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===Ironman Access===
===Ironman Access===
On October 27, 2010, World Triathlon Corporation put out a press release announcing the creation of an athlete membership program called Ironman Access.<ref name="IA">{{cite web|title=Ironman Access: New Athlete Membership Program|url=http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/wtc-introduces-new-athlete-membership-program-2#axzz13ZkNwWXd|publisher=World Triathlon Corporation|accessdate=29 October 2010|date=27 October 2010}}</ref> This program was to offer advanced registration to its Ironman events before entries would be open for registration to the general public. Advance race registration for members of Ironman Access would be open one week prior to the event’s general entry registration date. Members of this program would also receive a number of other benefits, such as a free subscription to its ''LAVA'' magazine and discounts at its shopironman.com website. The cost of membership into the Ironman Access program was $1,000 USD.<ref name=IA /> However, a day later, in response to comments the WTC received via email and from comments received through [[Facebook]], Ben Fertic, then CEO of WTC, appeared in a online video announcing that Ironman Access program would be [[Rescission|rescinded]], stating: "If you guys think we're wrong, we're wrong."
On October 27, 2010, World Triathlon Corporation put out a press release announcing the creation of an athlete membership program called Ironman Access.<ref name="IA">{{cite web|title=Ironman Access: New Athlete Membership Program|url=http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/wtc-introduces-new-athlete-membership-program-2#axzz13ZkNwWXd|publisher=World Triathlon Corporation|accessdate=29 October 2010|date=27 October 2010}}</ref> This program was to offer advanced registration to its Ironman events before entries would be open for registration to the general public. Advance race registration for members of Ironman Access would be open one week prior to the event’s general entry registration date. Members of this program would also receive a number of other benefits, such as a free subscription to its ''LAVA'' magazine and discounts at its shopironman.com website. The cost of membership into the Ironman Access program was $1,000 USD.<ref name=IA /> However, a day later, in response to comments the WTC received via email and from comments received through [[Facebook]], Ben Fertic, then CEO of WTC, appeared in an online video announcing that Ironman Access program would be [[Rescission|rescinded]], stating: "If you guys think we're wrong, we're wrong."
<ref name="IA Video">{{cite web|title=Ironman Access|url=http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/ironman-access#axzz13gVILUeo?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Twitter%3Cbr|publisher=World Triathlon Corporation|date=28 October 2010|accessdate=29 October 2010}}{{Dead link|date=December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Empfield1">{{cite web|last=Empfield|first=Dan|title=WTC incepts, rescinds Access program|url=http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/WTC_incepts_rescinds_Access_program__1778.html|publisher=Slowtwitch.com|accessdate=1 November 2010|date=31 October 2010}}</ref> As explained in the video by Fertic, the purpose of the program was to free up 2,500 to 3,000 entry slots that go unused by individuals who sign up for multiple Ironman events.<ref name="IA Video" /><ref name="DCR">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/10/ironman-says-we-screwed-up-and.html|title=Ironman says ‘We screwed up’ and cancels/refunds Ironman Access|date=28 October 2010|publisher=DC Rainmaker|accessdate=26 October 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="IA Video">{{cite web|title=Ironman Access|url=http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/ironman-access#axzz13gVILUeo?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Twitter%3Cbr|publisher=World Triathlon Corporation|date=28 October 2010|accessdate=29 October 2010}}{{Dead link|date=December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Empfield1">{{cite web|last=Empfield|first=Dan|title=WTC incepts, rescinds Access program|url=http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/WTC_incepts_rescinds_Access_program__1778.html|publisher=Slowtwitch.com|accessdate=1 November 2010|date=31 October 2010}}</ref> As explained in the video by Fertic, the purpose of the program was to free up 2,500 to 3,000 entry slots that go unused by individuals who sign up for multiple Ironman events.<ref name="IA Video" /><ref name="DCR">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/10/ironman-says-we-screwed-up-and.html|title=Ironman says ‘We screwed up’ and cancels/refunds Ironman Access|date=28 October 2010|publisher=DC Rainmaker|accessdate=26 October 2011}}</ref>


Revision as of 13:36, 27 January 2013

World Triathlon Corporation
Company typePrivate equity portfolio company
IndustrySport Event Management
Founded1991 in Tarpon Springs, Florida
FounderValerie Silk, James Gills
HeadquartersTampa Bay, Florida, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii & Boulder, Colorado
Key people
Andrew Messick - CEO
Ben Fertic - President
ProductsIronman Triathlon, Ironman Live, Iron Girl, Ironkids
ParentProvidence Equity Partners
Websitewww.ironman.com

The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a for-profit corporation, owned by Providence Equity Partners, that organizes, promotes and licenses the Ironman Triathlon, Ironman 70.3, and the 5150 series of triathlon races.[1][2] WTC is also the owner of numerous "Ironman" related trademarks used both in connection with Ironman race series' and in conjunction with various goods and services.

