This full page promotion is due to be included in the September issue of Health Times Magazine which is distributed to its readership in the third week of September.

Recipients include nurses, mid-wives and allied health professionals.

Hopefully, it will result in people working in this profession contacting your club about beginner classes!

A free ABF marketing workshop is being held at the Victorian Bridge Association premises, 131 Poath Road, Murrumbeena on Saturday 24 September from 10.30 am.

You will be guided through a step-by-step process to develop a membership strategy that serves the needs of your members as well as generating a financial return for your club.  Discussion will include fundamental concepts including:

• how to develop and convey a compelling value proposition
• how to engage members and prospective members in a way that will keep them loyal to your club
• how to develop an education strategy for all members and prospective members (including suggestions for how to transition people from beginner classes to session bridge).

Free promotional material will be provided at the workshop.

Bookings can be made at clachman@vba.asn.au or on 9530 9006.

Q: How do you grow club membership? 

A: Attract new members and retain existing ones with an integrated engagement plan.

Interestingly, research into not-for-profit organisations reveals that the key elements required to ensure that membership provides value and relevance to its members includes the following :

• a sense of belonging and feeling part of a community
• shared knowledge and experience
• opportunities to improve and achieve
• support - feel like someone cares;  and
• have access and opportunities.

When making management decisions at your club perhaps you could first consider "does it provide value and relevance to our members"?

Check out the dates and competitions on the SFOB website - access by clicking here.  Let your members know that the website is up and running so they can plan their itinerary and take advantage of the 'early birds' accommodation offer from the QT Hotel.

New at the 2017 event:

• a Novice Liaison Officer to assist newer players both before and during the event
• an expanded program of competitions for novice players
• a Partnership Desk and Partnership Wall - organise a partner before and during the event;  and
• a Technology Assistance Desk (help you connect to wifi/sign up for results to be emailed to you/download the SFOB App for immediate delivery of the Daily Bulletin etc).

Around Canberra - more than 100 rare treasures from the Palace of Versailles in France, including personal items from Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette, will go on display at the National Gallery of Australia from December 2016.  Tickets are on sale at the gallery now! 

This major collection has never been exhibited outside France.

The SFOB Courtesy bus will be able to take people to the National Gallery once play gets under way each day.

Joan Butts, the ABF National Teaching Coordinator, is conducting free workshops for bridge teachers. 

These workshops will accrue points towards a teacher's accreditation.

To register please email your name and course details to teaching@abf.com.au :

Teacher Training Program (15 points)

Where - QCBC, Queensland - 19 November

Continuing Professional Development - Day 1 (10 points)

Topic:  Modern Competitive Bidding

Where - QCBC, Queensland - 20 November

Continuing Professional Development - Day 2 (10 points)

Topic:  All about Defence

Where - Adelaide, SA - 11 September

           - Sydney Peninsula Bridge Club, NSW - 16 October

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