Host City, the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, made a triumphant return to Glasgow after two years online. With the theme of “Face to Face with New Realities”, the conference championed the value of major events against a challenging global landscape.

In his opening address, Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland touched on a range of themes including community engagement, the creation of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group, sustainability and the ongoing challenges being faced by the sector following the pandemic. 

On the subject of digitalisation he said: “Digitalisation in events continues to accelerate – it has changed the way we work, live and do business, and has reshaped the events industry.  We are regularly seeing events putting attendees in control of their own experience, with innovation and creativity driving new dynamics and consumer satisfaction.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said, “The future of events is extremely positive. Events of all kinds that bring people together have great benefits – but not at any cost.”

In his keynote address, Ivo Ferriani, IOC Member and President of GAISF, SportAccord, AOIWF and IBSF said: “In a cost-of-living crisis, a ticket is a luxury. We need to price events in a way that people can afford.

“We need to find a new balance between online and offline, and we need to do this quickly.

“Sport can be a driver of sustainable development.”

Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said “If you want sustainability to work, it has to be embedded in processes.” She highlighted how meals at the Games will have half the carbon weight of the average French meal. “Our suppliers are part of the solution.”

Energy supplier Aggreko has made a commitment to reduce its fossil fuel use by 50% by 2030. David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events said “We are doing a lot of good things providing green energy, but it has a financial impact.”

Another challenge is the decline in the young fans identifying as being passionate about sport. “Traditional sports need to connect with Gen Z fans,” said Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

The drive to create a new fan base is behind the new initiative to replace riding with obstacle in modern pentathlon, said Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager at ESA and Communications Manager at UIPM.

Teqball is one of the fastest growing sports, among fans who are increasingly concerned with purpose and values. “The high number of social followers is not something we want to show off,” said Gergely Murányi, Head of Diplomatic Relations at governing body FITEQ. “It means we have a huge responsibility around what we communicate.”

“The number of viewers and audiences for women's sport events has significantly increased over time,” said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Vice President, Badminton World Federation and IOC Member. "A greater number of audiences in turn attracts more media coverage, resulting in more financial support for women's sport.”

“The Olympics is the most challenging event of all,” said Yiannis Exarchos, CEO, Olympic Broadcasting Services and Executive Director, Olympic Channel Services. “With the IOC digital strategy, the vision is to use the Olympic platform to aggregate all information. Our vision is to bring together disparate activities on one Olympic journey.”

The metaverse is already in use in event planning and delivery, Exarchos said. “But the metaverse with live interaction could take five, ten or 15 years. The technology is not there.”

According to John Tweardy, Managing Partner - Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice at Deloitte, this technology is developing rapidly. “LA2028 will have a fully functioning metaverse.”

“The world needs sport more than ever now,” he said. “We're putting the power and passion of Deloitte into sports, from the digital ambition to the field of play.”

“A lot has been achieved in making online events meaningful, said Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member at the Global Esports Federation. “The challenge is now combining those things – integrating the physical and digital is critical.”

For major events to thrive, they need to demonstrate impact. “You have to ask yourself what the event will do for the community,” said Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation.”

“For the 2026 World Cup, all 16 host cities are working with FIFA to create a lasting legacy for their communities,” said Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami. “In Miami, we have proposed working with our local communities’ leaders and the US Soccer Foundation to celebrate the 23^rd edition of the World Cup and either create, renovate or reimagine up to 23 spaces throughout the South Florida community that would be accessible to all.”

Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said, “I know that hosting the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games is just the start for Birmingham” and that the event has ushered in a “golden decade of opportunity for the people, communities and businesses of Birmingham and the wider region.”

Nine years on from hosting the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow and Scotland are hosting the first Cycling World Championships. Presenting the project with Paul Bush, David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and IOC Member said “Cycling is unique in that you can showcase the country. That’s key for us, that we showcase not only the race but the country.”

Lappartient applauded Copenhagen’s hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart. “We had the same number of people watching the time trial on the streets that live in the city,” said Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen.

“How do you unite people? Through music and sport,” said Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. “By working together when you have an event you bring value to the community, we will continue to do that in the Indian subcontinent.”

“Events play a really important role in defining a city,” said Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers. “We are really focused on promoting the green city. Plants have a functional role to play in tackling climate change, and events provide an opportunity to think differently.”

David Stubbs, who was head of sustainability at London 2012, said “Alongside the climate crisis we are seeing a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Every event can do something to support biodiversity.

“If you don’t get it right, you can lose sponsors.”

Other conference highlights included a presentation on solving the complex transports challenges of the next Winter Olympics from Stefano Manelli, Director of Citec Italy and Transportation Supervisor, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 , and a case study on the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) from Antony Warren of Supersize Live.