History

In 1990, with the help of Lew Friedland, Dr. James P. Gills acquired and purchased the Hawaii Triathlon Corporation, owner of the Ironman Brand, for $3 million from Valerie Silk. With the Ironman brand, Gills established the World Triathlon Corporation with the intention of furthering the sport of triathlon and increasing prize money for triathletes.[3][4][5] Ben Fertic, formerly Vice President of Information Systems, joined WTC in 2000 and was involved in the business operations and day-to-day decision making for WTC. Fertic became CEO of WTC in 2004.

During Fertic's tenure as VP, he was instrumental in creating Ironman Live, the online presence of the Ironman Triathlon, and transforming WTC into an event production company.[6] In 2007, WTC undertook expansion in producing Ironman events internally, with the inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville. This followed the launch of Ironman 70.3 events in Boise, Idaho and Providence, Rhode Island.

In 2008, World Triathlon Corporation was purchased by Providence Equity Securities for an undisclosed sum. Providence Equity is a private equity firm, of whom one board member is an Ironman athlete. CEO Ben Fertic remained at the helm of the business.[7] The following year, in early in 2009, WTC announced the acquisition of Ironman events based in the United States, from North American Sports, a company founded by Canadian Graham Fraser. Employees from North American Sports were expected to remain and manage these events, with the existing office in Boulder, Colorado now under the ownership of WTC.[8]

On May 31, 2011, WTC announced that Andrew Messick, who was previously the president AEG, would become CEO of the World Triathlon Corporation. Fertic would continue in his role in serving on the Board of Directors as well as serving in a newly created president position.[9] Messick, who is an Ironman triathlon finisher himself, helped build and direct, among other things, the Tour of California cycling event.[10]

In February 2012 WTC purchased USM Events, owners of Australian triathlons in Geelong, Mooloolaba, and Noosa, as well as the Sydney World Triathlon Series (WTS) race. USM Events also owned and produced a full Ironman distance race in Cairns, Australia called Challenge Cairns.[11] Challenge, a rival to the Ironman brand, did not wish to have WTC running one the Challenge family of races. As a result Challenge terminated its contract with USM and Challenge Cairns subsequently became Ironman Cairns.[12] The purchase of USM Events expands WTC's Asia-Pacific triathlon market. The purchase would have placed WTC into International Triathlon Union racing with the Sydney WTS race, but government officials in New South Wales took the option of not extending an agreement to continue staging the Sydney event due to the ongoing logistical and financial investment required.[13]

Event and product licensing

WTC holds the rights to the name "Ironman" for marketing purposes in association with contests consisting of swimming, biking, and running;[14] which is used to license triathlon events around the world. The first events to take on Ironman licensing include events in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, all of which formed in the 1980s. Since then, Ironman event licensing has gone global, with the creation of the Ironman 70.3 series in 2005 and the 5150 series beginning in 2011.[2]

The WTC licenses the Ironman and Ironman Triathlon logo and other related marks to various corporations for use in their product lines. An example is the licensing to Timex Group USA of the Ironman Triathlon logo for use in the Ironman Triathlon watch line that includes the Timex Ironman Datalink series of GPS type watches.

