SportAccord - Host City

Sports experts focus on maximising athlete performance at HealthAccord 2019

HealthAccord was launched in Bangkok, Thailand in 2018

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord 2019 is delighted to confirm its HealthAccord conference: The Power of Sport – The Power to Change will take place on Tuesday 7 May 2019 from 09:00-12:30. This follows its successful launch at the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in Bangkok, Thailand this year.

Prof. Margo Mountjoy, Co-Chair for HealthAccord commented on the benefits gained for delegates attending the conference:

“HealthAccord 2019 is a great opportunity for SportAccord participants to learn from healthcare professionals and technology experts on topics that are relevant for all sports: athlete mental health, nutritional supplements, technological monitoring of athlete injuries and wearable sensors in sport.

Learning how to enhance your athletes’ health will ultimately result in improvements in sport performance. We are excited to bring the latest evidence in science and technology to Gold Coast to help you improve your game!”

This year’s action-packed conference will cover a number of topics including a panel session on mental health in relation to athletes and society. 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. Panelists will also share practical tools and takeaways to help international federations tackle issues and break down barriers to treatment.

Giving her perspective on athlete mental health, panelist Kathy Martin, Senior Director, Athlete Assistance, Women’s Tennis Association said:

“The HealthAccord conference promises to deliver innovative and practical information for SportAccord attendees. Learn from experts in the field, get tips and takeaways gleaned from work with elite athletes on and off the field of play. Apply these ideas to your own sport to enhance your athletes’ health and performance.

It is an honour to present at HealthAccord and to be among professionals who desire to help athletes from all disciplines to thrive competitively, physically, mentally and emotionally. Let’s play!”

Co-Chairs leading the HealthAccord conference programme are: Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President, FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) & Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission – Medical and Scientific Group; and Prof. Margo Mountjoy, Chair, ASOIF Medical + Scientific Consultative Group, IOC Medical + Scientific Commission-Games Group FINA Bureau.

Organisations involved in the business of sport who wish to attend HealthAccord should register for the Gold Coast edition which entitles them to join the entire conference programme and take advantage of all the opportunities on offer.

As part of the Official Schedule, delegates will be able to enjoy over 20 networking events, a popular 3-day Exhibition and Sports Festival taking place in 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.

Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister to Welcome Delegates to CityAccord 2019

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to unveil its Gold Coast CityAccord conference programme: Mindful Event Hosting – Respecting the Past with a View to the Future. 
CityAccord is aimed at multiple event stakeholders including cities and regions, sponsors, international federations, organising committees, as well as industry. 
Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones will welcome delegates to CityAccord and commented why CityAccord would be an important part of SportAccord 2019 on the Gold Coast of Queensland.
“As the keynote speaker at CityAccord 2018 in Bangkok I know the importance of the conference and the opportunity it provides to speak directly to delegates.
“We are excited to host numerous great cities from around the world here on the Gold Coast in 2019 and look forward to sharing our experiences and expertise from developing Australia’s best events calendar and of course from hosting the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
The CityAccord conference will include panel sessions covering: Innovative City/Event Ticketing Approaches and Sport Destination Cities Branding – What Works?! with Q&As following each session.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said:
“CityAccord is always a popular event at SportAccord and attended by organisations who have a vested interest in sport. This year’s CityAccord conference programme promises to deliver some innovative ideas on increasing revenue streams, including how to capitalise on secondary ticket sales, as well as make the most of the myriad opportunities available to a city when hosting an elite sports event.
“It goes without saying, hosting SportAccord in Gold Coast is a great opportunity for organisations to learn how much Queensland has to offer.”
This year’s Co-Chairs for CityAccord are Mélanie Duparc, Secretary General, World Union of Olympic Cities, and David Simon, President of the Los Angeles Sports Council.
The Gold Coast edition of SportAccord will host over 50 conference sessions with around 100 international speakers and panellists taking part. The five conference streams include: The Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord, and HealthAccord.
 