The diverse conference programme also included notable contributions from: Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and VP, FINA; Sir Craig Reedie GBE, Honorary Member, IOC; Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, IFSC; Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO; Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, FIH; Jason Ferguson, Chairman, WPBSA; Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, CGF; Jennifer Arnold, VP, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Claire Nelson, CEO, Netball Scotland; Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh; Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke; Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics; Sarah Lewis OBE OLY; Gayle Shepherd, Director of People, Projects and Technology, SEC; Bailee Leòdhas Massie, Glasgow City Council; Liese Abili, VP of Sports Development, Florida Sports Foundation; Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau; Jack Nixon, Strategy Director, Nielsen Sports; Mate Bor, Chief of Staff, FITEQ; Jonny Gray, Senior MD, Ankura; Perttu Pesä, Director, Major Events, City of Tampere and Chair, IAEH; Sandra Wall, Creative industries, Event and Meetings, Norrköping Municipality; Richard Bate, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer, EBK Grand Prix, Cube International; Jonny Murch, CEO / Founder, Redtorch; Martin Ross, Global News Editor, SportBusiness; Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place; Duncan Mackay, Founding Editor, insidethegames.biz; Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH; Chris Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas; Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland; Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers; Mike Laflin, CEO & Founder, Global Sustainable Sport; Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services; Jack McGill, CEO, QTV and David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights.

Other supporting participants included Recast, DB Schenker, Explore Edmonton and and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

Host City 2022 took place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow with the support of Hosts and Global Presenting Partners EventScotland and Glasgow Life. For further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com.

Host City: Hi Paul, we’re really excited about bringing Host City back to Glasgow in person on 15-16 November. How are you feeling about Host City returning to Scotland after 2 years hosting in the virtual world?
Paul Bush: I’m looking forward to the return of the first in-person Host City to Glasgow and Scotland where we look forward to welcoming so many international event owners, organisers and hosts together in the first time in two years. Virtual events have played an important role in that time, allowing us to all stay connected and share key learnings as we navigated our way through uncertain times, however, for me, nothing beats the experience of an in-person event and being able to meet face-to-face allows for great relationship building and networking in a more fun and social way. 

Host City: The theme of the conference is “Face to Face with New Realities”. The world has certainly changed a lot since last year’s Host City event – what are the big issues facing you right now?
Paul Bush: Last time we met, we were operating in a climate of consistent uncertainty which had continued to push us all to work in different ways, developing a range of resilient responses, innovation, spirit and adaptation. While the last 12 months has seen the start of a return to a more consistent operating environment with the removal of Covid restrictions, other challenges remain. The increasing financial challenges now facing the sector, including reduced government budgets, rise in inflation and its affects on both the supply chain and on individuals facing the cost-of-living crisis as well as recruitment – both retaining and attracting staff to the industry, addressing sustainability and the role of events in supporting our health and wellbeing are the big issues facing the events sector right now. 

Host City: On the sustainability question – for such an international industry, it’s tricky isn’t it, but perhaps we do have an opportunity to show leadership here? 
Paul Bush: In our ever-changing world, the need to address our environmental impact is becoming more and more prevalent, and we all have a part to play both individually and as a sector. From an events perspective, the whole events eco-system is increasingly aware of its impact, including eventgoers, who expect events to be ‘walking the talk’ when it comes to socially and environmentally responsible practices in the planning, organisation and delivery of events. Creating sustainable events is no longer a nice ‘to-do’, it’s a necessity.
So, I do think the events industry across the world can take a lead role on addressing the environmental question as events themselves are hugely powerful in engaging the public in climate change through their programming, helping inspire and motivate people to make changes in their own lives.

Host City: And when it comes to wellbeing, how can event hosts make sure that their events really do help to improve their physical and mental health?  
Paul Bush: Over the last few years, the social benefits of events of have become even more recognised, especially the sense of pride they help build, and the valuable contribution they make towards our health and wellbeing. The Contribution to Events to Scotland’s Wellbeing research that we commissioned in collaboration with the Event Industry Advisory Group and published last October highlighted how attending or regularly taking part, either as a participant or as a volunteer at an event, can help improve wellbeing while the chance to interact with friends and family is a key driver for supporting mental health. Therefore having a diverse portfolio of events that engages a wide range of people will ensure as an industry we are helping support peoples wellbeing and providing opportunities for shared experiences. Articulating this benefit is particularly important, especially in the current financial climate, if want to retain investment from both the public and private sector. 

