Sports Podge has always celebrated the passion, the personalities and the friendships forged through sport.
For our fourteenth year our theme is First Women – celebrating the trailblazers who smashed ceilings, vaulted barriers and changed the sporting landscape. Often, in the early days, wearing insanely impractical kit. (One of my all-time favourite quotations points out that Ginger Rodgers did everything Fred Astaire did, ‘only backwards and in high heels’).
The day itself conforms to the familiar winning Podge format: catch up with old friends, make new ones, maybe even strike the odd deal, all while enjoying a superb lunch without the distraction of auctions, awards and overlong speeches.
Think of it as social networking but with living, breathing human beings – with a good chance you’ll be rubbing shoulders with actual sporting legends. As ever, the excellent food comes courtesy of the IoD’s award-winning chef, accompanied by fine wines from the IoD’s cellar. And, as afternoon turns to evening, bacon butties and veggie alternatives appear (as if by magic) at the bar.
Great venues, great food and a bar that never runs dry have always been at the heart of Podge (hence the name) so forget all that ‘body is a temple’ business and be ready to fill your boots, slingbacks or Mizuno Wave Riders. Podge is about expanding horizons and contact books. And your waistbands? Maybe a little…
Anyhow, come raise a glass to the women who came, swam, volleyed, sprinted, coached, presented and conquered.
Sportingly yours,
Phil Jones
Spring vegetable salad, confit tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella
Spring lamb rump, crisp potato cake, baby turnips, mint and yoghurt
Salmon fillet, heritage tomato salad, basil mayonnaise
Artichoke tortellini with grilled courgettes, mint and pecorino
Chocolate, raspberry and ginger entremets
First female PGA competitor -
she also won Olympic medals in
hurdles, javelin and high jump.
First female Olympic gold medalist and
5 times Wimbledon Singles champion.
A leading global digital infrastructure provider with a leadership position in emerging
markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain
expertise across its global network to deliver managed solutions to over 67% of the Fortune
500 companies.
Tata Communications owns and operates the world’s largest fibre optic cable network. They’re
also powering businesses large and small, delivering services including everything from
networking, unified communications, and media services to cloud computing, and network
security. Reaching 99.7% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product of goods and services, Tata
Communications enables faster and more efficient economic development and cross cultural
communication and understanding throughout the world.
Tealium revolutionises today’s digital businesses with a universal approach to customer data orchestration – spanning web, mobile, offline, and IoT devices. The Tealium Universal Data Hub enables organisations to leverage real-time data to create richer, more personalized digital experiences across every team, technology, and customer touchpoint.
Tealium.comPinsent Masons is a full service law firm which assists clients around the globe. The firm has more than 1,000 lawyers and offices in major cities worldwide including Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. They have built a strong reputation as being one of the UK's leading firms of lawyers to the sports and stadia sector and their highly specialist and multi-disciplinary sports team has extensive experience in providing relevant and concise advice which is easily interpreted and implemented. They are able to anticipate issues and opportunities, and manage them to achieve the maximum benefit for our clients.
PinsentMasons.comCSM Live create and deliver award-winning brand and live experiences around the world. In sport they create the look and feel of the event, brand venues and often the wider host cities. They have delivered the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Ryder Cup, Glasgow 2014 and Formula E. In the corporate and public sectors they have regenerated public areas, provided temporary and permanent branding and fit outs, and organised company events, exhibitions and conferences.
CSMLive.comDave 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 Sports Podge since the first one at Langan’s in 2006.
TheHubLondon.co.ukTommy 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.
ThisIsTommy.comStart is a leading brand, retail and digital design consultancy. They are agents of change, consulting with brands to help them adjust to the evolving needs of their customers, and designing brand journeys that combine physical, digital and human interactions. Using specialist expertise in environmental, technological, communication and behavioural design, Start employs proven, bespoke methods to efficiently meet the needs of customers across brand, digital and retail experiences. Start believes in simplicity, relevance and brilliance, and through these principles designs new brand platforms that deliver extraordinary value for clients, and their customers.
StartDesign.comThe 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.
PSDGroup.comServing 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.
With over 40 years’ experience, Getty Images’ sports pedigree is second-to-none. Our award-winning photographers capture the action and emotion of top-flight sport from all over the world, covering 20,000+ events each year. These include the world’s largest and most prestigious sport tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and, as official Photographic Agency of the International Olympic Committee, both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
GettyImages.co.ukCoutts 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.
Coutts.comWe are very grateful for the support of the team at Crowe LLP, 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.
