Host City: How do you see the esports events landscape evolving in the next five years, and what role does BLAST intend to play in shaping that evolution?

James Woollard: The esports events landscape is poised for further growth and evolution over the next five years, driven by the globalisation of the industry and the collaborative creation of new IPs between rights holders and publishers. As a key player in this environment, BLAST is uniquely positioned to shape the future of esports by leveraging its extensive experience and global reach.

With events spanning five continents and 11 countries this year alone, BLAST is at the forefront of bringing world-class esports experiences to diverse audiences worldwide. This global footprint not only highlights the universal appeal of esports but also underscores the importance of localisation and cultural relevance in engaging fans.

The collaboration between rights holders, such as BLAST, cities all over the world and game publishers, such as Valve, Epic Games and Ubisoft, is set to drive the development of innovative and immersive IPs. These partnerships will enhance the quality and variety of esports content, offering fans fresh and exciting experiences in different markets. BLAST’s commitment to fostering these relationships ensures that it remains a catalyst for creativity and growth within the industry.

The increasing interest from host destinations, sponsors, and media is a testament to the booming esports market – we only recently kicked off the 2026 and 2027 host destination process and have already received interest from over 40 cities, which helps showcase this demand and interest in esports events globally. Cities are eager to host major esports events, recognising the economic and cultural benefits they bring. Sponsors are keen to associate their brands with the vibrant and rapidly growing esports community, while media platforms seek to capture the attention of the dedicated and passionate fan base.

BLAST will continue playing a pivotal role in this evolution by setting new standards for event production, expanding its global presence, and driving innovation through strategic partnerships with cities and destinations. By doing so, BLAST will not only contribute to the growth of esports but also help shape a future where esports is celebrated and enjoyed by millions across the globe.

Host City: Could you talk us through the key considerations and criteria you use when evaluating cities or organisations during the bidding process?

James Woollard: When evaluating cities or organisations during the bidding process, we consider several key criteria. We look for locations where there is existing or growing audience demand and interest, ensuring a strong fan base, hype for the event and engagement. City support and involvement are also crucial, as is having world-class venues and infrastructure to host the event, and that can support our production. We also look for destinations that are a good cultural and brand fit for each event, making each one unique, characterful and memorable. Collaboration between destinations, cities and BLAST as the event owner and rights holder is also key. 

This approach has set us on course to stage world-class esports arena shows in 2025 in global event powerhouses such as Austin, Boston, Raleigh, London, Birmingham, Lisbon, Monterrey, Singapore, and Brazil as some of the stops on our world tour this year, among other leading (and some still to be announced, watch this space!) destinations.

Host City: When selecting a host city for an event, how much weight is given to factors such as the local esports community, and the potential long-term impact on regional esports growth?

James Woollard: A vibrant local scene, engaged stakeholders, and active grassroots organisations are invaluable, particularly from a sustainability and legacy perspective, allowing us to maximise cumulative impacts. We love partnering with local organisations and the community, as well as the city, to make each event impactful and special. 

However, we also relish the opportunity to visit new cities where esports is less established, and our leading events serve as a catalyst, stimulating growth in professional gaming and esports. BLAST events are a powerful stimulus, boasting between $30M to $100M USD of independently assessed economic impacts for hosts depending on the market, as well as a range of other tangible and less tangible benefits.

We aim to both reap the rewards of flourishing esports markets and sow the seeds in new ones.

Host City: Every city and venue is different – what kind of opportunities are there for smaller regions and cities to bid for BLAST events?

James Woollard: BLAST is thrilled to announce an unprecedented number of events and opportunities for prospective host cities, with 16 events planned for 2025, 20 in 2026, and a projected 25+ in 2027. This expansion includes events of all types, shapes, and sizes, offering a variety of opportunities for both repeat and new hosts. From iconic, premium arenas such as the Accor Arena in Paris, Moody Center in Austin, Wembley Arena in London, Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and Singapore Indoor Stadium, to more intimate and unique venues like the MGM Music Hall in Boston, we are equipped to deliver award-winning events and productions tailored to cities and venues of all scales. Our creativity and enthusiasm for challenges drive us to bring new and exciting events to first-time esports hosts, and we promise to be a collaborative and committed partner throughout the process. 

