[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is proud to announce H.E. Ban Ki-moon will deliver the Opening Welcome Address at the SportAccord Summit on Wednesday 8 May 2019 at 11.00hrs in Gold Coast Australia, as well as take part in the United Through Sports Youth Conference.

Former United Nations (UN) Secretary General and former South Korean Foreign Minister, championed the world’s vulnerable by putting sustainable development, climate change, and gender equality at the top of the UN agenda.

“I, as an Honorary president of 2019 Chungju World Martial Arts Masterships, a Chairperson of IOC Ethics Commission and the 8^th Secretary General of the United Nations, am very pleased to participate in 2019 SportAccord, which will be held in Gold Coast. Of 2019 SportAccord programs,

SportAccord Summit will be an important stage to share the knowledge and information on the topic of “The Future of Big Data and Analytics” among leaders in the sporting world. I hope all participants and colleagues of 2019 SportAccord endeavor to promote sport for development and peace in the world through the SportAccord Summit. Thank you!”

Sporting leaders and delegates represented at the highest levels will gather at the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in Gold Coast for a week of networking and key meetings, and hear the latest from around 100 subject matter experts involved in this year’s conference programme.

Commenting on the participation of H. E. Ban Ki-moon, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “It is an absolute pleasure and honour to be welcoming His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon to the SportAccord Summit 2019. His vision, leadership and accomplishments over the years have made a significant impact around the world. His leadership continues to inspire as one of the world’s top global thinkers. We look forward with anticipation to hear what His Excellency will impart to the international sports community during his Welcome Address at this year’s SportAccord Summit in Gold Coast.”

Delegates can register and hear first-hand from a stellar line-up of Summit speakers and panellists, as well as take part in the newly formed interactive Summit Hub sessions planned for Day 2 of the SportAccord Summit. Each hub (5 in total) will be led by a Summit speaker, where attendees will be able to discuss the Summit conference sessions from Day 1 in more detail with peers.

H.E. Ban Ki-moon will also speak at this year’s United Through Youth Opening Conference taking place 7 May 2019 during SportAccord and forms part of the Sports Festival hosted by United Through Sports. The events embrace a number of key drivers which have become part of the DNA for United Through Sports. These comprise: inclusivity; unity in diversity; the future, our youth; non-discrimination; gender quality; providing opportunities for the youth via sport; building alliances to give back.

The Sports Festival was formed to make a real difference to the lives of countless children, giving them a chance to showcase their talents regardless of ability or life circumstances. This year’s Sports Festival is under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

With the full support of the IOC and the Queensland government, around 5,000 children from 170 schools are set to take part in the Sports Festival (7 – 10 May 2019). Children will have the opportunity to try as many sports as they wish (around 60 sports federations are involved including well-known athletes and celebrities). Morning programmes, a mix of promoting an active lifestyle and education, will be exclusively for the youth of Australia, and doors will be opened to the general public for the afternoon and evening sessions.

The Festival Opening Ceremony involves over 200 youth with a history-making performance planned. The ceremony promises to be an eye-opening, educational and action-packed extravaganza with many exclusives and ‘firsts’ being revealed from the moment the Sports Festival begins with the entire Opening Ceremony also performed in ‘sign’.

To benefit from these exclusive opportunities, organisations can register for SportAccord and take advantage of the full conference programme and all that the Sports Festival has to offer.

To become an Exhibitor or Partner contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070. To register as a delegate and watch past SportAccord footage visit www.sportaccord.sport.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

[Source: SportAccord] “Queensland is my home and I am proud of everything we do in the world of sport and all the other industries it touches.” This sentiment was shared by Natalie Cook OLY, five-time Olympian, Gold and Bronze Medallist for Beach Volleyball, Australia; and is a sentiment echoed by many Queenslanders and those who come to live there, when they talk about the vibrant Gold Coast, its spectacular surroundings and all that Queensland has to offer.

From miles of golden sandy beaches, to the Great Barrier Reef and waters teeming with marine life; to national parks and rainforests, the Outback, World Heritage sites, culinary delights and so much more; delegates will be spoilt for choice when they gather for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord in Queensland, Australia (5-10 May 2019).

