With Thanksgiving now behind us, the rush for everyone to do their holiday shopping has begun. And while there are those few people who plan ahead, many of us, myself included, are now facing the dreaded task of determining what to buy all of their family, friends, and loved ones for the holidays.
What do you buy the mother that has every perfume ever carried by Macy’s? Or the father who has everything short of his own personal Ty Pennington in his tool shed? What about the niece that already owns hundreds of Breyer Horses, or the nephew who wants to be a cowboy, but you already got him those really cool chaps…you know, the kind with the fringe?
Enter shameless plug here: Buy them tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, of course!
But seriously, tickets to the 2010 Games make for a once-in-a-lifetime gift. With prices ranging from as low as $25 to no more than $150, there is something for everyone. Ticketholders will be able to browse the extensive international trade show (note: Mom may end up trying on beautiful Derby hats at the Hats by Katie booth), or tour a replica of Mammoth Cave in the Kentucky Experience (note again: here you might find that Dad has wandered to the local bourbon tasting section…), or wander the Equine Village where kids can see Molly the Pony or watch the exciting California Cowgirls drill team.
So on this Cyber Monday, think about what your family, friends, and loved ones might really enjoy this holiday season. Tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss your opportunity to get tickets while they are still available! And for those who can’t decide which events they want to see, check out our website (http://www.alltechfeigames.com/content.aspx?id=3292) where you can find descriptions of each event.
Happy shopping!
Louise Bowden
Public Relations
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Details, Details...
Let's be honest--normally, it's tough to work hard during a holiday week. Everyone is excited to be going home, seeing family, and relaxing for a few days.
Well... not here!
Short weeks for us mean less time to complete important tasks. And with just 305 days left until the Games, that means we have to move even faster.
This morning, we visited the Kentucky Horse Park to celebrate their green initiatives, which includes a very interesting way to create power from horse manure. Check it out on the Kentucky Horse Park's web site.
This afternoon, our entire staff is once again tackling the DMAS, or "Detailed Master Activities Schedule" for the duration of the Games. With our test events over for the year, we are turning again to this important task. We literally walk through each hour of each day and discuss how the movements of people, horses and events on the park impact every department of our organizing committee. We'll be undergoing this process until early 2010, then we'll take a break from this activity to start planning our last and biggest test event--Kentucky Cup Dressage and Jumping--in conjuction with the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.
We are also very busy recruiting Heroes--that is, volunteers! We still need volunteers, and right now, our focus is particularly on volunteers within the state of Kentucky. Hopefully you will see me on Kentucky's local tv stations and hear me on the radio talking about how to lend your expertise to the Games with a dose of hometown pride and Bluegrass hospitality! More information about volunteering can be found on our web site.
With all this going on, I have NO IDEA when I will manage to get any Christmas shopping finished. I'm usually a better planner around the holidays... but not this year. Shameless plug here: Tickets to the 2010 Games are a gift you can only give once--and you can only give it this year! Reserve your seats before they sell out at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Amy Walker
Public Relations
Well... not here!
Short weeks for us mean less time to complete important tasks. And with just 305 days left until the Games, that means we have to move even faster.
This morning, we visited the Kentucky Horse Park to celebrate their green initiatives, which includes a very interesting way to create power from horse manure. Check it out on the Kentucky Horse Park's web site.
This afternoon, our entire staff is once again tackling the DMAS, or "Detailed Master Activities Schedule" for the duration of the Games. With our test events over for the year, we are turning again to this important task. We literally walk through each hour of each day and discuss how the movements of people, horses and events on the park impact every department of our organizing committee. We'll be undergoing this process until early 2010, then we'll take a break from this activity to start planning our last and biggest test event--Kentucky Cup Dressage and Jumping--in conjuction with the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.
We are also very busy recruiting Heroes--that is, volunteers! We still need volunteers, and right now, our focus is particularly on volunteers within the state of Kentucky. Hopefully you will see me on Kentucky's local tv stations and hear me on the radio talking about how to lend your expertise to the Games with a dose of hometown pride and Bluegrass hospitality! More information about volunteering can be found on our web site.
With all this going on, I have NO IDEA when I will manage to get any Christmas shopping finished. I'm usually a better planner around the holidays... but not this year. Shameless plug here: Tickets to the 2010 Games are a gift you can only give once--and you can only give it this year! Reserve your seats before they sell out at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Amy Walker
Public Relations
Monday, November 16, 2009
Are You a Fan of Breyer Horses? Check Out the Official Model Horse of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The world’s finest model horse brand and the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition are joining together, as Breyer Animal Creation is the newest sponsorship of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
As part of the partnership, Breyer has commissioned sculptor Kathleen Moody to create a sculpture to symbolize the spirit of the horses competing in eight different disciplines. Known as “Esprit,” the sculpture will be available in several mediums to commemorate the Games.
Breyer will also create a number of Traditional® Series portrait models of key competitors from various disciplines, play sets for children incorporating the WEG disciplines and other commemorative products.
In addition, Breyer will create an interactive play area for children, incorporating equine-themed activities using Breyer’s realistic model horses and pint-sized jumps for children!