Regional SportAccord to launch in Pan America

[Source: SportAccord] The 3-day event will enable international sports federations to gather with key players and stakeholders from the Pan American region to further develop their sport. The event will run from 10-12 December 2019 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Stacy Ritter, President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau said:

“It is a privilege and honor to be the host destination of the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America conference to be held on the sunny shores of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

“It is an invaluable opportunity to provide an educational platform for the Americas continent with a business, professional, governmental and altruistic interest in how Olympic and non-Olympic sports function at the international level; while providing marketing opportunities to the future growth of sports in the Americas.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America is aimed at cities and regions, sports commissions, as well as industry sectors involved in marketing and sponsorship, media rights, finance, education and sports equipment manufacturers to name a few – represented at the highest levels.

Speaking about the new regional event, Francesco Ricci Bitti, Executive Committee Member of SportAccord and President of ASOIF said:

“The Regional SportAccord will bring a variety of prominent leaders in the world of sport together to form a platform that will enable Pan American delegates to gain a global perspective from the Olympic and non-Olympic movement.”

“Regional SportAccord provides the ideal platform to exchange practical ideas and helps to shape the future of sport. Being able to discuss challenges with leading experts, meet and network with key players, have direct access to conference presenters and get a deeper understanding of the trends that will affect sport in the years to come - all under one roof.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America will stage a conference and 2-day exhibition and host a variety of social events giving delegates many occasions to network and build relationships in one location.

Exclusive commercial partnerships are available for organisations who want to raise their visibility and presence at this inaugural event.

Stephan Fox, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) and Vice President of GAISF said:

“The concept is a fantastic opportunity for international sports federations to grow their sport at national and grassroots levels, in regions that they may not be familiar with.

“This high-level gathering helps the international sports federations to link-up with key-players in Pan America who want to further develop the business of sport in the region and host international events. This is an exciting time for sport and these ambitions provide new opportunities and experiences for the sports community and Pan American citizens.”

Beijing Confirmed as Host City for SportAccord 2020

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to announce Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic of China, as Host City for the 18th edition of SportAccord which is set to take place from 19 – 24 April 2020. One of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing is the nation’s economic, political and cultural centre. It serves as the main transportation hub for Northern China with frequent flights and an excellent infrastructure, making it easy for delegates to reach Beijing.

Mr. Chen Jining, Mayor of Beijing and Executive President of Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games said: “Hosting the 2020 SportAccord Convention will promote the sports development in Beijing and China at large, further Beijing’s exchanges and cooperation with the international sports community, boost the preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and contribute to the development of world sports.

“SportAccord shows its trust for my city by hosting 2020 SportAccord Convention in Beijing. We will fully explore the strengths of the city and deepen cooperation with the SportAccord and International Sports Federations to ensure the Convention is a fruitful event.”

With many high-profile events on the horizon such as the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Beijing is the perfect host city for SportAccord at this time.

Returning to China, Francesco Ricci Bitti, Executive Committee Member of SportAccord commented: “Coming back to Beijing after a period of 12 years is a very exciting prospect for SportAccord and the international sports federations. The global sports landscape has experienced extraordinary change since 2007. Technologies and social media have helped to transform the business of sport and it has never been easier to reach billions of fans – in seconds.”

According to a recent Mintel Report (4 July 2018), China’s sports participation market is fast-growing and estimated to have reached RMB 109.8 billion in 2017, with a year-on-year growth rate of 14.2%. The market is forecast to reach RMB 207.5 billion in 2022.

Ricci Bitti went on to say: “Consumer interest for sport in China continues to grow rapidly. Needless to say, the commercial opportunities in every channel are vast – for stakeholders, fan engagement, media and much more. Hosting SportAccord 2020 in Beijing could not come at a better time.”

A 6-day event, the World Sport & Business Summit is the leading platform for key decision-makers in sport and industry to meet, network and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas.

SportAccord is also host to annual general meetings of key governing bodies including ASOIF, AOIWF, ARISF, AIMS, and GAISF providing unique opportunities for delegates.

SportAccord comprises: a 3-day exhibition; a varied conference programme to include the Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord; a Sports Festival; and over 20 key social events, which form part of the SportAccord Official Programme.

