At this precarious moment geopolitically around the world, and particularly in the Middle East, sport might just help.

“Sports is a beautiful tool for common understanding,” says Nasser Majali, Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association.

“We view sports as an integration tool – as a peacebuilding tool, and one to build integration between countries and between people. It makes changes in culture, in gender equity and opens up a lot of doors for dialogue and travel.

“Sports is a language. In our membership there are three official languages, Arabic, English and French, and a lot of unofficial languages. But the one thing that brings them together, and they all can talk, is one single language of sports. Everybody knows who wins and loses, and what that person in front of me went through to get there. So it is a unifying language.”

Asked if sports is contributing to the westernisation of the Islamic world, Majali pointed to the power of sports for development in all cultures.

“Sports is a very important tool for development, whether it's in education and health, in economics. Ask any child today in the world about sports and 90% of the time they'll talk about sports as something very important in their life. Then when people grow up you will find that a lot of their memories and character development was built around that.”

Transformation phase

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) was established about 40 years ago, with a membership based on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the umbrella organisation for Muslim countries – not just predominantly Muslim countries but also countries with sizeable Muslim populations like Guyana Uganda, Cameroon.

“The vision and mission of the organisation has been transformed,” says Majali. “It's going through a transformation phase for us to become to scale more and to go into development of sustainable sports ecosystems within the 57 countries.”

ISSA has five focus areas, starting with sports development. “So that's developmental programmes and also prioritising sports as a sector in the 57 countries. That goes also to the economic part of sports and the startups and companies’ growth. So it's a discussion that we have with our National Olympic Committees and then with the governments and leading bodies within the countries to try to push for the sports sector, which sadly, it's not prioritised in all countries.”

Another major focus area is multi-sports games and events. ISSA has its own Games – the Islamic Solidarity Games – and aims to help members to host other events between Games.

Research and academia is another area. “There are a lot of statistics missing from the 57 countries regarding the sports sector,” says Majali. “We believe it's our role to become the kind of the Wikipedia of the world of Islam and sports. The whole philosophy behind sports and Islam requires a lot of research.”

The fourth focus area is the integration of Islamic culture and tradition within the global sports movement. “So that’s kind of explaining a lot of things. What happens in Ramadan with athletes – why we shouldn't have mega sports events happening right in the middle of Ramadan and how would that affect performance? Also, topics related to the right of female athletes to be wearing the hijab in all sports sporting events. Somebody needs to be a voice, so we are taking on that responsibility.”

The last focus area is emergency assistance. Many of ISSA’s member countries are experiencing crises, from the conflicts in Sudan, Palestine to the recent earthquake in Turkey and floods in Libya and many others. “What is very important for us is to be able to mobilise, assist with programming, and lobbying for the sports sector in those countries so that it does not lose its priority when the rebuild starts.”

Working with partners

One of the main ways that ISSA is looking to implement its aims is by working with partners. “We don't want to reinvent the game. So when we come to talk about gender equity, we'd like to integrate with partners who have worked on that for a long time.

“If we wanted to talk about IFs, we'd like to find a partner or somebody like SportAccord to work with. If the International Olympic Committee is working on Olympic solidarity, we'd like to integrate into that, and with potential partners such as the UN or Save the Children for example.

“Our implementation methodology is to find the partner and scale with them rather than do something from scratch. I hope that that in the next couple of years is reflected in the programmes that we implement.”

BANGKOK, Thailand – SportAccord 2018 would like to thank its Media Partners and Press for the excellent coverage at this year’s World Sport & Business Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, and for their support in the lead-up to the event.

SportAccord receives media attention from top media outlets globally across all news platforms with content reaching around 190 countries and delivered in 40+ languages.

The 16th edition of SportAccord also saw significant support from sporting leaders including the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Thailand, H. E. Weerasak Kowsurat. The Minister hosted interviews with both Thai and International media, sharing Thailand’s vision and intentions as a Host nation and within the Asia Pacific region.

This year’s Principal Media Partners included SportsPro who brought two speakers to the SportAccord conference programme, as well as Sportcal and Yutang Sports who each hosted workshops at the event. Delegates heard exclusive news and insights from recent research findings at these workshops which were also livestreamed at SportAccord.

