Host City is the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, staged since 2015 in Glasgow where the world class conference and exhibition grows every year.

“Glasgow is incredibly proud to have been partners with Host City from the start,” says Aileen Crawford, ICCA Board Member and Head of Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau. “We look forward to the 2019 programme continuing the conversations and promoting best practice in the sector across the globe. Host City creates a special platform for discussion and collaboration and we are proud to be hosts of Host City 2019!”

The cost and benefits of hosting major sports events are widely discussed, but what is less well understood is the impact of business events. We asked Crawford why Glasgow is so focussed on generating a busy programme of business events.

“Glasgow Convention Bureau recognises that conferences are a vehicle for social and economic change,” she says.

“This benefit is not just economic; although the boost to the economy that comes from delegate spend is important, so too is the opportunity for local businesses to engage with a new audience and the benefit that comes to the academic community to raise their international profile among their peers.

“Glasgow recognises the importance the location plays in creating a positive environment for business to develop and the benefit the destination gains from the conference coming to our city.

 “Conferences bring the world’s best minds to the destination, aiding progress and advancing the future of the sector through meetings.

Secrets of success

One such academic event bringing the best minds to Glasgow is the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology (ESTRO) Congress, whose Head of Innovation, Sven Bossu, is speaking at Host City 2019. The former Head of Sibos shares some advice for event owners looking to expand their properties.

“The key challenge is to have a clear view on the continuously changing expectations of the different audiences you serve – and adapting your value proposal accordingly,” he told Host City.

“When it comes to ESTRO, one of the key changes we’re currently implementing is to engage much more with the local community  and to actually co-create a project which has a tangible impact on cancer patients in the region the Congress will take place.

“This is not only in line with ESTRO’s mission, but it also creates a situation whereby the engagement with the community goes far beyond the five days of the event and whereby a tangible legacy is created.”

Event hosts also have their own secrets to success. Crawford shares a few of Glasgow’s with Host City.

“Glasgow is a successful and well-established business events city, welcoming more international delegates than any other UK city outside London,” she says.

“The city offers a wealth of free services to support conference organisers through the award-winning Glasgow Convention Bureau, making hosting a conference in the city an enjoyable and memorable experience. Glasgow is a city that understand Business Events, where the city partners, from the venues, academic institutions, hotel community and suppliers work together, focusing on the success of the meeting.

“Outside the business activities, Glasgow is a welcoming, vibrant and cultural city that offers a variety of engaging social venues that create a suitable back-drop for delegates to network. As the Gateway to Scotland, those delegates wishing to arrive early, or stay late can explore the ‘World’s Friendliest City’ in one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Countries’ (Rough Guides).”

Digital development

Digitalisation has indescribably transformed the ways in which people can connect and communicate with one another. Host City asked Bossu if he could envisage a time when digital communications replace face-to-face meetings.

“To be clear: digital will not replace face-to-face meeting,” he said. “However, digital offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance the customer experience – both before, during and after the event.

“Here are some basic examples: webinars will enable delegates to attain the same knowledge level before going to the event (allowing for better discussions); networking tools will allow delegates to connect more easily during the event (it is not always easy to connect with somebody in a 6,500 meeting!); and individualised outcome reports based on the behaviour of the delegate (which sessions did she/he attend, how does this link to his professional profile) allow the engagement to continue after the event.

Bossu is also looking forward to Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. “Personally, I’m really looking forward to hearing how meeting professionals from outside my knowledge zone are dealing with the same challenges I’m facing. And most importantly: looking forward to meeting lots of meeting aficionados.”

Host City 2019 takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow on 26-27 November. Register here today.

Host City: What is the main benefit for a city hosting an AIPH approved expo?

Tim Briercliffe: AIPH approved expos are international spectacles with the ability to stimulate economic and social development and transform the international reputation of host cities. As much as to create a showcase for national and international attention, these expos are often staged as part of a development or redevelopment strategy of the host city.