We are also deepening and broadening our relationship with leading games publishers, meaning this breadth and depth of esports events and IPs (including some smaller and exclusive events) that we create and can offer to prospective cities will only increase.

Host City: How important is access to new or rapidly developing markets in your assessment of prospective hosts, and how do you balance this against practical and technical requirements?

James Woollard: Access to new or rapidly developing markets such as the US, China, Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and the Middle East is crucial for the continued growth of the esports industry. These regions present significant opportunities to expand our audience and engage with new communities. However, it is equally important to balance this with practical and technical requirements. We listen closely to the community and our audience to ensure that our events meet our high standards and deliver a breathtaking experience. We relish the challenge of balancing events in fast-growing markets with those in established esports destinations, ensuring each event is both innovative and seamless.

Host City: What initiatives has BLAST implemented—or is planning to implement—to ensure sustainability and innovation in hosting esports events?

James Woollard: At BLAST, we prioritise sustainability by collaborating with local organisations, stakeholders, venues, and production partners. We focus on waste separation, using efficient LED screens, sourcing equipment locally to minimise shipping, and reusing equipment and infrastructure to benefit local schools and institutions.

Our innovation spans various areas, from the new BLAST Premier Counter-Strike format to interactive features on BLAST.tv and forming unique partnerships with global destinations and brands. For our destination partners, we create innovative marketing opportunities, featuring destinations in digital and physical inventory, showcasing host cities to a young global audience, and organising joint launch events, such as the upcoming BLAST.tv CS Major in Austin.

Host City: As well as selecting hosts for your events, the other crucial partners in your events are the publishers – how important are they in assuring a big impact, and how do you go about nurturing and developing these relationships?

James Woollard: Publishers are crucial to the success of esports events. Without leading games that sustain their popularity and a global audience, there wouldn't be international esports events and sustainable tournament series. BLAST works with and is always deepening its relationship with the biggest and best AAA game publishers in the world from production to commercialisation, such as Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, and Ubisoft. This creates sustainable, growing, and truly global esports ecosystems in a holistic way.

Since 2017, we have been creating leading esports properties, IPs, and products with and for publishers, adapting and shaping them to the audience's wants and needs, and ensuring that individual events are tailored to specific markets and international audiences, which is crucial for ongoing relevance.

For cities, this means you can be assured that hosting a BLAST event also means you are hosting a popular esports event in the biggest titles, with the buy-in and support of publishers whose games reach billions of fans across the globe.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The Commonwealth Games Federation has invited its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest to host the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed today the new collaborative host selection process for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond is now underway.

With Glasgow 2026 preparations progressing apace, the CGF is continuing the positive momentum by inviting its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest (EOIs) for 2030 and future editions of the Commonwealth Games.

The CGF’s 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, launched in June 2023, and ‘Games Reset’ allows a move away from the organisation’s traditional host bidding process, enabling it to be flexible in offering the opportunity to potential hosts to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games, while ensuring that all CGAs can meaningfully participate.

The new approach will start with an initial co-creation and collaboration phase between the CGF and representatives of potential host countries or territories along with the respective CGA, followed by a CGF-led evaluation process and recommendation of a host, with the final appointment of the host ultimately decided by the CGF General Assembly.

The CGF has identified a set of principles forming the new framework to create a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future, including:

- Host nations will have increased flexibility to shape the Games and ensure legacy benefit for local communities. The CGF, host CGA, and host Government and community will work together to co-create the event and associated legacy benefits and social return on investment.

- Hosting costs will be significantly reduced from historical Commonwealth Games costs to diversify the hosting pipeline and enable more, new countries and territories to host. This will be achieved through continued delivery optimisation and encouraging the use of existing venues for sport and accommodation, unless additional infrastructure is part of existing national development plans that will happen irrespective of a Games.

- The Games will allow for an innovative, inclusive, and exciting sports programme that aims to inspire and positively contribute to the lives of the people of the Commonwealth by showcasing and celebrating its athletes, delivering impactful sporting moments, bringing value and meaningful benefits to hosts, whilst being attractive to athletes and relevant for all CGAs, International Federations and wider stakeholders. The Games will maintain full commitment to providing a level playing field for Para and non-Para sport and supporting the Para athlete development pathway.

