WISCONSIN’S FIRST MMA EXPO TO BE HELD IN JANUARY
Dan “Hendo” Henderson and Rich “Ace” Franklin to Headline
LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wis. – The state’s firstmixed martial arts exposition, the Wisconsin Combat Sports Midwest MMA Expo andSeminars, will be held at the Lake of the Torches Casino in Lac du Flambeau,Wisconsin on January 9 and 10, 2010. The exposition will feature seminars andautograph signings from MMA champions Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, HermesFranca, James Lee and many more.
The completely free two-day event will feature seven different seminars fromsome of the world’s most respected mixed martial artists, trainers, and coaches,as well as exhibitor booths featuring the latest in equipment, schools and academies,nutrition, uniforms and apparel, promotions and organizers, media and newsresources, and services specifically geared towards the fans and practitionersof mixed martial arts.
The impressive list of instructors who will be giving the seminars include formerPride and UFC Champion Dan “Hendo” Henderson, former UFC champion Rich “Ace” Franklin,former WEC champion and UFC fighter Hermes “The Unreal” Franca, former King ofthe Cage champion and UFC fighter James Lee, former IKF world championkickboxer and trainer to the biggest stars in MMA today Duke Roufus, Strikeforceand UFC fighter, Brazilian Jujitsu black belt, and trainer Jorge Gurgel, and BrazilianJujitsu black belt and trainer Jon “White Trash” Friedland. Each personalitywill also be available to sign autographs afterwards.
Along with the ridiculous amount of activities planned for the weekend, theexpo will also feature the state’s largest MMA based show floor ever. Exhibitors from around the Midwest will be showcasing hundreds of new productsand services and offering exclusive show specials.
Gabriel Wahhab, co-owner of Wisconsin Combat Sports, believes that the Expo isan ideal situation for fighters and fans that are looking to interact with someof their favorite MMA personalities. “The level of talent that is beingbrought forth on a free basis is unheard of anywhere, let alone Wisconsin”said Wahhab. “This is a can’t missevent for fighters and fans who would like to meet and learn from the world’sbest trainers and fighters. We are extremely excited to be able to co-presentthis opportunity to Wisconsin and the entire Midwest.”
Michael J. Broderick, the Director of Marketing for Lake of the Torches ResortCasino, said that the resort is extremely excited to give fans andpractitioners this great opportunity to meet and learn from some of the biggeststars of the sport today. “Offering this entire event for free was justone way Lake of the Torches Resort Casino wanted to say “thank you” to themid-west.” remarked Broderick. “We felt that it was time to givesomething back to all of the fighters, clubs, and, most importantly, the dedicatedfans that have made our past MMA events so successful. We could not be more excited to put all ofthese world-class fighters and TV stars in the same room and at the same timehere in Wisconsin.”
All ages and families are welcome to attend, however due to limited space, inorder to participate in the free seminars on the mat attendees must be over 18years of age and affiliated with a MMA or martial arts gym, promotion ororganization. All others will be more than welcome to observe the seminars offof the mats on the sidelines as well as to meet the stars when scheduled for afree autograph and photo. All children attending the show must be accompaniedby an adult. The show will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and from10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The following is a schedule of the free seminars for practitioners 18 years ofage and over and free meet and greets available to anyone attending the show:
Main Expo Hall
Saturday, January 9th
10:00 – 11:00 – Jon Friedland seminar
11:30 – 1:30 – Dan Henderson seminar
2:00 – 3:00 – Dan Henderson autograph signing at Clinch Gear Booth
2:00 – 3:00 – Jorge Gurgel seminar
3:30 – 4:30 – Jorge Gurgel autograph signing at LOTC & WCS Booth
3:30 – 4:30 – James Lee seminar
4:00 – 5:00 – James Lee autograph signing at LOTC & WCS Booth
4:30 – 5:30 – Open Mat
Sunday – January 10th
10:00 – 11:00 – Hermes Franca seminar
11:30– 12:30 – Hermes Franca autograph signing at LOTC & WCS Booth
11:30 – 1:30 – Rich Franklin seminar
2:00 – 3:00 – Rich Franklin autograph signing at the American Fighter Booth
2:00 – 3:00 – Duke Roufus seminar
3:30 – 4:30 – Duke Roufus autograph signing at LOTC & WCS Booth
3:00 – 4:00 – Open Mat
In addition, a seminar and certification class for MMA judges will be offeredduring the course of the two days. If you’d like more information about the judgingseminar, please contact Cheryl Clancy at (414) 305-0137.
Exhibitor information can be found at
CIA Marketing, Inc.
P.O. Box 266
Lakewood, WI 54138
Phone: 715-757-2370
Fax: 715-757-2379
[email protected]
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interviewwith Gabriel Wahhab or Michael J. Broderick, please call Gabe Wahhab at 414/921-0407Ext: 2000 or e-mail Gabe at [email protected].
Situated on the shores of Pokegama Lake and nestled in Wisconsin’s Northwoods,the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino has a feel of a classic Northern retreatand reflects its
Ojibwe culture and heritage. The casino has over 800 slot machines (including anon-smoking area), 12 tables and three poker tables, a high-stakes Bingo Hallseating up to 500 persons, the 24-hour Game Time Grill and the Eagle’s NestRestaurant. The hotel has 101 well–appointed rooms, the Dancing Waters Lounge andthe Woodland Oasis pool area. The 8,500 square-foot Convention Center with theHall of Nations offers an outstanding venue for entertainment, receptions,trade shows, meetings, presentations and seminars.
More information on upcoming events at Lake of the Torches is available at
www.lakeofthetorches.com.
