Bat Parrot Blog

AFL Legends Luncheon raises $67K for homeless youth

Bat Parrot has again organised a memorable and heart-warming Devine AFL Legends Luncheon event - a major fundraiser for the AFL Foundation's Ladder program for homeless youth, raising an enormous $67,000 for the charity.

This event just gets bigger and better. With a sold-out corporate audience of over 400 people in the Members Dining Room at the MCG, it was a 'goalkicking legends' theme, and guests were treated to the company of some of the game's absolute greats, the announcement of the 'Top 10 Goals of All-Time', plus entertainment from comedian Andrew Startin.

The star-studded panel comprised of Leigh Matthews, Wayne Carey, Peter Daicos, Malcolm Blight and Matthew Richardson. The host was Brian Taylor.

Each of the legends voted on their favourite goals from 30 contenders dating back to 1974, and Mick McGuane etched his name in history as the kicker of the greatest goal of all-time - his famous 7-bounce run from the centre square against Carlton in 1994 at the MCG. See final top 10 list below.

               

However the star of the show was Maddy, a courageous and inspiring 19-year-old (or so) girl living in the Ladder housing and life program. This is her story.

At 16, Maddy’s family were moving and she was not invited to move with them. Maddy thought it was a joke or simply not true, until the removals van arrived. Maddy was all of a sudden homeless with nowhere to go. Discarded onto the streets without a second thought, to fend for herself.

Maddy roamed the city, Swanston St / Flinders St in Melbourne for over a year in survival mode. "Scumming" cigarettes, money, food as best she could, and hanging with the wrong crowd getting into trouble. You've seen them. So have I, and I've never really stopped to think "I wonder how she came to be in this situation?" The story continues.

Maddy became extremely sick and took herself to hospital. She screamed  "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" She moved around, and within a year had lived in 19 different places, including a room (pretty much a tiny cell) that was rat infested, dark and cold. A terrible place to stay. I gather this is simply a 'holding pattern' at best and delays the inevitable with most kids.

Do you know that suicide is accountable for more deaths in Australia than road accidents? True.

After two years of being homeless, and faced with a decision to give up or fight, Maddy chose to fight. Maddy decided to move into a refuge in Fairfield as she was fed up and felt her luck was running out. She set herself goals. Her first goal was to eat three times a day. She had only managed to eat once a day at best for a long time now. This was a big decision, of her own making, and one that was not simple to achieve by any stretch. With sheer determination, and with the help and support of her boyfriend, Michael, Maddy was taking a positive step forward.

Maddy's progress was noticed and her case manager at the refuge told her about the Ladder program starting, and encouraged her to apply. She did and she was accepted. A massive lifeline, and a path to more dreams and a brighter future. I do wonder though how many kids applied. How many need this? There are only a dozen places at the moment....but thankfully, this will expand.

The Ladder program provides temporary housing units in Hoddle Street to around 12 homeless youths, plus life training, mentors and support. Many AFL footballers are actively involved as mentors. It's a shame you don't see Mitch Morton (Richmond) teaching kids to cook pasta on the 6pm news, or David Myers (Essendon) helping kids to repair bicycles, or Sarah Jamieson (Olympic 1500m runner) taking the kids to a day of lawn bowls. But that's what happens.

Maddy now has other dreams and aspirations. She has completed studying a hospitality course, amd her biggest dreams now - to attain community housing, and then, to start her own cafe and be her own boss.

My money is on Maddy, and I believe she will do it.

The AFL Legends Luncheon will return next year,  in the first week of August at the MCG, and with another exciting 'legends' theme. Thanks to all attendees who made a difference by attending, and giving further on the day via the auction, raffle and donations.

Think we add some spice into next year's event - what about a 'Rough 'n Tough Legends' theme featuring Matthews (again), Mal Brown, Glenn Archer, Barry Hall, Jonathan Brown, and Brad Scott?

Maybe. We'll see.

View Event Photo Gallery

Top 10 Goals of All-Time, as voted by AFL goalkicking legends.

