[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to announce that Istanbul, Türkiye, will host the SportAccord Convention 2025 from 9 to 12 June.

With the theme "Shaping the future of sport in a changing world”, the world’s most influential sports industry gathering will bring together key decision-makers to explore the evolving sports landscape and drive meaningful discussions on its future.

The SportAccord Convention is a unique gathering that provides sports business leaders access to all International Federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), future Olympic Games organisers, other multi-sport event organisers, and leading sport-related international associations, all in one location.

This year’s edition is particularly important, coming at a crucial moment of transition within the Olympic Movement and against the backdrop of significant geopolitical developments impacting the global sports industry.

Istanbul: a leading hub for global sport

The SportAccord Convention 2025 also marks a return to Türkiye, over ten years after the highly successful 2014 edition in Belek, Antalya. Spanning the two continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul epitomises the event’s global significance, combining rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure and a pivotal role in international sport.

The award-winning Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) will host this year’s flagship event, offering state-of-the-art facilities for an exceptional delegate experience.

With Istanbul also set to host the 2027 European Games, bringing the world’s leading sports decision-makers to the city in 2025 will further solidify its position as a premier destination for major sporting events. The SportAccord Convention 2025 will serve as a key platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of global sport, while laying the groundwork for Türkiye’s continued sporting ambitions.

An unmissable opportunity for the global sports community

The SportAccord Convention 2025 will offer a unique platform for leaders in sport, business and governance to strengthen connections, exchange fresh perspectives and engage in high-level discussions on the future of sport. Full details of the conference programme will be announced soon, and delegate registration will open shortly.

Organisations looking to renew or establish partnerships with the SportAccord Convention, or secure coveted exhibition space next to the popular SportAccord Café, are encouraged to engage early.

For more details about the SportAccord Convention 2025 in Istanbul, please visit our event website sportaccord.sport.

Host City 2025 conference, exhibition and awards is set to return to Glasgow, Scotland on 1-3 December.

The conference and exhibition will take place at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 1-3 December, with the Host City Awards, building on the success of last year’s launch, taking place on the evening of 2 December.

This year’s conference programme will introduce a variety of fresh formats, including case studies and interactive workshops, focusing on sharing knowledge across the core areas of major event hosting and delivery.

Host City is the largest international meeting of major event owners, hosts, organisers and suppliers. Speakers at Host City include heads of organising committees, international federations, promoters, festivals and major congresses.

Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group said:  “Host City 2025 will provide our community of major event organisers, owners, hosts and suppliers with deeper and more varied opportunities for learning and business. We thank Glasgow and Scotland for their longstanding support of Host City.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Host City is always a fascinating and highly relevant exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practice between event delivery professionals from around the world. Glasgow has a reputation for fantastic 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.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The return of Host City to Glasgow and Scotland reinforces our reputation as world-leading events destination. The conference and exhibition provide the ideal platform for delegates from across the sport, cultural and business events landscape to come together and discuss the issues and trends facing the industry. We look forward to once again welcoming delegates from around the global back to Glasgow this December.”

Ben Avison, Conference Director of Host City said: “I look forward to presenting a refreshed agenda for the Host City 2025 conference and Awards, focusing on inspirational best practice in major sports, business and cultural events.”

The full agenda for Host City 2025 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

EDITOR’S NOTES
 

About Host City
Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events.

Through its conference, exhibition, awards and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events.

Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.

About Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life is a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and we find innovative ways to make this happen across the city’s diverse communities.

Our programmes, experiences and events range from grassroots community activities to large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting events which present Glasgow on an international stage.

Our work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city’s visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.

About EventScotland

EventScotland, part of VisitScotland - the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events. 

It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores. 

It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date. 

The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process. 

Find out more about Scotland's National Events Strategy 2024-2035. 

For further information about funding programmes and latest event news: 

• visit visitscotland.org/events 

• follow @EventScotNews on x.com 

• follow EventScotland on linkedin.com 

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.

International brands including Apple, Google, Johnson & Johnson, the IAPP, Microsoft, Meta and TikTok as well as the most high-profile data protection and privacy leaders in the world will be in Jersey from Monday 28^th October, as, for one week, the Island becomes the centre of the world for data protection and privacy at the 46th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Conference.