“So inspired by what we heard and saw, it didn’t take much persuading when the Host City team suggested bringing some of Queensland right into the heart of SportAccord.” said Carl Langdon, Exhibition Manager for SportAccord.

With this in mind, organisations who register for SportAccord will get a taste of what Queensland has to offer, with four stunning feature zones to be staged in the Exhibition Hall.

Right now, Queenslanders are celebrating the ‘Year of Outback Tourism’ and this theme will be adopted for the Recharging Zone. With its vibrant ochre-coloured sands, a well-known feature of the Outback, delegates will have the opportunity to network and hold meetings with their peers.

When it comes to relaxation, the Zen Zone represented by a Reef and sponsored by Edmonton Events, is likely to be a popular spot for delegates to kick-back, relax and soak up the atmosphere with peers.

Knowing what it takes to stage major cultural and sporting events, Doug McLean, Director of Edmonton Events and a SportAccord Silver Partner, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting SportAccord again through our partnership. As Canada’s top city at number 23 in Sportcal’s 2018 Global Sports Cities Index, we value the expertise we’ve gained and the connections we’ve developed, through attending SportAccord over the years. We are looking forward to yet another successful event in Gold Coast, Australia.”

This year’s Media Zone will become a lush Rainforest, where international sports federations and organisations can work with media to get their stories heard.

Gracenote Sports, a regular exhibitor at SportAccord commented: "SportAccord has given Gracenote Sports great opportunities to engage with our clients, partners and industry suppliers. We serve many international federations, media organizations and event organisers, so meeting them all in one place is very effective." said Guido Bouw, Managing Director.

“With an exciting cast of exhibitors raring to go, delegates will be in for a real treat as they go about their daily business at SportAccord. You can understand why Queensland’s moto is - beautiful one day, perfect the next.” enthused Malcolm Hardman, Business Development Manager, SportAccord.

Always a crowd-pleaser, this year’s SportAccord Café will bring Gold Coast’s beach scene into the thematic mix. Delegates will be able to enjoy refreshing drinks and eats at the ‘Beach Café’, or take a well-earned rest along the boardwalk. As Paul Yeomans, a CityAccord speaker and Managing Director for PMY Group fondly said: “See you on the Goldy!”

Speakers’ Corner, now a SportAccord regular will also be located in the Exhibition Hall. Organisations can take centre-stage and launch a product or service, share breaking news, or raise awareness around a cause close to their heart. Contact alexey.mikhailov@sportaccord.sport (+41 (0)21 612 30 79) to sign-up or for further details.

As part of Speakers’ Corner, ‘Sports Tech Start-up Showcase’ will be a new competition feature at the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord. This will be delivered by the Queensland Government in partnership with Austrade and the Australian Sports Technology Network. The competition will give 9 Australian start-ups the opportunity to pitch their product or service in the following categories: (1) Sports data and performance (2) Digital, media and business (3) Wearable and equipment.

The winner will be awarded a 90-day placement with Austrade Landing Pad of their choice (Berlin, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, San Francisco) valued at $25,000, helping the startup or scaleup to take their business global.

In just over a month (5-10 May 2019), SportAccord will welcome around 1,500 plus attendees to Gold Coast in Queensland. To take advantage of this opportunity and become an Exhibitor or Partner, or take part in Speakers’ Corner, contact sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to confirm today, Natalie Cook, 5 times Olympian and Gold Medallist representing Australia in Beach Volleyball, will go under the microscope at HealthAccord (7 May 2019) and take part in this year’s Fireside Chat on Mental Health.

In implementing interventions to improve athlete health and performance, sport organisations often overlook the athlete’s mental health. Any coach and athlete will agree, that if the athlete is not well mentally, their performance outcomes will suffer.

Championing the cause for athlete mental health, Natalie Cook will discuss the importance of raising the visibility on a subject that touches the lives of so many, and share insights from her experiences.

“HealthAccord highlights the importance of mental health as a growing concern for our athletes during and post competitive years. It appears no one is immune and it is becoming more and more common to talk about it.

“In my early days as an athlete it was called mental toughness. Toughen up was the call! Now there are more and more calls to address mental health and support overall mental well-being.