SportAccord 2018 also received support leading up to and during the Summit from Media Partners who included: AFP, Anadolu Agency, FrancsJeux, iSportconnect, SportAkademReklama, SportBusiness Group and SportsFeatures.com.

Jérôme Martin, Global Head of Marketing Sport at AFP also took part in the MediaAccord conference panel session: Millennials and the Media. Martin discussed how AFP is engaging the largest living generation through innovation, by delivering news content in different ways that appeals to millennials and catches their attention.

Journalists working on the ground in Bangkok at SportAccord 2018 as well as news desks around the world, delivered media coverage across various platforms including: print and digital (publications and newspapers), television, radio, video, podcasts, blogs and social media.

Watch SportAccord 2018 Bangkok on YouTube. Keep up-to-date via Twitter @sportaccord using #sportaccord, as well as LinkedIn and on Facebook. For images please visit Flickr.

For media enquiries, email the Media Relations Officer: jenny.edmondson@sportaccord.com

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Health really matters for global citizens as well as stakeholders involved in the business of sport when it comes to our future. The inaugural HealthAccord conference: The Power of Sport – The Power to Change will discuss the long-term hard and soft gains, and address the challenges being faced across the entire sport ecosystem.

HealthAccord speakers and panellists will examine how better health is a key enabler, and helps to promote a healthy sports image. This in turn attracts commercial sponsorship, improves fan bases, and empowers athletes to give better sport performances, often extending their careers. Needless to say, this mitigates liability for sport, and athletes retire healthier and happier – with an increasing number of athletes being able to give back to sport.

Yannis Pitsiladis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Brighton, and a Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission will deliver an enlightening session on The Power to Change. Based on the premise we are ‘Born to move and why our future depends on it!’ this session will compare and contrast our ancestral origin with today. Delegates will hear how inactive lifestyles coupled with the way the world has evolved, will be detrimental to the future, unless we take charge. Commenting on why health matters, Prof. Pitsiladis remarked:

“The biggest threat to humanity is not artificial intelligence but the starvation of physical activity. Our future is in danger and it is all our fault.”

From an evolutionary biology point of view it is clear there is a mismatch between our body design and the world we have created. To correct this mismatch, we need to understand our past and find ways to match our body’s design to the new world we are creating in view of establishing a successful future – a future where physical activity is, like in our ancestral past, a main component of our daily lives.

Matteo Vitello, Business Relations Manager, Technogym will also provide a case study for the HealthAccord session, The Power to Change. Delegates will hear how this can be done for both sport and the corporate world. Vitello will share how the Technogym programme promoting Wellness in the community has been shown to improve health of the general population in their region. This is the first Wellness Valley in the world and this ecosystem can be replicated everywhere.

“Technogym is known all over the world as ‘The Wellness Company’ – a company that has helped to develop the concept of ‘fitness’ into a complete Wellness lifestyle. Living the ‘Wellness’ lifestyle means getting regular physical activity, the correct nutrition and having a positive mental attitude with everybody achieving their own balance in life. Vitello went on to say:

“Our mission is to help people live better and longer by adopting a healthier lifestyle with very simple steps.”

HealthAccord is scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday 19 April 2018 during SportAccord and is set to take place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre. This builds on the success of the International Federation (IF) Forum 2016 where international sports federations gathered to discuss the power of sport to drive world health.

Co-Chairs for the new HealthAccord conference programme are: Dr. Margo Mountjoy, Chair, ASOIF Medical + Scientific Consultative Group, IOC Medical + Scientific Commission-Games Group FINA Bureau;

and Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President, FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) & Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission – Medical and Scientific Group.

Organisations involved in the business of sport who wish to attend HealthAccord should register for SportAccord 2018 which gives them access to the entire conference programme. As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord will host well over 20 networking events and a popular 3-day Exhibition, as part of the delegate experience.

Organisations looking for opportunities to increase their visibility at the World Sport & Business Summit can become an Exhibitor or Partner by contacting the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 601 27 64.

