ABOUT
History
A message from your Director Sportif
Sports Podge celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It is a unique lunch dedicated to the passion and personalities of sport.
The idea is to bump into old muckers, forge new bonds – maybe even strike the odd deal – but mostly to fiercely enjoy yourself without the distraction of auctions, awards, speeches etc. It’s like social networking but with real shoulders to rub, fine wine, excellent food thanks to the IoD’s award winning chef and not to mention an intimidating wall of bacon butties in the bar at tea time.
Indeed, great venues, superb food and a bar that never runs out have always been at the heart of these occasions, hence the name “podge”, so come ready to swell your tummy and your phonebook, meet some seriously influential people and make a few memories – and perhaps remember to pack a Rennie or two for the ride home.
Having never ridden a bike since I had a newspaper round back in the 1960’s I have a sneaky feeling that my design maestro (and cycling afficianado) Trevor will find a clever way of using photoshop to paint me into a lycra suit. Getting into one in real life would be much more of a challenge.
If you are one of the chosen few I look forward to welcoming you on May 15th.
The Schedule for the night
Étape one
Arriving between 12.30 and 1pm for pre lunch drinks, pick up lanyard and check seating plan etc.
Étape two
1.15 be seated for lunch in The Nash Room
Étape three
3pm the move around, 50% of guests change tables
Étape four
4.30pm the members bar opens and is sponsored, guests encouraged to move to the bar
Étape five
7pm bacon butties served in the bar
Musette
The menu straight from the rider's lunchbox
1st Categorie
Starters
Roasted heritage beets, orange, pecan and stilton salad
Descending
Desserts
Poached pear with salted caramel mousse
Cheese & Biscuits & Coffee
Le Grand Depart
Why not cycle to the Le Grand Depart from one of these London landmarks?
Le Grand Depart
Institute of Directors
116 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5ED
Date and Time
Friday 15th May
Drinks - 12:30pm
Lunch - 13:15pm
Peloton
Check out your team mates and rivals
Supporters
They might not speed you up, but you wont get far without them
Coutts
Coutts is a private bank and a wealth manager with three centuries of experience in the management of the banking requirements of our clients, many of whom have represented the great, the good and the successful, and all of whom have appreciated the fact that they are dealing with expert bankers who have always been there to provide them with objective and practical advice.
Our Private Bankers understand the links between the personal and working lives of our clients, and appreciate the risks, challenges and complexities associated with a career in the sports industry. The team at Coutts work closely with sports businesses, athletes, players, managers and executives helping them to manage and protect their financial security both now and in the future.
At Coutts we understand the importance of working as part of a client's advisory team and have strong links with other professionals supporting the industry. We are pleased to support the Sports Podge lunch at the Institute of Directors, a special invitation only annual gathering for those established in the sports industry.
Microsoft
Microsoft lives to help people and businesses realise their potential. To help them make things and get things done. Lumia mobile devices have long strived to deliver the experience you want, simply and easily. Liberating personal expression, facilitating decision making and task completion, making all communication easy, and fun.
We make Lumia mobile devices to suit a range of budgets. Devices that team the latest software with the fastest processors. That run integrated first-party apps and the very best third-party apps. That offer Cortana - our very own personal assistant. And use OneDrive to seamlessly integrate with all devices. Because everyone should have the latest and most intuitive technology to help them get things done.
Getty Images
Getty Images is the world’s leader in visual communication, with over 170 million assets available through our premium content site www.gettyimages.com and our leading stock content site www.istock.com.
Serving business customers in more than 100 countries, we’re the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage images and other digital content.
Getty Images has over 30 years of unmatched experience, knowledge and understanding of sports marketing, as well as the largest, most prolific sports collection available today. We have a track-record of working with some of the most prestigious brands, rights-holders and governing bodies in global sport, including the IOC, FIFA, PGA Tour, NBA, MLB and NASCAR.
Our award-winning photographers cover over 28,000 individual sports events a year, helping customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and online media. Getty Images is the custodian of many iconic images from the world of sport and a regular supporter of Podge Events.
PSD
The Sport Practice at PSD has an outstanding track record of delivering high profile executive search and recruitment assignments for a wide range of sports businesses across the globe.
The team offer world class knowledge, contacts and networks in this hugely dynamic sector with specific expertise in Board Appointments, Elite Performance, Operational and Commercial roles at executive and senior management level. Current clients cover a diverse range of sub-sectors, including professional teams, rights holders, governing bodies, sporting goods brands and governments.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons is a leading global advisor to the sports, media and entertainment sectors, delivering advice based on legal excellence on issues across sport. Operating from major centres across the United Kingdom, Europe, the Gulf and Asia Pacific, the team also works extensively in North America and Africa. A dedicated team also provides clients with game changing strategic advice, solutions and business opportunities.
Crowe Clark Whitehall
We are very grateful for the support of the team at Crowe Clark Whitehill, experts in providing expert advice in audit, tax and advisory services to charities, not for profit, corporate business, professional practice, pension funds and private clients.
