All three sectors play a major part in driving the sponsorship industry but
are currently grabbing the headlines for the wrong reasons. Scrutiny around
alcohol, gambling and fast food brand responsibility has never been more
intense and shows no sign of relenting. So where is the sponsorship industry
heading? The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is set to challenge and
debate these issues at the forthcoming sponsorship forum, 'The Power of
Prohibition: Defining strategies to tackle the increasing threat of
sponsorship legislation' on Thursday 26 April. Michael Thompson is Head of
Communications at The Portman Group, the self-regulated body for brands such
as Bacardi-Martini, Diageo GB, Coors Brewers and InBev Ltd. As a body that
serves to 'educate and prevent' alcohol misuse, Thompson will give an
insight into the current climate and code of practice around alcohol
sponsorship and discuss the potential for future restrictive legislation or
indeed, outright ban. Further speakers and panellists include Gareth
Roberts – Sponsorship & Media Relations Controller, Carlsberg (UK), Nicky
Fuller – Chief Operating Officer, World Snooker, Warren Phelops – Head of
International Sports Group, K&L Gates LLP and Antonio Costanzo – Team Leader
Global Sponsorship Management, Bwin. Richard Moore, Chairman of ESA Training
and Education commented: 'The ESA forums bring sponsors, rights holders,
agencies and industry service providers together to address the important
issues which affect the sponsorship industry. The eventual outcome of these
issues will have a profound effect on the industry so this forum will give
practitioners the chance to add their voice to the debate'.