MANILA (Philippines) - More than 140 delegates have enjoyed the wide-ranging benefits of a hugely successful three-day FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Partner Workshop in Manila. 

Representing FIBA Global Partners, Official Global Suppliers and also Partners of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Local Organizing Committees, those in attendance came from the various headquarters of partners around the world, as well as from offices of the three host countries - the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. 

Led and facilitated by FIBA Marketing, the Workshop was dedicated to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and covered all aspects of the planning and organization of the competition, including marketing operations, promotions, licensing, ticketing and hospitality, and broadcast. 

Most importantly for those present, a strong emphasis was placed on partners being able to gain unprecedented access to one-on-one sessions so that they could explore co-promotion, joint activation opportunities and future collaborations. 

The event was the first in-person FIBA Partner Workshop since 2020, with provisions also made for those preferring to attend digitally.

There was plenty for partners to enjoy, including a meet and greet session with World Cup Global Ambassador Carmelo Anthony, as well as attendance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup between the Philippines and Lebanon.

Delegates also had on-site visits and attended the three venues that will be used in the Philippines capital for the flagship event later this year.

"As the first in-person FIBA Partner Workshop since the World Cup in China, it was a very valuable experience for us. We could feel the positive energy and excitement," said Frank Leenders, FIBA Media and Marketing Services Director General.

"As well as our respected and valued partners enjoying many of the usual benefits of the Workshop, we were keen to make sure that we secured some space during the event for them to connect and collaborate with each other.

"This certainly added some extra value to the three days - in addition, of course, to our collective primary focus around important preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 itself," he added. 

TCL Brand Center Manager Hanmeng Chen praised the efforts of the Workshop organizers and said: "It is very important to attend Workshops like this as we put together our plans for the World Cup. We are all very excited now for everything that is coming up in the next months and, of course, for the tip-off of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023."

"As a participant in the Partner Workshop, I was impressed by the caliber of attendees and the valuable insights shared during the event. The opportunity to connect with other partners, watch a Qualifiers game, and participate in engaging activities made for a truly enjoyable and productive experience," said SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato. 

On August 25, the World Cup Group Phase will start in the three host countries of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. The event will end in Manila, Philippines, on September 10, when the champions of 2023 will be crowned. 

FIBA