With the recent closure of ‘non-essential’ businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic – including many in the leisure sector – many industries are doing it tough. And although the government has offered a variety of financial assistance packages, the reality is that it may take some time for the Australian economy to recover. 

The leisure industry is an integral part of this economy. And like most things, the virus and its significant ramifications will eventually pass. Hence, businesses and individuals must do their best to ensure that when the time comes, they are ready to regroup, re-engage and rebuild. 

Along with this phase will come the need for marketing strategies that will enable leisure businesses to get up and running to deal with the challenges that lay ahead. Our Certificate of Leisure Marketing offers valuable insights and skill development for those currently in the sector or those looking to enter it. These include organisations like sporting clubs, hobby groups, PT businesses, fitness centres, gyms, nightclubs, entertainment venues, amusement parks, holiday resorts, museums and cultural arts centres. Let’s get through this together! 

Learning Outcomes

In the Certificate of Leisure Marketing course, you will: 

• Learn about marketing and the leisure industry
• Explore target marketing and what makes people buy 
• Study marketing and consumer laws 
• Learn about warranties, conditions and seller liabilities
• Understand marketing strategies and the purpose of advertising
• Study demand and supply, and the different types of customers
• Uncover the marketing mix and matric 
• Learn about market research, how to sell and how to increase turnover 
• Study media promotion principles and their place in the marketing mix 
• Explore the area of public relations
• Learn about effective advertising and how to structure an ad or promotion 
• Discover the different types of promotion materials 
• Study how to design an effective promotions strategy
• Learn about advertising in the media
• Explore display advertising, free and magazine advertising
• Understand the role of copywriting in advertising
• Study merchandising and displays including signs and signposting
• Learn how to identify a dissatisfied customer and how to deal with complaints 
• Study problem-solving techniques including their pitfalls
• Learn how to improve customer service 
• Explore how to manage membership and patron levels
• Uncover what causes patron loss 
• Study fundraising and sponsorship for-profit and charity
• Learn about the types of fundraising and how to gain it 
• Gain insights into managing and organising events in terms of pricing and publicity
• Learn the success indicators of shows and exhibitions
• Study how to cater to people overload at shows and exhibitions
• Understand the success indicators of shows and exhibitions
• Learn how to gain community participation
• Discover how to undertake promotional activities
• Study the networking and marketing involved in fundraising events 
• Learn about grants, gifts, donations and revenue in fundraising events
• Gain an understanding of market-sensitive recreation services
• Discover how to make product line decisions and introduce new products and services 
• Study how to manage results and customers with special needs in recreation services

Eight Cool Things To Do In ‘Iso’

If you and/or your family have chosen to self-isolate or are practising social distancing, it can be a challenging time. Venues that used to offer leisure opportunities including sporting clubs, entertainment venues, amusement parks and museums are now closed, so how can you avoid boredom while still managing your mental health? 

#1 – Go Green

Gardening has many health benefits, and ‘no-dig’ gardens, in particular, can be an easy way of growing everything from fruits and veggies to bulbs and flowers. Balconies and courtyards can also work just as well – even if it’s just growing a few herbs to freshen up your recipes. Once your garden’s flourishing, you can then sign up for a garden maintenance course, to keep it thriving for years to come! 

#2 – Be Inspired 

American media organisation, Ted Talks, has literally thousands of free video talks to stir your curiosity and broaden your thinking. From business and education to science, creativity and tech, some of the most popular talks to date include What Makes A Good Life?, Looks Aren’t Everything, Believe Me, I’m a Model and The Orchestra In My Mouth. Bet you’re interested now! 

#3 – Connect Creatively

From designing your own website to learning how to produce professional flyers, logos and stationery, online courses are a great way of keeping those creative juices flowing. Love the written word? There is also a myriad of online tools to keep you occupied from improving your grammar and spelling, learning how to write your own biography, to leveraging tips from famous authors. 

#4 – View Virtually 

While museums and galleries are currently closed to the public, you can still have amazing access to history and art online. Take a virtual tour of the Gallery of Victoria, check out the Australian National Portrait Gallery, or watch a live stream of MONA’s most intriguing artworks. Further afield, visit the Louvre in Paris for a tour of its Egyptian antiquities collection, or gain virtual access inside New York’s Met Gallery with its 360° Project.

#5 – Get Wild! 

If you love animals, get your ‘fix’ with more than just a daily walk around the block with your furry friend. From studying an animal grooming course to learning more about our native wildlife with the Australian Museum’s Capturing Climate Change exhibition, the wonderful world of the Web is your go-to. And if you’re a voyeur at heart, forget TV binge-watching and spy on a range of animals hanging out on the live stream cameras set up at a variety of Australian zoos.

#6 – Focus On Fitness

Simply moving is a form of exercise, so gentle walks, gardening and even household chores like vacuuming can help with your fitness. But if you’re keen to up the ante, there are also hundreds of fitness apps out there that can inspire you with everything from workouts and weight loss to tracking your sleep, hydration and kilojoules. Too strenuous? Undertaking daily yoga or meditation sessions won’t just keep you mentally fit, but allow you to practice a little mindfulness as well – which can be very beneficial during these stressful times.

#7 – Listen In

Need some music or comedy in your life? With the Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation’s #TogetherAtHome series, you can now view intimate shows from some of your favourite artists … all from your living room! And for some much-needed LOL’s, head to Amazon Prime for weekly stand-up specials from the likes of Judith Lucy, Celia Pacquola and Lano and Woodley.

#8 – Love Learning!

Whether it’s up-skilling in your current job or offering insights into your favourite past times, online courses are a great way to keep your mind active during ‘iso’. From studying how to service your car, apply makeup or do your own taxes, now is the perfect time to quench your thirst for learning. After a new career in business, hospitality, IT or health care after the coronavirus? Online learning is a great way to go! 

Keen for a career in the leisure sector but finding it difficult to be proactive in these uncertain times? Prepare for the future with our Certificate of Leisure Marketing!