What horse athletes would you like to see as a Breyer Horse?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Week Two at the Royal
This week at the Royal has been fantastic! The Direct Energy Centre is a perfect venue for such a large show. We have had a constant flow of traffic at our booth, which we are sharing with the State of Kentucky and the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A vast majority of people we have talked to have already purchased tickets. The rest were searching for accommodations before purchasing tickets. We have urged everybody to use the Housing Bureau. The LCVB has been great in helping figure out what to do while they attend the Games.
In addition to people coming to the Games, I’ve been amazed by the amount of people who have already been to the Kentucky Horse Park. We have a 2 x 3 ft poster of our venue map in our booth and it gets a TON of attention. Everybody walks by and gets pulled in by the fantastic visual that is the Kentucky Horse Park. They say “Oh, I’ve been there before,” and we encourage them to come back next fall!
We’ve met some wonderful people down here including the Chef D’equipe of the Canadian Endurance team who is “praying for dry weather next year.” The buzz about the Games has been more than we expected and the support of those fans is overwhelming. The show concludes on Sunday, which is far too soon, and we’ll have more for you next week. We’ll also announce who won the Games prize pack from the show. If you’re in Ontario and haven’t had a chance to come by remember we’re in Exhibit A Booth 522.
A vast majority of people we have talked to have already purchased tickets. The rest were searching for accommodations before purchasing tickets. We have urged everybody to use the Housing Bureau. The LCVB has been great in helping figure out what to do while they attend the Games.
In addition to people coming to the Games, I’ve been amazed by the amount of people who have already been to the Kentucky Horse Park. We have a 2 x 3 ft poster of our venue map in our booth and it gets a TON of attention. Everybody walks by and gets pulled in by the fantastic visual that is the Kentucky Horse Park. They say “Oh, I’ve been there before,” and we encourage them to come back next fall!
We’ve met some wonderful people down here including the Chef D’equipe of the Canadian Endurance team who is “praying for dry weather next year.” The buzz about the Games has been more than we expected and the support of those fans is overwhelming. The show concludes on Sunday, which is far too soon, and we’ll have more for you next week. We’ll also announce who won the Games prize pack from the show. If you’re in Ontario and haven’t had a chance to come by remember we’re in Exhibit A Booth 522.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Volunteer Update
Thank you for your willingness to be a Volunteer for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Many of you have already registered. But now what? Here’s a look at the status of our Volunteer Program for the 2010 Games.
I registered years ago and I still haven’t heard anything. Why?
Thousands of people have registered their interest in volunteering over the past two years. Many of those same enthusiastic volunteers changed email addresses since then.
In September, we reached out to our entire list and asked people to reconfirm their interest and get ready to select volunteer positions. If you did not hear from us, you may need to update your information on your volunteer profile. We still need volunteers! It is not too late to re-confirm your interest. We can help you re-activate your account if you are not sure what email address is currently listed for you. Feel free to call our VOLUNTEER HOTLINE at 859-244-2996 or email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org.
I confirmed my interest, selected a position, and got an itinerary. Does that mean I am definitely a volunteer?
Your confirmation email displays the itinerary and dates you selected, but it is not your official letter of assignment. It only confirms that your request was processed.
We currently have a multi-step selection process in place that includes a back ground check. Official WEG volunteers will be confirmed at the end of that process, which will take place over the next couple of months.
Competition volunteers are being hand-selected by each Discipline Manager and will be notified over the next several weeks.
How do I sign up to volunteer for more than one position?
We are working on improving our registration process to allow you to sign up for more opportunities. We will notify everyone when those additional opportunities become available.
Will there be volunteer opportunities/accommodations available for those with disabilities?
Yes, there are many opportunities well suited to volunteers with disabilities. Go ahead and register, and then if you have any concerns, please feel free to call us at 859-244-2996.
I need to plan my housing options now. What should I do?
We are working to provide a range of affordable housing options for volunteers. However, each volunteer is required to pay for and complete their own hotel/housing arrangements. We have sent a list of preliminary options to our registered volunteers. For your reference, that list (“Housing Options”) is posted on the volunteer website.
What if I am waiting to buy tickets?
We hope that everyone has an opportunity to experience these Games as a spectator and enjoy this world-class competition. To make the most of your spectator experience, we encourage you to go ahead and purchase tickets to those events that you most want to see. We hope that your time as a volunteer will be spent focusing on the important job you will have—and we want you to relax and enjoy the events you most want to see as a spectator!
Do you still need volunteers?
We still need to fill thousands of volunteer positions—and every one of them is important! If you are already registered, please let others know about this opportunity.
How long will you take volunteer registrations?
We will be taking registrations until early spring. However, due to abundant interest, we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible. You can sign up at www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteer
I am a member of a group that wants to volunteer. Can we do that?
YES! Groups are a vital part of our volunteer program. Young Professionals, Corporate Groups, and Community Organizations are all needed to make our Games a success. Email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org for more information.
What if I still have questions?
Feel free to call us at 859-244-2996 or email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org. We will personally respond to your questions; please allow 48 hours to receive a reply.
