Charlotte to host Minor League Seminar

Annual promotional event slated for Sept. 27-29

By Ben Hill

February 7, 2006

Collaboration is the key to success.

This simple concept is one of the guiding principles behind the Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar, an annual event in which hundreds of baseball executives come together to share promotional and marketing ideas and embark on mutual ventures.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Charlotte, N.C., will be home to the 2006 seminar, which will take place from Sept. 27-29 at the Hilton Charlotte Center City. The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission and the International League's Charlotte Knights will host the event.

"We are very pleased to be a partner in bringing the 2006 Minor League Baseball Promotional Seminar to Charlotte," said Knights vice president and general manager Dan Rajkowski. "The opportunity to showcase our city and region to hundreds of baseball executives is a testament of the strength of Charlotte to the baseball industry."

More than 41 million fans attended Minor League Baseball games in 2005, an all-time record. Seeking to build on that unprecedented level of success, Minor League executives will use the promotional seminar as a unique chance to learn from their peers across the county, and to build relationships that can last year-round.

A job fair and trade show also will be part of the seminar. At the former, those interested in breaking into the industry will have a chance to explore the wide range of employment opportunities available within professional baseball. At the latter, dozens of vendors will try to sell their goods and services, which in the past have ranged from buttons and scorecards to concessions.

With so much going on, attendees will have to make sure they set aside some time to visit the host city. The Hilton Charlotte Center is in the city's convention district, home to museums, music venues and nearly 100 restaurants.

"We can assure Minor League Baseball and the seminar attendees that you will find Charlotte to be a fun, dynamic, and exciting city," said Mike Mistler, Charlotte Regional Sports Commission director of operations.

And in that environment, a fun, dynamic and exciting sport will continue to grow.