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Delegates attending this year’s LawAccord conference will hear from leading experts on the legal risks and business implications for hosting major global sports events.

LawAccord will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 18 April during SportAccord at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre and is particularly suited to GAISF International Federation members and registered delegates from cities, legal teams, and sports stakeholders.

The opening session will examine how rights are awarded to host major events and will recommend the legal steps to undertake for contract negotiation.

Delegates will hear from Catherine Ordway, Senior Fellow, University of Melbourne who will discuss how inter-agency collaboration is increasingly needed to be organised by bidding cities to support traditional sports integrity efforts.

A special joint panel session will follow with CityAccord on the most important commercial considerations when preparing to bid for an international event to void disputes and conflict, supported by case histories.

Legal and city panel experts include:

· Craig McLatchey OAM, Lagardère Sports/EKS

· Dr. Robert Kaspar, Assistant Professor for Sports Management, Seeburg Castle University

· David Simon, President, Los Angeles Sports Council

A scene setter outlining the Dos and Don’ts in contract drafting will follow by Jeff Benz, CEDS, JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator and former General Counsel of the United States Olympic Committee. This will run alongside commentary from Francisco Lima, Director Governance & Institutional Affairs from the International Equestrian Federation, on special issues arising from the movement of horses. A panel session will follow and seek to identify the ten most important issues for any hosting agreement, including risk allocation between the event owner and host city. Commenting on his involvement in major event bids Benz said:

“I am pleased to participate in the LawAccord and CityAccord joint session at SportAccord on Host City Agreements. Since my days as USOC general counsel through multiple event bids and hosting through today I have had the tremendous pleasure to work with a variety of parties in putting together the legal arrangements to conduct events in a variety of contexts. I am looking forward to sharing what I know about this subject and to deepening my knowledge learning from my fellow speakers and the audience. Putting together a solid event framework built on the basics business terms and legal agreements is the key to success in running events.”

This year’s LawAccord Keynote by Matthieu Reeb, Secretary General, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), provides the essential annual update, a must attend for lawyers and sports administrators, where Reeb will share the most recent CAS cases and their impact on planning and decisions.

LawAccord Co-Chairs Stephen Townley, Active Rights Management (ARM) and Michael Lenard, ICAS, Vice President will announce the launch of the LawAccord global pro bono sports law firm of the year award 2019. This is supported by leading international academics Hayden Opie and Matthew Mitten as independent administrators for the award.

Host cities, as well as organisations and legal practices looking to attend LawAccord should register for SportAccord 2018 giving them access to the entire conference programme. As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord will host well over 20 networking events, a 3-day Exhibition, and an extensive Conference programme to include: the Summit (Plenary), CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord, HealthAccord; as well as workshops delivered by Sportcal and Yutang Sports.

Organisations looking for opportunities to increase their visibility at the World Sport & Business Summit can become an Exhibitor or Partner by contacting the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 (0)79 126 08 42.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] With twelve weeks until the SportAccord Convention takes place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018, 77% of exhibition floor space has already been snapped up for the upcoming event. The only annual sports business convention where all the international sport federations (IFs) are guaranteed to attend. Exhibitors include international sport federations, organising committees, cities and regions and make up over seventy-five percent of total exhibitors providing organisations involved in the business of sport ample opportunity to connect with these industries.

Joining SportAccord Convention 2018 as an exhibitor for the seventh time, Andrew Gettig, VP of International - Connor Sport Court said, “It is important for us to continue the momentum gained in Aarhus and previous editions, and position our company at the heart of the SportAccord Convention. We truly believe in its value and see the Convention as a unique platform that allows us to connect with the leaders of Olympic and non-Olympic sport movement, organising committees and host cities in one easy to navigate place.”

International sport federations, cities, and businesses interested in attending can book an exhibition booth online or discuss their requirements and options with the sales team.