Each expo lasts up to six months, sites range from 50 to over 500 hectares in size and they can attract as many as 16 million visitors. The legacy of an expo is long and far-reaching with benefits for business and trade, research and development, employment and education, the physical and mental health of citizens and social cohesion.

Host City: What is the most important factor you are looking for in the hosts of your expos?

Tim Briercliffe: AIPH partners with cities that share our vision of a healthier future for urban citizens. Alongside this vision, these cities need the commitment and dedication to make such a vision a reality.

AIPH is the world’s champion for the power of plants and believes that our relationship with nature is fundamental to our future. The AIPH network provides the knowledge and expertise to support a city in creating better and cleaner urban environments and in gaining global recognition as a green city.

What are your expectations of Host City 2019?

Tim Briercliffe: Host City 2019 is a great opportunity to meet a community of visionary, entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers committed to the development or regeneration of their cities. Welcoming this community to the AIPH network helps us to advance our hopes for a world where the essential value of plants is recognised and reflected in every step forward for humanity.

Tim Briercliffe is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, on 26-27 November in Glassgow. Register here

At the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland on 29^th August, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach showed his admiration for the modern, values-based direction of ITU under the leadership of Marisol Casado.

“ITU is maybe the International Federation that has most embraced the Olympic Agenda 2020,” said Thomas Bach in his address to the Congress.

“The IOC is proud of the close cooperation it has with the ITU in respect of good governance as well as gender equality, which is in the interests of every organisation. So, I thank Marisol Casado for all she is doing with ITU.”

The ITU President thanked Bach for his commitment and guidance, and for his admiration for the sport of triathlon and its athletes.

“The athletes are at the heart of every decision we make as an organisation and their commitment to the sport is incredible, so I am very proud of the support Thomas Bach has shown to ITU,” she said.

The 2019 ITU Congress brought together 73 member Federations and other stakeholders including the IOC.

Julie Duffus, Sustainability Manager at the IOC gave a presentation on sustainability in sport, while IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell also followed Thomas Bach onto the stage to reflect on the success of the Tokyo Test Event and look ahead to next year’s Olympic Games.

Other activities at the Congress included the announcement of the new World Cup and Paratriathlon calendars for 2020, in-depth reports from the 2019 Tokyo Test Events, a new mentorship programme and the approval of American Samoa as the 172nd member of the International Triathlon Union.

Brook Sport Consulting – led by Norman Brook, who has worked with Olympic coaches and received an MBE for his services to social development through sport – was chosen at the Congress to deliver the ITU mentorship programme across all areas of the sport, from coaches to Technical Officials, including a specific focus on women in the sport.

The organising committee of the Edmonton 2020 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final also gave a preview of their plans for next year, before the ITU Grand Final took place in Lausanne on 30 August - 1 September 2019.

Marisol Casado is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, on 26-27 November in Glasgow.

[Source: Sport Event Denmark] The Ocean Race will come to Aarhus, Denmark during the spring of 2022, following a popular ‘Fly-By’ of the city during the final leg of the 2017-18 edition of the Race.

The success of the Fly-By, where the fleet raced into the inner harbour of Aarhus port and around a turning mark in front of tens of thousands of fans, cemented the popularity of The Ocean Race in Denmark and made Aarhus a natural choice as the first ever Danish Host City for the next race.

Watch the video here

Richard Brisius and Johan Salén, co-owners of The Ocean Race, see long-term opportunities for all stakeholders with the selection of Aarhus as a Host City.

“The Ocean Race has long had significant ties to Denmark, with sailors, race and team partners and sponsors and of course, the successful Fly-By in the last race,” said Richard Brisius. “We now have an opportunity to strengthen those bonds even further going forward. The passion of the people of Aarhus, combined with the city’s experience of organising international events, will create the perfect atmosphere for the best sailors in the world.