 The Global Privacy Assembly connects the efforts of more than 130 data protection authorities worldwide every year, to discuss major issues impacting upon privacy and data protection and create the roadmap for the future of international privacy regulation.

Hosted by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner on behalf of the Global Privacy Assembly, the event combines an impressive open session agenda, open to business and public at the Royal Jersey Showground followed by a closed session for members of the Global Privacy Assembly at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, and will see 500 delegates and 70 international data protection and privacy industry leaders explore the conference theme ‘The ‘Power of i’.

“For one week, the Bailiwick of Jersey will be the centre of the world for all those involved in data protection and privacy,” said Clarisse Girot, Acting Head, Division on Data Flows, Governance and Privacy, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Kate Charlet, Global Director of Privacy Safety and Security Policy from one of the event’s gold sponsors, Google, commented: “The privacy landscape continues to evolve and grow more complex every day, so we’re excited to gather at this year’s GPA to learn how global regulators and privacy experts are tackling new challenges and focusing on responsible innovation.”

Aruna Sharma, Global Head of Privacy & Regulatory Affairs from Gala Dinner sponsor TikTok said: “TikTok is delighted to sponsor this year’s GPA conference in Jersey, and to contribute to the important dialogue on how organizations can work together with privacy and data protection regulators to foster the protection of personal information in times of rapid technological innovation."  

The speaker line-up includes European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski, President of the French data protection regulator the ‘CNIL’ (Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés) Marie-Laure Denis, Japanese Privacy Commissioner Yuji ASAI, Chair of South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, Haksoo Ko, Head of the Data Protection Office, International Committee of the Red Cross, Massimo Marelli,  Commissioner, Instituto Nacional de Transparencia Josefina Roman Vergara, Commissioner for Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim and Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, Chair of 5Rights Foundation.

Keynote speakers, panel discussions and fireside chats throughout the week include:

• The Future of Privacy Regulation
• Innovation and the Impact of AI
• Data Protection and Mental Health
• The concept of ‘harm’ in a Digital Age
• The advantages and challenges of Data Transfer Tools
• The Societal Impact of Privacy Education
• Accessible Privacy: Protecting the disabled, vulnerable and socially marginalised in a digitised world
• Creating trust through Data Trusts
• Trust and Safety for Automobile Innovation
• Data sharing between Government and Third Sector

Smaller side events, many of which are open to all delegates, will take place at venues across the island throughout the week and see world leading organisations such as UNICEF engage in high level discussion with delegates and Data Protection Authorities.

Keynote speakers lined up for the week include Futurist Nikolas Badminton, Bestselling Author and Hall of Fame Speaker Douglas Kruger and the final speaker at the open session is 7/7 survivor, paralympic athlete and inspirational and motivational speaker Martine Wright MBE. As a survivor of the most horrific terrorist atrocity to hit London in the post-war era, Martine’s story is one of pure inspiration. Delegates will hear how the trauma of that life-changing day affected Martine in terms of her privacy. Martine will discuss how she was thrust into the media spotlight, press intrusion, the impact of her disability in terms of access to basic services and how she harnessed the power of the media to tell her story to the world, on her terms.

Paul Vane, Information Commissioner for Jersey, commented: “Hosting the 46^th GPA is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Island and we’ve worked hard to ensure local businesses have the opportunity to network with some of the most influential organisations on earth. To welcome these global sponsors and international visitors to our shores is an incredible opportunity for Jersey.

We are delighted to provide local businesses with the opportunity to hear directly from international experts shaping the future of data protection and privacy, as well as be part of conversations that will influence the future of global data protection regulation. From tech suppliers to caterers, 90% of our resource for the conference is local to the Island and we hope the event brings a welcome boost for tourism in these shoulder months. It is an immense honour to be showcasing Jersey and we’re grateful for the support from the Government of Jersey and sponsors, to make it happen. The importance of hearing the voices of our next generation cannot be underestimated, so we’re also delighted to be welcoming students from Hautlieu School in Jersey for their perspectives on cyber bullying, facial recognition and what privacy means for future generations.”

 The 46th Global Privacy Assembly will take place from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.