“The athlete entourage can play an enormous role in this area but the athlete has to be willing to share, open up and be vulnerable. For an athlete to have a long career on and off the field, there are many factors at play. However, most of all, their sense of purpose, self-value/love and happiness are all so important.

“Let’s continue to shine the spotlight on the subject and hopefully it helps the athlete ecosystem find ways to make the mental health space a safe and happy space.”

To hear Natalie first-hand, organisations can register for SportAccord and attend all conference sessions, as well as the many networking opportunities offered within the Official Schedule during this World Sport & Business Summit.

Following her Fireside Chat, Natalie will join the mental health panel session and speak about the athlete’s perspective on the importance of a healthy ‘mental game’. Joining Natalie, panel experts will include Kathy Martin, Senior Director, Athlete Assistance, Women’s Tennis Association; Graziella Thake, CEO and Co-Founder, Optimisation Hub; Gearoid Towney, Founder & Director, Crossing the Line (CTL); and Dr Margo Mountjoy, FINA Sport Medicine (and HealthAccord Co-Chair). 

The panel will examine innovations, diagnosis and treatment, the links between mental health and activity levels, and the effects on performance and quality of life. They will also share practical tools and takeaways to help international federations tackle issues and break down barriers to treatment.

HealthAccord sessions will also cover: short-mid-long-term monitoring of athlete injuries; supplements and their effect on elite and recreational athletes; and the pros and cons of wearable sensors for athletes, international federations and manufacturers.

Commenting on the strong and topical conference programme for this year’s HealthAccord, Co-Chair Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President, FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) and Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission – Medical and Scientific Group said:

“Despite the well-known beneficial effects of exercise on mental illness, also athletes could be susceptible to mental health problems, during and post competitive years, although possibly at a lower prevalence than the general population.

“The good news is that mental illness could be more effectively treated if diagnosed early enough, and talking about it at every opportunity can make all the difference. There is a need, however, to develop athlete specific diagnostic tools and tailored treatments”.

SportAccord is the leading annual global gathering for sporting leaders involved in the business of sport and is set to take place from 5 – 10 May 2019 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, a city brimming with opportunities and home to last year’s XXI Commonwealth Games.

In addition to HealthAccord a full conference programme will take place involving 50+ sessions across the following conference streams: SportAccord Summit, LawAccord, CityAccord and MediaAccord.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to confirm its Principal Media Partners for SportAccord 2019 taking place from 5 – 10 May in Gold Coast, a vibrant coastal city located in Queensland Australia.

Selected as ‘principal’ media partners for their exceptional coverage, media reach and expertise, they will provide media and marketing support for SportAccord 2019.

iSportconnect is considered to be the world’s largest private sports business network. For the first time, iSportconnect has moved up a tier to a principal media partnership for SportAccord 2019, following their excellent television coverage at previous editions of SportAccord.

Sportcal has supported SportAccord since its inception in 2003. Sportcal is a world-leading market intelligence service, providing news, data, reports and insights into the competitive world of sport.

SportsPro is a leading sports business media company in print, digital and events. SportsPro delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, opinion and in-depth reports across multiple platforms.

Yutang Sports delivers sports market intelligence and sports marketing through their sports media outlet and sponsorship agency. Yutang Sports opens windows between the Chinese and international sports industry, and became the first Chinese media partnership for SportAccord.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord commented:

“SportAccord is delighted to have the support of our 4 principal media partners. The breadth of reporting they bring, together with the audiences they are connected to, helps to ensure SportAccord coverage reaches the farthest corners of the world.

“The tiered media partnership approach was introduced in 2016 and has seen wide-reaching results for SportAccord, its stakeholders, and organisations involved in the business of support. Stories are covered across multiple platforms including TV, radio, digital and print.

“We look forward to this year’s news coverage for Gold Coast.”

The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit is taking place in Oceania for the first time in its history. Organisations can learn more about the unique benefits of attending SportAccord in Gold Coast by watching the video and register for SportAccord to become involved.

