Anytime Fitness UK’s Post

The Snowsport Industries of Great Britain – SIGB - has announced that the industry trade show, SLIDE, will be re-locating from its current venue, Telford, where it has been hosted for many  years, to Exhibition Centre Liverpool where it will take place from 6th – 8th January in 2026. Liverpool will become the new home for the next three years and the decision to move venue was taken by the SIGB committee following consultation, feedback and an extensive review of proposals from several different exhibition venues around the UK. The move provides an opportunity to refresh the show’s identity and make it more appealing to a wider audience of trade buyers and visitors who are engaged in winter sports and associated markets. Show organisers, MCS are preparing a new floorplan layout and will be in contact with all existing exhibitors following the 2025 show to offer an opportunity to reserve stand space in 2026 at the new venue. Commenting on the move, SIGB joint https://lnkd.in/e_jYQbT6 #News

Over a dozen top-level European clubs came to the USA this summer for a pre-season tour. The main takeaway - the tours are no longer serving the US market or the clubs. Here's why I say that: 1) Empty stadiums. Ticket revenue is being prioritized at all costs. While there are a few matches (ex: RMA v BAR) that can command sell outs at any price - for the most part, tickets are simply priced too high for a friendly. The empty seats were proof. Most of us would rather fly to Europe to watch our club in person (with the ticket often being cheaper)! 2) Over-saturation. Most clubs are all competing to get matches in primary markets (NYC, LA). A lot of football fans in major cities are used to big clubs / international teams coming to town - it's not nearly as impactful (or cost efficient) as playing in a secondary market. (I think USL could have a really interesting approach for this!) 3) (Lack of) Fandom? Few clubs are activating locally in meaningful ways. While broader attention + brand awareness via social is a huge component of the tour, clubs often drop in + out without any attempt to capture new fans in creative ways. - With that being said, a few clubs in particular approached the tour with a really interesting strategy: 1) Eintracht Frankfurt - the club made Louisville (top notch facilities at Louisville City FC) their home base, and participated in a number of local activations in Louisville. Their match was in a smaller stadium, performed extremely well, and had a "community feel" in their social posts. 2) RB Leipzig - I've posted here about the work we did together with them in the lead up to their match against AVL. All because of a few intentional community buildings moments they had with Street FC, they created countless new fans of the club - really cool to see up close. It seems like what Eintracht & RBL are doing may become the standard - I have a lot of thoughts on this, and will be interesting to watch this space as we prep for next year's summer tours!

As a city, Sheffield isn't blessed with an obvious focal point. But for two weeks every year, in the run up to the May bank holiday, the World Snooker Championship takes centre stage. As Kyren Wilson closed in on a deserved victory in an improbable final, thoughts turned to how many more times the shepherdess trophy might be lifted at the Crucible Theatre. Barry Hearn has made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that sentiment will not cloud any decision on the future of The Crucible and has openly used his platform as a sales pitch to invite an offer from the highest bidder. History is vital to sport: it provides context and identity. Idiosyncrasies are what makes sport special. The Colosseum and Rome are inextricably coupled. Here's the solution: 1️⃣ 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞  Retain the Crucible as Snooker's Centre Court, doing away with the two-table setup but preserving all of the atmosphere. Work with Sheffield City Council to build or identify a neighbouring venue (there is literally another theatre next door) to instantly double the number of tickets available and create a central tournament hub for fans. 2️⃣ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Genuine fans will always miss out at an intimate venue. But make sure tickets are going to the people who attend by understanding your data. Nobody wants to see empty seats, which there were in every session. And yet try to buy tickets for 2025 now from Sheffield Theatres, having launched on general sale yesterday, and you'll find sparse pickings beyond the highest tier of hospitality. A failed rocket launch might be a good place to investigate untaken spaces. 3️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬  The WST should work with directly with players to identify what would help them perform at their best and feel supported. Fund improvements by selling the prestige of association with the historic venue to Eastern sponsors and consider backstage opportunities that Formula One harnesses so well to drive digital engagement by framing the sport around personalities. It's only a game but... you better believe I'm right 🎶 #sheffield | #sportsbiz | #sportstech

Straight from the Stalls – Exhibitors Speak! GPBS 2025 isn’t just an event; it’s an experience! Listen to what our exhibitors have to say about the opportunities, connections, and growth they’ve unlocked. Their journey could be yours too! . . #gpbs2025 #exhibitorsspeak #businessgrowth #networkingopportunities #unlocksuccess #businessconnections #expoexperience #gpbs #transformyourbusiness #growthopportunities

🎾 Day 5 at the Australian Open: Insights with Joseph Burke I had the chance to interview Joseph Burke, CEO of Global Vending Solutions Ltd, on Day 5 of the Australian Open. Joseph shared how his company is exploring the Australian market, a new and exciting venture for the 20-year-old business. He highlighted their partnership with waterdrop®, vending water to tens of thousands of fans, and emphasised how tangible products are shaping the fan experience at events like this. 💡 “Seeing it with my own eyes has been fascinating. I’ve met a number of new contacts, and it’s a market we hope to do more in.” 📹 Watch the interview to hear about: ✅ Networking at major events like the Australian Open ✅ Opportunities for innovation in sports venues ✅ How tangible solutions elevate fan engagement 👉 What innovative solutions have you seen in sports venues recently? #AustralianOpen Tennis Australia #TennisAustralia #AO2025 #AUSOPEN2025 #SportsBusiness #Sportsbiz #SportsNetworking #Innovation #FanEngagement #Sustainability #Hospitality #Stadia #Venues #VenueManagement #TheSportsNetworker SVB LIVE Sports Venue Business Katie McIntyre

We recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Black In Sport on October 12th and exhibit at the UK Black Business Week | UK Black Business Show on 19th October. At both events, we set up a small indoor putting activation, handed out BBG merch (T-shirts and towels), and encouraged attendees to sign up to our database. The response was overwhelming! The UK Black Business Show, with a footfall of over 7,000 attendees, marked the first time BBG—or any golf platform—has showcased there. And it certainly won't be the last! Here's What We've Learned: 1. A Growing Appetite for Golf: There's a significant and growing interest in golf within the Black community. Many attendees shared their eagerness to learn and participate in the sport. 2. The Power of Presence: Being present at these events is crucial. It allows us to connect directly with individuals who might not have considered golf accessible or welcoming before. 3. Breaking Stereotypes: Showcasing at these events helps challenge misconceptions about who can play golf. Representation matters, and we're proud to be part of that change. 4. Building Community: There's a strong desire for community and networking within the sport. Events like these help us bring people together and foster a supportive environment. 5. Education is Key: Many people are interested but unsure how to start. Providing information and accessible entry points is essential to growing the sport. Why It's Important to Be Present at Such Events: Our participation isn't just about promoting BBG; it's about making golf more inclusive and diverse. By being present, we open doors for new players, create networking opportunities, and highlight the sport's accessibility. It's essential to be where our community is, listen to their needs, and make golf a sport for everyone. We're excited about the future and committed to continuing this journey. A huge thank you to everyone who visited our stand, tried out the putting activation, and signed up. Your enthusiasm fuels our mission! This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to get involved with BBG! #BlackBritishGolfers #UKBlackBusinessShow #BlackInSportSummit

Roland-Garros showed me how not to treat clients 😂 I recently attended another Grand Slam this year, this time in Paris, which concluded last Sunday. While the sports vibe was cool, the persistent rain and service shortcomings left much to be desired. Here are some service takeaways I gleaned from my rainy, chilly experience, so you won't have to brave it yourself soaking wet. ➡️Being quick to adapt to client needs is crucial: The tournament is held outdoors, and Paris decided to mimic Eminem's "Stan" with non-stop rain. This led to significant disruptions in scheduling, yet even after four days of downpour, there were no options for basic warm drinks or adequate shelter. Organizers missed a prime opportunity to enhance visitor satisfaction by failing to adapt to changing conditions. ➡️Legacy thinking stifles innovation: Roland-Garros operates in a distinctly traditional manner, complete with Moet and Chandon pop-ups and exclusive venues for premium ticket holders. This reluctance to innovate and modernize impedes their ability to meet customer expectations and enhance overall appeal. It's a cautionary tale for any client-focused business looking to stay relevant. ➡️Monopolies are just bad for clients: As one of the top four tennis tournaments globally, Roland-Garros sells out tickets months in advance. The high demand often results in reduced emphasis on attendee comfort and satisfaction. Just as in marketing and PR services, healthy competition ensures continuous improvement and innovation, proving there's always room for better service. Looks like I’ll need to think twice before jetting off to Paris again for the Olympics! #PublicRelations #PR #RolandGarros

At the Market Share Group, we remove the guesswork and complexities associated with sponsorships and events. Category Exclusivity is a frequent tripping point for brands. Owning your category ensures your brand stands out without competitor interference. Fight for it. You deserve sponsorships that work. We can help. #Sponsorshipmarketing #sportsbiz #brandmarketing

Euro 2024: Nearly £1bn Boost for Pubs This Sunday, Britain's pubs and bars are poised for a monumental day as the Euro 2024 final sees England face Spain. According to UKHospitality, this event is expected to drive a staggering 50% increase in sales. The entire hospitality sector stands to gain with an overall windfall of £800 million over the course of the tournament, showcasing football's immense economic impact. As fans gather to support the Three Lions, the atmosphere in pubs is predicted to be electric, rivalling that of the Berlin stadium itself. This unique matchday experience is further enhanced by extended licensing hours, allowing licensed premises to serve until 1am. Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality's chief executive, has high hopes for fans making the most of these extended hours to celebrate what could be a historic victory for England. The economic ripple effect of such events underscores the importance of major sporting tournaments to the hospitality sector. This nearly £1 billion surge not only represents a significant boost for pub owners but also highlights the crucial role of communal spaces in bringing people together for shared experiences. Let's enjoy the match responsibly and support our local pubs in this joyous celebration. #Euro2024 #HospitalityBoost #SupportLocalPubs

We work with some amazing clients, and one of them is Piing, who have had an absolutely stellar year. You can expect a lot more from these guys in 2025, and if you're at a football match any time soon, you might even get to have a shot at goal yourself with Pen-Kick. #events  #EventGaming  #InteractiveEntertainment  #EventExperiences  #EventPlanners  #EventMarketing  #EngagingExperiences  #EventTechnology  #sportsTech  #eventTech  #massparticipation  #brandengagement  #brandactivation