SportAccord 2019 exhibitor sales now open for Gold Coast Australia edition

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord has officially opened its doors for organisations involved in the business of sport to book exhibition space at its Gold Coast edition of SportAccord set to take place from 5 – 10 May 2019.
SportAccord will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with over 1,500 delegates expected to attend.
The event offers a unique and exclusive networking environment for organisations involved in the business of sport. It is the only annual event of its kind where all international sports federations are present with over 90% of the delegation comprising the key decision-makers in sport.
Outlining some of the principal benefits of becoming an Exhibitor and Silver Partner of SportAccord, Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “SportAccord is an extremely valuable event for EventScotland and for the Scottish events industry as a whole as it provides us with the opportunity to showcase our capability and capacity as a host of major international events. 
“Scotland’s world-class portfolio of international events wouldn’t be possible without SportAccord as over the years it has allowed us to foster strong relationships with the governing bodies and industry professionals who attend. Just recently we secured the hosting rights to the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2022, which came as a direct result from a meeting with the International Orienteering Federation at SportAccord in 2017. It is these results that ensures our annual attendance at SportAccord and why we choose to be a Silver Partner of the event.”   
Previous editions of SportAccord have demonstrated why many organisations choose to invest as an exhibitor:
•    Year-on-year exhibition booths are a runaway success and sell-out early
•    Over 40% of exhibitors are cities and regions 
•    Last year’s new exhibition layout proved so popular in driving delegate traffic throughout the exhibition hall, it will be repeated with additional enhancements for SportAccord 2019
•    The stunning exhibition hall will host three feature zones providing excellent networking facilities for delegates
•    The ever-popular SportAccord Café at the heart of the exhibition hall, where delegate luncheons are also served, will be bigger than ever 
•    A Speaker Hub within the exhibition space – a new feature for Gold Coast – will give delegates the opportunity to interact with speakers post conference sessions
•    Delegates will pass through the exhibition hall to access conference rooms located on the same level
Entry-level booths for SportAccord will start at 6m² and include 3 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, furniture, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet. Visit the website to view the SportAccord exhibition interactive floor plan.
 

Blockchain expert Oliver Bussmann to deliver keynote at International Federation (IF) Forum 2018

[Source: SportAccord] Blockchain expert Oliver T Bussmann, CEO and Founder of Bussmann Advisory AG will deliver this year’s Keynote for the International Federation (IF) Forum due to take place from 5 – 7 November 2018 at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The theme for the 12th edition of the IF Forum organised by SportAccord is entitled: Open Doors and Open Minds – New Tools for IFs. Delegates representing more than 100 international sports federations, associates and observer members from the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) will benefit from the insights shared by leading experts on subject matter such as cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Keynote speaker, Oliver Bussmann, also President of Crypto Valley Association and Former Group Chief Information Officer for UBS and SAP commented:

“Blockchain technology is a game changer and holds many possibilities for the world of sport. Entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike have started to explore potential use cases, looking into opportunities to crowdfund athletes with potential, track athlete performance and ways to boost fan engagement.”

In his keynote, Bussmann will share a brief introduction to blockchain technology and market trends, and highlight the potential for blockchain in sport with case study examples.

Further IF Forum conference and panel sessions will cover:

  • The ever-changing global landscape and its impact on sport
  • 5G in live sports broadcasting: how 5G technologies are expected to transform production and distribution
  • Event/Ticketing Pricing - Marketplace Trends and Success Stories
  • AI, Robotics, Facial Recognition - Changing how events are delivered and who helps deliver them!

The IF Forum provides a platform for international sports federations (both Olympic and non-Olympic) to tackle global matters related to the Sports Movement. The annual 3-day gathering is also limited to a small number of industry partners and gives them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement. This year’s industry partners are Eurosport, Guadalajara, JLT, Sports Nevada USA and Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Deportivo.

The IF Forum also receives the support of longstanding Host City Partners Lausanne and the Canton de Vaud, as well as the International Olympic Committee.

The final day of the IF Forum will include an eSports Workshop hosted by GAISF and the International Olympic Committee. For further details on the IF Forum visit: https://www.sportaccord.sport/if-forum

IOC must watch the size of the Games

After two successive Olympic bidding contests in which the number of cities in the race fell to just two, the head of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) says hard work is needed to make it more appealing to host the Games.