 Registration for virtual attendance remains open until midnight (Jersey time) on Saturday 26^th October 2024. To view the conference programme, speaker line up, find out more and register, visit 46th Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) | Jersey 2024 (gpajersey.com)

[Source: EventScotland] Scotland’s National Events Conference makes a timely return on Tuesday 26 March 2024. Taking place at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, tickets for the flagship industry conference for Scotland’s events sector are now on sale. 

This is the first time the conference has taken place in four years and will bring together more than 200 of the country’s leading event producers, suppliers, policy makers, and funders from across culture, sport and business events to connect, learn and exchange insights in person. 

Under the theme of ‘Resetting the Perfect Stage for Events’, an essential focus of the conference will be updating attendees on the priorities that have emerged from the sector-wide consultation work undertaken to update the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage. The refreshed strategy will provide direction for the industry to the end of 2035 and the conference will share next steps and help to inform development of the strategy’s implementation plan. 

The conference will feature keynote addresses and breakout sessions covering themes including Scotland’s future ambition and global status, responsible events, community engagement, Net Zero events, event impacts and workforce development. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking with event colleagues and exhibitors. Full details of the conference programme, including speakers, will be announced across the coming weeks.  

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “It’s great to have Scotland’s National Events Conference back after four years and a period of unprecedented change.   

“The environment for events is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, global challenges, regulation and policy development, societal and environmental change. The conference presents a crucial opportunity for Scotland’s vibrant event sector to come together to address and share knowledge on many of the key themes, challenges, and opportunities identified from the last few years and through the national strategy consultation. It will be a day not to be missed.”  

Delivered by VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the National Events Conference last took place in September 2019 at the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel alongside the 2019 Solheim Cup, the most highly coveted trophy in women’s professional golf team competition. Delegate feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of respondents stating they would attend a future National Events Conference.

Tickets for the conference are now available for £80 + VAT. To find out more about the National Events Conference 2024 and to purchase a ticket, visit www.nationaleventsconference.com.

Host City 2023 conference and exhibition, the largest international meeting of cities and sports business events, returns to Glasgow, Scotland on 20-21 November.  

Taking place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland, this year’s event will once again see hundreds of major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world gather at the Technology and Innovation Centre around the conference theme of Driving and Reacting to Change.

Speakers include Hilary Ash, Vice President, Games Delivery & Infrastructure, LA28; Giulio Alessandrini, Head of Venues & Infrastructure, Milano Cortina 2026; Vlad Marinescu, President of the International Esports Federation (IESF) and Director General, International Judo Federation and many more organising committees, rights holders and hosts.

To further build on its great reputation as the premier global gathering of sports, business and cultural events, the 10^th Host City conference features a hosted buyer programme for the growing community of international event owners and organising committees.

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Having delivered a spectacular summer of mega events, from the success of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships and the city’s 75^th anniversary of hosting the World Pipe Band Championships, to Banksy’s incredible, sold-out Cut and Run exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow continues to merit its reputation as a global leader for delivering world-class cultural and sporting events.

“We’re looking forward to Host City returning to Glasgow in November and to welcoming major event owners, organisers, federations, cities and wider stakeholders to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the global events industry today. Events contribute significantly to Glasgow’s visitor economy and support the city’s wider health and wellbeing agenda. We’re excited to again be part of the conversation and to be able to share our experience of delivering engaging events with positive long-term benefits that create a genuine legacy for our 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 of the conference since its inception in 2014.  With the global spotlight recently shining on Glasgow, and Scotland for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, we are excited to once again welcome a range of excellent speakers and industry colleagues to Glasgow for two days of knowledge sharing and collaborative discussion.

“This year’s conference theme entitled ‘Driving and Reacting to Change’ will encourage us all to consider the importance of proactive adaptation, resilience, and transformation as we continue to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world we operate in. I look forward to meeting with attendees in November and hearing from the esteemed line up of speakers the Host City team has assembled.”

[Source: AIPH] Expo organisers from future AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos will travel to the Portuguese Iberostar Selection Lisboa hotel in Lisbon to present their progress reports at the International Horticultural Expo Conference on 13 March.

AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Expos are beautiful events that showcase the power of flowers and plants. The Expo parks are enjoyed by millions of visitors and leave environmentally positive legacies for the host city’s residents.