CGF President Chris Jenkins said, ‘’We have consulted extensively with Governments, our CGA members and other stakeholders to create a new framework for advancing the relevance of the Commonwealth Games by prioritising the five key pillars of sport, cultural, social, diplomatic and economic impact that underpin the purpose of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and impact of the Games. Building on this framework, we have identified the strong principles that will steer us in the creation of a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future.

“Glasgow 2026 is set to act as a bridge to a bright future for the Commonwealth Games – an exciting first step in the CGF’s journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly co-created, flexible and sustainable model for the future that inspires athletes, delivers tangible legacy benefits, minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact,” said Jenkins.

CGF Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “With Glasgow 2026 fully operational, we start the New Year in a strong position, looking forward with confidence to the long-term future of the Commonwealth Games, and we are delighted to formally open our new collaborative host selection process for the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

“In addition to single city proposals, co-hosting within a country and across nations and territories will be actively encouraged to open up more hosting opportunities for more Commonwealth countries previously excluded from the ability to host,” said Hall.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Host City 2024, the greatest international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, took place  in Glasgow, Scotland on 3-4 December. The 11th edition of the annual conference brought together event professionals - including rights holders, city officials, event organisers and global brands - under the theme of “Inspiring Action Through Major Events”.

Speakers from all continents examined the evolving opportunities and challenges of hosting major events worldwide, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and social impact.

Key takeaways

• Events are powerful platforms for positive change, extending beyond entertainment to foster community connections, advance sustainability, and create lasting legacies.
• Collaboration and partnership are essential for successful and impactful events.
• Sustainability must be approached holistically, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations.
• Event organisers must embrace innovation and harness technology to enhance event experiences, streamline operations, and generate new revenue streams.
• Data is crucial for measuring event impact, informing future strategies, and demonstrating the value of events to stakeholders.

Social Impact and Legacy

This year's conference placed significant emphasis on the long-term impact of major events, moving beyond immediate economic benefits to consider their role in fostering social cohesion, promoting diversity, driving sustainability, and inspiring community engagement. The events industry is increasingly prioritising social impact and community engagement alongside economic considerations, demonstrating a shift towards a values-driven approach.

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: "Events are not just a moment in time. They can be platforms that inspire action, and drive positive and sustainable change."

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “In a world often characterized by chaos and disconnect, events satisfy a deep human need for connection, with people increasingly prioritising experiences and social impact over mere entertainment.”

Sustainability

The conference highlighted the critical need for integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of event planning and delivery, from procurement to venue management. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting responsible resource consumption, and engaging in meaningful partnerships to achieve net-zero targets.

Jimena Saldana, CEO, Panam Sports Organisation said: “We still see sustainability as a cost when in actual fact it is a cost-saving. We need to tell that story much better.”

Innovation

The role of technology in shaping the future of events was explored, with discussions on how AI, augmented reality, and digital platforms can enhance audience engagement, streamline operations, and generate new revenue streams. Delegates also discussed the growing importance of data in evaluating event impact and informing future strategies.

Maria Teresa Squillaci, Head of Web & Social Content, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 said: “All of us working in organising major events face the same challenges. One of those challenges is engaging with the young generation in a new way. Through AI, we hope we will be able in 2026 to deliver personalised highlights.”

Event delivery

Effective execution and risk mitigation was a key topic. Events success hinges on meticulous planning, clear roles, and open collaboration among stakeholders to prevent "grey areas" and address unforeseen challenges. Scenario testing, adaptability, partnerships and proactive communication are essential in enabling teams to pivot when issues arise.

Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI and President, Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) said: “There’s a sequence to follow - what’s the issue, can we fix it, do we have a termination clause, who needs to know about the cancellation, and what’s our plan B? Everyone needs to know what that plan is in advance.”

Harvey Goldsmith CBE, music promoter said: “Risk aversion is an issue. Health and safety regulations can be overblown and used to stop events taking place.”

Reimagining the economics of events

Discussions centred on exploring alternative funding models, such as co-hosting and public-private partnerships, to ensure the financial sustainability of major events, particularly in light of tightening public budgets.

Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events at West Midlands Growth Company said: “Local authorities and governments have too much competitive pressure on budgets. So rights holders need to do more to develop commercial partnerships with the private sector.”

Glasgow 2026

The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow served as a recurring point of reference throughout the conference, showcasing the key themes in a real-world context. The organisers explained how the Games are being redesigned to make them more compact, with just four venues within walking distance, reducing operational costs and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with travel. They also echoed themes of adopting new financial models and community inclusion that were prevalent across the conference.

Katie Sadlier, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation said: “We are rethinking the economics - moving the Games out of major markets to a co-hosting model, where costs can be shared among host cities.”

George Black, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company said: “If we want the Games to have a sustainable impact on Glasgow, then we need to understand the city’s expectations from the start. That requires input from local communities, and especially young people.”

Collaboration

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including rights holders, host cities, sponsors, suppliers, and communities. This includes shared responsibility for sustainability goals, transparent data sharing, and co-creation of legacy initiatives.

Joseph Piotrowski, VP of Sports Development at Florida Sports Foundation said: “Collaboration has been at the heart of the state’s success in this area. There are 36 partners across Florida that coordinate to cater to a diverse range of demographics and needs.” 

Tim Kasper, Account Manager for Sport & Culture, Explore Edmonton said: “Events in the city are planned by engaging with indigenous population and underrepresented groups. It makes events a movement for inclusion and cohesion.”

Prem Singh, CEO of British Kabaddi League said: “EDI policies don’t always reflect real-life. Organisations need to engage with communities directly when planning their events. Engagement is your friend, even if it means hearing tough lessons.”

Inaugural Host City Award Winners

Host City 2024 also saw the launch of the Host City Awards, celebrating excellence, innovation, engagement and impact in hosting major events. UEFA EURO 2024 Host City Berlin won the award for Impactful Event Hosting; OnePlan won the award for Resourceful Event Delivery; and BLAST won the award for Engaging the Audience.

Host City 2024 was delivered with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city. 

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement. 

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games. 

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

"There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We're thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland's renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we're proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.” 

The inaugural Host City Awards will take place in Glasgow, Scotland to celebrate exceptional accomplishments in hosting, delivering and promoting major events.

The awards form part of the Host City 2024 conference, hosted at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 3-4 December, with winners announced during the Civic Reception and Dinner at the City Chambers on the evening of December 3.

The Impactful Event Hosting award will recognise destinations that demonstrate economic impact, social engagement and environmental sustainability of a major event.

The Resourceful Event Delivery award is open to suppliers and organising committees that have delivered cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions for a major event.

The third category, Engaging the Audience, recognises rights holders that demonstrate significant audience growth and inclusion while innovating fan experiences.

Organisations registered to attend the Host City 2024 conference are eligible to enter for free by 30th October, submitting concise written entries and optional supporting materials.

The diverse judging panel of renowned experts includes Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Allegra Roccato, Head of Events, World Physiotherapy, Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, FEI, Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery, Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Prem Singh CEO British Kabaddi League, Joanne Deponio, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland, The FA and Brian Lewis, Immediate Past President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee.

This year’s conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers from around the world, representing top organisations in sports, entertainment, and event management.

Under the theme of “Inspiring Action”, delegates will hear from:

• Marisol Casado, IOC Member and President of World Triathlon
• Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation
• Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
• Vicki Miller, current Director of Marketing and Digital and incoming Chief Executive Officer at VisitScotland
• Harvey Goldsmith CBE, renowned concert promoter and founder of Earth Aid Live
• Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the FEI and President of APSO
• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL, Independent Crossbench Peer, The House of Lords
• Shiny Fang, Secretary General of the UIPM
• Richard Smith CBE, Chief Operating Officer of the Invictus Games
• John Langford, COO of AEG Europe
• Colin Grahamslaw, Secretary General of World Curling
• Céline Payell, Vice-President and General Manager of Events & Experiences at Cirque du Soleil
• Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, IOC Member and Vice-President of ANOCA
• and many more to be announced.

These distinguished figures will share their expertise on a wide range of topics, including technology’s role in event transformation, sustainability strategies, diversity and inclusion, and creating lasting legacies for host cities.

Host City 2024 promises to be an exceptional gathering of global thought leaders, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the future of event hosting and city development.