Host City: Our events sector has faced a range of challenges to say the least. What are you doing to support its recovery, and what role do you think events play in the economic mix these days?
Paul Bush: The economic benefits of events are widely recognised and now more than ever it’s important we continue to highlight them. Events support thousands of jobs, both directly within the industry itself as well as wider sectors including hospitality and tourism. Pre-covid, the 2020 UK Event Report highlighted a direct spend of £70bn in 2019 through live events and it is estimated that over £6bn of this could be attributed to Scotland.
Highlighting the value of the events industry in Scotland at government level as well as supporting the industry in Scotland to ensure its strong return has been a key focus for us. We have done this through working in collaboration with the Event Industry Advisory Group, through the Covid relief funding we have delivered over the last two years and through our regular funding programmes that have supported a range of major, national, local and community events this year, including The 150th Open, the Edinburgh International Festival and IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society Annual International Conference.
Despite the current economic challenges we are all facing, I do believe events play a vitally important role in our recovery. 

Host City: On the bright side, it’s amazing to be able to stage face to face events again. After Host City you’ve got some great events coming to Scotland, not least the UCI Cycling World Championships next year. What are your expectations? 
Paul Bush: Scotland is the perfect stage for events and in additional to our great range of annual events, we all have a number of exciting major events in the pipeline including The Tall Ships Races in Lerwick, Shetland, next July, 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships at Emirates Arena here in Glasgow, the World Orienteering Championships 2024 in Edinburgh, and the Orkney 2025 Island Games in addition to the biggest cycling event ever, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
We cannot wait to welcome the world’s best riders from across 13 UCI Cycling World Championships to Glasgow and across Scotland next year. It will be truly memorable not just for what happens across the 13 days in August next year, but also for our wider vision to inspire people to ride bikes and be a catalyst for change across Scotland, before, during and after the event.  Whether it is for health, sport, transport, tourism, industry or events, we want everyone to be able to experience the freedom and joy riding a bike can bring to our lives. Our policy led approach to delivering the event ensures participation, inclusion and accessibility, and sustainability is the focus of our Hub and Spoke delivery model, and I look forward to sharing more on this and our preparations on day two of the conference when I will be joined UCI President, David Lappartient, for the panel session on new event concepts.  
Thank you very much for your time and your support Paul; we’re really looking forward to Host City and the exciting times ahead for events in Scotland. 
Paul Bush: Thank you. I look forward to once again catching up in person with colleagues from across the events sector for a great two days of discussion and debate at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow on the 15th to 16th November.

Register for Host City 2022 here: https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2022/register

Host City 2022 takes place on 15-16 November, returning to Glasgow, Scotland with an illustrious line-up of international speakers joining in person.

Register here now to be part of the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.

The conference opens with Keynote Addresses on the conference theme of Face to Face with the New Realities from Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland and Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF, who are joined on the opening panel by Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life, Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and Vice President, FINA and David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko.

The panel New Event Concepts – Disruption and Synergy stars Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation, Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen, Prof. Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member, Global Esports Federation and Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA and Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland.

A panel of experts including Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory, Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, Commonwealth Games Federation and Mate Bor, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President, FITEQ Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager, ESA (European Sponsorship Association) and Communications Manager, UIPM and Mike Laflin, Director, Total Analysis explore the mindset of The Future Fan, following a Case Study from Antony Warren, Head of Business Development, World Supercross Championship (WSX).

Ian Ward, Leader, Birmingham City Council joins for a speech and Q&A on the delivery and legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A panel on Partnership Paradigms of Event Hosting and Delivery stars Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, International Hockey Federation (FIH); Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh, Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke and Jonny Gray, Senior Managing Director, Ankura.

Stefano Manelli, Director, Citec Italy and Transportation Supervisor of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 gives an update on preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Yiannis Exarchos, Director, Olympic Channel Services, International Olympic Committee, John Tweardy, Managing Partner - Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice, Deloitte, Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company and Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast and Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services join forces to Unlock the Power of Technology to Deliver Events to Fans.

A Case Study on the Tour de France Grand Départ Copenhagen Denmark 2022 follows, from Iben Rønholt, Deputy Head of Office, and Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen.

How Events Make a “World Sports Capital” is the topic tackled by Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing, Liese Abili, Vice President of Sports Development at the Florida Sports Foundation, Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami, Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation and David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Offi cer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights.

Day One closes with Keynote Addresses in the City Chambers from Sir Craig Reedie GBE, Honorary Member, International Olympic Committee and Bailee Leòdhas Massie, Glasgow City Council.

Day Two kicks off with a panel on Cities of the Future starring Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers; Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka; Carine Saloffe-Coste, Head of Green Spaces and Environment, City of Paris and Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place.

