Most “Elusive Fan” born today, promoters told

LAKE MARY, FL, - The Speedweek Annual Workshop of the Thirty-Fifth Annual RPM Promoters Workshop concluded today with promoters upbeat about business prospects for the 2008 season.The three-day Workshop opened with keynote remarks from Ben Shields, coauthor of “The Elusive Fan, Reinventing Sports in a Crowded Marketplace.” Shields told promoters the most elusive fan is the fan born today, and he urged promoters to fulfill the huge appetite young people have for interactive media.

Featured presentations included “The Fans’ Eye View,” in which Karen & Kevin Flynn, who attended more than 1100 sporting events at 192 venues, briefed promoters on the entertainment value and customer service offered at events, “Drifting In The Web,” in which Jacob Agajanian recounted how the “Drift Versus Grip” charity event, at Irwindale Speedway, was marketed using web media exclusively; and “Eat Drink, Make Money,” in which Joe Doellefeld showed promoters how to plan menus, mercha-dise food and beverage, and increase profits.

Among other presentations were Dennis Gage’s interview of 31st Auto Racing Promoter of the Year John Padjen, “New Promoters’ Perspective,” with Steve Beitler, Skagit (WA) Speedway; “The Short Track Short Course, six sessions covering the breadth of track operation and promotion; and “TechSpec, four sessions covering crate and custom-built engines, policing issues, the administration of rules and the management of the tech process. The final day included the annual Workshops risk management session, and the “New Promoters Forum.”

The Speedweek Workshop, is produced by Racing Promotion Monthly, the idea newsletter of auto racing promoters.� The Workshops are produced with the year-round support of K&K Insurance Group, Inc., Hoosier Racing Tire.� The 35th Workshops Series was produced with additional sponsorship support from: the Eldorado Hotel Casino, INEX, GM Performance parts, Lucas Oil Products, Moffett Productions, Musco Sports Lighting, World Racing Group, Simes Graphic Designs and RACEceiver.� The Workshops of the Thirty-Sixth Annual Series are scheduled for 4-6 December, 2008 at Reno, Nevada and 9-11 February, 2009 at Lake Mary, Florida.� Promoters looking for more information on the 35th Annual Series and the promoters? newsletter may contact Racing Promotion Monthly editorial offices, P.O. Box 195, Edgar, WI 54426, 715=536-1067, FAX 715-536-3616, www.racingpromotionmonthly.net.

From: Stewart Doty | Racing Promotion Monthly