What is an AIPH Approved International Horticultural Expo?

For more than 60 years, AIPH has had a mandate agreed upon by the 1928 Paris Convention and subsequent protocols to approve and regulate these major horticultural events.

Millions are spent developing these international spectacles that can stimulate the development of entire cities and transform the international reputation of hosting regions. Each Expo attracts many international participants and millions of visitors and lasts up to six months, with sites ranging from the smallest of 25 hectares to the largest of 500 hectares or more. Every Expo is carefully regulated, steered, and monitored by AIPH.

AIPH Guide to Master Planning an Expo

Mr John Boon, Director of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at ARCADIS – a global design, engineering, and management consulting company – will talk about his collaboration with AIPH and present a new master planning guide for World and International Horticultural Expos.

The guide focuses on the key elements to be considered when starting an Expo project. It provides several methodologies and best practices beneficial for the master planning of both the Expo site and its legacy.

Backed by previous Expo case studies, examples of Masterplans and their pros and cons, and consideration of broader urban integration, this work will be of interest to every urbanist, landscape architect, city planner or developer.

Mr Boon has more than 25 years of experience as a landscape architect. He was appointed chief designer of the World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012 in Venlo, Netherlands.

He is also at the forefront of sustainable and healthy outdoor space design. In the Netherlands, he introduced the Healthy City Index.

Learn from other prominent major event experts

For all major special events, efficient and effective transportation will be the first and last impact on every visitor. Mr David McCrae, Vice-President and Managing Director of TMS – Transportation Management Services – will discuss planning a capable transportation system.

That will set the tone for the visitor experience’s totality and shape every visitor’s lasting memory.
Also presenting to Expo Conference delegates will be a multi-tasking event manager, Biblo Event. This organisation has been enthusiastically planning innovative, creative, and perfect events since 2013. At the Expo Conference, they will share their experience creating spectacular events.

World Green City Awards 2024

AIPH is keen to engage and put nature in the heart and the centre of urban living; through our Green City Programme, we held the first World Green City Awards 2022. Two AIPH-Approved Expos host cities were among the finalists. At the Expo Conference, entry for the World Green City Awards 2024 will officially open. For more information or to register an interest, visit this link.

Learn how to host, participate, or support an AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Expo

The Expo Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn about future International Horticultural Expos, how to host or participate in future World and International Horticultural Expos, and plenty of opportunities to network with Expo organisers, city representatives, urban developers, landscape designers, NGOs, international city and environmental organisations, and suppliers to major events.

Audiences will also listen to updates from our host cities in Türkiye affected by the devastating earthquakes on 6 February. The Expo organisers will report about the next steps, particularly Kahramanmaraş, which was due to open at the end of April.

Major event suppliers on hand to support Expo organisers

Expo organisers can benefit from the many networking opportunities at this Expo Conference. Representatives from the AIPH Preferred Partner programme will be in attendance. And we welcome Mosimann’s, our newest quality event service provider for catering. Find out more on the AIPH website.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit the Event Page.

Until 2028, AIPH has approved International Horticultural Expos in China, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Türkiye.

Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, will be opening in October.

FORTHCOMING AIPH-APPROVED EXPOS:

A1 World Horticultural Expos

■ Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar

2 October 2023–28 March 2024

Theme: Green Desert, Better Environment

■ World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama, Japan

March–September 2027

Theme: Scenery of the Future for Happiness

B International Horticultural Exhibitions

■ Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye

23 April–31 October 2023

Theme: Nature-Friendly City and Sensitivity

■ Suncheonman International Garden Expo 2023, South Korea

1 April–22 October 2023

Theme: The Garden of the Earth

■ International Horticultural Exhibition Chengdu 2024, China

26 April-28 October 2024

Theme: City in parks and life in poetries

■ Expo İzmir 2026, Türkiye

1 May-31 October 2026

Theme: Living in Harmony

■ Udon-Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, Thailand

1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027

Theme: Diversity of Life: People, Water and Plants

■ Malatya International Horticultural Expo 2028, Türkiye

23 April to 29 October 2028

AIPH thanks Spring Meeting Headline Sponsor Biblo and Expo Conference Headline Sponsor TMS – Transportation Management Services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sport can be a driver of sustainable development.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to Editors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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