Event 2009 Shanghai ATP Masters 1000
Venue Shanghai Qi Zhong Tennis Centre
Official hotel Hilton Shanghai
Attendees 80,000
Date October 10-18, 2009




The brief
The ATP Masters 1000 tournament was launched in Shanghai, to succeed the Tennis Masters Cup (TMC). As the official hotel sponsor, Hilton Shanghai was required to accommodate more than 1,000 members of the tennis community, while also catering for 80,000 guests at the event.

Corporate sponsorship and the associated hospitality grew during the five years of the TMC and organisers were keen to improve upon previous experiences.

Challenges
Running a full hotel and a major off-site catering service required additional staff and Hilton pulled in team members from its groupwide China portfolio to cope with the demand.

Execution
New to the event this year were two meeting rooms that were available for corporate groups attending the event. The hotel also launched its rooftop helipad event space with a Meet the Masters cocktail function on the eve of the event.

Key sponsors were invited to mix with tournament players in an informal setting. The hotel is located near the low-rise French Concession and guests were impressed by the open view across the city to the lights of Pudong.

The opening reception was held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Corporate hospitality at the tournament included private boxes around the court as well as skyboxes with new terraces and a VIP hospitality marquee.

Some players were made available to visit skyboxes and have their photo taken with guests. Major sponsors such as Citi and Cadillac also entertained guests in hospitality rooms located in a temporary purpose-built facility beside the stadium.

Comment
Minnie Bian, sales and marketing center, Shanghai Juss Event Management, says: “As a brand new tournament it is hard for both the organiser and sponsors, but Hilton Shanghai’s professional service created an enjoyable experience for all.”