“Aarhus is a modern, innovative city, with strong historical ties to the ocean and to sailing – as we saw when this same facility hosted the Sailing World Championships last year. Through the talent of great young sailors like Nicolai Sehested and Jena Mai Hansen, who competed in the last edition of the Race, plus veterans such as Jens Dolmer and Stig Westergaard, Denmark has long played an important role in the Race.”

“As the partnership with The Ocean Race demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt, Aarhus has achieved an absolutely unique position as a world-class arena for international sailing events,” said Jacob Bundsgaard, the Mayor of Aarhus. “When The Ocean Race docks in Aarhus in 2022, we can look forward to an epic sporting event for maritime Denmark and a fantastic celebration on the waterfront in Aarhus for everyone.”

The Mayor of Sports, Culture and Citizens’ Services, Rabih Azad-Ahmad, said: “It is absolutely amazing that The Ocean Race is coming to Aarhus. It is an event that is followed worldwide and is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and bay. I am sure that The Ocean Race in Aarhus will set the stage for a huge maritime celebration with exciting experiences for the city's citizens and guests. We will use the opportunity to focus on sustainability and increase awareness of this important matter.”

Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, the national sporting event organisation that partners with major events across Denmark, added: “Aarhus has marked itself as Denmark's leading Host City for major international sailing events. Last summer, the very successful World Sailing Championships for all Olympic classes were held here, and now we look forward to The Ocean Race in 2021-22, where we will continue to focus on sustainability.”

For The Ocean Race, sustainability has long been a core value and has become an even bigger focus for the event looking forward. In 2017-18, the Race helped to spark a global movement against plastic waste, and a comprehensive sustainability initiative aims to educate and inspire millions around the world to make positive changes.

“In the last edition of the Race, our groundbreaking and award-winning Sustainability Programme set new standards for how a sporting event can engage its fans and stakeholders in attacking the problem of plastic pollution and restoring ocean health,” said The Ocean Race’s Johan Salén.

“I believe that by working in partnership with our Host Cities like Aarhus, as well as all of our stakeholders, we will be able to raise the bar even higher to ensure that our sport retains a leadership role in this critical area.”

Aarhus joins the Start Port of Alicante, Spain as confirmed Host Cities of The Ocean Race 2021-22, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.

Communities in the North West of England have been taking a bit of a hammering of late. Over a scorching bank holiday weekend, a high magnitude tremor from Cuadrilla’s fracking operations shook the Lancashire city of Preston.

The English Football League (EFL)’s office in Preston might have been closed at the time, but EFL Executive Chair Debbie Jevans CBE* has been working tirelessly over the bank holiday to deal with a different kind of shock – the possible departure of two clubs from the nearby towns of Bolton and Bury from League One due to crises in their ownership.

Jevans has granted both Bolton Wanderers and Bury FC an extension of until 5PM on Tuesday to finalise their takeovers. Both teams have had to cancel or postpone matches due to their financial crises.

While the EFL will not want to lose teams from the league, neither does it want to postpone any more matches. It is hoped that both clubs will manage to complete their sales by close of business today, despite the fact that Bolton’s negotiations with Football Ventures collapsed over the weekend.

Meanwhile, a potential buyer for Bury has emerged in the shape of C&N Sporting Risk.

Jevans told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday Morning that the company has “demonstrated to us enough source of funding.

"There was enough credible information before the board to allow this extension till Tuesday, but in doing that, no more games have to be postponed."

Responding to C&N Sporting Risk’s reported disappointment that the extension was not longer as its legal adviser was unavailable until Wednesday, Jevans suggested he could “give advice on the phone and by email."

"There is enough time, if all parties want to do a deal by then," she said.  "We've got many examples where clubs have changed hands in a very short period of time and we see no reason why this can't happen by Tuesday.

In a country where power and opportunities continue to be drawn towards major cities, towns like Bolton and Bury need focal points like football clubs.

