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AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and revered global sports marketeer Dr Bernard Mullin will be headline s peakers when the nation’s top racing administrators converge on Brisbane for the 2015 Australian Racing Conference next May.
Racing Queensland will host approximately 400 delegates for the annual three-day event and CEO Darren Condon predicted the speakers’ list and their intended topics would promote some interesting discussion among delegates.
“We see it as critical for racing to maintain its relevance in the contemporary sports market and the list of speakers we have assembled so far brings with it a wealth of experience in that field,” Mr Condon said.
“I think any sport could take a leaf out of the AFL’s book; their development programs are fantastic; memberships are increasing and their promotional activity speaks for itself, so we are very pleased to have Gillon joining us.
“On an international level, Dr Bernard Mullin’s reputation in sports administration is second to none, he was the Senior Vice President Marketing and Team Business Operations for the NBA and also has extensive experience as the CEO of numerous clubs, including the Atlanta Hawks.
“Bernie is currently the chairman and CEO of the Aspire Group, a global leader in sports and entertainment with a focus on fan relationship management, which is particularly pertinent in the racing industry at the moment.
“We also have Everton Football Club’s Director of Marketing and Communications Mr Richard Kenyon, who will be speaking on the value of successful community engagement in sport.
“The conference is a perfect opportunity to collaborate within the industry and I would like to thank the State Government and the Brisbane City Council for making the event possible.”
Queensland Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the conference was a chance to encourage interest in the local racing product.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Queensland racing to the world,” Mr Dickson said.
“The Newman Government has worked hard to reinvigorate the racing industry, with increases to prize money, a terrific wagering deal, and improved infrastructure, which will no doubt encourage investment and interest from racing participants right across the globe,” he said.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said hosting the Australian Racing Conference would be a great opportunity for Brisbane to shine internationally.
“More and more Brisbane is being recognised as a great conference and business meeting destination both domestically and internationally,” Cr Quirk said.
“Racing at all levels is an important industry and a significant employer in Brisbane. This conference will not only coincide with our important Winter Racing Carnival, but will also have broad-reaching benefits for the local racing industry."
