By Patrick Avenell
MELBOURNE, VIC: TCL Electronics yesterday hosted Bing Lee matriarch Yenda Lee in its sponsor’s marquee in the Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup. Lee was just one of a number of well-known local and international guests to grace TCL’s set-up at Flemington.
As the principal consumer electronics supporter of the Melbourne Cup carnival, and the supplier of hundreds of LCD screens, including the big screens on the track, TCL was a major presence in the Birdcage at Flemington. Its stall was next to the glitzy Myer marquee, in front of the Lavazza stand and a short walk from the salubrious Emirates tent.
As one of TCL’s major retailers, Bing Lee was invited by TCL managing director Paul Widdis. Lee enjoyed the day with two friends, happily chatting with other guests, who were surprised to learn that she was indeed the face of Bing Lee. Also in the TCL stand yesterday was George Caval, who currently owns a group of Retravision stores in Victoria.
Well known celebrities seen in and around the TCL marquee included Brian Lara and his mate Dwight Yorke, Jennifer Hawkins, Joel and Benji from Good Charlotte, Wendell Sailor and teammate Mick Weyman, Matthew Lloyd and enumerable Australian Idol and Next Top Model wannabes.
Widdis told Current.com.au that sport is the touchstone for TCL marketing, as it’s very popular and is watched by people who desire certain qualities from their televisions. Widdis confirmed that TCL would be sponsoring the international cricket this upcoming summer, with signage deals for the tests and one day internationals against both the West Indies and Pakistan.
TCL’s support of the Melbourne Cup Carnival will continue tomorrow, with Race 4, the TCL Stakes, being run in the lead up to the Crown Oaks.