Lisa Nandy is MP of nearby Wigan and co-founder of Centre for Towns. “Sport is basically the glue that holds the community together,” she told Politico. “If you go to any part of the borough you’ll find grassroots community sports clubs. You’ve got every single generation there — grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, kids, the works… It’s a big source of pride. It’s part of our history, part of our culture, part of our identity.”

Bolton, Bury, Wigan and Preston all voted for Brexit. Perhaps for towns like these to have the future they deserve, they need more leaders like Debbie Jevans who are prepared to forsake their holidays, address audiences and help to conclude negotiations successfully – before the tremors get any worse.

*Debbie Jevans CBE is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November. 

More organisers and owners of the greatest events in the world are joining the world class speaker line up of Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.

They tackle a hard-hitting agenda with topics including sustainability, disruption, gender equality, creating impact, procurement, readiness, fan engagement, titanic disasters and herculean achievements.

New speaker confirmations include IOC Members:

Marisol Casado, President, International Triathlon Union (ITU) and IOC Member

Sir Craig Reedie GBE, President, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and IOC Member

organising/bid committee leaders:

Claude Atcher, CEO, Rugby World Cup France 2023

Markus Stenger, Managing Director, DFB EURO 2024

Roberto Daneo, Coordinator of Milan-Cortina 2026 Candidature File and Games Operations Expert

rights holders of sports, esports, business and cultural events:  

Debbie Jevans CBE, Executive Chair, English Football League

Russell Samuel, VP, Marketing and Creative, Viacom Velocity

Alban Dechelotte, Head of Sponsorships and Business Development EU Esports, Riot Games

Kate Sadleir, General Manager, Women’s Rugby, World Rugby

Michael D'hulst, co-founder and CEO, Super League Triathlon

Signe Lopdrup, CEO, Roskilde Festival Group (or representative)

in addition to world leading experts and service providers:

David de Behr, Head of Sales, Aggreko Event Services

Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate, Sports Ground Safety Authority

Jonathan Gray, Senior Partner, Global Head of Sport and Major Events, Control Risks

David Tunnicliffe, Commercial Director, GL events UK

They join a line-up of great speakers already announced including leaders of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Expo 2020 Dubai, several International Federations and event hosts, with more organising committees to be announced.

Host City is delivered with support from EventScotland, its primary Supporting Partner.

Exhibition stands and delegate passes are selling fast, so register today!

To sponsor or exhibit contact adam.soroka@hostcity.com

For speaking and other enquiries contact ben.avison@hostcity.com

About Host City

Host City Expo & Conference brings together cities and sports, business and cultural events for two full days of unrivalled insight, networking, workshops and business on 26-27 November at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow.

This is where representatives of host destinations, federations and other rights holders, organisers, event suppliers and services from all over the world meet to discover opportunities and discuss the challenges of major event hosting. Participants are encouraged to use Host City as a platform to develop, workshop and announce new events, partnerships and formats.

This year’s Strategic Partners include the International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH), the Association of Global Event Suppliers (AGES), the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) and European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA).

Host City is delivered with support from EventScotland, its primary Supporting Partner.

www.hostcity.com

Host City: The sports events market is crowded with a busy calendar – what were the challenges in launching Super League Triathlon and what is it that makes Super League Triathlon stand out?

Michael D’hulst: We have developed a unique product, a game changing reinvention of triathlon, and Super League appeals to the modern-day consumer in that it is very action packed, entertaining, accessible, green and sustainable, so we tick a lot of boxes.

We are also less disruptive than many other triathlons because of our small footprint.

All we need to operate an event is an 800-metre loop and that can be done in the middle of a city or even using bike ways because we need so little in the way of road closures.

We have a proven concept which we have won awards for and we can deliver these amazing entertainment and sporting events while showcasing our host cities. We always integrate with them and ensure we are not disruptive.

Though we are always mindful of a busy sporting calendar, because of our unique product we don’t consider it too much beyond arranging around the availability of our athletes and broadcast schedules.