1. Mick McGuane (1994, Coll v Car) 7 bounce run from the centre square
2. Peter Daicos (1991, Coll v Rich) Famous checkside from the boundary at Vic Park
3. Malcolm Blight (1976, NM v Car) 80m torpedo kick after the siren to win
4. Cyril Rioli (2009, Haw v Ess) Ducking and weaving, totally elusive effort
5. Wayne Carey (1999, NM v Ess) Spills mark, recovers, kicks left-foot checkside from boundary
6. Phil Manassa (1977, Coll v NM) Famous run from the back-flank in GF replay
7. Peter Bosustow (1981, Car v Gee) Diving smother, recovers and snaps from tight in fwd pocket
8. Gary Ablett Snr (1989, Gee v Coll) Contests pack mark, swoops on loose ball, snaps from 50m
9. Michael Mitchell (1990, Rich v Syd) Runs the length of the ground, 7 bounces, goals
10. Lance Franklin (2010, Haw v Ess), Gathers on wing, 3 bounces at speed, goals from boundary

3AW People's Choice Award Winner: Malcolm Blight

Melbourne half-Hearted

With the new Hyundai A-League franchise, Melbourne Heart, stepping out for its first high profile hit-out last night against Everton, there seems to be a lot of groundswell behind the new team.

Just short of 20,000 people turned up at Etihad Stadium, midweek, on a wet and rainy night to see the practice match - which by all accounts is a very positive crowd figure. Sure, there would have been a lot of free tickets given away, as Heart have been visiting a lot of schools and local soccer clubs the past few months. And yes, the majority of the crowd was there to see Everton star, and national hero, Tim Cahill.

So, how will Melbourne sports fans embrace the Melbourne Heart?

I attended a corporate luncheon prior to the FIFA World Cup in Melbourne, The Irvine Club - a male dominated business networking group who are passionate about sports, and raising funds for charity. Representatives from the Heart were there, and a quick straw poll of over 400 guests taken.

Who follows the Victory? Hands go up.

Who will follow the Melbourne Heart? More hands go up. Very interesting. I'd say the split was 60/40 in favour of Melbourne Heart.

A radio poll taken last night on sports broadcaster, SEN, confirmed as much. 50% of callers will barrack for the Heart.

Why is Melbourne Heart such a credible alternative to the well-established, popular and very successful Melbourne Victory?

Victory have done such a great job in creating a powerful brand. It's supporters are enthusiastic, some fanatical, certainly soccer-mad, and very parochial. It should be noted, Victory have also done a great job encouraging families and women to their audience too.

I think given Victory's level of parochialism, it has in a sense made it a barrier for the 'general sports' fan, who enjoys soccer, to enter the realm of the Victory. So Victory may indeed 'own' the avid football fan, but the door is certainly open for the hearts (excuse pun) and minds of many other Melburnians, crazy about sport.

Melbourne Heart brings a certain level of nicety to its brand. It's possibly less intimidating, possibly more family-oriented, and represents an entry point for those fans wishing to now join in. Which is great.

Who will own the corporate audience?

Victory has done a great job in building it's corporate network, through a special business group called 'Victory in Business'. Traditionally, soccer is a very hard 'sell' to Australian corporate organisations wanting to entertain clients and guests. Unless Australia is playing Uruguay in a World Cup Qualifier. So it will be interesting to see whether the Heart can crack this nut. Having Westpac as a major sponsor is a great start.

So I watch with interest how the Club continues to unfold, and whether the early interest in Melbourne Heart will translate into memberships, strong attendances and corporate support.

And I can't wait for the 'derby'.

BAT PARROT GETS BUSY WITH THE B-52'S!

Bat Parrot clients and guests have been spoilt with two knockout corporate events in Brisbane and Melbourne at the recent 'A Day On The Green' series, featuring renowned party band The B-52's!

The ADOTG series is a fantastic corporate option. Set in stunning vineyards with magnificent scenery and backdrops, lovely food and wine, and generally a more convivial crowd than your average "rock show", the ADOTG has been a huge hit for Bat Parrot clients.

Bat Parrot clients and their guests enjoyed a private and exclusive marquee at Sirromet Winery (Mount Cotton, QLD) and Rochford Winery (Yarra Valley, VIC), situated in prime position delivering both a special and very personal experience for guests.

Each day started with a private wine tasting session with the head winemaker, before indulging in beautifully prepared food and wine. The music kicked off with legendary Aussie rockers, Mental As Anything (they were fantastic!), followed by Scottish icons The Proclaimers, with the main act, The B-52's taking to the stage for over 90 minutes of pure unadulterated party fun.

The weather in Brisbane was a scorcher, and the setting devine. Sirromet is the most beautiful place, with a truly natural amphitheatre providing the ultimate outdoor music venue. The Bat Parrot marquee was situated front and centre, on top of the hill, with a 'Funplex' theme featuring black and white throughout, electric blue chandeliers, glo blue cocktail glass centre pieces, plus an outdoor garden area with white picket fencing overlooking the stage, and crowd beneath.

