Posted on 16 April, 2009

With the new Basketball Brand launched in Federation Square, Melbourne on Tuesday 7 April 2009, the convention proved the perfect vehicle to deliver the new brand to stadium managers, association officials and volunteers.

Retired Collingwood AFL Premiership Captain and former Victoria Metro State and Coburg Giants basketball representative player Tony Shaw kicked off the convention and spoke passionately about the sport and how important planning is for future success.  His speech ignited the participants for a positive two days of discussion.

The BMV Convention and Trade brought together managers, administrators, coaches and referees from all over Australia as well as Singapore and during the workshop sessions a framework for the best practice management of Basketball Stadiums was created while a blueprint for programs, competitions and facilities in 2030 and beyond .

Over the course of the two days a who’s who of basketball identities took part in discussions forums outlining why the sport is such a great game, where is has come from and what the future holds; Andrew Gaze, Larry Sengstock, Wayne Carroll, Scott Derwin, Nigel Purchase, Lindsay Gaze, Mark Cowan and current Australia Opals Coach Carrie Graf headlined the forums.

The Convention workshops were presented by industry leaders and those working at the grassroots of basketball. Covering three distinct themes of Facilities, Competitions and Programs, the workshops will include – Improving Communication, Working with Referees, Working with the Media, Maintaining and Servicing Sponsorship and Stadium Security. These will now be put together on a DVD and sent out to all attending Associations.

Ned Coten of Acorn Brand Design concluded the convention by outlining the new Basketball brand and how attendees can spread the word of basketball…that it is Everyone’s Game! As part of his contribution Ned donated a week’s work for one lucky Association with Acorn Brand Design and the Southern Peninsula Basketball Association were announced the recipients.

The winners of the Trade Show prizes for the individuals who visited every trade exhibition were:

Bob Hunnerup (Basketball SA) – Port Douglas Tropical Holiday Package

Erin Waldock (Dandenong) – John Daly Golf Clubs

Chris Sutton (Broadmeadows) – Signed Australian Boomers Singlet

Andrew Halsall (Nunawading) – Signed Lauren Jackson Body Suit

Deb Kruger (Mornington) – Signed Collingwood Singlet

For more information on Basketball Managers Victoria visit www.bmv.basketball.net.au