Host City: How many visitors and participants do you typically get at Super League Triathlon events – what’s the demographic?

Michael D’hulst: Our demographic is the typical one of triathlon in terms of ABC1 – but there is one very important difference in that our audience is younger.

There is already a clear trend that fans of Super League Triathlon are a lot younger than, for example, Ironman. We see that in our social media too and help to drive that through our innovative presentation.

Our demographic is very valuable to an event host as they have a higher propensity to spend.

We are also engaging a good percentage of the population of our hosts.

On Jersey, an island of 100,000 people, we get 20,000 people coming to the events.

In 2020 we are looking to grow into bigger cities and we see attendance growing exponentially as a result.

Host City: How is the action shared to viewers that aren’t able to attend in person – what are the viewing figures and on which platforms?

Michael D’hulst: One of the major drawing cards for Super League Triathlon is that we invest a lot in creating free content, live broadcasting, streaming and on our social media platforms.

The biggest audience is in France but there is significant growth around continental Europe.

Our social media numbers have also grown exponentially event by event. If we continue the growth trends we have seen so far we expect a reach of 42 million across Facebook and Instagram for our next event.

In terms of impressions combined across those platforms, we are estimating 65 million plus.

We work with 104 broadcasters to reach 1.16 billion households and our last event in Singapore had 520 hours of broadcast time. We have seen these numbers grow event by event.

Host City: How else do destinations benefit from hosting Super League Triathlon?

Michael D’hulst: We focus on several elements.

Having a direct economic impact is always important to a destination.
Then the media value we drive and the emphasis we have on leveraging television and social media, distributing behind the scenes and destination content in the build-up to a race, pushing out news features, live streaming, highlights, post-produced documentary etc.

But, arguably, the intangible factors are even more important. We are speaking about a very interesting demographic, whose lives and priorities are aligned with the host cities we are targeting.

We have our professional athletes under contract and that means we can utilise them as we create a whole outreach programme that builds into communities and we customise to what the host venue wants.

For example, they may want to showcase their sustainability efforts to the world and promote healthy living – perhaps like Jersey’s ocean culture – or maybe like Singapore leveraging our expertise to help create a high-performance culture because they have Olympic medal dreams.

We will also take our athletes into schools, local communities and businesses.

We customise how we leverage what we bring to the table with our athletes and brand, to make that work for our hosts and also ensure there is a legacy that continues year-round.

At the event itself, it’s more than just the professional racing as we build out corporate hospitality with direct access to pros, participation events for amateurs of all abilities to encourage people to participate in our wonderful sport and a Fan Zone with an emphasis on being family friendly.

Host City: What are the main criteria you look for in a host destination?

Michael D’hulst: There needs to be shared values and an alignment with the demographic and the sport. For example, an emphasis on an outdoor and healthy lifestyle, a focus on sustainability, and also innovation.

Television is a big part of what we do so we look for scenic and iconic spots that people see on television and think ‘wow’, and our venues only require an 800-metre loop.

Host City: I am sure many destinations would jump at the chance to host Super League Triathlon – what’s the process of bidding to host an event?

Michael D’hulst: We are arranging a calendar typically a minimum of 12 months in advance.

We are looking at our 2021 calendar at the moment and we have a Championship Series that runs August-November.

We need to be responsible as well and to look after the athletes and their movements around the world.

It typically all starts with an expression of interest from a host city and then we have a conversation as to how we make that work. The formal selection decisions for 2021 will be made in summer 2020.

Host City: How would you sum up 2019 for Super League Triathlon so far and what are your expectations of 2020?

Michael D’hulst: It was always the case that 2019 was going to be a challenging season because of the upcoming Olympics. Triathlon is an Olympic sport and, understandably, a key goal for many of our athletes, and we fully respect that.

We consulted with them and decided to run two Championship Series events in 2019 but to use this ‘Olympic pause’ to prepare and work closely with our host venues to deliver what will be by far our biggest and best season yet with many more events in 2020.