The weather in Melbourne could not have been any different! As the clouds rolled in on what was still a rather mild day, the rain had set in for the B-52's and the crowd LOVED IT. Rochford quickly became the scene for an enormous party with much dancing...in the rain, and in ponchos! Bat Parrot guests had the luxury of the only private marquee on the winery, and so could enjoy the spectacle from within, or outside the marquee at their premium reserved seats in front of the stage. Most preferred the latter! And The B-52's were simply awesome!

 


 

 Bat Parrot deliver premium and memorable client experiences! The 'A Day On The Green' series continues throughout Summer / Autumn at beautiful vineyards right around Australia. Acts coming up include Ronan Keating, Diana Krall and the one and only Tom Jones!

Call Bat Parrot Marketing now on (03) 9520 2313 for bookings and information, or email: patrick@batparrot.com, or visit: www.batparrot.com

BAT PARROT DELIVER COMPETITIVE EDGE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR!

Bat Parrot Corporate Hospitality & Events Division delivered a knock-out event for senior Hyder executives and their top-level clients and partners.

 
  
Guests took to the waters of beautiful Sydney Harbour in two Volvo 60 Ocean Racing Yachts, steered by world champion skippers for a match racing series like no other.

Divided into three teams, two team raced each other (fiercely!) up the harbour at any one time, whilst the resting team enjoyed a beautiful lunch and beverages aboard the luxury 'mothership' catamaran, Morpheus.

 
The crews were put to the absolute test throughout, working hard on the 'coffee grinders', hoisting sails, managing the spinnaker and much more. I've never seen guests reach for such a well-earned drink when boarding the 'mothership' following their race! Guests were exhillirated.

After 3 races, a champion team had emerged. Some bruised and battered, but all completely elated and enthused for having the opportunity to actually race such magnificent high-powered yachts as these!

The event was an absolute winner. Guests had an experience of a lifetime, they immersed themselves into the racing, and forgot about work completely...all whilst engaging with the client brand, working in a team environment, and forging strong and lasting relationships. Plus, all guests have a sure-fire story to tell at Christmas time, and for long after I suspect!

Bat Parrot 'CH&E' division manage and deliver client hospitality programs nationally, specifically targted to achieve your specific business objectives, to budget and designed to deliver uniqueness and memorability.

LEGENDS LUNCHEON RAISES $75k FOR AFL FOUNDATION!

Bat Parrot Marketing managed the 2009 Premiership Legends Luncheon on behalf of client Devine, raising $75,000 for the AFL Foundation's 'Ladder' Program to support homeless youth.

The event was sold out ($350 - $395 pp) with over 400 corporate guests attending the function in the Members Dining Room at the MCG, on Thursday 6th August.

   

view PHOTO GALLERY

Hosted by Channel 7's Hamish McLachlan, the Premiership Legends panel was first-class with Leigh Matthews, Michael Voss, Tony Shaw and Robert Walls voting on the Top 10 Premiership Moments of All-Time - and a special video countdown of the 'Top 10 Premiership Moments of All-Time' was a great highlight.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment from soul singer Jade MacRae, brilliant theming and special 'insider' footage of the 2008 AFL Grand FInal, as we unravelled from go to whoa the 'whole Premiership experience'!

A Main Auction featured an amazing opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trek with the Hawthorn FC in the 2010 pre-season (selling for $7,000)! Other items included a 3AW Breakfast Studio experience, HRT Hot Laps, and a signed and framed St Kilda jersey that fetched $4,200!

The Major Raffle was a huge hit, with close to 1,000 tickets sold on the day (1 for $20, 2 for $30, 5 for $50....and a book of tickets for $150). First prize was a holiday for two to Vanuatu, flying Air Vanuatu, with 7 nights accommodation at fantastic Breakas Resort.

Special thanks to all event partners including Channel 7, 3AW, Brisbane Lions FC, Hawthorn FC, Crown, Holden Racing Team, and Air Vanuatu.

The day was a huge success, and we will create another great 'Legends' theme next year...possibly 'Goalkicking Legends', 'Rough & Tough Legends'...stay tuned to the website at www.legendsluncheon.com.au and feel free to contact us if you would like to receive an invite for next year's event!