The venue layout for SportAccord Convention 2018 has been designed to optimise networking opportunities for both exhibitors and delegates with access to the conference auditorium and official meeting rooms via the exhibition area which are all on one level. Exhibitors will also have access to the SAC networking mobile app to contact delegates, arrange meetings, and keep up-to-date with the latest news at the SportAccord Convention.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “The SportAccord Convention prides itself on providing an event that meets the needs of our partners, exhibitors, and delegates. This year’s exhibition promises to deliver that with dynamic feature area zones, a larger SAC Café including the Speakers Corner and an easy to access conference auditorium, only minutes away from the exhibition.”

The exhibition area will feature an all-new ‘Relaxing Zone’ for delegates which will incorporate a surprise element guaranteed to rejuvenate delegates. In addition, the exhibition area will also provide a touch of Thai culture with its special ‘Thai Pavilion’ which will include a variety of local Thai attractions.

Hatt went on to say: “Combine this opportunity to connect with sporting business leaders and the optimised exhibition layout, I am not surprised that our community has once again embraced the SportAccord Convention and that over 2/3’s of the exhibition floor space is already reserved.”

‘Enhanced’ booths remain the ‘go-to’ booth for SportAccord Convention with a variety of sizes and configurations still available. Entry-level booths will start at 6m² and include 4 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, chairs, table, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet).

Registration for SportAccord Convention 2018 is in full-swing and organisations are encouraged to secure their delegate passes at CHF 2,500. Many delegates and organisations have already committed to attend the SportAccord Convention 2018 and passes are selling out.

The SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit provides a unique platform for leaders from international federations, cities, and industry to meet and discuss the business of sport. The annual 6-day summit also includes an extensive Conference programme and is host to all the Stakeholder General Assemblies attended by their Members. The SportAccord Convention also offers many other social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention is delighted to confirm Sportcal, a world-leading provider of sports marketing intelligence, and Yutang Sports, the premier sports marketing platform in China, will host workshops revealing breaking news and insights from recent studies for delegates attending the SportAccord Convention set to take place from 15 - 20 April 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Selected as Principal media partners for their knowledge and expertise, the following workshops will provide the latest data, analysis and learnings for international sports federations, event hosts and rights holders, as well as any organisation involved in the business of sport.

Sportcal How Sporting Events can be a Driver for Social Change: Social initiatives have become embedded in the organisation of major sporting events. Sport has the power to bring communities together and to drive social change, but how exactly can this be achieved by event hosts?

Through its GSI Event Studies Programme, Sportcal conducted an in-depth analysis of event impacts for event owners and hosts throughout 2017 where twenty world championships and multisport games were studied. The workshop will act as the first annual review of Sportcal’s GSI Event Studies Programme, and is designed to connect event owners, organisers and hosts to enable both knowledge exchange and a discussion on the social impact and cultural engagement generated by sporting events.

Yutang Sports Report on the 2017 Chinese Sports Sponsorship Market and how to achieve Good Partnerships in China. Following an in-depth study due to be published in March 2018, workshop delegates will have the opportunity to hear and discuss key highlights from the report.

The panel will address the characteristics of the Chinese sponsorship industry and how Chinese brands use sports sponsorship to achieve their goals. Delegates will also hear what Chinese brands want to get from the partnerships and their partners. Other highlights will also include what needs should be put in place to educate Chinese brands, as well as what needs sports rights holders and event hosts should consider for brands.

The workshop will also include a keynote delivered by Li Jiang, Executive Director of Yutang Sports.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] Global sports sponsorship is set to achieve $44 billion in 2017 with strong growth projected to continue in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as well as other parts of the world, including Europe and the USA. On top of this, the global spending power of Millennials is $2.5 trillion annually with 95% saying they will switch to a brand with a good cause.[1]

Influencer marketing, social responsibility, social activism, data rights, virtual reality, live streaming channels, brand purpose and brand co-creation, as well as attracting millennials who no longer watch television or visit websites – are some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today involved in the business of sport.

Activations on and off the field of play, content engagement, connected experiences and much more, will all be addressed at SportAccord Convention 2018, the only global sports gathering attended by every international sports federation as well as many of the key stakeholders in sport.