David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) joins Paul Bush OBE for a Q&A with Martin Ross, Global News Editor, SportBusiness on Showcasing the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Aggreko sponsor the panel Sustainability Solutions in Action, starring Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Arlette Anderson, Director of Sustainable Golf, The R&A, David Stubbs, Independent Sustainability Expert and Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers.

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Vice President, Badminton World Federation and IOC Member, Jennifer Arnold, Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Global Sports Leader and Claire Nelson, CEO, Netball Scotland join Duncan Mackay, Founding Editor of insidethegames.biz for the panel on The Rise of Women's Sport and Entertainment.

Justifying the Impact and Benefit of Events is the topic for Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics, Jack Nixon, Strategy Director, Nielsen Sports, Perttu Pesä, Director, Major Events, City of Tampere and Iain Edmondson, Honorary Member, IAEH.

The conference closes on a positive note, with Martin Boyle, CEO, The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Gayle Shepherd, Director of People, Projects and Technology, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and Chris Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas setting out how to Design a Better Events Industry.

Host City 2022 takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, EventScotland and Glasgow Life. To register visit https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2022/register and for further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com.

Notes to Editors

Host City 2022 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

Press can register for free here https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2022/register using the code MEDIAFREE

The opening panel, looking at the forces shaping today’s events industry, features Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF, Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and Vice President, FINA, Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life and David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko. 

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland and David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) share their exclusive top-level insights into plans for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the mega event hosted by Glasgow and across Scotland. 

The question of how to actively implement sustainability solutions is high on the agenda, with Arlette Anderson, Director of Sustainable Golf, The R&A and Carine Saloffe-Coste, Head of Green Spaces and Environment, City of Paris joined by Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Yiannis Exarchos, Director, Olympic Channel Services, International Olympic Committee, Kelly Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer, International Tennis Federation and Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast set out how to unlock the power of technology to deliver events to fans. 

Fanta Diallo, Director of Youth Engagement, Organising Committee of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) give insights into the mindset of the future fan. 

Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation, Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Project Tour de France, City of Copenhagen and Prof. Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member, Global Esports Federation explore new event concepts. 

The rise of women's sport and entertainment is addressed by Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, IOC Member and Deputy President, Badminton World Federation, Jennifer Arnold, Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation and Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Managing Director, Global Sports Leader.

Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh and Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke join with Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, International Hockey Federation (FIH) to share partnership paradigms of event hosting and delivery. 

Vlad Marinescu, Director General, International Judo Federation and Martin Boyle, CEO, The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) share their views on how to design a better events industry.  

Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing, Liese Abili, Vice President of Sports Development at the Florida Sports Foundation and Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami look at how major events can benefit host cities.

Other speakers coming to Glasgow include Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark, Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers, Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place, Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, James Latham, Producer, The Iceberg (JMIC), senior representation from the World Curling Federation and many more to be announced.  

Host City 2022 takes place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Host, EventScotland and Glasgow Life.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: "EventScotland is delighted to continue its strong headline partnership with Host City, having been a supporter of the conference since its inception in 2014.

“The economic and social benefits of sporting, cultural and business events are widely recognised. Events help support jobs, both directly within the industry as well as in wider sectors including tourism and hospitality, and make a valuable contribution towards our health and wellbeing. This year’s conference theme of ‘Face to Face with the New Realities’ will ensure as an industry we can continue to deliver these key benefits as part of the dynamic and ever-changing world we operate in. 

“I look forward to see you all in November and hearing from the esteemed line up of speakers the Host City team has assembled.” 

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “As one of the world’s leading host cities for major cultural, sports and business events, Glasgow has a strong, long-standing partnership with the Host City Conference and Exhibition, and we’re delighted to be welcoming it back to our city for the eighth consecutive year. 

“This year’s conference will provide an invaluable opportunity for destination representatives, rightsholders, organising committees and suppliers from all over the world to reconnect and share their expertise, experience, and best practice. 

“And as cities everywhere continue to focus on post-pandemic recovery, there has never been a more important time to discuss the future of our events landscape; from creating genuine legacies and ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities, to designing and adapting events with sustainability in mind, and looking at new models for engaging and attracting more diverse audiences, as well as the role events can play in supporting a wider health and wellbeing agenda, and the regeneration of the visitor economy.”    

