Lesa France-Kennedy to speak at PRI
Opening two days prior to the start of the PRI Trade Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, the Motor Sport Business Forum-North America (MSBF-NA) is preparing for its inaugural event at the new Hilton Orlando, Dec. 8-9, 2009.
A who’s who of top executives from the international motorsports industry is expected for the event, including major international sponsors, top team principals, sanctioning body executives and the organizers and operators of some of the most successful races and circuits in the world. Among those already confirmed in addition to France-Kennedy include Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer; Roger VanDerSnick, International Speedway Corporation executive vice president and COO; Roger Edmondson, Grand-Am Road Racing and AMA Pro Racing president; and Ron Rogowski, UPS director of sponsorships and events.
The Motor Sport Business Forum North America will be organized and hosted by Switzerland’s IM2 Events, which has established a series of similar events in Monaco, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia. Just Marketing International (JMI), the leading global motorsports-exclusive marketing agency, will serve as the North American co-host and manage the marketing and communications.
“We have held Motor Sport Business Forums in Monaco for the last five years and successfully launched the Middle East edition in 2008," IM2 CEO Simon Berger said. “I am very pleased that so many major players from the global motor sport arena have made early commitments to our inaugural North American event."
“We are obviously delighted that MSBF has chosen to host their event just prior to the PRI Trade Show," said Steve Lewis, producer of PRI’s show. “The announcement of Lesa France-Kennedy’s involvement in the event is another testament to the fact that Orlando is the place to be in December for all the important motorsports decision-making, from information-gathering to walking the convention center aisles, examining the latest technology and purchasing the necessary equipment for the 2010 race season."
Like the Abu Dhabi and Monaco events, the Orlando edition of MSBF will focus on the commercial side of the sport with presentations from management representatives from leading teams, sponsors, championship promoters and industry executives.
“The PRI Trade Show and MSBF-NA, coupled with PRI’s annual Industry Roundtable, the accompanying Advanced Engineering Technology Conference, our Grand Opening Breakfast featuring Wind Tunnel’s Dave Despain and our popular PRI All-Star Karting Classic now makes this five of the biggest days in racing," Lewis declared. “It’s become increasingly important to add December 8-12 to the racing industry’s business calendar."
Companies and racing individuals wishing to exhibit and/or attend the PRI Trade Show can go to www.performanceracing.com or call 949.499.5413. To register for any MSBF event go to: www.msbforum.com.