The Odlum Brown VanOpen presented by Miele is the largest men’s and women’s professional tennis tournament in Western Canada, attracting 140 international and professional players to Vancouver from over 40 countries. Over the past 13 years, the tournament has produced champions such as pro tennis stars Maria Sharapova, Milos Raonic, Eugenie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil. In 2014, the Odlum Brown VanOpen turned to Pace Group to provide a wide range of event management services. Pace Group responsibilities included:
Pre-planning & project management:
- content development and all event logistics
- updating and maintaining critical path
- liaising between venue and VanOpen
- negotiating with suppliers and confirming services
- overseeing VanOpen staff appointments (Ball crew managers, volunteer coordinator, box office staff)
- ongoing liasing with Chief of Officials
- managing media partners
- coordinating advertising campaign
- coordinating production and design of collateral materials and signage
- managing event set-up and tear-down plans
- coordinating organizing committee meetings and minutes
On-site event management:
- managing all aspects of the event during the event
- working with Hollyburn Country Club, USTA and VanOpen
- coordinating sponsor fulfillment
- coordinating daily venue logistics and food and beverage program (Including meal ticketing system and special functions)
Sponsorship services:
- soliciting new sponsors/partnerships
- supporting re-signing incumbents
- ensuring on-site fulfilment of sponsor benefits (signage, ad/logo placements)
- maintaining/upgrading sponsorship package