If your State/Territory would like our Masterpoints Centre to include a welcome letter when they contact new members from your Region please provide it to me by Friday 29 April.

This means that new members would receive the New Members Information Kit (which includes a welcome letter from the ABF President) and your State/Territory's welcome letter via email from the ABF Masterpoints Centre.

Making people feel 'engaged' and 'valued' is an extremely important factor in retaining members.

Check out the March issue of Health Times Magazine - page 6.

Please encourage your clubs to take full advantage of this campaign by alerting hospitals or allied health professionals in their community of the date and location of upcoming beginner classes.

This promotion will be repeated in the September issue of the magazine which will be distributed on 26 September.

Peter Giles (President of Canberra Bridge Club) and Richard Giles (President of Ballarat Bridge Club) organised the inaugural Ballarat Festival of Bridge - held in April.  Twenty-two enthusiastic members from Canberra Bridge Club travelled down for the competition and a great time was had by all.

This initiative is something States could consider for implementation at an intra-State level.  Essentially, establish a sister-club system whereby larger clubs 'adopt' a small country club and organise an annual event.

Lots of bridge players do not enter competitions but may be attracted to this sort of friendly arrangement.

This would help to engage members of both clubs and for members of a smaller club (particularly those who don't participate in red or gold point competitions) the benefits would include:

• providing them with an opportunity to play with different people
• providing them with an opportunity to play against others at a range of different levels (good for their game)
• engendering a sense of comraderie amongst bridge players in your Region
• providing an opportunity for travel for members; and
• presenting an opportunity to network and make new friends.

Worth considering as part of your marketing plan for 2016?

Membership benefits are an important factor in creating happy bridge club members. 

Around 10% of our membership has taken out travel insurance with TBIB and this has made many people happy - particularly those who are nearing 90 years of age and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Another National sponsor making members happy is Red Plum Automotive Brokering Service.  Their service is FREE and results in  $$$ savings for people purchasing a new or pre-loved vehicle.  A video explaining their service can be accessed by clicking here.

Rick (a Canberra member) recently purchased his new vehicle through Red Plum Automotive Brokering Service.

"Thanks to the ABF and Red Plum for making the purchase of our new car very easy and hassle free.  We discussed options with Red Plum, made our decision and then just sat back and waited for it to arrive.  A great way to buy."

Make sure your clubs (and your website) alert people to the savings available to them.  If you require logos or further information about the following National sponsors please contact me at marketing@abf.com.au .

• Tony Bemrose Insurance Brokers
• Red Plum Automotive Brokering Service
• TFE Hotels

Remember - happy bridge club members make great ambassadors for our sport!  Let them know how they can save money.

Each Region should strive to provide a bridge club in good 'catchment' areas.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2015 data), the growth areas around Australia are:

1. Victoria - South Marang, Point Cook, Truganina, Tarneit, Cranbourne
2. Queensland - Springfield Lakes, Redbank Plains, Ipswich, Logan-Beaudesert, Moreton Bay, North Lakes
3. Western Australia - Baldiuis, Ellenbrook, Forrestdale, Yanchep
4. New South Wales - Parramatta, Parklea, Warnervale, Wadalbe, Homebush Bay
5. South Australia - Seaford, Munro Para West, Mt Barker
6. ACT - Gungahlin, Wright, high density living in near city areas
7. Tasmania - Howrah, Margate
8. Northern Territory - Palmerston, Lyons

Another consideration for your 2016 marketing plan?

The next marketing seminar is scheduled for Sydney on 3 June and discussions are under way with the Queensland Bridge Association for one to be held on the Gold Coast.

If you would be interested in sponsoring one of these free seminars please contact me at marketing@abf.com.au or on 0417 920 816.

These are highly interactive and run for around 3 hours.  Free promotional material is made available for attendees.