Crowe.comPOWA index is the world’s first real time, dynamic, sport sponsorship analysis software. Our team of data scientists incorporate both traditional media and every relevant digital data stream, from social media to search to even the weather (!), in one easy to use dashboard, indexed visually in League table format, by Sport, Territory or Sector. Enabling you to make sense of Sport sponsorship valuations. We understand rights holders need to maximise the value from sponsors, and brands need to identify the right sponsorship and to amplify the effectiveness of their investment.
PowaIndex.comSports provide diverse value and play a vital role in helping people to lead a prosperous and comfortable lifestyle. Mizuno not only supports sporting activities by offering better sporting goods but also develops products and services that make the most of the value of sports and actively spread that in daily life.
Mizuno.euA leading global digital infrastructure provider with a leadership position in emerging
markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain
expertise across its global network to deliver managed solutions to over 67% of the Fortune
500 companies.
Tata Communications owns and operates the world’s largest fibre optic cable network. They’re
also powering businesses large and small, delivering services including everything from
networking, unified communications, and media services to cloud computing, and network
security. Reaching 99.7% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product of goods and services, Tata
Communications enables faster and more efficient economic development and cross cultural
communication and understanding throughout the world.
Tealium revolutionises today’s digital businesses with a universal approach to customer data orchestration – spanning web, mobile, offline, and IoT devices. The Tealium Universal Data Hub enables organisations to leverage real-time data to create richer, more personalized digital experiences across every team, technology, and customer touchpoint.
Tealium.comPinsent Masons is a full service law firm which assists clients around the globe. The firm has more than 1,000 lawyers and offices in major cities worldwide including Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. They have built a strong reputation as being one of the UK's leading firms of lawyers to the sports and stadia sector and their highly specialist and multi-disciplinary sports team has extensive experience in providing relevant and concise advice which is easily interpreted and implemented. They are able to anticipate issues and opportunities, and manage them to achieve the maximum benefit for our clients.
PinsentMasons.comCSM Live create and deliver award-winning brand and live experiences around the world. In sport they create the look and feel of the event, brand venues and often the wider host cities. They have delivered the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Ryder Cup, Glasgow 2014 and Formula E. In the corporate and public sectors they have regenerated public areas, provided temporary and permanent branding and fit outs, and organised company events, exhibitions and conferences.
CSMLive.comDave 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 Sports Podge since the first one at Langan’s in 2006.
TheHubLondon.co.ukTommy 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.
ThisIsTommy.comStart is a leading brand, retail and digital design consultancy. They are agents of change, consulting with brands to help them adjust to the evolving needs of their customers, and designing brand journeys that combine physical, digital and human interactions. Using specialist expertise in environmental, technological, communication and behavioural design, Start employs proven, bespoke methods to efficiently meet the needs of customers across brand, digital and retail experiences. Start believes in simplicity, relevance and brilliance, and through these principles designs new brand platforms that deliver extraordinary value for clients, and their customers.
StartDesign.comThe 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.
PSDGroup.comServing 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.
With over 40 years’ experience, Getty Images’ sports pedigree is second-to-none. Our award-winning photographers capture the action and emotion of top-flight sport from all over the world, covering 20,000+ events each year. These include the world’s largest and most prestigious sport tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and, as official Photographic Agency of the International Olympic Committee, both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
GettyImages.co.ukCoutts 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.
Coutts.comWe are very grateful for the support of the team at Crowe LLP, 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.
Crowe.comPOWA index is the world’s first real time, dynamic, sport sponsorship analysis software. Our team of data scientists incorporate both traditional media and every relevant digital data stream, from social media to search to even the weather (!), in one easy to use dashboard, indexed visually in League table format, by Sport, Territory or Sector. Enabling you to make sense of Sport sponsorship valuations. We understand rights holders need to maximise the value from sponsors, and brands need to identify the right sponsorship and to amplify the effectiveness of their investment.
PowaIndex.comSports provide diverse value and play a vital role in helping people to lead a prosperous and comfortable lifestyle. Mizuno not only supports sporting activities by offering better sporting goods but also develops products and services that make the most of the value of sports and actively spread that in daily life.
Mizuno.euA leading global digital infrastructure provider with a leadership position in emerging
markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain
expertise across its global network to deliver managed solutions to over 67% of the Fortune
500 companies.
Tata Communications owns and operates the world’s largest fibre optic cable network. They’re
also powering businesses large and small, delivering services including everything from
networking, unified communications, and media services to cloud computing, and network
security. Reaching 99.7% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product of goods and services, Tata
Communications enables faster and more efficient economic development and cross cultural
communication and understanding throughout the world.
Victoria Pendleton
CBE
I really enjoyed the Sports Podge lunch. It’s wonderful to have so many people from across the whole of the sports industry in one room for what is a relaxed, informal, and very enjoyable event. I’m looking forward to being there again this year.
