jason successfully obtained funding from the HK 'M Mark' Major Events Committee. Another recent success was in negotiating sponsorship for the Hong Kong International Film Festival from Citibank, who became the eventâs official credit card and major partner in February 2009. This was a ground breaking commercial deal for Hong Kong's most popular arts and culture event.
Until recently, Head of Sponsorship for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Jason developed the HKJC's initial sponsorship strategy, as they had previously not pursued commercial sponsors. Global brands such as Cathay Pacific, Mercedes Benz, HSBC, Citi and Vodafone were signed up as first time raceday sponsors with multi-year deals and renewals. Jason was also instrumental in the marketing and brand repositioning of Hong Kong Racing as 'sport and entertainment' rather than being solely solely linked to gambling.
Another speaker at the event is NFL research partner AJ Maestas. 'Ajay' is founder and principal of Chicago based Navigate Sports & Entertainment Marketing, an agency specialising in the analysis of sponsorships and promotions. In particular, Navigate's core expertise is the measurement of return on investment for sponsorships in sports and entertainment.
Launched in 2006, Navigate Marketing focuses on the sponsorship industryâs three primary information needs, accountability; tailored solutions and robust methodology Navigate provides custom ROI solutions for individual clients through tailored combinations of measurement and research.
Since early 2008, Navigate have been a research partner of the National Football League (NFL) who use Navigate Marketing to support their research and planning for league partners by undertaking competitor analysis, category analysis and ROI initiatives.
In addition to the NFL, AJ has worked with many other leagues and/or properties; such as the NBA, MLB, NHL, AVP, NASCAR, IRL, Champ Car and NCAA. Maestas has also served as a resource to numerous agencies and sponsors.
Sport is Fantastic is being staged in Melbourne in the first three days of 'State of Origin week', from 1st to 3rd June 2009.
Those registering for the conference prior to 14th March need pay only $1,195, saving $600 and representing a discount of over 30% on the full May price.
Registrations can be made online.

http://www.sportisfantastic.com