Host City 2024 takes place with the support of Hosts and Global Presenting Partners: Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.

Vicki Miller, current VisitScotland Director of Marketing and Digital; and incoming Chief Executive Officer, said: “Events play an important role in our communities, bringing a wide range of economic and social benefits while strengthening our position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.

“As the largest meeting of cities, and sports, business and cultural events, we are proud to be continuing our support of Host City as Global Presenting Partner.

“I’m honoured to be joining the line-up of esteemed speakers from around the world to take an in depth look at the role events play in inspiring action at a local, national and international level.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow is globally renowned for its expertise in delivering world-class events which attract visitors from near and far, boost our economy and international profile, and support the city’s health and wellbeing agenda.

“We are proud of our track record and reputation as a trusted partner and first-choice destination for major brands and worldwide event organisers. We are also committed to ensuring our hosting of events creates a genuine legacy and positive long-term benefits for Glasgow’s diverse communities through a strategic approach to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.

“The city is delighted to be welcoming Host City again – bringing together international event owners, federations, and wider stakeholders to share insights and experience, and to debate and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. It’s a privilege to be part of this important conversation.”

Host City Awards

Host City is launching the Host City Awards, to celebrate excellence in hosting, delivering and promoting major sports, business and cultural events worldwide. The winners will be revealed at Host City 2024. To find out more and enter, visit https://www.hostcity.com/host-city-awards.

[Source: www.olympics.com] Updates to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan have been revealed, with the Organising Committee prioritising the use of world-class arenas and stadiums to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Additional benefits relating to sustainability, legacy and economics are anticipated, with the city preparing to host the Games in only four years’ time.

Overview of LA28’s venue masterplan, including the latest updates:

• Gymnastics will be held at the recently renovated Downtown LA Arena that is home to the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Lakers, National Hockey League’s Kings, and Women’s NBA’s Sparks.

• Basketball will be held at the nation’s newest and state-of-the-art Indoor Arena in Inglewood, that will be home to the NBA’s Clippers.

• The nation’s newest and most advanced large pro sports stadium, located in Inglewood, which is home to the National Football League’s Rams and Chargers, will become the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, with a planned 38,000 seats.

• Athletics and Para Athletics will remain at the iconic and recently refurbished LA Memorial Coliseum, making this the only stadium in history to host track and field competitions at three Olympic Games.

* To accommodate these moves, both World Athletics and World Aquatics, the governing bodies of athletics and aquatics Olympic events respectively, have approved and support LA28’s plan to adjust the traditional Olympic schedule. Specifically, the athletics competition will move to the first week of the Olympic Games LA28, while the swimming competition will be held during the second week.

• LA28’s plans for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are unchanged, with parts hosted at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Inglewood Stadium.

• The San Fernando Valley will be a hub for youthful, high energy Olympic competitions in BMX Freestyle and BMX Racing, along with Skateboarding Park and Street, all in the Sepulveda Basin area.

• Also in the Sepulveda Basin area will be Archery, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Diving will return to the same pool that hosted the aquatics events at the 1932 Olympic Games, the 1932 Pool in Exposition Park, which will remain a legacy venue for Angelenos as part of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks.

• The City of Long Beach will host Artistic Swimming and Para Swimming competitions, in addition to several other sports that will be announced at a later date.

• Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions, previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be held at an existing facility in Temecula - the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all the required disciplines in one location.

• Shooting and Shooting Para Sport competitions, which were also previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be assigned to one of two possible sport shooting clubs, to be determined, in the Southern California region.

Oklahoma

While Southern California has more professional and collegiate sports venues than any area in the United States, there is no canoe slalom venue that exists locally (or anywhere in the Western US), and the largest softball venue in Southern California seats fewer than 2,000 people, which does not meet the expected spectator demand for softball at the Olympic Games.

Instead of building temporary venues for these sports, and in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendation that encourages the use of existing stadiums outside the region of the Host City, LA28 will assign canoe slalom and softball competitions to existing, world-class venues in Oklahoma City.

Both the existing canoe slalom and softball stadiums in Oklahoma City are built to international competition standards, and the local community has consistently supported top tournaments for both sports, ensuring a high-quality experience for both athletes and fans, while allowing LA28 to achieve cost savings and revenue gains to support its balanced budget.