The Official Schedule enables attendees to enjoy multiple networking events, the popular 3-day Exhibition, access 50+ conference sessions, visit the Sports Festival and take part in cultural activities in Gold Coast.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

[Source: SportAccord} SportAccord, the leading annual global gathering for sporting leaders involved in the business of sport, today confirmed its MediaAccord conference programme: Media’s Ever Important Role and Contribution to Sport and Society, taking place on Thursday 9 May 2019 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

‘The rate of change in women’s sports is one of the most exciting trends in the sports industry,’ ran the headline in a recent Nielsen Sports Women’s Sports research report (2018) which covered 8 markets including Australia and New Zealand.

However, normalising sports for every woman and girl is still a big challenge for many countries around the world.

Jennah Wootten, General Manager Partnerships and Communications, Sport New Zealand said:

“Sport New Zealand is leading our sector’s response to a new central government strategy designed to empower women and girls to reach their potential through sport and active recreation.

“Like many other countries we have concerning underrepresentation of women and girls being physically active, occupying leadership roles and lagging behind men in terms of value and visibility.

“This new strategy has energised the sector and builds on recent successes such as securing the hosting rights for International Working Group on Women in Sport Conference 2022. It is an exciting time to be a female working in sport within New Zealand.”

During her MediaAccord case study, Jennah will share details of the new government strategy for New Zealand, its fresh initiatives and how the sport and recreation sector has responded to them, as well as the hardest obstacles to overcome in the future.

In the last few years, increasing numbers of professional leagues can now be found worldwide, and in Australia, women’s leagues such as the Rebel Women’s Big Bash and the Women’s Australian Rules Football League (AFLW), are attracting large audiences, stand-alone sponsorships and broadcast revenue.

While coverage of female athletes and women’s sport have increased considerably, there are still challenges for women working, or hoping to work, in sports media. What can be done to help create positive media guidelines with regard to gender equality in competition schedules and coverage?

What are some pro-active steps for ensuring better female representation within written, tv and photographer media circles? What is the media’s role in how female athletes are/should be portrayed? And, how can sports media best engage the public to promote a healthier, more active society?

A panel session discussing Women in Sport Media will address these challenges. Panellists taking part include: Clare Briegal, Chief Executive Officer, International Netball Federation; Belinda Clarke AO, Interim Executive General Manager Team Performance Cricket Australia; Tracey Holmes, Senior Reporter/Presenter, News Radio ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation); and Jennah Wootten.

This will follow with a debate on Major Event Bidding and Media and discuss how cities can get the public onboard with: Alain Mercier, Editor in Chief, Francs Jeux; Philip Pope, General Manager Communications, Queensland Rugby Union; Wayne Smith, Senior Sport Writer, The Australian.

MediaAccord will conclude with the Case Study: Brand Architecture and Social Media Monetisation for federations and athletes presented by Ben Parsons, Founder, Ministry of Sport & Playa Power.

In addition to MediaAccord moderated by James Pearce, Sports Broadcaster, BBC, a full conference programme will take place across the week with 4 additional conference streams: SportAccord Summit, LawAccord, CityAccord and HealthAccord.

Organisations can register for SportAccord and attend conference sessions as well as the many networking opportunities offered within the Official Schedule during the World Sport & Business Summit.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord has announced the first confirmed speakers for its Summit conference: The Future of Big Data and Analytics, taking place from 8 – 9 May 2019 at the Gold Coast Conference & Exhibition Centre, Queensland, Australia.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord commented:

“We have a strong line-up of speakers for this year’s SportAccord Summit sharing their views and expertise on why big data and analytics matter to sport, with sessions covering key touchpoints such as teams, athletes, brands, manufacturers and of course - fans.

“This year’s Summit places fan engagement and experiences at the heart of the matter and looks at the ways technology, content, media and entertainment interconnect.

“As technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, blockchain and others start to go mainstream, fans will be able to take a much more active role and feel richer for the experience.”

