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logo-podge-full 2017 Advantage Podge

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Podge has a love-love relationship
with tennis, good food and great company.

Sports Podge, the unique lunch that celebrates the passion, personalities and friendships forged through sport, has reached its 12th anniversary this year.

The idea is very simple: it’s a chance to catch up with old mates, forge new bonds and maybe even strike the odd deal – but mainly – Podge is about having a fantastic lunch without the distraction of auctions, awards, and overlong speeches. And rain never stops play.

It’s like social networking but at Sports Podge, you rub shoulders with human beings and sporting legends as you drink fine wine and enjoy excellent food - thanks to the IoD’s award winning chef. And when the afternoon turns into evening, we’ll serve bacon butties at the bar just after the 27th tie-break.

Great venues, great food and a bar that never seems to run out have always been at the heart of Podge (hence the name) so I suggest that you leave all that ‘my body is a temple’ nonsense in the locker-room. Podge is about swelling tummies and contact books, meeting the odd legend, so that you feel game-set-and-match all the way home.

This year’s theme is a special one – mainly because I’ve never picked up a racket in my life, but I love watching the game. The passion and determination of tennis players – from amateurs through to the true greats of the sport – is second to none. It’s produced a remarkable cast of characters and amazing stories of sportsmanship and determination. I’m delighted that this year, tennis is our theme.

If you are one of this year’s chosen few I look forward to welcoming you on May 5th.

Phil Jones

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Tighten your strings and be ready for the final at

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Institute of Directors

116 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5ED

Date & Time

Friday 5th May
Knock-up (Drinks) - 12:30pm
First serve (Lunch) - 13:15pm

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Get to know your Goolagong’s from your Bollettieri’s

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They make sure we have new balls...

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The sport practice at PSD has an outstanding track record of delivering high profile executive search and recruitment assignments for a wide range of sports businesses across the globe.

We are very grateful for the support of the team at Crowe Clark Whitehill, experts in providing expert advice in audit, tax and advisory services to charities, not for profit, corporate business, professional practice, pension funds and private clients.

Their network extends to 167 accountancy firms in 109 countries, all driven by partner involvement and a focus on relationship. Podge events is one of their clients as are several of the Sports Podge guests.

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Dave Marrable and Dave Hallam at Hub London always do a fantastic job in record-breaking time on our print collateral. The Hub London bring together decades of experience they provide a unique total print/media solution for clients and have been the official print partner of Sports Podge since the first one at Langan’s in 2006.

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titles-left Legends titles-right

No unforced errors here.

Joe Calzaghe, CBE, MBE I flew in from New York in the morning of the lunch and had thought about phoning ahead to cancel. I am so glad I decided to attend what was a fantastic sporting lunch, I met some great people from the sports industry and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other leaders in the world of sport.
Clare Balding OBE I loved my first Sports Podge. Relaxed, refreshing and reassuring to know that people are the most fun to be with, it was the perfect antidote to a long night of watching election results. I had a wonderful time, drank far too much and realised I had when I suggested a floating stadium to a stadium designer. He was very sweet not to dismiss it out of hand.
Victoria Pendleton CBE I really enjoyed the Sports Podge lunch. It’s wonderful to have so many people from across the whole of the sports industry in one room for what is a relaxed, informal, and very enjoyable event. I’m looking forward to being there again this year.
Bill Sweeney, Chief Executive, British Olympic Association I always enjoy Sportspodge days, one of the benefits of returning to London is to be able to attend on a more regular basis. It’s a highly knowledgeable attendee group and the atmosphere is relaxed, convivial, being highly informative and productive.
Dame Kelly Holmes, DBE, MBE (Mil.) Thank you for the invite to the Sports Podge Event, it was very enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to meet people with such a variety of perspectives on sport, in a relaxed atmosphere, over an excellent lunch in an impressive venue. Thank you also for your support to Commonwealth Games England, it is very much appreciated.
Mark Hunter MBE, Olympic Gold & Silver Medal My first time at the Sports Podge lunch will forever be ingrained in my memory, and I can't wait to return to experience many more. There are many sport and media events out there, but Sports Podge sets itself apart with a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere where there is no hidden agenda. You have the opportunity to make new friends and contacts as you mingle with the unique attendees, while also getting the chance to meet old mates and catch up. It's always an honor to be invited and a pleasure to attend.
Terry Venables, Managed England, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur Just to say thank you very much for the invitation to Sports Podge. I really enjoyed the day. The food was delicious, and it was fascinating to meet such a vast array of interesting people. It was a very well organised function and it would be a privilege to be invited again.
Karen Wallin, Chief Executive Special Olympics I've only missed one Sportspodge lunch in 12 years – it is a great networking opportunity for anyone with a passion in sport set in informal and fun surroundings – not forgetting the great food and amazing service of course!
Mick Fitzgerald, Grand National & Cheltenham Gold Cup winner I thoroughly enjoyed my first sports podge lunch, so much so that I am begging to be added to the list for next year! It was not what I expected and found myself in the company of an array of professionals from all walks of life & the time whizzed by which meant I almost missed my train. I would recommend it to everyone given the opportunity to attend.
Anna-Marie Phelps CBE, Chairman, British Rowing Sportspodge is one of the highlights of the year. Thank you again, I love the relaxed, fun atmosphere, great food and wine, and Knowing everyone is as keen to catch up as to make new friends, and all are deadly serious about sport: makes it a must-do.
Richard Bevan, Chief Executive, League Managers Association The Sports Podge lunch is a fantastic event providing a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure! One of the best sports networking dinners that always lives up to expectations.
Laura Wright, Sports Soprano I’ve performed at Sports Podge twice now and every year they bring something so unique to the table. I’m a singer first and foremost but an incredibly passionate and competitive sportswoman, so to be surrounded by other like minded souls who are flying the flag for British Sport is not only important but infectious. The atmosphere at each event is fun and relaxed and I’ve made so many friends and contacts. If you’re in the business of sport, it’s an event not to be missed!
quoutes
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Joe Calzaghe, CBE, MBE I flew in from New York in the morning of the lunch and had thought about phoning ahead to cancel. I am so glad I decided to attend what was a fantastic sporting lunch, I met some great people from the sports industry and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other leaders in the world of sport.