Benefits

Speaking about these changes, LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition and achievement, and we’re proud to host the Los Angeles 2028 Games in some of the greatest stadiums and arenas ever built.

"LA28’s updated venue plan will provide the ideal Hollywood stage for the world’s top athletes, and choosing from spectacular, existing venues, wherever they are, rather than building new permanent or temporary stadiums, achieves more than USD 150 million in savings and new revenue to help maintain a balanced budget. We look forward to partnering with these venues, and their experienced operators and workforce, to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans in 2028."

By making use of the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020, one of the primary goals of the updated venue plan is to leverage existing infrastructure, which significantly reduces the need for temporary constructions and enhances long-term legacy opportunities for local communities. Many of these venues will continue to serve the community long after the Games, providing opportunities for future sports events and activities.

All proposed venue changes have been assessed in consultation with the respective International Federations and have already been approved by the IOC Executive Board, conditional on LA City Council approval. LA28 submitted these updated venue proposals to the City of Los Angeles on 21 June, which must approve changes that move competitions outside the city’s boundaries compared with the venue plan submitted during the bid.

Additional changes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan that do not move events outside the city’s boundaries, venues for new sports and disciplines added to the Olympic and Paralympic sports programme since 2017, and the updated Paralympic venue plan will all be announced at a later date.

The Olympic Games LA28 are due to take place between 14 and 30 July 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games, which will be held from 15 until 27 August

The annual Host City Conference & Exhibition, the largest international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, will take place at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow on 3-4 December, and include presentation of the inaugural Host City Awards, celebrating the best event hosting achievements, at an evening reception on 3 December.

The move to a larger capacity venue and launch of the Host City Awards reflects the event’s growth, following a decade of increasingly successful events.

Host City 2024 will bring together hundreds of major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world for two days of insightful discussion and debate across plenary sessions, presentations and keynote addresses. The 11th Host City will also feature a hosted buyer programme for the growing community of international event owners and organising committees.

Participants in Host City include International Federation leaders and IOC Members alongside the owners and organisers of major congresses and entertainment events.

Host City 2024 takes place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts: Glasgow Life, EventScotland and the Scottish Event Campus.

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow has a reputation for world-class cultural, sports and business occasions so we’ll look forward to welcoming delegates to the city once again for the Host City Conference and Exhibition in December. 

“The breadth of expertise and wealth of knowledge that is shared at Host City is invaluable for continuing to push the boundaries of successful event organisation.

“We look forward to adding our own distinctive host voice to the proceedings, sharing our experience of delivering engaging and diverse events like the World Athletics Indoor Championships held here in March, and hearing how others create a genuine legacy for local communities.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to continue its partnership with Host City having been a long-standing supporter since its inception. Fostering the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the conference continues to provide a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and also celebration with the introduction of this year’s inaugural Host City Awards.

“The opportunity to attract and bring together key global partners and stakeholders to discuss a range of immediate and emerging trends within our sector is incredibly valuable. We are delighted to see the event’s ambition to grow in scope and scale, and look forward to welcoming both new and returning speakers and delegates from across the sport, culture and business events landscape to Glasgow, and indeed Scotland later this year.”   

Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, Scottish Event Campus said: “We are delighted to support Host City.  This event plays an important role in positioning Glasgow and Scotland as the natural location for major events and conferences, are we are delighted to be providing a platform for growth for the event.”

Host City 2024 is also supported by Glasgow Convention Bureau.

The full agenda for Host City 2024 and details for the inaugural Host City Awards will be announced soon.  

For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com

Commercial Opportunities: adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk

On the day of signing an MoU with the hosts of the Istanbul 2027 European Games, Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) highlighted AI as a “useful tool” for delivery of the mega event in Europe’s largest city.

He also highlighted the economic success of the previous edition of the Games, with talks with prospective hosts for 2031 set to begin soon.

“We know that artificial intelligence is an area which brings exciting opportunities and, in line with the Olympic artificial intelligence agenda, we'll explore how it can help us to optimise plans for the 2027 European Games,” said Capralos.

