PANEL 1: Global Trends: Inspiring Action Through Major Events
This panel explores how global trends shape event strategies, and how major events can inspire action globally. From embracing new trends and ensuring safety and resilience to adapting to shifting audience preferences, experts discuss strategies to drive positive change and innovation in event hosting.

SPEAKERS:
Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Games Federation
George Black, Chair, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company
James McVeigh, Head of Innovation and Marketing, Festivals Edinburgh
Moderator: Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

PANEL 2: Activating Major Events with Technology
Technology is revolutionising the way events can be organised, marketed, and experienced. This panel explores how cutting-edge innovations such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI can drive efficiency, enhance engagement and leave a lasting impact.

SPEAKERS:
Jon Urwin, Vice President, Infinite Reality
Steve Watmough, Board Member, Triathlon England and Digital & Technology Commission Member, International Olympic Committee
Maria Teresa Squillaci, Head of Web & Social Content, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
Paul Foster, CEO, OnePlan

PANEL 3: Sustainability Strategies: Making Events the Solution, not the Problem
Inspiring action towards sustainability is essential for the future of events. This panel examines strategies for reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and engaging stakeholders in sustainable event management practices to catalyse action towards a greener future. And how can we maximise the benefits of events, to make them even more worthwhile?

SPEAKERS:
Jimena Saldaña, CEO and Secretary General, Panam Sports Organization
Billy McFadyen, Managing Director, Corporate Operations and Compliance, Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
Selina Donald, Director of Sustainability, Trivandi
Moderator: Alex Johnston. Policy and Influencing Manager, Spirit of 2012

PANEL 4: Social Impact: Harnessing Events for Positive Community Change
Major events and conferences offer platforms to address social issues and drive positive change. This panel showcases examples of events that have successfully leveraged their platforms to advocate for social causes, promote diversity, create employment opportunities and empower communities.

SPEAKERS:
Allegra Roccato, Head of Events, World Physiotherapy
Prem Singh, CEO, British Kabaddi League
Richard Smith CBE, Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Games
Moderator: Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland

PANEL 5: The Power, and Changing Nature, of Sponsorship
How is the relationship between rightsholder and sponsor changing, and why? Where do the interests of rightsholders and sponsors align, and how can they work together to address them? What is the real value of sponsorship in major events and how can the impact of purpose-based partnerships be measured and communicated?

SPEAKERS:
Nuno Moura, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, F.P.F. Portuguese Football Federation
Susan Russell, Head of Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
Moderator: Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager, ESA (European Sponsorship Association)

PANEL 6: Working Together for Better Event Planning and Delivery
From transport and logistics to operations and security, planning and delivering major events involve an incredibly diverse range of stakeholders. How can rights holders, organisers, suppliers and communities be more joined up in their approach to staging the greatest shows on earth?

SPEAKERS:
Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI and President, APSO
Joanne Deponio, Host Relations Lead, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland
Ian Nolan, Senior Projects Manager, LS Events
Alex Walton, Business Development Manager, Kuehne + Nagel
Scott Cullimore, Channel Director- International, Evolv Technology
Moderator: Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Honorary Secretary, GB Olympians

PANEL 7: The Changing Connection between Audiences and Action
How audiences connect with action is changing, both online and in the real world. This panel explores strategies for leveraging traditional and digital media platforms to engage global audiences and maximize exposure, and how technology is revolutionising ticketing processes, improving user experience and combating fraud.

SPEAKERS:
Colin Grahamslaw, Secretary General, World Curling
Kerry Halliday, Head of Group Ticketing & Customer Engagement, Scottish Rugby
Jonathan Potts, Lead Consultant – EMEA, Two Circles
Moderator: Jack McGill, CEO, QTV

PANEL 8: Major Cultural and Entertainment Events: Local Meets Global
This panel explores the impact of major cultural and entertainment events on city identity formation and cross-cultural understanding. From film festivals to music concerts and art exhibitions, experts discuss how these events contribute to the enrichment of societies and the promotion of cultural exchange on a global scale.

SPEAKERS:
Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Earth Aid Live
Faye Woodbridge, Head of Marketing and Ticketing, 13 Artists
Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture, Liverpool City Council and Vice Chair, UK City of Culture
Tim Kasper, Account Manager, Sport & Culture, Explore Edmonton
Moderator: Paul Bush OBE, Chair, British Curling

PANEL 9: City Development and Event Legacy: Action for Sustainable Growth
Inspiring action towards sustainable city development and event legacies is vital for host cities. This panel discusses strategies for balancing economic benefits with community needs, inspiring action for long-term sustainable growth.

SPEAKERS:
Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, Member, International Olympic Committee and Vice-President, ANOCA
Céline Payelle, Vice-President and General Manager, Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil
Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life
Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company
Moderator: Duncan Mackay, Award-winning Journalist and Author

PANEL 10: International Events and the Americas: Inspiring Global Collaboration
Bringing international events to the Americas requires proactive action and collaboration. This panel explores how American hosts can position themselves as desirable destinations for global events, inspiring action for international collaboration and partnerships with rightsholders and suppliers.

SPEAKERS:
Mihir Warty, Chief Strategy Officer, World Rugby
Tom Kiley, Senior Director, Global Market Development, National Football League (NFL)
Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, U.S. Soccer Foundation
Moderator: Kirsten Sibbit-Johnston, Director, Strategy, Transformation & Growth, The Sports Consultancy

PANEL 11: Data and Metrics for Actionable Insights
This panel explores the challenges and opportunities of data and metrics for improving and evaluating the impact of major events. Experts delve into the specific challenges faced by major event organisers, such as limited historical data and compressed timelines, and discuss innovative approaches to leverage available data effectively.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Nally, President, IFMP (International Federation of Match Poker)
Paul Bristow, Director, European Championships Management
Niclas Bruns, Project Manager UEFA EURO 2024, Senate Department for the Interior and Sport, Berlin
Moderator: Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH

PANEL 12: DEI in Event Governance: Inspiring Action for Inclusivity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly recognised as essential principles in event management. This panel assesses the progress made in promoting DEI within the industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Which events and hosts are driving best practice in accessibility and neurodiversity?

SPEAKERS:
Shiny Fang, Secretary General, UIPM
David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnership Officer, Centre for Sport and Human Rights
Professor Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy, University of West of Scotland
Moderator: Billy Garrett, Strategic Lead for Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life

PANEL 13: Readiness and Learning: Preparing for Success and Leveraging Past Experience
This panel delves into the dual aspects of readiness and learning crucial for event professionals. Experts discuss strategies for preparedness in hosting events, including risk assessment, contingency planning, and infrastructure readiness. Additionally, the panel explores the importance of knowledge transfer from previous event hosts, sharing insights, and lessons learned to enhance future event planning and execution.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
Davi Kaur, CEO, European Society for Emergency Medicine
Sven Bossu, CEO, International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC)
Paulo Ferreira, Director General, FISU
Moderator: Katie Traxton, Founder, Good Vibes Only Talent