Rugby Expo 09 has announced that delegates will be given the chance to attend the two day event in November for free, in partnership with bookmaker Paddy Power.
Delegates signing up between now and 19 June 2009 will be given a full refund of their registration fee if the British Lions land a hat-trick of wins in the three test series against South Africa in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg this summer.
It is the first time any event has offered delegates a refund based on the result of a sporting competition. The risk will be hedged by Paddy Power's new venture Airton Risk Management.
"Last year's inaugural event surpassed all our expectations," said Rugby Expo's managing director Alec Shepherd. "We've moved to a bigger and more flexible venue to meet demand. The present economic climate means Rugby Expo makes even more sense. Our Lions' offer is the first of its kind. Our association with Airton Risk Management is a real innovation and offers delegates and exhibitors even more incentive to book early and attend."
Over 1,000 delegates and 43 exhibitors attended Rugby Expo 08, to see a line-up of speakers including Lions coach Ian McGeechan, who spoke on Player Welfare, and fellow former Lions, Peter Wheeler and Nigel Melville.
Rugby Expo is a two-day conference and exhibition, the largest global gathering of rugby businesses and professionals.