“AI is something that's new in our world and I think that there are many developments in sport, but also developments in other in other areas,” he told Host City during a press conference.

“Every Games has its challenges, and AI could be an extremely useful tool to help ensure efficient logistical planning in areas such as accommodation, transportation.”

The innovations that AI can bring to sport will be high on the agenda of the EOC General Assembly in Bucharest in June, he said.

“I think that going forward in the next three years, there are going to be lots of developments and we'll be on top of that.”

Bids for 2031 European Olympic Games

Following the General Assembly, the EOC will enter into discussions with prospective hosts for the 2031 European Olympic Games.

“We've had some cities that have expressed an interest” said Caparalos, referring to parties who were “not ready” to bid for 2027 but are now looking at 2031 instead.

“I think it's what is a very positive on this front is that, before we're looking for a host, we have concluded and agreed with our Turkish friends more than three years before the Games.

“So I think this is very good and it shows the success of the Games”

He cited a Deloitte report evaluating the previous Games in Kraków-Małopolska in 2023, which demonstrated that the benefits far outweighed the costs that associated with the Games.

“In today's world every government and every municipality is afraid of what the taxpayers will say, and from the report of Deloitte, we realised that the positive financial aspect of the Games was such that by sharing this with other cities, that will increase the interest.”

Caparalos also confirmed that Istanbul was building no new permanent venues for 2027 Games, “in line with IOC Agenda 20+5”, and focusing on upgrading existing venues.

“An event of this size relies on people having the expertise to ensure a successful event. Istanbul has proven itself in this respect throughout its hosting of several events; it has the people with the skills, the experience and the passion to host fantastic events.

“The EOC looks forward to working together to deliver a memorable Games, and a Games with innovation at the forefront.”

Capralos’ comments were made in a press conference in Rome marking the occasion of the European Olympic Committees, the Turkish Olympic Committee and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the 2027 European Games.

The Games are likely to take place in the last 10 days of June in 2027, he said, with qualifying opportunities to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 available in a number of sports.

In this age of constant access to entertainment, sports events are under pressure to become ever more entertaining and offer more activities within the schedule. But is this phenomenon of festivalisation – part of the DNA of mega events  – a good thing for smaller events?

“It’s definitely a good thing for promoting and reaching out to new target groups and bringing communities together and entertaining them,” says Georg Spazier, who brought several events to the Region of Tirol following heading up marketing and communications at the 2012 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee Company.  He is now running his own agency, ITS GR8, with which he organises Europe’s biggest mountain bike festival.

“But for organising committees it’s additional work, additional budget, additional staff and coordination and so on. You probably need an extra team running it. If it's the one organising committee, doing everything can be overwhelming in many ways.

“There is a threat that sport moves out of the spotlight. We have to look at it more from a holistic entertainment perspective.”

The 2023 Olympic and Paralympic Games will incorporate a number of different cities beyond Brisbane, the nominal host. “I think it's great thing because I think it just gives more cities more opportunity,” says Alana Vought, Program Manager, City of Gold Coast’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.”

Involving wider regions can help to involve more diverse communities and in events, especially those communities that lack sports infrastructure, Vought says. “The Pacific islands have no training infrastructure at all. So to be able to bring some training camps into the country, to Australia, into the Gold Coast and have them train – it's a great opportunity for them and it's also a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to share.”

Birmingham, in the UK’s West Midlands, hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022. “Festivalisation was good for Birmingham because it suited what we wanted to do with the Games, and that was could we involve more communities and different types of audiences,” says Nicola Turner MBE, CEO, United By 2022, who was Director of Legacy for the Games.

Birmingham 2022 wrapped a cultural and festival event around the Games for six months. “We eventually sold more tickets for the cultural and arts festival than we did for the Commonwealth Games itself, and actually then the community decided to put on Festival 23 the next year because they liked it so much.”

Triathlon is a sport which has seen huge rise in in popularity, and the events are getting bigger and bigger. This brings challenges as well as commercial opportunities, according to Kris Gemmell, Head of Marketing and Commercial, World Triathlon.

“There was an opportunity to give sponsors more bang for their buck, and they had more time to activate, but it was taxing for them to be in one place for a greater length of time,” he said.

“The question is, how big is too big?”