For sponsorship and participation enquiries contact adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk or ben.avison@hostcity.com
For more information visit www.hostcity.com
 
Host City 2022 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

[Source: International Tennis Federation] The International Tennis Federation has announced that Great Britain's Lawn Tennis Association has been selected to host the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals. The Finals will be played on indoor hard courts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, on 8-13 November.
This is the fourth occasion that Great Britain has hosted the Finals of the largest annual international team competition in women's sport. Launched in 1963 as the Federation Cup, the first event was held at London's Queen's Club, with Billie Jean King herself a member of the winning US team. The competition went on to be held in Eastbourne in 1977 and Nottingham in 1991.
Great Britain, as host nation, will join Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Switzerland and USA in the Finals to compete for the chance to become 2022 world champions.
The Finals will see these 12 nations compete in four round-robin groups of three nations, with the four group winners qualifying for the semi-finals.
In alignment with the ITF's Advantage All strategy to encourage more women and girls play tennis, the LTA is putting a special focus on placing tennis at the forefront of women’s sport in Great Britain. The Billie Jean King Cup Finals event will be used to raise awareness of tennis as the most established mixed gender sport and encourage more women and girls in the UK to get on court for the first time.
ITF President David Haggerty said: “We are delighted to be bringing the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals to Glasgow. The LTA presented a very impressive bid as part of a competitive hosting process. They have successfully hosted Davis Cup ties in Glasgow, and we look forward to having the women’s World Cup of Tennis take place in front of passionate tennis fans from around the world in an electric atmosphere, at the culmination of the women's tennis season.”
British Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to build the profile of women's tennis and focus attention on women's sport. The entire team are very excited about playing in front of a home crowd and hearing some loud support across the whole week.''
Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA said: “We have said that we were ambitious to bring more major events to Great Britain and raise the profile of tennis across the whole year, and I’m delighted that Glasgow will be hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Finals as well as the Davis Cup Finals Group stage this year.
"The first ever finals were held in Great Britain in 1963, and it’s brilliant that the finals will be returning here for the first time since 1991. This gives us a great chance to open tennis to more people and create special memories that we hope will inspire the next generation of players."

[Source: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships] A senior delegation from cycling’s world governing body, the UCI, has visited Scotland to check in on plans to stage the world’s biggest cycling event in Glasgow and across the country in August 2023.

UCI President David Lappartient and Director General, Amina Lanaya, received a warm Scottish welcome during their two-day visit as they reviewed a number of venues for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and met key partners and stakeholders associated with the delivery of the historic event.

It was their first official visit since it was announced the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships would be held in Glasgow and across Scotland, bringing together 13 existing UCI World Championships into one mega event for the first time.

The group visited the Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood, where fans will see the world’s best compete in high-speed sprint races across a purpose-built racetrack, while also taking in the city’s iconic George Square, which will provide a stunning backdrop for the road race finishes in August 2023.

They also met with key partners including Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson, who chairs the Scottish Government’s 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Cabinet Group, Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council as host city for the Championships as well as representatives from British Cycling and UK Sport.

David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships are less than 18 months away, and I am delighted to see the work that has been carried out so far to ensure the success of this historic event. The rainbow jersey battles will take place in spectacular venues in Glasgow and across Scotland, and it has been fantastic to visit some of the sites this week. Our discussions with the organisers have been positive and exciting, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the lead-up to this ground-breaking mega event for cycling.”

Paul Bush, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome David and Amina to Scotland for the first time since the historic decision was made to host the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland.

“We are proud the UCI has entrusted us to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and having David and Amina here to see and hear about our progress is a great milestone. Alongside our partners at Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, British Cycling and UK Sport we are committed to delivering a Championships that will be truly ground-breaking for cycling.”

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will welcome more than 8,000 amateur and elite cyclists from more than 120 countries with more than 190 UCI World Champions crowned.

More than one million spectators are expected to attend the Championships, with a global TV audience of around one billion making it one of the Top 10 watched sporting events on the planet.

The 13 UCI World Championships included in the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are: BMX Freestyle Flatland; BMX Freestyle Park; BMX Racing; Gran Fondo; Indoor Cycling; Mountain Bike Cross-country; Mountain Bike Downhill; Mountain Bike Marathon; Para-cycling Road; Para-cycling Track; Road; Track; Trials.

To date, five venues have been announced in Glasgow, with Dumfries & Galloway (para-cycling road) and Stirling (time trial) also hosting events across Scotland. Additional venues and locations elsewhere in the country will be confirmed in the coming weeks and months to ensure a pan-Scotland delivery and to capture the imagination of the entire country.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were confirmed for Glasgow and across Scotland as a result of significant previous experience hosting high-profile sporting events. Glasgow and Scotland have become a sporting hotspot by welcoming unforgettable competitions such as UEFA EURO 2020 matches, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the multi-sport Glasgow 2018 European Championships as well as cultural events including the world-renowned Edinburgh Festivals.