Set to take place from 15 – 20 April 2018 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand, the plenary conference will focus on the theme: Uniting a Global Audience – Marketing and Sponsorship for the Future. As part of the full conference programme, additional conference streams - CityAccord, MediaAccord, LawAccord and HealthAccord, will also examine the challenges that lie ahead when it comes to sponsorship and marketing.

As a result, SportAccord Convention registrations have soared (compared to this time last year), and record numbers of international sports federations have committed to exhibition booths. Many partners are re-signing having experienced the intrinsic value the Convention brings, while Malaysia Major Events has moved up a tier (to Gold).

Other partners to re-sign include Sport Event Denmark, (Gold Partner and Co-Host of last year’s Convention in Aarhus, Denmark) and DB Schenker (Delivery Partner), both of whom have been closely involved with the Convention since its inception in 2003, and Host City has become a Delivery Partner for the first time. Silver Partners Edmonton Events and Event Scotland, and Bronze Partners FIBA and Visit Victoria, as well as many media partners, have already confirmed their commitment to return and will be in Bangkok.

Not wanting to miss out, newcomers from the APAC region such as MI Associates will experience the world sport and business summit for the first time. Other organisations are taking advantage of their global presence to send C-level teams from Asia-Pacific such as Lagardère Sports Australia, while Great Big Events is bringing its largest delegation to date from both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Regarded as the sports business hub for collaboration and discovery, Greg Bowman, Managing and Creative Director commented:

“Great Big Events has been attending SportAccord Convention since its inaugural event in 2003. Our team is very excited to be involved once again, as we always find it a great event for discussing innovation and progress in sport and discovering ways to continue to push our industry forward into new and exciting territory.”

With so much to address and so many opportunities to be gained from taking part in one of the most important summits in 2018, organisations are encouraged to register and take part in the SportAccord Convention. Currently priced at CHF 2,000 and due to rise by CHF 500 on 6 November 2017, a delegate pass provides access to the most exclusive network of key decision-makers, stakeholders and experts in the world of sport.

Delegates have access to the full conference programme, 3-day exhibition, the Thai Pavilion, and numerous networking opportunities, including social events, the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, luncheons, evening cocktails, the After Hours Bar, and much more. Follow developments and updates via Twitter @saconvention using #SAC2018, as well as LinkedIn and Facebook.

[Source: SportAccord] Making choices can be tricky when it comes to selecting which events to attend for organisations involved in the business of sport. With so much to consider, as well as Asia-Pacific set to overtake Europe in sponsorship spend, organisations who want to ensure they make the most from their investments, should register and become involved in the SportAccord Convention 2018 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Why? SportAccord Convention is the only global sports business event guaranteed to have all the international sports federations present. Delegates can rest assured they will have access to 109 Members and Associate Member organisations, as well as 7 Observers, during the world sport and business summit.

SportAccord Convention offers a unique and exclusive networking environment, placing stakeholders in the perfect position to meet the key decision-makers in sport. Here are some compelling reasons for anyone who has a vested interest in sport, to invest and become an exhibitor at the 16^th edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

• APAC is becoming the hottest global market with sponsorship growth expected to reach record levels
• Nearly 40% of confirmed exhibitors are international sports federations who are actively looking to engage
• Over 30% of exhibitors are cities and regions - just under half of these organisations are partners too
• Every sport needs equipment manufacturers to operate an event
• 43% of the exhibition floor space has been reserved already – booths are being snapped-up quickly
• Exhibition booths always sell-out well in advance of the Convention
• For the first time, all delegates will pass through the exhibition area to access the conference auditorium and meeting rooms
• The SAC Café is larger than ever and located within the exhibition zone with many great locations for delegates to network and take in the experience
• Top speakers are signing-up for the #SAC2018 conference programme with the highly topical theme - Uniting a Global Audience: Marketing & Sponsorship for the Future

Commenting on the reasons why The World Games 2021 Birmingham (TWG 2021 BHM) and Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) have secured an exhibition booth (No. 113), Steve Mistrot, Sport Director, TWG 2021 BHM said:

“SportAccord Convention provides opportunities to develop relationships with the IWGA Member Federations. Partnering with GBCVB this year as Exhibitors provides valuable visibility for both organizations:

“For TWG 2021 BHM, a branded space to meet with IWGA Member Federations; for GBCVB, visibility to market Birmingham as a viable host for future events.”