Top 10 Premiership Moments of All-Time (as voted by Leigh Matthews, Michael Voss, Tony Shaw, Robert Walls, Hamish McLachlan)

1. Wayne Harmes "Bounday Line Tap" (Carl, 1979)
2. Leo Barry "Leaping Leo's Big Grab" (Sydney Swans, 2005)
3. Barry Breen "Saints First Flag" (St Kilda, 1966)
4. Dermott Brereton "Flattened at the Bounce" (Hawthorn, 1989)
5. Brisbane Lions "Three-peat" (Brisbane Lions, 2003)
6. Alex Jesaulenko "Jesaulenko, you beauty!" (Carlton, 1970)
7. Darren Jarman "5 goal final quarter" (Adelaide, 1997)
8. Kevin Bartlett "7 goals and that celebration" (Richmond, 1980)
9. Darren Millane "Ball aloft in triumph" (Collingwood, 1990)
10. Robert DiPierdomenico "Dippers punctured lung" (Hawthorn, 1989)

Top 10 Hospitality Deals Under $150, part 2

Here's part two of my Top 10 hospitality options under $150. Another five ways to entertain your important corporate guests in these uncertain economic times.

1. Jet Boating on Sydney Harbour

 

Get the heart pumping with a few twists and turns on beautiful Sydney Harbour. It's a great way to see the harbour from a different perspective, and you can easily tie-in a private lunch at Wildfire, or even a visit to Luna Park, Taronga Zoo or the Aquarium.

2. Wine Tour and Luncheon

 

The Yarra Valley (Vic) and the Hunter Valley (NSW) are perfect places to escape the city rush, and enjoy a beautiful lunch at one of the country's best wineries. It's always worthwhile entertaining guests away from the office environment for a more personal and intimate chat. Try Domaine Chandon, Yering Station, Rochford, and St Huberts in the Yarra Valley, and McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Hope Estate, Major's Lane, Poole's Rock and Tempus Two in the Hunter.

3. Movie Premieres in Gold Class

 

Book a 'gold class' cinema exclusively for your guests to see a new blockbuster 'flick'. Fantastic for inviting along partners mid-week, or even children if the movie suits (eg: Shrek, Harry Potter etc). Your clients will appreciate the effort to invite partners, and the escape of a night at the movies. Tie-in with food, beverages and a cocktail afterwards!

4. Golf Day

 

There are soooo many fantastic golf courses throughout Australia, but your clients MUST love golf in the first place. Golf is also very time-consuming, so best to start early in the morning, and finish with a nice lunch in the Clubhouse. The Mornington Peninsula has a plethora of fine courses with magnificent views and dining, such as The Dunes. If you are going to Tassie (or willing), get to Barnbougle Dunes, rated #1 public course in Australia, #7 public course in the world, and #35 best course in the world! Almost worth the trip!

5. Strike Bowling

 

OK, ten pin bowling is not hugely imaginative, but it is a lot of fun! Strike Bowling bars are now located right across Melbourne and Sydney, and they do a great job. Tie-in a cocktail menu, drinks and even private karaoke afterwards. Create some awards, and you have a good fun night of entertainment!

I hope this list helps spark the imagination. In the current economic climate, we are finding that our hospitality / event clients are cutting back on the high priced options (eg: box at the AFL) and looking for more unique options that don't necessarily cost the earth. Entertainment doesn't need to be expensive in order to build that customer relationship. It takes time, effort and some imagination. Few businesses are dropping entertainment altogether! Cutting back? Yes. Removing altogether? Absolutely not. We encourage clients to do a good range of interesting entertainment and one 'signature' event for which they become 'famous'!

You'll find a wide range of Corporate Hospitality options here!

Top 10 Hospitality Deals Under $150, part 1

In today's economic climate, there is a growing need for corporate entertainment to deliver value, create a point of difference in the marketplace, and above all, to deliver a unique and memorable experience for their guests. At these times of economic restraint, it is probably even more important to ensure the relationships you do have are solid enough to withstand the potentially rough ride ahead in the market. So companies are just being a little smarter and thinking outstide the square for value, without compromising on 'experience'.

So I have put together a list of top 10 deals under $150 per person, which is quite cheap in the scheme of things! Here's the best deals 6-10.

Let me know what you think, and any other great ideas that deliver fantastic value and a memorable entertaining experience!

6. Rooftop Cinema

Just named 'Bar of the Year' (Cheap Eats Guide), the rooftop bar on top of Curtain House in Swanston St (above 'Cookie') is the place to be. Complete with Director's Chairs, a bar area and a magnificent cityscape to view the film! MELB Cost est. under $100

7. Yachting on the Bay

Learn to sail in high performance racing yachts on the harbour. You can compete with and against your colleagues and clients, it's fun and exciting and certainly a different experience for most people. SYD / MELB Cost est. $100-150

8. Casual Cocktail at the AFL

Watch premiers the Hawks at the MCG or Aurora Stadium in Launceston for just $135. The Hawks have a cocktail package perfect for young corporates or mates wanting a better experience at the footy, with food and drink. A great option. MELB / TAS Cost $135