Former business ventures

LAVA magazine

In March 2010, World Triathlon Corporation announced the start of a triathlon publication called LAVA magazine. The magazine is published by John Duke, former publisher of Triathlete Magazine and now vice president of global sales and media for WTC. LAVA built its initial subscription base from United States athletes who had entered in an Ironman branded event in 2010.[15] The magazine produces 9 issues per year. The "Lava" name is in reference to the Hawaiian Island that the Ironman Championship is held on each year.[16]

In 2011, the magazine received a Maggie Award from the Western Publishing Association for "Best Single Editorial Photograph in a Consumer Magazine." The photograph was of Craig Alexander in LAVA’s inaugural issue.[17][18]

In May 2012, WTC sold LAVA to a group of investors that included LAVA publisher John Duke, Active.com's CEO Dave Alberga, and president Matt Landa, as well as former hedge fund manager Matthew Michelsen. Duke's previous departure from Triathlete Magazine and its parent Competitor Group, Inc. led to a dispute that ended in a settlement that prevented LAVA from being sold on the newsstand for two years. That two year ban ended in the same month as this sale.[19] The magazine was started under former World Triathlon Corporation CEO Ben Fertic. Under CEO Andrew Messick, WTC sought to focus solely on the Ironman brand of races and move away from publishing. LAVA will receive a preferred relationship with WTC as the official publication of Ironman, which will grant the magazine unique access to Ironman consumers.[20]

Ironman Access

On October 27, 2010, World Triathlon Corporation put out a press release announcing the creation of an athlete membership program called Ironman Access.[21] This program was to offer advanced registration to its Ironman events before entries would be open for registration to the general public. Advance race registration for members of Ironman Access would be open one week prior to the event’s general entry registration date. Members of this program would also receive a number of other benefits, such as a free subscription to its LAVA magazine and discounts at its shopironman.com website. The cost of membership into the Ironman Access program was $1,000 USD.[21] However, a day later, in response to comments the WTC received via email and from comments received through Facebook, Ben Fertic, then CEO of WTC, appeared in an online video announcing that Ironman Access program would be rescinded, stating: "If you guys think we're wrong, we're wrong." [22][23] As explained in the video by Fertic, the purpose of the program was to free up 2,500 to 3,000 entry slots that go unused by individuals who sign up for multiple Ironman events.[22][24]

See also

References

  1. ^ "WTC Launches New Global Event Series". NewsBlaze. 6 October 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  2. ^ a b Helliker, Kevin (6 October 2010). "Ironman to Get Less Exclusive". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  3. ^ Williams, Pete (15 September 2008). "Equity firm buys Ironman parent". Street & Smith's Sports Group. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  4. ^ Carlson, Timothy (20 December 2009). "End of year news roundup". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  5. ^ Scheppler, Bill (2002). The Ironman Triathlon. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 15. ISBN 978-0-8239-3556-7.
  6. ^ Empfield, Dan (31 May 2011). "Messick to WTC - analysis". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  7. ^ Empfield, Dan (8 September 2008). "WTC sold to private equity firm". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  8. ^ Empfield, Dan (06 January 2009). "WTC purchases U.S. Ironmans". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 24 June 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "WTC Names Andrew Messick Chief Executive Officer". Ironman.com. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  10. ^ Benson, Daniel (31 May 2011). "Tour of California chief to become CEO of World Triathlon Corporation". Cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  11. ^ Empfield, Dan (12 March 2012). "It's now Ironman Cairns!". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  12. ^ Roethenbaugh, Gary (13 March 2012). "Ironman Cairns sees Challenge Family terminate USM contract". triathlonbusiness.com. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  13. ^ "Dextro Energy Triathlon Sydney Comes To An End". International Triathlon Union. July 9, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  14. ^ Williams, Pete (8 April 2008). "Iron Man calls this fight a draw". Street & Smith's Sports Group. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  15. ^ Empfield, Dan (1 March 2010). "Ironman to launch Lava Magazine". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  16. ^ "Lava Magazine: Building a Power Foods Pantry: Whole Grains". World Triathlon Corporation. 23 August 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  17. ^ "2011 Maggie Winners". Western Publishing Association. May 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  18. ^ "LAVA Accepts Major Magazine Award". World Triathlon Corporation. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  19. ^ Frothingham, Steve (May 17, 2012). "WTC sells Lava magazine to investors". Bicycle Retailer. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  20. ^ Empfield, Dan (May 17, 2012). "WTC Sells Lava Magazine". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  21. ^ a b "Ironman Access: New Athlete Membership Program". World Triathlon Corporation. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Ironman Access". World Triathlon Corporation. 28 October 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2010.[dead link]
  23. ^ Empfield, Dan (31 October 2010). "WTC incepts, rescinds Access program". Slowtwitch.com. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
  24. ^ "Ironman says 'We screwed up' and cancels/refunds Ironman Access". DC Rainmaker. 28 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2011.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=World_Triathlon_Corporation&oldid=535166617"