The IOC’s 2022 and 2024 bid races were blighted with cities dropping out – some due to defeats in referendums – resulting in Beijing beating Almaty to win hosting rights for the Winter Olympics and the double awarding of the next two summer Games to Paris and Los Angeles.

Ricci Bitti acknowledged the growing problems in perceptions of Olympic Games costs and a that there is a “trend” for taxpayers’ to withdraw from the prospect of paying the millions and billions of dollars perceived to be necessary to bid for and stage the IOC’s showpiece.

“People don’t get it immediately with a big event. They prefer that public authorities invest in something else,” he said.

“So we have to do a big effort in communication. I joke that we have a very rich product in the Olympic Games – that no one wants. We have to work on that.

“There are three big factors to try to solve this problem. To change the bid procedures… and the IOC is working very hard on that, to work and interact in the invitation phase. Secondly, the vision to reduce the cost of the Games. The president of the IOC has given a target to reduce $1bn in the cost of the summer games, $500,000 for winter.

“The third one is not on the table at the moment but should be in the near future – to monitor the size of the Games. I was in Gold Coast at the Commonwealth Games and you see that the size is more manageable.

“I think the model of the Games has to be considered very soon because the Olympics is getting very big.”

But this will be some way off, following the increase in the number of sports from 28 to 33 for the Tokyo Olympics. While the IOC continues to revamp the Olympic bidding concept, Ricci Bitti and ASOIF are getting down to the business of helping 2020 Games organisers deliver successful sports competitions.

This article, based on an exclusive interview by Host City at SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, was first published in the Summer edition of Host City magazine

SportAccord 2019 registration opens for Gold Coast Australia

A vibrant coastal city and recent host to the Commonwealth Games, SportAccord 2019 will take place at the world-class Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with over 1,500 delegates expected to attend.

To register for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit and take advantage of the registration opening rate (CHF 1,500) available for a limited period only, visit www.sportaccord.sport.

Commenting on SportAccord 2019, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said:

“We are delighted to be in Gold Coast, Queensland for the next edition of SportAccord. The World Sport & Business Summit brings important opportunities and unique networking experiences to any organisation involved in the business of sport, particularly as it is the only global event with all the key players from the Olympic and non-Olympic movement present.

“Following the recent SportAccord team visit to Gold Coast, strong commitment from the Local Organising Committee and the award-winning venue team is very apparent. Together, we are confident the next edition of SportAccord will be a great success and bring significant opportunities to delegates, the region and Australasia, as well as to the sports business community worldwide.”

Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said she was looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Gold Coast. “Hosting SportAccord is a great opportunity to show the world why the Gold Coast is now renowned as a hub for major events.

“While they’re here, delegates will enjoy the world-class tourism experiences on the Gold Coast – from our famous beaches and surf breaks, to our lush hinterland, food and wine experiences, theme parks and local hospitality.

“We’re working hard to make the most of the Commonwealth Games to ensure this event continues to deliver a great legacy for Queensland and we look forward to discussing new opportunities to secure international sporting events for Queensland.”

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) offers magnificent, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and large spacious foyers showcasing 180-degree views of the Broadbeach skyline. However, it is the venue team’s ‘can-do’ approach, professional service and attention to detail that really sets the GCCEC apart and will help to make each and every delegate experience unique and memorable.

With an abundance of stunning exhibition space, businesses looking to raise their visibility and showcase their organisation, launch a new product or service during SportAccord, will be able to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. For further details and to secure premium exhibition space, make early contact with sales@sportaccord.com as booths always sell out quickly.

SportAccord 2019 will host over 50 conference sessions with around 100 international speakers and panellists taking part. The five conference streams include: The Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord, and HealthAccord.

The World Sport and Business Summit will also offer a varied and exciting social programme to suit every delegate with plenty of opportunity to network outside formal surroundings. This includes the daily Exhibition Luncheons and Evening Cocktails, After Hours Bar, Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, bringing a sense of occasion and cultural flavour to the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord.

