The June issue of Health Times Magazine will include this full-page promotion.  The publication has 43,000 subscribers and readership is approximately 80,000.  It is distributed to all major hospitals and health care facilities around Australia.

It will issue on 26 June.

You may wish to notify any of these facilities in your 'patch' of the dates for upcoming beginner classes.

Red Plum Automotive Brokering Service has gained access to exclusive pricing on 6 only Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolets.

RRP - $132,226

Now - $79,688 *

This offer is available on demonstrator Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolets with diamond silver metallic paint, leather black AMG trim, vision package and AMG sport package PLUS.

Other makes and models, colours and options available.

Enquiries to Christopher Lee on 0410 772 472.

* Ts and Cs apply

Bring this to the attention of your members as it is a fabulous offer.  Remember - happy members make great bridge ambassadors!

To access a poster of this offer (for your notice board) please click here.

One of the light-bulb moments they took out of attending an ABF Marketing Workshop was the importance and significance of the beginner/newer players to the club's future prospects.  They realised that they had little idea of this group's needs, wants, aspirations and concerns in regard to their bridge-playing experience.

To address this, they recently issued 108 personally addressed survey forms to players who are at Regional Master level or below. 

They also realised that as bridge players they are part of a world-wide movement of some significance and that this is, and should be, a source of pride and satisfaction.  Accordingly, they have placed an A3 poster on the front and rear entrance to their clubhouse so that it is one of the first things that people see as they enter.

If you would like a copy of their membership survey please email me at [email protected] .

For a poster please click here (see items 7, 16 and 17).

If you are interested in hosting a marketing workshop please contact me at [email protected] .  They run for approximately 3 hours and are designed to help clubs attract and retain members.

According to the Harvard Business Review, 'acquiring a new customer is anywhere from five to 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one'.

Keeping members engaged can be difficult at times so here are some suggestions for keeping member engagement going.

1. Find out why they joined your club - and do more of it!
2. Ensure they are aware of the membership benefits available to them - ie discounted accommodation at TFE's chain of hotels, excellent insurance products (especially for travel) and services from TBIB and the free service provided by Red Plum Automotive Brokering Service for those interested in purchasing a new or pre-loved vehicle.
3. Ensure you provide a warm welcome when they join your club - this could be a new member's information pack or simply a welcome letter from the club management committee.
4. Let them know of opportunities to volunteer at your club - click here for ideas. (Research shows that many people join not for profit organisation to become part of a community - ie they want to be involved.)
5. Come back - we miss you email.  Offer a 'win back' gift to those who are not currently engaged. 
6. Conduct exit interviews with lapsed members.  Collect information on how the club can improve its management to reduce turnover.

Please click here to access ABF Marketing Tips on this topic - a more comprehensive outline of how to retain members.

If you have further suggestions, please share them with me at [email protected] .

Minnie & Liraz is playing at the Arts Centre, Melbourne from 12 May - 24 June.  It is a romantic comedy - with a dark edge.

This play is about the Autumn Road Retirement Village and stars include Virginia Gay and Nancye Hayes.

See a review by the Sydney Morning Herald by clicking here.

DIRECTORS

The ABF National Director Development Officer, John McIlrath, is conducting a workshoip on 23 July at the Tomaree Bridge Club, Nelson Bay.  Contact Amber Noonan at [email protected] for more information.

A reminder to let your club directors know that:

1. a Director-Development webpage can now be accessed by clicking here
2. a real-time HELP line is available through to John at 1300 SPADES (1300 772 337) from 9.00 am - 9.00 pm EST or directors can ring direct on 0437 BRIDGE (0437 274 343)
3. the new 2017 Laws of Duplicate Bridge come into effect (Australia and New Zealand) as of 1 August 2017
4. ABDA is holding a seminar in Sydney (5-6 August).  Details are on their website.
5. a PowerPoint presentation pack is available for directors showing the new Laws.  Send request for a copy to [email protected]
6. a new edition of Director is Called will be available shortly - before the end of June.
7. New Law books are now available at:

• The Bridge Shop http://www.bridgeshop.com.au/2017-laws-of-duplicate-bridge.html
• Paul Lavings at http://www.bridgegear.com/virtuemart/new-books.html

TEACHERS

The following workshops are being conducted as part of the ABF Teacher Accreditation Program.

Teacher Training Workshop (15 points)

• Canberra Bridge Club, ACT Saturday 19 August

Continuing Professional Development Workshop (10 points)

Topic:  All about Defence

• Melville Bridge Club, WA - Saturday 24 June
• Canberra Bridge Club, ACT - Sunday 20 August

Topic:  Teaching 2 over 1 Game Force

• Melville Bridge Club, WA - Sunday 25 June
• Orange Bridge Club, NSW - Sunday 2 July
• Redlands Bridge Club, Qld - Sunday 30 July

To register, access the registration form here and click on the relevant workshop/s.

Please contact Sandra Mulcahy, the ABF National Marketing Officer, on 0417 920 816 or at [email protected] should you require any assistance with your marketing strategies.

Access FREE promotional material by clicking here.