9. Cooking Day

Cheeky Food Group deliver an award-winning day of team building in the kitchen. They can come to you, or you to them, or can even set up in a more creative 'out of office' location. Guests will learn many skills, they will cook and enjoy the fruits of their labour, literally. The ideal 'leveller' with no leaders and no followers. SYD / MELB / BRIS /ADEL Cost est. $100-$150

10. Clipsal 500

Adelaide's biggest event. This is the official Holden Racing Team event with a special deal for the Thursday only. Guests rub shoulders with the HRT drivers, team members, Grid Girls, and can experience an exclusive Pit Tour, plus food and drink all served with great views near the start / finish. ADEL Cost $150

Next week....the top 5 deals under $150!

2009 Australian Tennis Open: A Major Corporate Strategy Watch

On the eve of this year's tennis open championship at Rod Laver in Melbourne, there is an understandable concern brewing over ticket prices, particularly corporate. This year's prices were set in mid-2008, well before the US financial crisis hit, and well before the readjusted downturn in both China's and Australia's economic growth / activity / consumer confidence forecasts.

The tennis open has been riding a (seemingly unstoppable) wave of consumer support for years, with attendance records broken year-after-year. It's a great event, no doubt.

2009 will be interesting to watch, and may be the first real gauge to the anticipated dips in corporate spending for the year ahead.

General seating tickets have risen 9% - 29% from 2008 ($59.90 - $289.90). Ground passes remain unchanged ($19 - $29), but there are add-ons for entry to the new  'Spiegelworld' for 'Absinthe', 'Concerts', 'Family Circus' and 'A Day on the Baseline' ($19.90 each).

From a corporate point-of-view, prices have risen by up to 25%. It's expensive going in this current climate, and sales are not good. The main corporate tickets include Bronze ($3,990 each), Silver ($4,990), Silver Premium ($9,450), Gold ($5,990) and Gold Premium ($10,450). Basically, the 'Premium' options include buffet dining for all 25 sessions, the others don't, just the lower-tier padded seat for all 25 sessions and access to purchase dining from The Oval or Australian Open Dining Restaurant.

The problem has been compounded by a new trend being followed by the major sports - to assign a select number of authorised 'on-sellers' to sell their corporate packages. The AFL, VRC, and the Australian Grand Prix Corp  have been the instigators. These major sports are believed to meet regularly about "strategic marketing" initiatives.

Whilst there are obvious merits to this strategy - to control brand, control pricing, control distribution, and reduce fraud, this augurs well for a free-spending economic climate. In such a climate, demand for these tickets has outweighed supply.

In 2009, things could be different - a select number of appointed 'on-sellers' (there are three for the tennis this year) may simply not have the reach to sell all the tickets. So what then?

Well, two things possibly. One - you'll see some lower tier sections of Rod Laver Arena empty. Two - you'll see some corporate tickets for sale at a reduced price, this is already happening.

The strategy to limit corporate packages to authorised 'on-sellers' is a good one, but it is not working properly.

The AFL appoint three or so 'on-sellers' (plus their AFL Clubs) to sell their highly-priced 'Centre Square' function for the AFL Grand Final. Tickets are "set" at $1,995 pp. The lowest offered price for the 2008 Grand Final was believed to be as low as $700.

Interestingly, a move by the AFL to take control of more of the Club's allocation of Grand Final tickets for 2009 is set to be delayed for a year...due to the current conomic climate. Hmm, shouldn't they actually be picking up the slack for Clubs in such a climate (save that for another blog!)??!!

The VRC have a similar strategy to their famous Melbourne Cup Carnival event. They appoint around 15 authorised 'on-sellers'. This is a more sensible number - it's a big market and there are a lot of genuine 'on-sellers' that contribute well to this market.

It is wise to enforce control of your product, that's for sure. Unwise to limit your reach. Companies that are asked to take an unreasonably high level of exposure to sell your product will either go bust, look to engage other 'on-sellers' on their behalf, or be forced to sell tickets at a discount in order to minimise the loss.

The problem with the Corporate Hospitality industry is there is no such industry, no association exists, there is no self-regulation or membership. There has been talk amongst major on-sellers for one such association to be established, and I believe the 'Australian Corporate Hospitality Association' as a company has been registered.

This is the first step towards creating a more trusted Corporate Hospitality industry, where hospitality companies will have to qualify to earn association accreditation. The industry will become self-regulating, and then more proactive and useful discusions can take place between the rights holders and Corporate Hospitality Association members, for a more sensible strategy on corporate ticketing. Each needs the other in order to be successful. This is more the case now in such an uncertain economic climate.