Global leaders from across the sporting industry are among the first speakers (in session order) confirmed for this year’s SportAccord Summit, including:

• Deon Newman (Keynote), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Vice President of Strategy, IBM Asia Pacific
• Darren Birch, General Manager - Growth, Digital and Audiences, Australian Football League (AFL)
• Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer, ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020
• Chris Nunn, Managing Director APAC, Futures Sport & Entertainment
• Luke Bould, CCO & CMO, Football Federation Australia
• Sally Hancock, Managing Partner, Y Sport
• Matt Kamienski, Vice President and Executive Director - Presidents Cup, PGA TOUR
• Andrew Reid, General Manager, TEG Analytics and TEG Insights
• Barbara Kendall, Vice President, International Surfing Association (ISA), Non-Executive Director of ARRIA
• Heinrich Zetlmayer, General Partner, Blockchain Valley Ventures (BVV)
• Stephen Smith, CEO & Founder, Kitman Labs
• Ian K. Partilla, Vice President - Head of Global Revenue, GumGum Sports 
• Natalie Cook, 5 x Olympian and Gold Medallist – Australia, Beach Volleyball 

Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss the Summit topics further with speakers and panellists on Day 2 during the five Summit Hub Breakout track sessions:

• Big Data and Fan Engagement
• Marketing and Customer Behaviour
• Athlete/Player Performance via Wearable Technology, Big Data
• Application of AI for International Federation (IF), Event, & Sponsor Performance
• Blockchain Technology in Sport

 In addition to the SportAccord Summit, the full conference programme includes 4 other conference streams taking place across the week: LawAccord, CityAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord.

Delegates can register for SportAccord and attend conference sessions and the many networking opportunities offered within the Official Schedule.

To become an Exhibitor or Partner contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070. To register as a delegate and watch past SportAccord footage visit www.sportaccord.sport.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

[Source: SportAccord] Exhibitor uptake for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord has risen quickly, just a few months after SportAccord officially opened its doors, inviting participation from organisations involved in the business of sport.

Taking part in the SportAccord exhibition provides unique experiences for the sporting community and this view is shared by Susan Sawbridge, Manager, New Zealand Major Events:

“SportAccord is the greatest annual opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its strengths, as an events destination, allowing us to connect with International Federations, other host cities and suppliers.”

The SportAccord exhibition is considered to be an important aspect of the World Sport & Business Summit and its attributes can be viewed via the Bangkok exhibition video tour. Its prime location together with the buzzing SportAccord Café, provides the ideal setting to have business conversations, as well as enjoy the many networking events on offer throughout the week.

Organisations looking to exhibit at SportAccord 2019 can review their options in the interactive floor plan and register for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord ahead of the next price rise early March.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord commented: “The exhibition provides a dynamic platform and advantage for industry, cities and regions, as well as sporting bodies, to showcase their organisation - whether it’s to kick-start a new initiative or share latest developments.

“Each year we look at ways to improve and ‘localise’ the SportAccord exhibition, and this year is no exception. With the support of Host City Gold Coast, we will be revealing some new additions for SportAccord 2019.”

Exhibitors and delegates alike will be able to enjoy a host of benefits at this year’s stunning Gold Coast and Exhibition Centre including:

• Enhanced exhibition stands as a standard offering
• Comfortable meeting areas
• The lively and larger than ever SportAccord Café with lunch served daily to all delegates
• Exhibition cocktails and ‘get-togethers’ offering myriad networking opportunities
• Press opportunities
• Close proximity to the conference areas accessed via the exhibition hall

With cities, regions and industry evenly matched with international sports federations this year, the exhibition will have much to offer everyone.

To take advantage of all these opportunities and much more, organisations can register and exhibit for SportAccord 2019. The Official Schedule enables attendees to enjoy multiple networking events the popular 3-day Exhibition, access 50+ conference sessions, visit the Sports Festival and take part in cultural activities in Gold Coast.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to welcome the return of DB Schenker as Official Logistics Provider for the 17^th edition of SportAccord taking place from 5 – 10 May 2019 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

As one of the leading supply chain management and logistics solutions providers worldwide,
DB Schenker has been a long-standing Delivery Partner for SportAccord. With dedicated multi-lingual teams located worldwide for the sport event industry, this puts DB Schenker in a strong position when it comes to supporting the needs of delegates.

Commenting on the longevity of the partnership, Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord said: “We are delighted DB Schenker has come on-board once more as the Official Logistics Provider for SportAccord 2019. Working closely with DB Schenker for many years has contributed to the smooth-running of our event operations.

