As a picture emerges in regard to your membership base for 2015, why not identify those members who have not renewed and contact them to find out why?  

If they have an issue in regard to the club and have consequently chosen to join another, examine whether it is deserving of some action to 'fix' it.  It may well be an issue for other members as well? 

If they are lacking a partner, see if the club can assist by finding someone for them - preferably someone who shares their aspirations in terms of what they want from their bridge-playing experience.

Another option to entice people back to your club is to provide them with some free game vouchers.

Aussie Farmers Foundation Grants - supports initiatives which make a difference to the health and wellbeing of Australian rural and regional communities.   Closing date 3 February 2015.

Myer Community Partnership Program - supports events and activities coordinated by local organisations that play a valuable role in making the community a fun, active and healthy place to live.  Availability : ongoing

The ABF has taken out a one page advertisement in the February issue of the rotary DOWN UNDER magazine..  

Australian membership of this organisation is approximately 36,000 and they should receive the publication during the first week of February.

Rotarians represent an excellent 'audience' group for advertising bridge as many are at the pre-retirement stage of life -  ie considering options for a successful transition to their retirement years.

Let's hope this National promotion attracts lots of Rotarians to beginner classes around Australia!

Have you liked the ABF Facebook site yet?   It is another way to keep up to date with what is happening in the Australian bridge community.

Additionally, each time you 'like' or 'share' something on our site it provides broader exposure for our sport.

Interesting statistics for Facebook in Australia, as at December 2014:

Total number of users : 13,600,000

Penetration of population : 58.1%

Gender split (M/F) : 46.8% / 53.2%

Largest Age Segment :  25-34 (26.3%)

It's nearly time for the Summer Festival of Bridge again and this year the SFOB 2015 App (free download) enables people to register for events as well as keeping up to date with results etc. Free WiFi will also be available on site once again .

At the time of issuing this Marketing Update, the SFOB had 32 pairs registered for the Super-Novice event (ie people with 0 - 20 masterpoints)!  It is very exciting to see our newer players getting involved in our gold point events!

This year, representatives from a few of our National sponsors will be available during the Summer Festival of Bridge.  

• The boys from Tony Bemrose Insurance Brokers can answer all your insurance queries on Saturday and Sunday (17-18 January), including any specific queries you may have in regard to coverage for your Club / volunteers etc. 
• You will be able to sample wines from Get Wines Direct on Sunday and Monday (18 - 19 January).  Their representative will be able to take orders which can be delivered to your home / office / Club premises.  (Ask about their labelling service for any special events your Club may have planned for 2015.)
• Therapy Masters will be on site on Thursday 15 January, Tuesday 20 January and Thursday 22 January should you desire a relaxing massage.  They will also provide a couple of post-lunch warm up exercises to ward off discomfort and fatigue as you compete for those elusive gold points.

Don't forget the teachers' network meeting on Saturday 17 January. Notify Joan Butts, the ABF National Teaching Coordinator, if you are able to attend or if you want further information - all teachers are welcome. Joan can be contacted at teaching@abf.com.au .

ABF promotional material, which is available for clubs to download FREE from the ABF website, will be on display throughout the event. Check out what is available and make yourself known to me (Sandra Mulcahy) - I will be working at the Information Desk.  I'm interested to know how I can assist your club with marketing strategies and activities.