By Tom Degun

London media_centre_July_13July 14 - Plans to host their first marketing summit during London 2012, have been announced by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).


The free event will be held on September 5 at the London Media Centre (pictured above) in the capital.

The summit, whose main objective is to consider the London 2012 experience and encourage discussion on the benefits to be gained from association with the Paralympic brand, is primarily aimed at Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 partners as well as International Olympic Committee (IOC) TOP sponsors. 

Companies interested in Paralympic sponsorships, bid cities, marketing communication agencies, Games industry agencies and journalists are also encouraged to attend.

The event is open to National Paralympic Committees and Organising Committees and presents a major networking opportunity.

"We are extremely excited to announce the first edition of the IPC Marketing Summit, an opportunity to discuss and exchange the potential and future of the Paralympic brand," said IPC chief executive Xavier Gonzalez, who will be one of the key speakers at the event.

"Top-level speakers and some of the world's biggest sport sponsors will share how they have activated their partnerships with the Paralympic brand and the benefits they have enjoyed.

"I am very much looking forward to hearing what comes out of the event."

IPC Marketing_Summit_poster
Other speakers confirmed for the event are BT Group marketing and brand director Suzi Williams, IFM managing director Ulrich Lacher, Sainsbury's head of sponsorship Jat Sahota, Allianz SE head of group market management Joe Gross, Havas Sports & Entertainment President and chief executive Lucien Boyer and P&G sports marketing and Olympics project director Nathan Homer.

"Meeting many of the Paralympians on the journey to London 2012 has revealed the critical importance of their friends and family in achieving their sporting and life goals, and revealed the depth of their uniquely compelling stories with which to bring alive our corporate and brand campaign," said Homer.

Gordon Innes, chief exceutive of London & Partners, who run the Media Centre, said: "We are delighted that the London Media Centre will be hosting the IPC Marketing Forum.

"The vision, engagement and inspiration that surround the Paralympics will play a crucial role in London's global profile this summer and this event will provide insight in to just how powerful the Paralympics are for brands."

Only a limited number of entry passes are available for the summit.

Interested parties can register online here

The marketing summit will be followed by the Paralympic Ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London.

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