We have some very exciting times ahead.

Super League Triathlon CEO Michael D’hulst is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November

A major event brings together players from many industries. It is a temporary city, a microcosm of society, that requires power, transport, infrastructure, lighting, project management and so on – many of which are provided by private companies on short term contracts. Coordinating this is inevitably more complex than for a permanent economy with an established supply chain for its services.

Considering the sheer amount of products, services and equipment required to stage a major event like an Olympic Games or a major festival, you would think that it would be easy for any number of suppliers to get involved.

Sadly though, not everyone knows how to access these major event procurement opportunities.

What are the barriers to getting involved in major event projects?

Firstly, when it comes to a mega event like the Olympic Games, they generally involve a large proportion of public funding. This means organisers are under great pressure from the public, amplified by the press, to demonstrate how funds are being distributed.

This can result in protectionism, incentivising domestic companies and making the procurement process less attractive to overseas providers. Or some processes can result in projects being contracted to the lowest bidder rather than the best solution provider.

In other cases, there can be a lack of transparency. Half of the stadiums used for the FIFA 2014 World Cup have come under scrutiny for alleged irregularities and bribery, with officials having been accused of accepting bribes in exchange for contracts.

Other barriers to contract opportunities come from within. A company may simply not have enough contacts or experience in the major events sectors, or the confidence to gain those contacts. While there is not a lot a private company can do about how procurement processes are run, there is a lot that can be done to raise your profile and gain confidence.

Top tips for smaller suppliers

1. Promote your activities through the media. Talk about your event successes at every opportunity – be active and build up a following on social media, engage in conversations, become known in your field.

2. Get involved in events of all sizes. It’s not all about the Olympic Games. Annual festivals and smaller local events provide constant earning opportunities and are easier to establish long-term relationships with.

3. Get Networking. Come to the best events in the sector where you get face to face with buyers. Events like Host City and the Event Production Show are all about the business of hosting major events.

4. Join an association. These can offer great advice and support from other members and confer quality status on their members. For example, Host City 2019’s Strategic Partners are the leading international associations in the event hosting supply chain.

5. Always believe in your soul. You are gold!

Super League Triathlon (SLT) is gearing up for the start of its 2019 Championship Series as the eyes of the multisport world turn to Jersey.

The Channel Island is one of the original SLT venues and has been further improved for this year’s event on September 28-29 to deliver one of triathlon’s most thrilling race weekends that will be watched around the globe.

Super League has reinvented the swim-bike-run format to produce short, sharp and hugely engaging races that are made for broadcast and a modern-day global sporting audience.

Jersey and SLT have formed a winning partnership as part of Super League’s ongoing collaborative efforts to recognise the uniqueness of all venues and provide value to the wider community who buy into the hosting.

It all starts with a desire to be part of the community, ensuring there is not widespread disruption to the host city and creating an amphitheatre feel around an 800-metre loop, so spectators are up close and personal with the action.

Also key to Jersey or any host city is a guarantee of world’s best athletes who are committed to not only achieving their sporting potential but also engaging in Super League’s extensive outreach programme.

The athletes spend the days building up to the weekend of racing in local schools and communities, providing role models to inspire health and wellness, social integration and diversity, and when the event goes live Jersey is seen across the world as a lifestyle destination.

And that’s all before you consider a few of the numbers. Nielsen Sports report that a Super League race is picked up by 104 broadcasters reaching 1.16 billion households with a media value of nearly £14 million.

There has also been huge growth in Super League’s digital footprint with an expectation that global reach from an event will grow to 42 million in 2019.

Super League remains focussed on delivering direct economic benefits to a host city – with Jersey estimated at around £1m last year – while also providing the intangible advantages that come via being associated with a globally recognised and game changing sports brand that aims to fit seamlessly into the local community and its culture.

