Flow Propels the Business of Sport

May 2, 2011

The Business of Sport conference organizers were delighted to receive a $2 million boost in cash and services from Flow, the nation’s triple play broadband service provider, at the event’s official launch on Monday, April 20.  Denise Williams, Flow’s Public Relations Manager (3rd right), in acknowledging the ‘importance of technology in sports’, says that Flow is pleased to support initiatives such as this, which is geared towards driving social and economic  growth in Jamaica. 

Sports in Jamaica is set to receive another major boost this week with the hosting a special Business of Sport conference which highlights emphasizes the use of sport as a significant economic tool in the region. The symposium is the first of its kind will be powered by Flow, and will take place from Thursday May 5 to Friday 6 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The theme is “Sport, an Economic Driver for the Caribbean."

The event is drawing some of the world’s most prominent sports professionals, marketing executives, government representatives, and academia; including guest speaker Timothy Schneider, President and CEO of Schneider Publishing and coordinator of the biggest sport- expo and conference in the USA.

Attendees will also benefit from the wisdom of a highly experienced panel including Keith Joseph, Olympic Committee Executive from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Remco Tevreden, Executive Director, Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee, and Miami Heat Sales executive Sherry Andre. Other notable persons include Lisa Bell of the EXIM Bank who will serve as moderator for that session.

The region’s most prominent sports media will join with international sports media to voice issues pertaining to broadcast mediums. Presenters will include Ato Boldon of ESPN, and Jamaican media owners Cliff Hughes and Alston Stewart, will be joined by Steve Wyche of NFL TV who will speak on changing technology in sports viewership, including newer technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones.

As the official technology partner of the conference, Flow is leading the drive to showcase the important role technology has to play with the Business of Sports. Some 250 prestigious international guests will be able to access Flow’s blazing speed internet during the conference. The digital leaders have also made significant allotments for streaming coverage of the event thereby garnering greater exposure for the conference.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Public Relations Manager for Flow Denise Williams remarked, “We see this as the coming together of the best internet technology in Jamaica with an unparalleled commitment to sports. Communication technology is a critical component in the business of sport. As we discuss the business of sport in the two day symposium, let us not forget the part that technology has to play. As in any business, we have to be efficient, effective and competitive.” Williams went on to point out the possible impact that the internet, and features such as videoconference can have on issues such as training, information exchange in reducing cost and increasing exposure for Jamaican athletes.

Denise Williams, Flow’s Public Relations Manager, engages conference organizer,
Carole Beckford, at the official launch of The Business of Sport conference. 
On Monday, Flow committed approximately $2 Million in cash and services, to the two-day
symposium which  is a set to take place on May 5th   and 6th.

Carole Beckford who is organizing the vent alongside Samuda and Johnson, foresees good things to come from the much anticipated event, as she commented, “With new processes and technologies evolving every day, it is important that we keep abreast of global changes, and ensure that we remain in a position to compete against more advanced nations, ” the Flow exec went on to say , ”The Business of Sport conference will provide a much needed support structure for Jamaica and our regional peers to discuss the positive impact of sports on our societies, and how we can further our progress as we enter a new age.”

Admission to the conference is US$150 or J$12,750 with a group discount of J$10,000 for registration of five or more persons. Sponsors for the inaugural event, include FLOW, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Pegasus, Wisynco (WATA), EXIM Bank, National Commercial Bank, Gordon Dixon and Company, JAMPRO Mona School of Business, KLAS Sports Radio, Price Waterhouse, First Global, Brand Warriors and LockerRoom Sports.