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Where does all the time go? With another eventful year just about behind us, it's time to once again share heartfelt wishes to our clients, business partners and friends. 2013 was the most successful of our six years in operation and it saw our firm continue to move forward in pushing the boundaries of marketing research and strategic insight for our clients, amidst continued evolution and change in the industries we serve.

But, I carefully use the words "move forward" rather than "grow," because in all of the organizations that I have been a part of, I've draw an important distinction between the two. Smart and managed growth is usually a byproduct of moving forward, but it is not a necessity for business success. I truly believe and have written that the research, sports, media, travel and leisure industries are at an intriguing inflection point, where vast reconfigurations of the marketplace and consumer mindset, beget thoughtful planning and flawless execution. Amidst that backdrop it is my first priority to assure that we are mindful of these changes, separate the wheat from the chaff and deliver an informed, senior level perspective with all of the research that we conduct. That mission remains intact for Sports and Leisure Research Group, and in the year ahead we'll remain passionate about moving forward under such guiding principals with current and new clients alike.

In early 2014 we'll again be back to you with the findings from some exciting new golf industry research as well as the latest installment of our ongoing sports omnibus study that we'll launch the first of the year, providing another look into the mindset of sports fans across the country. Golf industry partners and friends should put Wednesday January 22nd on the calendar for our annual Trends breakfast sponsored by Sports Illustrated Golf Group at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show. I'll also look forward to joining our friends at The PGA of America as part of a roundtable discussion on the evolving opportunities and challenges in women's golf.

In the months that follow, we'll continue to work on behalf of clients across multiple sports, to better understand the desires of fans seeking to optimize their in-game and sports media experiences, while simultaneously keeping a pulse on consumer travel demands and preferences amidst cultural shifts and a dynamic consumer mindset. We'll look forward to helping sports properties and activating brands improve the efficacy of their sports marketing efforts and the resonance of their messaging.

So, as we pause briefly to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, again I'd like to extend our gratitude for your friendship and support, and wish you a year blessed with peace, prosperity and happiness in 2014.

SLRG IN THE NEWS

Click here to download and read all of the latest media coverage of Sports and Leisure Research Group's work and perspectives. New to our website:

Recent additions to Media Post's Marketing: Sports

In the December column, SLRG's Jon Last speaks to ways to avoid sports marketing ROI attribution mistakes. November's column focuses on meaningful changes in sports media distribution channels and their impact. There's also a new POV and coverage of some of SLRG's recent traveler profile research for a leading destination. You can read all of the latest postings and media coverage at sportsandleisureresearch.com, by linking here »

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