Since the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, participation sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome have experienced positive uptake and cycling numbers have risen across Scotland. It is hoped the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships can continue the increase of pedal power in Scotland, inspiring the next generation of riders across a variety of cycling disciplines.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are being delivered in collaboration between the UCI, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, UK Sport, British Cycling, Glasgow Life and VisitScotland. The partnership aims to create a blueprint for future editions by ensuring the inaugural event is authentic, innovative and distinctive.

The UCI, cycling’s world governing body, currently stages annual World Championships in each of its disciplines across the year in different host cities around the world. The UCI Cycling World Championships will bring these championships together every four years, the year prior to the Olympics, starting with the inaugural event in 2023.

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

From 3-13 August 2023, the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland. It will be the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together 13 existing individual UCI Cycling World Championships into one mega event.

This historic and innovative event will welcome 2,600 elite cyclists, including para-cyclists, from more than 120 countries and crown over 190 UCI World Champions. It will be a must see, must attend, much watch event as all these cyclists vie for the iconic rainbow jersey.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is more than just an event. It will be a catalyst for behavioural change across Scotland by giving everyone the opportunity to experience the freedom riding a bike can bring to their lives. By working in collaboration with cycling and wider partners, it will amplify and unify existing work and activity across health, transport, tourism and participation.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be delivered in collaboration between the UCI, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, UK Sport, British Cycling, Glasgow Life and VisitScotland with its EventScotland team through 2023 Cycling World Championships Ltd, with the partnership creating a blueprint for future editions by ensuring the inaugural event is authentic, innovative and distinctive. www.cyclingworldchamps.com

About the UCI

Founded on April 14, 1900, in Paris, France, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the worldwide governing body for cycling. It develops and oversees cycling in all its forms and for all people: as a competitive sport, a healthy recreational activity, a means of transport, and also just for fun. The UCI manages and promotes the nine cycling disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, BMX Racing, BMX Freestyle, cyclo-cross, trials, indoor cycling and cycling esports. Five of these are featured on the Olympic Games programme (road, track, mountain bike, BMX Racing and BMX Freestyle), two in the Paralympic Games (road and track) and four in the Youth Olympic Games (road, mountain bike, BMX Racing and BMX Freestyle). For more information: www.uci.org

VisitScotland

VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland. The organisation’s key objective is to contribute to Scotland Outlook 2030, the national tourism strategy ambition of pursuing a sustainable and responsible tourism agenda. This will be supported by five overarching strategies: Marketing, Events, Quality and Sustainability, Inclusive Tourism, International Engagement. Spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributes around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices). For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/. Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh). For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com For information about business tourism in Scotland go to businessevents.visitscotland.com. Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews 

Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life is a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and we find innovative ways to make this happen across the city’s diverse communities.  Our programmes, experiences and events range from grassroots community activities to large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting events which present Glasgow on an international stage. Our work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city’s visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing. For more information on our work, see http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk

UK Sport

UK Sport’s Major Events Programme is projected to invest almost £40 million of National Lottery funding through to 2025 to support the bidding and staging of major events on home soil, as well as providing specialist support to organisers. Events are supported not only for their likely performance impact on British athletes, but also to maximise wider sporting, social, cultural, and economic benefits. In addition, UK Sport also invests major event funding on behalf of Government including £9m into the 2019 UCI World Road Cycling Championships and £15m into the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

British Cycling

British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling as recognised by the UCI – the international federation for the sport. Based in Manchester at the National Cycling Centre, British Cycling works across all levels and six disciplines of the sport (BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway), from providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time, to being home to the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team. Continued success at the highest level is inspiring a boom in participation across the nation. There have never been more opportunities to ride a bike, be it for fun or sport, and British Cycling is at the heart of this growth. British Cycling also works hard to represent cyclists’ interests at all levels, including campaigning on important issues including road safety. As a membership organisation, British Cycling provides a suite of benefits and support to its members who currently number over 150,000. All membership revenue is invested back into cycling.