I registered years ago and I still haven’t heard anything. Why?
Thousands of people have registered their interest in volunteering over the past two years. Many of those same enthusiastic volunteers changed email addresses since then.
In September, we reached out to our entire list and asked people to reconfirm their interest and get ready to select volunteer positions. If you did not hear from us, you may need to update your information on your volunteer profile. We still need volunteers! It is not too late to re-confirm your interest. We can help you re-activate your account if you are not sure what email address is currently listed for you. Feel free to call our VOLUNTEER HOTLINE at 859-244-2996 or email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org.
I confirmed my interest, selected a position, and got an itinerary. Does that mean I am definitely a volunteer?
Your confirmation email displays the itinerary and dates you selected, but it is not your official letter of assignment. It only confirms that your request was processed.
We currently have a multi-step selection process in place that includes a back ground check. Official WEG volunteers will be confirmed at the end of that process, which will take place over the next couple of months.
Competition volunteers are being hand-selected by each Discipline Manager and will be notified over the next several weeks.
How do I sign up to volunteer for more than one position?
We are working on improving our registration process to allow you to sign up for more opportunities. We will notify everyone when those additional opportunities become available.
Will there be volunteer opportunities/accommodations available for those with disabilities?
Yes, there are many opportunities well suited to volunteers with disabilities. Go ahead and register, and then if you have any concerns, please feel free to call us at 859-244-2996.
I need to plan my housing options now. What should I do?
We are working to provide a range of affordable housing options for volunteers. However, each volunteer is required to pay for and complete their own hotel/housing arrangements. We have sent a list of preliminary options to our registered volunteers. For your reference, that list (“Housing Options”) is posted on the volunteer website.
What if I am waiting to buy tickets?
We hope that everyone has an opportunity to experience these Games as a spectator and enjoy this world-class competition. To make the most of your spectator experience, we encourage you to go ahead and purchase tickets to those events that you most want to see. We hope that your time as a volunteer will be spent focusing on the important job you will have—and we want you to relax and enjoy the events you most want to see as a spectator!
Do you still need volunteers?
We still need to fill thousands of volunteer positions—and every one of them is important! If you are already registered, please let others know about this opportunity.
How long will you take volunteer registrations?
We will be taking registrations until early spring. However, due to abundant interest, we encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible. You can sign up at www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteer
I am a member of a group that wants to volunteer. Can we do that?
YES! Groups are a vital part of our volunteer program. Young Professionals, Corporate Groups, and Community Organizations are all needed to make our Games a success. Email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org for more information.
What if I still have questions?
Feel free to call us at 859-244-2996 or email us at volunteers@feigames2010.org. We will personally respond to your questions; please allow 48 hours to receive a reply.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Royal Winter Fair--Toronto, ON, Canada
What an exciting week it has been in Toronto and at The Royal Winter Fair and Horse Show!
I arrived in Toronto last Wednesday to attend The Royal on behalf of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Now Kentucky is known for its southern hospitality, but I have found hospitality is not something you can only find in the South, or in the United States. The people in the city of Toronto could not be more welcoming, laid-back, and helpful –especially the street car drivers who know a first time visitor when they see one!
Toronto is a city of 5 million people, which is immense in comparison to Lexington’s 250,000. In Toronto you see street cars, buses, pedestrians, and taxis everywhere, and the movement of people and automobiles is endless. Drive five minutes out of downtown Lexington and you see rolling pastures, grazing horses, and endless bluegrass. In other words, Toronto is the last place you would expect to see cows and pigs and horses being unloaded from a trailer while waiting for a street car….but we did!
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Horse Show is truly where country meets city. Among the horses, cows, and pigs, there are also sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats, and dogs. There are multiple exhibition areas that house all types and breeds of animals, as well as food from around the world and tradeshow vendors from all over Canada, and the United States.
I was born and raised a city girl in Washington, DC and ended up in Kentucky because of horses. I have never been to a state fair, so the idea of showing livestock was very new to me. Did you know that they blow-dry cows? And that sheep wear these blankets that cover every part of their body to keep them clean? I am still very intrigued, and I think this might warrant a trip to the next Kentucky State Fair.
Our booth for the two weeks of The Royal is next to the Canadian National Equestrian Federation, and is among the “Spirit of the Horse” exhibit, which will be similar to the 2010 Games Equine Village. In fact, several of the demonstrators will be at the 2010 Games. Ruth Sturley, Kentucky Cup Endurance participant and 2010 Games hopeful, has done a demonstration about the discipline of Endurance on her Arabian (who has competed in the past 3 World Championships!). Also giving a demo this week is “Two As One Horsemanship,” who will be participating in the Equine Village next year.
Many people have stopped by to tell us how excited they are for the 2010 Games, or that they are interested in coming. With my trip coming to a close, I realize that my job really is one of a kind. And while the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be a little different than the “country meets city” feel of The Royal Winter Fair here in Toronto, I look forward to what lies ahead, and in the meantime, I think I’ll just stick to horses.
Louise Bowden
Public Relations
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