The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) has turned to venue and event branding specialist Icon to deliver one of the key components of its new professional qualification, The ESA Diploma. This much-awaited Diploma will be the first professional qualification specifically designed for the sponsorship industry. It is aimed primarily at those already working in the industry, although graduates will also be able to apply.
Commenting on his involvement, Andrew Hodson, Sales & Marketing Director at Icon, said; "A qualification of this type is a welcome development for the industry.
Sponsorship is now an integral part of business marketing activity and stakeholders demand and expect professionalism in all areas of its execution. Being able to share with others in the industry some of the knowledge and experience gained during my time with Icon will, I hope, help to strengthen this sector and assist it in gaining the recognition that it deserves in the wider economy. "
"The intention of the Diploma is for the industry to train itself by capturing the vast depth of knowledge and experience that plentifully exists and by actively using this expertise to contribute towards the syllabus and the passing-on of knowledge," commented Karen Earl, ESA Chairman.
Andrew has over 30 years experience working within the branding and signage industry. During his time with Icon he has been instrumental in developing the company’s extensive range of services and expertise and this has led the company to being in the enviable position as one of the leading providers of signage solutions for many of the top international sporting occasions and more recently wider cultural, experiential events both in the UK and overseas.
For more information about the new diploma please visit www.sponsorship.org
About Icon
Icon has over 60 years of experience in branding implementation. From its headquarters in the south east of England it employs nearly 70 full time staff, and offers a full range of services including creative design, production and full advice and project management across the company’s range of services. This includes both permanent and temporary solutions at many major sporting events and venues, corporate and cultural programmes, retail and broadcast applications. In April 2011, Icon was acquired by Chime Communications PLC and became part of its Sports Marketing Division. The acquisition strengthens the company’s capabilities outside of the UK, and gives Icon additional financial stability and the opportunity to progress its plans for investment into improved technology and resources, resulting in greater capacity and diversity.
Icon’s event production and experimental division, works around the world bringing clients face-to-face communication strategies to life with a unique combination of truly creative thinking and the very latest presentation technologies. Whether it's an international media event in London, a co-ordinated European product launch, or a press launch for 300 journalists in Shanghai, the company offers a coherent cost-effective solution.
In February 2011, Icon acquired the SLS Group, a company recognised in the events industry for its delivery and implementation of city dressing, event branding and overlay projects, both in the UK and overseas.
In recent years the company’s work on international projects has led to the establishment of offices in Germany, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, South Africa, Canada and India and plans are in place for additional new ventures further afield.
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For marketing enquiries please contact:
Andrew Hodson, Sales & Marketing Director, Icon
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 269 6213 Mobile: + 44 (0) 7931 382262
Email:andrew.hodson@icon-world.com
For media enquiries please contact:
Avril Chaffey, PR Consultant
Tel : +44 (0) 1488 608898 Tel: + 44 (0)7765 343565
Email: avril@avrilchaffeypr.co.uk
For more information about any aspect of the company’s business please telephone +44 208 269 6213 or email enquiries@icon-world.com
If you no longer wish to receive news and information from Icon please contact Avril Chaffey at avril@avrilchaffeypr.co.uk or tel +44 (0) 7765 343565
