Federations Communication Seminar

Federations Communication Seminar

Communication managers and staff from 47 Member Federations took part in a Communication Seminar hosted by European Athletics in Geneva, Switzerland, at the weekend.

The 29-30 March seminar organised by the European Athletics Communication Department comprised two days of presentations and workshops with focus on the Helsinki 2012 European Athletics Championships that is to be held from 27 June to 1 July in the Finnish capital.

The main aim of the seminar was to analyse, plan and position the 2012 European Athletics Championships as a key to the international athletics calendar. The representatives from the Member Federations took part in a workshop and came out with ways to promote the championships in their own countries and at a pan-European level as a stepping stone for the 2012 London Olympic Games and for future Olympics and World Championships for athletes.

The opening day consisted of presentations from European Athletics Director General Christian Milz, Helsinki 2012 CEO Esa Honkalehto, Jon Tibbs of Jon Tibbs Associates, a leading strategic brand building consultancy that works closely with European Athletics.

“The seminar clearly brought out the fact that the success of Helsinki 2012 is a shared goal for European Athletics Member Federations. The enthusiastic participation and valuable contribution of the communications representatives from our member countries was a clear indicator that no stones will be left unturned in making Helsinki 2012 one of the most successful European Championships ever,” said European Athletics Director General Christian Milz.

A question and answer session followed between the presenters, European Athletics Communication Manager James Mulligan and the seminar participants.

One of the goals of the two-day seminar was to create a stronger network between European Athletics and each Member Federation Communication Department, to look at ways in which each can work together and support each other in their respective activities.

The focus of the second day was on an overview of the European Athletics’ twin-pillar strategy, the progress made so far and future initiatives. European Athletics Development Manager Bill Glad presented an outline of all second pillar activities. The representatives also participated in a workshop and came up with proposals to improve the Athletics Community through promotion activities, projects, awards systems and integration of social media channels with the community website.