LAS VEGAS – (PRESS RELEASE) -- He's a superstar, an international
icon, a business magnate and a philanthropist. One of basketball's all-time
greats, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, has not only made an indelible impression on a
generation of sports fans, he's proven he's a visionary marketer and
businessman. Calvin Ayre, Founder and CEO of Bodog.com, is pleased to welcome
Johnson as the keynote speaker for the third annual Bodog.com Marketing
Conference, which will be held at the Wynn Las Vegas, July 23-25, 2006.
The NBA Hall of Famer, who earned the moniker "Magic" because of his
ability to dazzle fans with his brilliance on the hardwood, will address
hundreds of Bodog.com Marketing Conference attendees on the subject of
branding.
"Magic Johnson accomplished virtually everything a player could dream of
during his basketball career," says Mr. Ayre, who recently hit a pinnacle of
his own when he was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's "Billionaires"
issue. "His skills on the court can only be matched by his business intuition
off the court. Magic has served as a role model for many, and it is a
privilege to have him speak to our delegates about branding -- a topic I am
extremely passionate about."
Johnson's sports career boasts a long list of accomplishments, including
five NBA championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was named the
league's Most Valuable Player three times; the Finals MVP three times; an
All-Star 12 times; a member of the All-NBA First Team nine times. He also won
a gold medal with the original Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona
and was a successful NBA coach.
Off the court, Johnson has built an impressive business empire. As CEO of
Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), Johnson oversees the direction for several
MJE divisions, including Johnson Development Corporation (which is best known
for developing Magic Johnson Theatres and Starbucks in long-neglected
communities), Magic Johnson Entertainment, Magic Johnson Productions, Magic's
32 Records and Magic Johnson Management Group.
Johnson is also an avid believer in philanthropy. His non-profit
organization, the Magic Johnson Foundation, focuses on improving and
addressing the health, educational and social needs of inner-city youth and
their communities.
With Johnson at the podium, the Bodog.com Marketing Conference is sure to
accord online marketers an opportunity to learn from someone who's reached the
top in two professions. As well, all speakers will help delegates learn about
customer acquisition, retention and loyalty: key challenges for all marketers.