“To have their loyalty, expertise and know-how is invaluable to our event, and as in previous years, SportAccord delegates will be offered preferential rates for Gold Coast. It goes without saying that it makes sense to use DB Schenker for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord.”

To register as a SportAccord delegate, exhibitor or partner and take advantage of the Official Schedule, attendees will be able to enjoy over 20 networking events and the popular 3-day Exhibition, have access to 50+ conference sessions and the Sports Festival, taking place at the Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre situated alongside the shores of Queensland’s stunning coastline.

Commenting on their involvement in global events including the Asian Games 2018, Christian Schultz, SVP Product Management Sports Events at DB Schenker said:  

“DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading global logistics provider, also when it comes to sports. We are not only part of the biggest sport events worldwide, but we make them possible in the first place.”

Delegates will also be able to meet the DB Schenker team during SportAccord 2019 at Booth No. 9 to discuss their future business needs and requirements.

With an ever-growing list of organisations becoming involved in SportAccord 2019, exhibitors, partners and delegates can contact the dedicated DB Schenker team at au.dl.tme.sportaccord2019@dbschenker.com to discuss the delivery of booths, exhibits and promotional material.

To become an Exhibitor or Partner contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

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

SportAccord

SportAccord brings together international sports federations and organisations involved in the business of sport. The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global sports community. It engages international sports federations, athletes, industry, rights holders, organising committees, cities, government, agencies, media, technology, legal teams, medical professionals, inventors, and subject matter experts – represented at the highest levels.

SportAccord is the only global sports business event attended by all the international sports federations and their stakeholders, who host their Annual General Assemblies during SportAccord.

These stakeholders include: ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and Associate Members. SportAccord receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

Follow #SA2019 and #SA2020 on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr       

DB Schenker

DB Schenker is committed to providing innovative supply chain solutions that challenge the status quo. As a global industry leader with more than 140 years of logistics experience, DB Schenker is proud to support industry and trade in the global exchange of goods.

For further information visit www.dbschenker.com, dbschenker (LinkedIn)

For press enquiries, contact Mirko-A Kahre, mirko-alexander.kahre@dbschenker.com
+49 1523 75 79 468 (M), +49 201 8781 8726 (P)

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to confirm this year’s LawAccord conference programme: Key Opportunities, Challenges and Threats to Institutional Sport – From Within and Without, supported by a stellar line-up of speakers and panelists. LawAccord is set to take place on Monday 6 May 2019 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland, Australia.

Running for a full-day for the first time, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said:

“Hosting SportAccord in Gold Coast has presented a wide variety of conference opportunities for the LawAccord programme this year. With so many influencers and stakeholders in the region, it was felt that a full-day’s conference followed by a networking cocktail, would give delegates more news and current thinking, and provide the perfect platform to discuss the day’s business and insights in welcoming surroundings.”

LawAccord is of particular interest to sport lawyers and administrators, international federations, cities and regions, as well as event hosts. Organisations and legal experts can register for SportAccord here and benefit from all the networking opportunities on offer.

Francesco Ricci Bitti, Acting-President of SportAccord and President of ASOIF will provide the welcome introduction and opening for LawAccord.

The Morning Keynote: Why Good Governance is Crucial to Sport Organisations will be presented by Malcolm Speed AO, former CEO of Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council. Speed is the Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University and Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Law at Melbourne University. A panel session discussing good governance will follow, led and moderated by Michael Lenard, Vice President, ICAS.

Other conference and panel sessions will cover: the fight against match-fixing; how to manage the emergence of rival leagues/competitions and other legal considerations supported by case studies; the annual CAS Update. A Fireside Chat with Sir Craig Reedie will also take place followed by an anti-doping panel session.

Commenting on the significance of this year’s LawAccord programme, Ross Wenzel, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard, and a LawAccord Steering Committee member commented:

“Kellerhals Carrard is delighted to be involved in putting together this year’s edition of LawAccord taking place at SportAccord 2019 in Gold Coast. The program addresses some of the most topical and significant issues that are affecting international sport today including the practical aspects of governance reforms, how to deal with the emergence of rival leagues and the changing landscape of the fight against doping in sport.

