[Source: SportAccord] The global sports movement’s most influential decision-makers have arrived in Birmingham, West Midlands, for the return of sport’s No.1 global gathering

The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2024 opened in Birmingham, with more than 1,500 delegates from over 100 countries meeting in the West Midlands for the highly anticipated return of sport’s most important industry summit.

Key figures from across the international sports movement have embarked on five days of networking from 7-11 April, with high-level meetings, a bustling exhibition, and a packed conference programme under the umbrella theme of ‘The Power of Sport’.

World-class speakers will include sports leaders such as Mark Rein, Vice President and Co-Founder, Epic Games; UK Sport Chair Dame Katherine Grainger; Rob Alberino, Vice-President of Content and Production, Kansas City Chiefs; and many more.

SportAccord Managing Director Martin Gibbs praised the team effort of Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Growth Company in embracing this powerful event and bringing it to the heart of the UK.

“We are delighted with the enthusiastic response of the global sports movement in coming back to SportAccord and the atmosphere in the city is fantastic,” Gibbs said.

“Our hosts are not only building on the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but they are also putting Birmingham and the West Midlands firmly at the centre of the sporting world over the coming days, with an event that will bring together the sport economy’s most influential decision-makers. There is no other event where you find in one place so many International Federations, the International Olympic Committee, rights holders, cities and regions as well as sports business leaders.”

Aside from the main Plenary Conference, there will also be dedicated HealthAccord, LawAccord, CityAccord and MediaAccord conference streams, as well as various workshops and a Speakers’ Corner, with experts from across the industry offering unmissable insights.

With numerous events planned in and around the International Convention Centre over the coming days, attendees can take advantage of a compact set-up to maximise networking opportunities, reconnecting with old friends and establishing new connections.

“We have various resources available so that delegates can make the most of their time in Birmingham, including an official event app, a digital event guide and our on-site newspaper, The Daily, which will cover all of the most important developments,” Gibbs added. “We are also really grateful for the support of the dedicated team of volunteers who have been assisting attendees, to ensure their stay in Birmingham is as productive and enjoyable as possible. Their enthusiasm and friendly welcome is really making a difference.”

Host City Director Ben Avison is moderating the CityAccord roundtable at 10:30 on Tuesday 9th April: More than just sport - Creating a more engaging, inclusive event which appeals to fans, residents and athletes alike. Just how far can 'Festivalisation' go?