Host City 2022 builds on the phenomenal success of recent digital editions and anticipates a welcome return to face-to-face content, exhibition and networking in the Technology and Innovation Centre, where Host City was staged from 2015 to 2019.
By 2019, Host City attracted 350 delegates and 35 exhibitors to Glasgow. Host City’s growth continued online through the pandemic, reaching 500 to 1000 attendees in 2020 and 2021. The brand is also expanding globally, with the second Host City Americas taking place online on 29 June.
Host City 2022 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow Convention Bureau Scotland and Glasgow for the eighth consecutive year.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland said: "EventScotland has a strong partnership with Host City and we are delighted to be continuing our support of the conference as we welcome it back to Scotland and Glasgow in 2022.
"Over the last 22 months the global events industry has shown its ability to adapt, respond and innovate and as we move forward with optimism, Host City 2022 will once again provide the ideal platform for cities and sport event businesses to come together and share new ideas and best practice.
"We look forward to seeing everyone in person this November."
Dr. Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Host City back to Glasgow for the eighth time, and for the first in-person event since 2019.
"Like all other cities across the world, Glasgow is intensely focussed on our recovery from the pandemic and a key factor in that recovery is hosting major international events. We’ve got a strong track record in that regard and that’s why we’re, once again, the ideal hosts for the 2022 conference.
"We’re very much looking forward to welcoming all delegates and organisations to the city later this year."
In his opening address to Host City 2021, Ivo Ferriani, President of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF) and SportAccord said:
"After this invitation I am very much looking forward to come to Scotland. I will come to meet my great maestro Craig Reedie but also my great friend Kate Caithness, President of the World Curling Federation. For sure I cannot wait to visit you in Glasgow, because you are role models for all of us."
Host City’s owner, Cavendish Group is also staging its second Host City Americas event online on 29 June, under the tagline Where Events and Tech Meet.
Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City said "Since its move to Glasgow in 2015, Host City has grown immensely, in both physical and online formats. Two Asian editions and our recent expansion into the Americas have also helped to increase our reach.
"There is immense pent-up demand for the events industry to meet face-to-face in 2022, and there is no better forum than Host City in Glasgow on Scotland’s perfect stage.
"We anticipate an extremely lively gathering on 15-16 November 2022. And with many pressing global issues on the agenda, we can look forward to important exchanges that shape the course of major events for good."
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About Host City
Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events.
Through its conference, exhibition and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events.
Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.
For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com

[Source: Glasgow Life] Glasgow Life has today (Friday 11 March) announced the appointment of Susan Deighan as the charity’s new Chief Executive.

Susan (57) helped to establish Glasgow Life in 2007 and has held a number of senior positions, including Deputy Chief Executive, and Director of City Marketing and External Relations.

She will take up her new role on Monday 25 April, replacing Dr Bridget McConnell CBE who is retiring after nearly 24 years leading the delivery of culture and sport in Glasgow on behalf of Glasgow City Council.

Susan currently holds strategic responsibility for a diverse portfolio within Glasgow Life, comprising tourism; museums and collections; arts, music and cultural venues; and marketing communications. She also leads the city’s destination marketing, which includes the People Make Glasgow brand and award-winning Glasgow Convention Bureau.

As a senior leader in culture and sport with a background in outdoor and site-specific theatre performance and events, Susan brings extensive experience in the management of large and complex public sector organisations and also in operating Glasgow Life as a charity. She is recognised as a strong advocate for the city’s tourism industry, and her work supporting the visitor economy has been well received at a national level.

Born in Glasgow, Susan has worked in the city’s arts and culture sector for more than 30 years. She began her career in 1988 as part of preparations for the city’s 1990 Year of Culture celebrations, and her previous roles have included Performance Producer at Tramway.

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Susan’s passion for Glasgow, and for culture and sport, is infectious. She’s a tremendous asset to the city – a natural leader and strategic thinker, and her knowledge, creativity and networks will ensure Glasgow Life continues to play a critical role at the heart of Glasgow’s communities.

“Our highly valued services and programmes are fundamental to supporting the city’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing, and under Susan’s dynamic leadership I’m confident Glasgow Life will continue to achieve its mission of inspiring every citizen and visitor to become engaged and active in a city globally renowned for culture and sport. On behalf of Glasgow Life’s Board, I congratulate Susan on her appointment and wish her every success in her new role.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “I’m really delighted to be appointed the new Chief Executive of Glasgow Life; the wonderful charity which benefits the people of Glasgow through culture and sport. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and partners to contribute to the city’s social and economic recovery and to leading Glasgow Life towards an ambitious and sustainable future.”  

[Source: UK Athletics] The Emirates Arena will stage the biggest Indoor athletics championships in the world, five years on from holding the hugely successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019.

News of the award has delighted the bid partners EventScotland, Glasgow Life, UK Athletics and UK Sport who received the outcome of the World Athletics Council vote earlier this afternoon.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, said: “I’m delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2024. This will underline Scotland’s global reputation as the Perfect Stage for events and is welcome news as we look to recover from the pandemic.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted that Glasgow and Scotland have been chosen to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and securing the Championships reinforces our reputation as a global leader in the delivery of innovative and world class events.

“We look forward to working closely with World Athletics and our partners to deliver the truly memorable Championships, and to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Glasgow and Scotland in 2024.”

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Word Athletics recognises Glasgow’s global reputation as a first choice host for major sporting events and as a city with a track record of delivering world-class event experiences. It’s a privilege to be bringing the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to the Emirates Arena, which is widely regarded as one of the best athletics venues in the world.