This year SportAccord is delighted to confirm oneworld® as the Official Airline Alliance partner enabling delegates to enjoy reduced airfares with thirteen carriers for flights to Brisbane (BNE)/Gold Coast (OOL).

The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support SportAccord 2019 which features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar. Your perfect next event is in Queensland where live events combine with the most incredible destinations, and life is beautiful one day, perfect the next.

 

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

Eurosport, JLT And Sports Nevada USA confirmed as commercial partners for International Federation (IF) Forum 2018

[Source: SportAccord] The 12th International Federation (IF) Forum organised by SportAccord today confirmed partnerships with Eurosport, JLT and Sports Nevada USA. The IF Forum is set to take place from 5-7 November 2018 when more than 100 international sports federations, associates and observer members from GAISF will gather at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The IF Forum provides a platform for GAISF members (both Olympic and non-Olympic) to tackle global matters related to the Sports Movement. The annual 3-day gathering is also limited to a small number of industry partners and gives them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement.

Eurosport is one of the top sport destination broadcasters and this includes the Olympics in Europe. Eurosport channels reach more than 242 million cumulative subscribers across 75 countries worldwide. Its online sports news website Eurosport.com sees around 42 million users per month and along with the Eurosport app, enables fans to watch Eurosport anytime, live or on demand, via its digital streaming service the Eurosport Player.

This year sees JLT as an IF Forum industry partner for the 8th year running. They specialise in risk and insurance services to the sports industry and have worked with the international federations (IFs) since 1980. JLT offers a number of bespoke products specifically designed for IFs such as broad coverage, risk and insurance advice including arrangements, as well as liability claims for significant events.

Sports Nevada USA promotes the State of Nevada (USA) as an elite sports competition and event destination, and nurtures the Olympic Movement statewide. Sports Nevada USA hosts, facilitates, and supports such activities to further its mission, partnering with tourism agencies in Reno-Tahoe and Las Vegas including the Boyd Gaming resorts.

Commenting on the IF Forum partnerships, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “We are delighted to have JLT and Sports Nevada USA with us again. Their commitment demonstrates the value a partnership brings by being involved in a high-profile event. We are also pleased to welcome Eurosport into the fold for the 2018 edition.

“This year’s IF Forum should be an extremely interesting three days of discussion, debate, and insights into what the future holds for international sports federations and the wider global sport community.”

 

Limited partnerships are available and partners have access to the official schedule which includes: entry to all conference and panel sessions, workshops; VIP functions and social events; and the opportunity to deliver a presentation as part of the conference programme.

SportAccord unveils new ‘DotSport’ domain – sportaccord.sport

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord today announced it has been awarded exclusive use of the ‘DotSport’ domain extension ‘sportaccord.sport’ following the successful launch of the new .sport digital ecosystem, managed and delivered by GAISF.
A .sport domain name is seen as a positive endorsement of any organisation operating in the world of sport. GAISF’s ownership of the domain protects the integrity of .sport by ensuring that only properly qualified organisations and individuals can use it. These include sports governing bodies to events, companies and clubs.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord, World Sport & Business Summit commented:
“We are delighted to take advantage of this new opportunity and have applied the SportAccord.sport domain extension to key digital platforms and collateral. This will further help to enhance the SportAccord brand across the global sports and business sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this community-led initiative and fully support the values, culture and principles it represents for sport.”
SportAccord joins other organisations who have been awarded the .sport extension including several of the international sports federations, Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games and the
International Testing Agency.
GAISF Head of Digital Pierre Germeau said:
“This digital transformation is proving to be a game-changer, not just for IFs but for all reputable sports stakeholders that work hard to promote the best image of sport. Each domain offers stakeholders a significant and respected online presence, tailored specifically to their individual needs.”
SportAccord is host to the annual general assemblies and official meetings for event stakeholders, with representation from all the GAISF international sports federations, associates and observers in attendance.

SportAccord 2019 will take place in Gold Coast, Australia from 5-10 May 2019 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and will welcome the sporting business community for the 17th edition of the World Sport & Business Summit.

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