The ABF has developed three new products for use by affiliated clubs. These can be found on the ABF website.   

There are two PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE posters for placing on the wall or Notice Board of your club.  You can choose either an A3 or A4 version and it is suggested that they be laminated - this can be done cheaply at a local print shop.

ABF research reveals that poor behaviour is a huge issue which needs to be addressed if we are to grow our sport.  Even experienced players rate this as the most urgent issue requiring attention.  Having a poster, or your club's own set of values, visible for all to see will serve to remind people of the need to behave appropriately so that everyone has a pleasant experience when playing bridge.

Also available is a new promotional flyer (double-sided) JOIN US TODAY which can be used at your beginner classes, bridge-in-a-day sessions, on cruise ship sessions etc.

Stamp your club details on the back of the form with your contact details and web address.

The ABF has entered into a 12 month arrangement with Get Wines Direct (GWD), Australia’s largest stand-alone online wine retailer. They offer members of ABF affiliated clubs a further 7% discount on already heavily discounted wines.

The minimum number of bottles needing to be ordered is as little as one dozen and they can be delivered to a person's home or office! There are three ways to purchase: 

1. visit their website www.getwinesdirect.com, place your order and select your State/Territory Association, then key in the promotional code word 'bridge';
2. order by telephone on 1300 559 463 and provide the information outlined above;  or
3. visit their cellar in Melbourne.

Full details are available on the ABF website under Membership Benefits and also in the March issue of the ABF Newsletter.  Please alert your members to this additional benefit just for being a member of your club.  

You will see that there are also advantages for clubs wishing to order wine for special events - eg Melbourne Cup functions, Bridge-for-Brains events, Charity days etc.  You can, for a small additional cost, have tailored labelling done for your occasion!

Consider including this sponsor on your Club website under membership benefits, inform attendees prior to each bridge session, place a flyer on your Notice Board and/or place an article in your club newsletter.  If you would like an A4 pdf flyer (as currently shown in the ABF Newsletter) for your Newsletter or Notice Board,  then simply send a request to marketing@abf.com.au and one will be emailed to you.  

Get Wines Direct joins TBIB (for discounted insurance policies - particularly the travel insurance offer) and Toga Hospitality, providers of discounted accommodation in their hotels in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe.  

Please support those who support our sport!

Senator Kate Lundy, Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, has accepted our offer to be the ongoing Patron of the Summer Festival of Bridge.  

In accepting our offer, Senator Lundy commended the ABF for our innovative approach to technology (free wi fi in 2014, on-line streaming, free SFOB app etc) and for how we encourage and support our new players.

We have been fortunate in having Senator Lundy officially 'open' the Summer Festival of Bridge for the last two years and are delighted to welcome her to an ongoing role with our organisation.

Maitland and Peninsula Bridge Clubs are certainly capturing their fair share of free promotion within their local community.  Check out their recent articles on the ABF website.

For tips on how your club can also obtain free promotion, check out the Marketing Tips for Club Administrators on the topic of Promoting Bridge.

Remember, you must report all promotional activities to the ABF National Marketing Officer at marketing@abf.com.au as this is a critical brand management issue. 

If you would like to subscribe to this Update then please enter your details here. 

Please contact me at marketing@abf.com.au if you have any queries. Note, however, that I will be unavailable throughout March as I am travelling overseas.