“Glasgow is committed to using major international events to encourage participation in sport and physical activity, and to ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities. Together with our partners, we’re looking forward to continuing that important work and to delivering an outstanding Championships which helps to inspire Scotland’s next generation of talented athletes.”   

Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of UK Sport said: “I am delighted that with our event hosting partners, we have secured another world class event to take place in Scotland. As part of our new strategy to reach, inspire and unite communities across the UK, ensuring a wide geographical reach is of utmost importance to us. The National Lottery investment into this event will help ensure a truly inspirational event, both on and off the field of play.”

Ian Beattie, Chair of UK Athletics said: “We are delighted to be awarded the opportunity to host the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. World Athletics have demonstrated their confidence in the UK to host global athletics championships once again, and history has shown time and time again our ability to deliver amazing events. 

“We’re thrilled with the outcome and look forward to a successful Championships working alongside our partners that will truly give all athletes a fantastic stage upon which to perform.”

The dates of the event have yet to be finalised, but are expected to be in March 2024.

Peru to host first World Athletics Series event in 2024

[Source: World Athletics] Lima will become the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event when it welcomes the world’s best junior athletes in mid-2024.

The President of the Peruvian Athletics Federation, Javier Chirinos Hoyos, said this was a big moment for athletics in Peru.

“We are very happy and proud to have been chosen for the first time ever, to host the 2024 World U20 Championships,” he said. “Rest assured that we will organise the best event of this category in history. We have the experience and a great team to give the best in Lima in 2024. Thanks all and we will be waiting with open arms for all of you in Lima."

The general director of the Local Organising Committee, Luis Condeso Ocampo, added: “We are very happy and grateful to World Athletics for trusting us to host the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2024. We assume this designation with great responsibility, and be sure that the Peruvian Athletics Federation, with all the support of the Peruvian Sports Institute, the Municipality of Lima, and all sportspeople in Peru, we will make the World U20 Championships in Lima an unforgettable experience for all participants.” agreed on the host cities of two future World Athletics Series events at their meeting in Monaco.

[Source: European Athletics] European Athletics, Glasgow Life, and EventScotland are pleased to announce that Dynamic New Athletics Indoor (DNA), a new mixed-gender, fast-paced, short and compact team athletics event, will be coming to the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday 5 February 2022.
This event will be a showcase for a new format of men and women competing together in athletics with Home Nations - England, Scotland and Wales - taking part along with Ireland, Spain and Turkey.
The six teams will be competing across 10 disciplines vying to be crowned the Dynamic New Athletics Indoor Champions 2022.
This will be the first-ever international indoor version of the previously launched outdoor Dynamic New Athletics event. More information under can be found at www.dna.run
Billy Garrett, Glasgow Life’s Director of Sport and Events, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the first stand-alone edition of Dynamic New Athletics at the Emirates Arena in February next year.
“Glasgow and its people are fiercely proud of our global reputation for hosting inspiring and innovative events, and this has been built-up over years of experience hosting new and exciting events such as the Dynamic New Athletics. 
“As with other major events hosted in the city, we’re also looking forward to supporting a programme for young people which will run alongside DNA, giving the next generation the chance to get involved and try out new athletics activities.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is a world-leader in delivering innovative new events and we are delighted to be working with European Athletics to develop Dynamic New Athletics for the next generation of young athletes.
“Glasgow and Scotland have a proud history in hosting athletics events, including the highly successful European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019, and we cannot wait to welcome athletics back to the Emirates Arena in 2022 where the Home Nations will kick off a year of sporting rivalry ahead of Birmingham Commonwealth Games.”
Cherry Alexander OBE, Vice President of European Athletics said: “I am absolutely delighted to be working again with Glasgow Life and EventScotland delivering European Athletics’ Dynamic New Athletics next February at the Emirates Arena.
“Scotland has proved itself time and time again to be an amazing friend to athletics and we're excited to bring this innovative competition here to engage with younger audiences and inspire them to be active.
“Our aim is to create an environment for athletes to showcase their energy and talent and provide a valuable opportunity for athletes in the UK to earn world ranking points. The Emirates is the place to be on 5 February.
What is Dynamic New Athletics Indoor?
6 Teams: Mixed men & women, up to 16 athletes in each team, focus on team tactics and strategy.
2 Hours: Fast-paced sequence of events, only one event at a time.
10 events: Focus on run, jump & throw, traditional & new formats presented in a new way.
Easy scoring: Everything counts, 2 to 12 points for each event - 12 points for 1st place to 2 points for 6th place.
Winner:  The last event (the Hunt) will decide the winning team.