The 2012 annual Leaders in Sponsorship conference, taking place on 10th and 11th October 2012, launched this week with a cutting-edge agenda, new “Brands-Only” forum and expanded programme.

The exclusive, invite-only event is now in its 4th year and has a track-record for bringing together the very top names in sponsorship to discuss global best practice across a range of topics, including activation, negotiation and measurement. In recent years the guest speakers have included: Adam Silver, Deputy Commissioner, NBA; Des Johnson, Global Brand Director, Castrol; Mark Waller, Chief Marketing Officer, NFL; Tara Looney, Brand Director, American Express and Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Emirates.

With Australia's best volleyballers currently in Brazil fighting it out for Olympic qualification and our own domestic competition reignited with the Renault Beach Volleyball Series. A new standard has been set by the hosts (Confederação Brasileira de Voleibol) in volleyball administration which many countries aim to follow.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show organisers, the International Management Group (IMG) is pleased to announce that Jenny Craig has been secured as the Show’s presenting sponsor from 2012 – 2014.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Event Director, Greg Hooton, is delighted with the sponsorship and the opportunities it presents for the hallmark event.

“The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is currently the most successful annual horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, and this sponsorship will ensure it continues to grow in stature and get better each year.”

As an official media partner of the Leaders in Sponsorship conference, the Sponsorship magazine is pleased to bring our readers the most insightful and latest emerging strategies, technology and information to evolve the sponsorship industry. Enjoy part #1 of #2 of the Leaders in Sponsorship features we will present.

Chelsea Football Club was host to another successful Leaders in Sponsorship event this week. The biggest names in global sport and sponsorship came together over two days to discuss some of the key issues in an ever evolving landscape. The exclusive event attracted over 250 brands, rights holders, advertisers and agencies representing more than 35 different sports around the world.

Brands such as the Florida Marlins, The Breeders Cup, General Electric, UniCredit, Herbalife, Heineken, Nokia, Orange, Paddy Power and Carlsberg shared their experiences and expertise throughout the conference.