Their network extends to 167 accountancy firms in 109 countries, all driven by partner involvement and a focus on relationship. Podge Events is one of their clients as are several of the sports podge guests.
Creatives
Cubo
Founded in 1995, Cubo is an integrated creative agency, working across multiple disciplines to help solve business problems through creative brand engagement. We believe the most effective way to grow brands is to help them make a positive contribution to people’s lives.
We have significant experience across a range of industries including travel & tourism, premium spirits, higher education, and FMCG. In addition we have a growing presence in the UK and global sports industry.
Our marketing approach is one of the reasons we are keen to creatively support Sports Podge. Sport contributes greatly to people’s lives and this event is pivotal in bringing key players from the sports management and marketing industries together.
Illustrations by Joe Waldron http://joewaldron.co.uk
Tommy
Tommy is a London based digital creative agency. We work with agencies, brands, companies and individuals alike. We believe in developing strategies to acquire and grow customers through rich, valuable digital experiences underpinned by technical excellence.
Between us we have worked on over 100 Top 10 Box office movies, backed a World Cup bid, helped change the taste of cider and won an award or two.
Founded at the beginning of 2010 our client portfolio includes Paramount Pictures International, Netflix, Microsoft, BT, Arts Council England, Saddlers Wells, Visit Britain, The FA, Google, Twentieth Century Fox and Heathrow.
Graphics / Print / Photography
Icon
ICON delivers branding and live events for our clients in high profile sport, corporate, commercial and retail environments. More than half the world’s population has seen our work.
Our global network drives the scale and impact of what we can do for our clients, both directly and in collaboration with agency partners.
This year we are running the programme for Look, wayfinding and signage for the Rugby World Cup, The Open Championship and multiple activations for FIFA around the world.
ICON has supported sportspodge since its inception. John Francis and Graham Clark will be joining us at this year's sportspodge lunch.
The Hub London
Dave Marrable and Dave Hallam at Hub London always do a fantastic job in record-breaking time on our print collateral. The Hub London bring together decades of experience they provide a unique total print/media solution for clients and have been the official print partner of sportspodge since the first one at Langan’s in 2006.
In his spare time Dave Marrable is also heavily involved in the sports industry with many entrepreneurial ventures. More importantly he is one of the nicest blokes on the planet.
Jonathan Cole Photography
At the 2013 Sports Podge lunch Terry Venables asked if he could use one of Jon’s great images for the front cover of his autobiography. Jon Cole has once again agreed to point and click the great and the good at 2015’s Cycling themed event. The proud owner of a Campaign Photo Award this will be Jon’s sixth sportspodge as our official snapper.
Legends
Watch out for these seasoned professionals in the break away
Joe Calzaghe, CBE, MBE
“I flew in from New York in the morning of the lunch and had thought about phoning ahead to cancel. I am so glad I decided to attend what was a fantastic sporting lunch, I met some great people from the sports industry and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other leaders in the world of sport.”
Clare Balding OBE
“I loved my first Sports Podge. Relaxed, refreshing and reassuring to know that people are the most fun to be with, it was the perfect antidote to a long night of watching election results. I had a wonderful time, drank far too much and realised I had when I suggested a floating stadium to a stadium designer. He was very sweet not to dismiss it out of hand.”
Niels De Vos
“Sports Podge is a unique event where the invitation only format guarantees genuine high quality networking without the distraction of people trying to sell you something. A who's who from British Sport, expertly blended by Phil and his team, makes this one of the most enjoyable and interesting dates of the year.”
Bill Sweeney
“I always enjoy Sportspodge days, one of the benefits of returning to London is to be able to attend on a more regular basis. It’s a highly knowledgeable attendee group and the atmosphere is relaxed, convivial, being highly informative and productive.”
Dame Kelly Holmes, DBE, MBE (Mil.)
“Thank you for the invite to the Sports Podge Event, it was very enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to meet people with such a variety of perspectives on sport, in a relaxed atmosphere, over an excellent lunch in an impressive venue. Thank you also for your support to Commonwealth Games England, it is very much appreciated.”
Mark Hunter MBE
“My first time at the Sports Podge lunch will forever be ingrained in my memory, and I can't wait to return to experience many more. There are many sport and media events out there, but Sports Podge sets itself apart with a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere where there is no hidden agenda. You have the opportunity to make new friends and contacts as you mingle with the unique attendees, while also getting the chance to meet old mates and catch up. It's always an honor to be invited and a pleasure to attend”
Terry Venables
“Just to say thank you very much for the invitation to Sports Podge. I really enjoyed the day. The food was delicious, and it was fascinating to meet such a vast array of interesting people. It was a very well organised function and it would be a privilege to be invited again.”
Karen Wallin
“I've only missed one Sportspodge lunch in 9 years – it is a great networking opportunity for anyone with a passion in sport set in informal and fun surroundings – not forgetting the great food and amazing service of course!”
Mick Fitzgerald
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first sports podge lunch, so much so that I am begging to be added to the list for next year! It was not what I expected and found myself in the company of an array of professionals from all walks of life & the time whizzed by which meant I almost missed my train. I would recommend it to everyone given the opportunity to attend.”