Agenda

Panel 1: Innovation, technology and sustainability in major events
The adoption of technology in the design, delivery and consumption of major events is accelerating rapidly. What are the challenges and opportunities for stakeholders, globally and in the Americas?

SPEAKERS:
Cecilia J. Folz, Founder and CEO, CFC Collective
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland
Al Kidd, CEO & President, Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA)
Abe Stein, Head of Innovation, Sports Innovation Lab
Moderator: Katie Traxton, Board Director, European Sponsorship Association

Panel 2: Media tech to meet the demands of fans
Content is king, but only if it reaches audiences on their own terms. What do consumers want and how can major events meet their needs? Can online gaming and other fan engagement schemes reduce the financial risk for hosts?

SPEAKERS:
Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing
Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast
Marcus Luer, CEO & Founder, Total Sports Asia
Moderator: Katie Traxton, Board Director, European Sponsorship Association

Panel 3: The convergence of sports and esports
As Big Tech buys into gaming and traditional sports partner with esports, what does this mean for major events in the Americas and worldwide? What do the platforms and networks of the future look like and what does this mean for major events?

SPEAKERS:
Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation
Yao Williams, VP, Global Brand Partnerships, ESL Gaming
Ian Verchere, Co-founder and CEO, Session Games
Gabriel Chan, Head of Communications, Global Esports Federation
Moderator: Matt Traub, Managing Editor, SportsTravel

Panel 4: Can innovations in physical technology balance sustainability with cost?
It’s not just digital tech that’s transforming the industry. Innovations in hardware can make events much more efficient and sustainable – but what are the cost implications?

SPEAKERS:
Karlan Jessen, Head of Sustainability, Lake Placid 2023 World University Games
David de Behr, Head of Sales Aggreko Event Services, Aggreko
Steve Stum, VP Operations and Technical Production, NASCAR Productions
Greg Louw, Senior Technical Producer, ConCom
Moderator: Dave Crump, Board Member, Association of Global Event Suppliers

Panel 5: Fostering impact, legacy and DEI through major events

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn S. Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Sport & Entertainment Commission
Cindy Medynski, Director, Edmonton Events
Tania Braga, Head of Olympic Games Impact and Legacy, International Olympic Committee
Sarah Lewis OBE, Global Sports Leader
Moderator: John Siner, Founder and Owner, Why Sport Matters

Panel 6: The role of events in promoting people and places
Major events present great opportunities to transform places and communities. Is technology helping?

SPEAKERS:
Anita DeFrantz, Member, International Olympic Committee and Board Member, LA 28 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Jimena Saldaña, Vice President, Panam Sports Organization
Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers
Steven Mifsud MBE, CEO, Direct Access
Moderator: Grant MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer, Sport Tourism Canada

Panel 7: Summing up: prove your value
How are right holders are structuring their financial models, monetising their rights and using technology to demonstrate the value of their brands? How important are data analytics and DEI criteria for hosts and events to show their impact with credibility?
And how are sports properties changing the way they commercialize their rights?

SPEAKERS:
Babacar Djileh Dieng, Digital & Technology Commission Member, International Olympic Committee
Matt Pound, Managing Director, World Table Tennis
Mihir Warty, Chief Strategy Officer, World Rugby
Moderator: Robert Livingstone, founder, GamesBids.com