Super League Triathlon has 2019 races planned in Jersey on September 28-29 and Malta on October 19-20. For more information visit superleaguetriathlon.com

[Source: Super League Triathlon] 

Michael D’Hulst, CEO of Super League Triathlon, is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November, under the conference theme “Innovate; Reformulate; Co-create”

Sarah Lewis, Secretary General of the International Ski Federation (FIS) updated Host City about developments in China immediately following meetings with the IOC Coordination Commission and Beijing 2022 Olympic Games Organising Committee.

“The drive and commitment in China is unparalleled, not just to organise outstanding Games, but to develop winter sports as a mainstream sporting activity, recreation and industry,” she told Host City.

China’s winter sports push has led to a major expansion of sports facilities, with 742 ski resorts and 596 ice rinks by the end of 2018, according to an IOC statement. The Beijing 2022 Organising Committee has cited a 16 per cent year-on-year growth of the winter sports industry in China to USD 53.6 billion in 2018, creating 1.5 million jobs to date.

The number of events being hosted is growing accordingly, with 8.15 million people taking part in 4,401 district level, municipal and national level winter sports events in Beijing alone during the 2018-2019 season.

“Beijing 2022 is delivering on its vision to engage 300 million people in winter sports, and we can see real benefits resulting from the various actions that are being undertaken across the country,” IOC Coordination Commission Chair Juan Antonio Samaranch said. “We have heard about some impressive developments that exemplify the vision for winter sports in China in terms of mass participation, elite sport and tourism. This progress is very encouraging for the long-term future of winter sport, both in China and internationally.”

The first test event for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games will be the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup (Downhill & Super G), taking place on 15 and 16 February 2020, as part of a programme of 19 Olympic test events and 5 Paralympic test events. A local organising committee called “Experience Beijing” has been formed for the test events, with venue teams already moving to the Yanqing region and working closely with the FIS to host a successful competition.

Zhang Jiandong, Vice-Mayor of Beijing and Executive Vice-President of Beijing 2022, said that, with the first test event scheduled for February 2020, Games preparations had entered a new phase, with the focus shifting to operational readiness, and that the Organising Committee would step up work in all areas. “We will work closely with the relevant government offices to promote winter sports and attract more people, especially young people, to take part,” he added.

Strategic cooperation with Sina Sports

The IOC Coordination Commission visit to Beijing was immediately preceded by the signing of a strategic cooperation between FIS and Sina Sports for the promotion of snow sports in China.

“Our new partnership with Sina Sports complements the Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China programme focusing on beginner level,” Sarah Lewis told Host City.

The partners will also cooperate on the Sina Alpine Ski Cup mass participation skiing competition series in China, which will be officially endorsed by FIS. A “FIS Destination” will also be installed on Sina’s Weibo media platform, one of the biggest social media platforms in China, featuring coverage of FIS events and promoting FIS activities in China such as Get Into Snow Sports.

The Sina Alpine Ski Cup, created and initiated two years ago by Sina Sports, has quickly become the largest mass participation ski event in China. It will be the first such Alpine Skiing series to receive official FIS endorsement and will its organisation will be supported by the Chinese Ski Association. FIS anticipates the event will quadruple in size for the upcoming season.

The Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China grass roots beginner courses are being executed through FIS’s educational entity, FIS Academy, and in partnership with the Chinese Ski Association to complement their recreational and ski instructor programmes.

The FIS media channels on Weibo will feature various coverage of FIS events, promoted by Sina Sports alongside the Sina Alpine Ski Cup.

The reach and track record of Sina Sports is evidenced by sports events that they have already developed with 3x3 basketball and futsal.

“Sina Sports is delighted to be entering into this cooperation with FIS and receiving the first-ever mass participation skiing event endorsement from FIS. We are proud to support FIS initiatives in China, including official competition events as well as the Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China program, in order to jointly promote winter sports in anticipation of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics”, said Sam Li, Head of International Business Strategy for Sina Sports.

Sarah Lewis OBE is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, on 26-27 November in Glasgow