Mick Fitzgerald
Grand National & Cheltenham Gold Cup winner
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.
Bill Sweeney
Chief Executive, British Olympic Association
I always enjoy Sports Podge 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.
Anna-Marie Phelps
CBE, Chairman, British Rowing
Sports Podge is one of the highlights of the year. Thank you again, I love the relaxed, fun atmosphere, great food and wine, and knowing everyone is as keen to catch up as to make new friends, and all are deadly serious about sport: makes it a must-do.
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.
Richard Bevan
Chief Executive, League Managers Association
The Sports Podge lunch is a fantastic event providing a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure! One of the best sports networking lunches that always lives up to expectations.
Mark Hunter
MBE, Olympic Gold & Silver Medal
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.
Laura Wright
Sports Soprano
I’ve performed at Sports Podge twice now and every year they bring something so unique to the table. I’m a singer first and foremost but an incredibly passionate and competitive sportswoman, so to be surrounded by other like minded souls who are flying the flag for British Sport is not only important but infectious. The atmosphere at each event is fun and relaxed and I’ve made so many friends and contacts. If you’re in the business of sport, it’s an event not to be missed!
Nathan Homer
Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at European Golf Tour & Ryder Cup Europe
A good friend had his wedding on Podge day last year, and this event is so good I genuinely stopped and thought, "Which should I go to?" It really is that much of an annual highlight.
Kit Taylor
Director Global Sector Head, Sport and Entertainment Practice at PSD Group
PSD have supported Sports Podge for many years and I always make a point of shaking hands on the next year's deal in the bar after the lunch. It’s a fab gathering of the great and the good and the unpretentious.
Craig Hepburn
Leading digital transformation at UEFA
On my journey to UEFA I have been a big fan of the annual Sports Podge lunch, it’s always a great feeling when the invitation drops into my inbox and this year I will be flying in from Geneva to join the fun.
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.
Terry Venables
Managed England, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur
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.
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.
Karen Wallin
Former Chief Executive, Special Olympics
I've only missed one Sport Spodge lunch in 12 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!
Victoria Pendleton
CBE
I really enjoyed the Sports Podge lunch. It’s wonderful to have so many people from across the whole of the sports industry in one room for what is a relaxed, informal, and very enjoyable event. I’m looking forward to being there again this year.
Mick Fitzgerald
Grand National & Cheltenham Gold Cup winner
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.
Bill Sweeney
Chief Executive, British Olympic Association
I always enjoy Sports Podge 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.
Anna-Marie Phelps
CBE, Chairman, British Rowing
Sports Podge is one of the highlights of the year. Thank you again, I love the relaxed, fun atmosphere, great food and wine, and knowing everyone is as keen to catch up as to make new friends, and all are deadly serious about sport: makes it a must-do.
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.
Richard Bevan
Chief Executive, League Managers Association
The Sports Podge lunch is a fantastic event providing a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure! One of the best sports networking lunches that always lives up to expectations.
Mark Hunter
MBE, Olympic Gold & Silver Medal
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.
Laura Wright
Sports Soprano
I’ve performed at Sports Podge twice now and every year they bring something so unique to the table. I’m a singer first and foremost but an incredibly passionate and competitive sportswoman, so to be surrounded by other like minded souls who are flying the flag for British Sport is not only important but infectious. The atmosphere at each event is fun and relaxed and I’ve made so many friends and contacts. If you’re in the business of sport, it’s an event not to be missed!
Nathan Homer
Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at European Golf Tour & Ryder Cup Europe
A good friend had his wedding on Podge day last year, and this event is so good I genuinely stopped and thought, "Which should I go to?" It really is that much of an annual highlight.
Kit Taylor
Director Global Sector Head, Sport and Entertainment Practice at PSD Group
PSD have supported Sports Podge for many years and I always make a point of shaking hands on the next year's deal in the bar after the lunch. It’s a fab gathering of the great and the good and the unpretentious.
Craig Hepburn
Leading digital transformation at UEFA
On my journey to UEFA I have been a big fan of the annual Sports Podge lunch, it’s always a great feeling when the invitation drops into my inbox and this year I will be flying in from Geneva to join the fun.
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.
Terry Venables
Managed England, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur
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.
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.
Karen Wallin
Former Chief Executive, Special Olympics
I've only missed one Sport Spodge lunch in 12 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!
Victoria Pendleton
CBE
I really enjoyed the Sports Podge lunch. It’s wonderful to have so many people from across the whole of the sports industry in one room for what is a relaxed, informal, and very enjoyable event. I’m looking forward to being there again this year.
© 2019 Copyright Sports Podge
All images supplied by Getty