Entry-level booths for SportAccord Convention will start at 6m² and include 4 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, furniture, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet. Visit the website for further information including the Official Schedule or to register, and become an exhibitor, partner or delegate.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] Recognised as one of the most influential sports business leaders in Los Angeles having played a significant role in bids for almost every major sporting event that has been brought to the region in the last three decades, David Simon, President of the Lost Angeles Sports Council will co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City at the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018.

In 1984 LA was the first Olympic Games ever to generate an operating surplus (US$235 million) and the region is eager to repeat this economic achievement in 2028. So how do cities go about selecting the right events and turning them into an outstanding success?

“Making relationships a priority - this year’s theme for CityAccord - is one of the pillars of success when it comes to bidding for and hosting major events. However, in order to achieve great success, selecting the right events is also key and requires clear thinking.

“As a city you need to look at your specific community and determine what is achievable based on your resources: human, financial and physical. Once you've identified these critical factors, forging strong relationships with event stakeholders will help you achieve your vision and deliver successful results. Cities and stakeholders will be able to examine these elements and more during CityAccord.” commented David Simon.

A popular day at SportAccord Convention, CityAccord will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2018 from 14:00 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre. Aimed at cities, regions, sponsors, international sport federations, organising committees and industry, delegates are encouraged to register.

Giles Morgan, HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events of HSBC – Global Financial Organisation, will take part in the CityAccord Interactive Q&A entitled: “How do sponsors determine which sports and events to partner with?” where delegates will have the opportunity to ask sponsors about their approach and choices.

“It is a most timely question and one that will no doubt elicit a wide variety of responses. One thing is for sure – the sponsorship landscape is changing and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved. In short, we want our customers and our four key sports – golf, rugby, tennis and cycling – to thrive. We believe the way to achieve this is to invest in our sports through innovation, grass roots, entertainment and much more; by doing this we add value to the sports we sponsor and at the same time deliver spectacular brand experiences for our customers.”    

Melanie Duparc Co-ordinator of Smart Cities & Sport Network - an Official Supporter of SportAccord Convention, will also co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City.

Further information can be found on the webpage CityAccord. Watch highlights from last year’s successful #SAC2017 City Day including comments from Melanie Duparc of Smart Cities & Sport, Ben Avison of Host City, as well as the #SAC2017 Convention City Co-Host, Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark. Registration for #SAC2018 is open.

Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City said:

“Host City is delighted to have become SportAccord Convention’s Delivery Partner. We see this as the natural evolution of an increasingly powerful relationship between two crucial platforms supporting the community of stakeholders in major international events.

“SportAccord Convention and Host City have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years through media partnerships and conference activities.

“Host City particularly values opportunities to reinforce and forge new connections with leading people and organisations involved in major events.

“As well as being a focus for Host City’s high quality editorial coverage, SAC2018 in Bangkok will also provide a welcome opportunity for us to build engagement in Host City’s own events – including Host City Asia, which will bring the world of international event hosting to Beijing at the end of May 2018, and our annual global conference and exhibition in Glasgow in November 2017.”

SportAccord Convention is also a Silver Sponsor to Host City 2017 taking place in Glasgow from 28-29 November 2017.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “As an Official Delivery Partner, we’re delighted to have Host City onboard, given the importance and complexities of hosting major sports events. Host City has provided first-class support and media coverage for SportAccord Convention, and in recent years, with Ben Avison involved as a moderator for our CityAccord conference. We value their expertise and encourage delegates to draw on their experience in the lead-up to and during the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok.”

To network and connect with delegates ahead of the SportAccord Convention 2018 including international sports federations, cities, regions, organising committees, rights holders and suppliers, organisations involved in the business of sport can register for the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok as a delegate, or become involved as a partner and/or exhibitor.

The annual SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit runs for 6 days and features an extensive Conference programme including CityAccord, a sell-out 3-day exhibition, and hosts the stakeholder General Assemblies attended by their Members. The Convention also offers many social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.