“We have been fortunate enough to line up world-class speakers, both from Australia and abroad, with hands-on experience of the regulation and administration of sport. These include the lawyers that led the FIFA and IAAF governance reforms, Sir Craig Reedie, President of WADA, Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the newly-formed International Testing Agency and Matthieu Reeb, Secretary General of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“In view of the quality of the program and speakers, the Steering Committee took the decision to extend LawAccord to a full day with a networking cocktail to follow, giving attendees further opportunities to make the most of their time at SportAccord. We are looking forward to a lively, frank and multi-faceted debate around some of the key challenges facing sport.

As part of the Official Schedule, delegates will be able to take part in over 20 networking events, the popular 3-day Exhibition, and access 50+ conference sessions, become involved in the Sports Festival and many other social occasions taking place in Gold Coast, with plenty of opportunities to explore this beautiful region further.

To become an Exhibitor or Partner contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070. To register as a delegate and watch past SportAccord footage visit www.sportaccord.sport.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

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

SportAccord

SportAccord brings together international sports federations and organisations involved in the business of sport. The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global sports community. It engages international sports federations, athletes, industry, rights holders, organising committees, cities, government, agencies, media, technology, legal teams, medical professionals, inventors, and subject matter experts – represented at the highest levels.

SportAccord is the only global sports business event attended by all the international sports federations and their stakeholders, who host their Annual General Assemblies during SportAccord.

These stakeholders include: ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and Associate Members. SportAccord receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

Follow #SA2019 and #SA2020 on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr       

LawAccord

The Steering Committee for this year’s LawAccord conference programme are:

David Casserly, Barrister, Attorney-at-law, Partner, Kellerhals Carrard

John Hewitt, Event Operations Manager, Communications, SportAccord

Michael Lenard, Vice President, ICAS

Stephen Townley, Founder, Active Rights Management Limited

Ross Wenzel, Partner, Solicitor of Senior Courts of England & Wales, Kellerhals Carrard

With the Enlarged Steering Committee consisting of:

Hayden Opie AM, Senior Fellow (Melbourne Law Masters), University of Melbourne

Malcolm Speed AO, former CEO of Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council, Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University, Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Law at Melbourne University

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to welcome Sport Event Denmark as the first Gold Partner for the 17^th edition of SportAccord taking place in Gold Coast, Australia from 5 – 10 May 2019. Denmark is one of the leading nations when it comes to hosting major international sports events, and the city of Aarhus was also European Capital of Culture in 2017, hosting hundreds of spectacular events along with 18 other municipalities in the region.

Investing in SportAccord has always been part of Sport Event Denmark’s strategy as a hosting nation.

“Sport Event Denmark has once again extended its Gold Partnership because we see SportAccord as the major networking opportunity internationally and we bring valuable insights home each year.

“SportAccord 2019 will be our 9^th time as Gold Partner.” said Lars Lundov, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Event Denmark.

SportAccord partnerships enable organisations to showcase their capabilities as a hosting nation, region and city for international events, and connect with key stakeholders and sporting leaders involved in the business of sport.

Commenting on the longevity of the partnership, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said:

“Sport Event Denmark has been a tremendous supporter and partner of SportAccord since its inception in 2003 and were also SportAccord co-hosts with the City of Aarhus in 2017.

“It goes without saying, this partnership is extremely important to SportAccord and we thank them for their continued support and loyalty as we head towards the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord in May.”

With 9 major sporting events coming up in 2019 including the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, CycloCross World Championships, World Women’s Curling Championship, and Junior World Orienteering Championships to name a few, sports fans and visitors to Denmark will have much to look forward to this year.

Organisations involved in the business of sport who wish to attend SportAccord should register for the Gold Coast edition which entitles them to take advantage of the many networking opportunities on offer.

As part of the Official Schedule, delegates will be able to enjoy over 20 networking events and the popular 3-day Exhibition, have access to 50+ conference sessions and the Sports Festival, taking place at the outstanding Gold Coast Conference and Exhibition Centre situated close to Queensland’s stunning coastline.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.