Stanford University Professor of Management, George Foster, one of the world’s renowned financial academics and leading light in economics of sport, returned to his home city of Sydney in September and instructed high level Australian sporting executives on how to make the most of assets to boost the bottom line.

In the Sport Knowledge Australia (SKA) one-day seminar on 22 September, Professor George Foster, who is a key business educator for America’s National Football League, highlighted strategies for leveraging sport properties such as brands, image, merchandise and stadia.

Active in venture capital and the Silicon Valley business community, Foster’s background in research and teaching centres on globalisation strategies of new ventures, the growth of venture-backed entrepreneurial companies, business valuation, and sports business management.

He works actively with many companies, including Apple Computer, ARCO, BHP, Digital Equipment Corp., Exxon, Frito-Lay Corp., Hewlett-Packard, McDonalds Corp., Octel Communications, PepsiCo, Santa Fe Corp., and Wells Fargo.

The feedback on the seminar has been outstanding:

"Finally, relevant, educational seminars for sports management and executives, long overdue, but well worth the wait. Keep them coming."
Cameron Vale - CFO
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

"Great insight into sporting organisations overseas and how we can learn and relate to their situation."
Kate Bell - Sponsorship & Hospitality Manager
New South Wales Rugby Union

"Best short course I have attended in many years."
Nick Hubble - Executive Director, Finance & Commercial
Sydney Olympic Park Authority

"Probably the most compelling presentation I have attended in the last ten years."
Peter Ross - Director
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre