[Source: SportAccord] The Summit conference programme at the SportAccord 2020 World Sport & Business Summit will focus on the theme of ‘Breaking Down Barriers in the Ever-Expanding World of Sport’, offering organisations that are seeking to expand their footprint in Asia a chance to learn from the sector’s most influential figures.

With sport’s No.1 global gathering taking place from 19-24 April 2020 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, China, numerous big-name speakers from the host country are being lined up to provide unmissable insights on the Summit conference programme.

John Sun, the CEO of Alibaba Group-owned AGTech – an integrated technology and services company engaged in the lottery, mobile games and entertainment market with a focus on China and selected international markets – is the first speaker to be unveiled for the Summit. During the Summit conference on Wednesday, 22 April, Sun will provide a technology update from the heart of an ever-changing industry, while several other conference sessions will give delegates the inside track on making an impact in China and across the continent.

Reflecting on the session, Sun said: “I am honored to be invited by SportAccord, a not-for profit global organisation that is focused on driving positive change internationally. AGTech shares common value and vision, a commitment to social and corporate responsibility, and to be recognized as a global leader in supporting our stakeholders, partners, & athletes to achieve their dreams in the sports community.”

Technology plays a key role in the evolution of sports. We have seen the long-awaited legalization of sports betting in the United States, nano-chips embedded as wearable device to enhance biometric analysis, and we are witnessing an exciting era where technology, driven by data, is evolving around individuals. AGTech’s focus in utilising data to transform the traditional lottery business, supporting 400,000 shop owners to run a more intelligent lottery business; supporting sports IP development through effective commercialization; engaging millions to the national fitness campaign, and most importantly motivating our future generation to live happy and healthy.

We share Alibaba’s mission “To make it easy to do business anywhere in the digital era”. AGTech will continue to influence through lottery and gaming to propel sports communities towards digitalization and intelligence, and most importantly, to make technology more enjoyable.”

The morning after the Summit conference sessions, Sun will be among the hosts of a number of Hub Breakout Sessions on Thursday, 23 April, giving delegates the opportunity to engage with expert speakers and gain valuable insights about the topics discussed the previous day on a personal basis in a relaxed, roundtable setting.

With SportAccord lining up further speaker announcements in the coming weeks, the Summit will feature a Keynote Address on China’s role in the ever-expanding world of sport, as well as a plenary panel session on future trends and their impact on sport and business internationally and within Asia. There will also be sessions dedicated to exploring the ultimate fan engagement tools and the social media landscape within Asia – and specifically how to identify, reach and engage with fans in an evolving landscape.

A new approach to commercial partnerships, including those in Asia, will also come under the microscope, while further sessions will explore crowdfunding and supporting athletes through technology and esports growth in Asia.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “We are thrilled with the calibre of speakers that will participate in the Summit conference at SportAccord, with more big names coming in the next couple weeks. Prestigious speakers like John Sun will undoubtedly provide crucial learnings for any delegates who want to make a greater impact across China and Asia as a whole.

“The Hub Breakout Sessions are an excellent engagement tool, and we are delighted that Mr. Sun, as well as a number of other leading decision-makers who are experts in their field, will follow up their sessions during the Summit by providing delegates with the opportunity to engage with them on a more personal basis.”

The SportAccord Summit will run alongside four other dedicated conference streams: LawAccord, CityAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord, against the backdrop of a bustling exhibition, high-level meetings and a host of social gatherings to enable networking in a relaxed environment.

Click here to register as a delegate and here to find out more information about attending.

To find out about becoming an official partner or exhibitor, contact sales@sportaccord.sport.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2020, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook. For media enquiries, email media@sportaccord.sport.

[Source: SportAccord] Strong support from international sport federations keen to explore opportunities in the Americas have signed up for the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 from 10-12 December in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

International sport federations from the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as ambitious international sport federations that are seeking Olympic recognition, will converge on the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center to connect with cities and regions, sports commissions, sports ministries, rights-holders, commercial entities and agencies.

Among the high-profile Olympic international sport federations to have confirmed their attendance are the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF), International Curling Federation (WCF), International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), International Judo Federation (IJF), International Ski Federation (FIS), International Tennis Federation (ITF), International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and World Rugby.

Numerous members and representatives of ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) will be present, as well as 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.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, ARISF, GAISF and SportAccord, said: “For any proactive sports commissions, cities, regions and national organisations in North, South and Central America that have ambitions of hosting international events and developing their sport at an international scale. It is clear that Regional SportAccord will be a must-attend event, as there is simply no other gathering that will bring together so many stakeholders of the international sporting community with representatives of the business of sport in the Americas.”

Attendees will also include the international sport federations of Aikido (IAF), Amateur Sports (CSIT), American Football (IFAF), Armwrestling (WAF), Association (WAKO), Basque Pelota (FIPV), Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), Boules (CMSB), Bowling (World Bowling), Bridge (WBF), Cheer (ICU), Chess (FIDE), Cricket (ICC), Dodgeball (WDA), Dragon Boat (IDBF), Fistball (IFA), Floorball (IFF), Flying Disc (WFDF), Footgolf (FIFG), Ju-Jitsu (JJIF), Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL), Lacrosse (World Lacrosse), Life Saving (ILS), Masters Games (IMGA), Match Poker (IFMP), Military Sports (CISM), Minigolf (WMF), Muaythai (IFMA), Netball (INF), Orienteering (IOF), Powerboating (UIM), Racquetball (IRF), Sambo (FIAS), Sleddog (IFSS), Sport Chiropractic (FICS), Sport Climbing (IFSC), Sport Fishing (CIPS), Squash (WSF), Table Soccer (ITSF), Waterski & Wakeboard (IWWF) and World Olympians (WOA) with more to follow.

Jim Scherr, Chief Executive, World Lacrosse, added: “Lacrosse already has a firm foothold in the Americas, but we are always keen to investigate new openings for expansion in this exciting region, which is home to one billion-plus inhabitants, and we are looking forward to connecting with like-minded organisations in Florida.

“The fact that so many stakeholders of the international sporting community have committed to this ground-breaking event with three months still to go underlines the significant interest from international sports federations and sports organisations in exploring this gateway to the Americas.”

Numerous executives and officials from international sports federations will also participate in the event’s conference programme, with esports, governance and rebranding strategies, protecting athletes and social responsibility among the key topics under a theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’.

Click here to register for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO. For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

Host City is the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, staged since 2015 in Glasgow where the world class conference and exhibition grows every year.

“Glasgow is incredibly proud to have been partners with Host City from the start,” says Aileen Crawford, ICCA Board Member and Head of Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau. “We look forward to the 2019 programme continuing the conversations and promoting best practice in the sector across the globe. Host City creates a special platform for discussion and collaboration and we are proud to be hosts of Host City 2019!”

The cost and benefits of hosting major sports events are widely discussed, but what is less well understood is the impact of business events. We asked Crawford why Glasgow is so focussed on generating a busy programme of business events.

“Glasgow Convention Bureau recognises that conferences are a vehicle for social and economic change,” she says.

“This benefit is not just economic; although the boost to the economy that comes from delegate spend is important, so too is the opportunity for local businesses to engage with a new audience and the benefit that comes to the academic community to raise their international profile among their peers.

“Glasgow recognises the importance the location plays in creating a positive environment for business to develop and the benefit the destination gains from the conference coming to our city.

 “Conferences bring the world’s best minds to the destination, aiding progress and advancing the future of the sector through meetings.

Secrets of success

One such academic event bringing the best minds to Glasgow is the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology (ESTRO) Congress, whose Head of Innovation, Sven Bossu, is speaking at Host City 2019. The former Head of Sibos shares some advice for event owners looking to expand their properties.

“The key challenge is to have a clear view on the continuously changing expectations of the different audiences you serve – and adapting your value proposal accordingly,” he told Host City.

“When it comes to ESTRO, one of the key changes we’re currently implementing is to engage much more with the local community  and to actually co-create a project which has a tangible impact on cancer patients in the region the Congress will take place.

“This is not only in line with ESTRO’s mission, but it also creates a situation whereby the engagement with the community goes far beyond the five days of the event and whereby a tangible legacy is created.”

Event hosts also have their own secrets to success. Crawford shares a few of Glasgow’s with Host City.

“Glasgow is a successful and well-established business events city, welcoming more international delegates than any other UK city outside London,” she says.

“The city offers a wealth of free services to support conference organisers through the award-winning Glasgow Convention Bureau, making hosting a conference in the city an enjoyable and memorable experience. Glasgow is a city that understand Business Events, where the city partners, from the venues, academic institutions, hotel community and suppliers work together, focusing on the success of the meeting.

“Outside the business activities, Glasgow is a welcoming, vibrant and cultural city that offers a variety of engaging social venues that create a suitable back-drop for delegates to network. As the Gateway to Scotland, those delegates wishing to arrive early, or stay late can explore the ‘World’s Friendliest City’ in one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Countries’ (Rough Guides).”

Digital development

Digitalisation has indescribably transformed the ways in which people can connect and communicate with one another. Host City asked Bossu if he could envisage a time when digital communications replace face-to-face meetings.

“To be clear: digital will not replace face-to-face meeting,” he said. “However, digital offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance the customer experience – both before, during and after the event.

“Here are some basic examples: webinars will enable delegates to attain the same knowledge level before going to the event (allowing for better discussions); networking tools will allow delegates to connect more easily during the event (it is not always easy to connect with somebody in a 6,500 meeting!); and individualised outcome reports based on the behaviour of the delegate (which sessions did she/he attend, how does this link to his professional profile) allow the engagement to continue after the event.

Bossu is also looking forward to Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. “Personally, I’m really looking forward to hearing how meeting professionals from outside my knowledge zone are dealing with the same challenges I’m facing. And most importantly: looking forward to meeting lots of meeting aficionados.”

Host City 2019 takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow on 26-27 November. Register here today.

[Source: SportAccord] Olympians Danka Barteková and Virginie Faivre will bring the vital perspectives of athletes to the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019 after being announced as speakers at the annual three-day gathering in Lausanne.

The pair will offer valuable insights into the lives of elite athletes under the IF Forum 2019’s umbrella theme of ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ at the event, which will take place from 28-30 October 2019 and is organised by SportAccord for GAISF members and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Slovak skeet shooter Barteková is the IOC Athletes' Commission Vice Chair, while Swiss freestyle skier Faivre is the President of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 Organising Committee.

Faivre, a three-time FIS (International Ski Federation) world champion in halfpipe, will give the Keynote Address on the opening day of the IF Forum 2019 on Monday, 28 October. The opening day’s Welcome Session will also include input from IOC President Thomas Bach and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor, Department of Economy & Sport, Canton of Vaud. Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, will deliver the Opening Address.

Barteková, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and has recorded some impressive results in 2019, will take part in a Fireside Chat entitled ‘The Athlete’s Perspective’ on Tuesday, 29 October.

With ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ as the event’s focus, safeguarding athletes, athlete welfare, future financial wellbeing, protecting clean athletes and strengthening athletes’ voices will be among the topics under discussion during the Sessions, Workshops, Keynotes, Scene Setters and Fireside Chats.

Faivre said: “It is so important to involve athletes in strategic discussions and I applaud all IFs and administrators who are getting athletes involved and including their feedback in the heart of their long-term strategies.”

“I look forward to discussing my experiences as an athlete, providing insights from my days of competitions and particularly highlighting areas which are crucial to athletes, from scheduling, communications and facilities as well as life after competition. In addition, I will also reflect on how we at Lausanne 2020 are looking to put the athlete at the centre of our plans for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020.”

Barteková said: “Good organisation that is focused on athlete welfare makes for better sport and a more entertaining and enticing proposition for fans and other partners.”

The IF Forum 2019 will bring together more than 200 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.

The gathering is limited to a small number of Partners, giving them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement. Presentation slots have been scheduled as part of exclusive rights and benefits available to Partners of the invitation-only event, with numerous other opportunities to engage directly with sport’s decision-makers, including VIP functions and social activities.

With attendance strictly limited to the International Sports Federations and the event’s Partners, delegates will discuss best practice in an intimate and inspirational environment, strengthening links within the global sports family as they gain a greater understanding of their role in supporting athletes and how they can benefit from ‘Athlete Centred Sport’.

To discuss partnership opportunities and take advantage of exclusive access to the IF Forum, contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070.

For further information about the IF Forum, please download the brochure here or visit: https://www.sportaccord.sport/if-forum.

More organisers and owners of the greatest events in the world are joining the world class speaker line up of Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.

They tackle a hard-hitting agenda with topics including sustainability, disruption, gender equality, creating impact, procurement, readiness, fan engagement, titanic disasters and herculean achievements.

New speaker confirmations include IOC Members:

Marisol Casado, President, International Triathlon Union (ITU) and IOC Member

Sir Craig Reedie GBE, President, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and IOC Member

organising/bid committee leaders:

Claude Atcher, CEO, Rugby World Cup France 2023

Markus Stenger, Managing Director, DFB EURO 2024

Roberto Daneo, Coordinator of Milan-Cortina 2026 Candidature File and Games Operations Expert

rights holders of sports, esports, business and cultural events:  

Debbie Jevans CBE, Executive Chair, English Football League

Russell Samuel, VP, Marketing and Creative, Viacom Velocity

Alban Dechelotte, Head of Sponsorships and Business Development EU Esports, Riot Games

Kate Sadleir, General Manager, Women’s Rugby, World Rugby

Michael D'hulst, co-founder and CEO, Super League Triathlon

Signe Lopdrup, CEO, Roskilde Festival Group (or representative)

in addition to world leading experts and service providers:

David de Behr, Head of Sales, Aggreko Event Services

Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate, Sports Ground Safety Authority

Jonathan Gray, Senior Partner, Global Head of Sport and Major Events, Control Risks

David Tunnicliffe, Commercial Director, GL events UK

They join a line-up of great speakers already announced including leaders of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Expo 2020 Dubai, several International Federations and event hosts, with more organising committees to be announced.

Host City is delivered with support from EventScotland, its primary Supporting Partner.

Exhibition stands and delegate passes are selling fast, so register today!

To sponsor or exhibit contact adam.soroka@hostcity.com

For speaking and other enquiries contact ben.avison@hostcity.com

About Host City

Host City Expo & Conference brings together cities and sports, business and cultural events for two full days of unrivalled insight, networking, workshops and business on 26-27 November at the Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow.

This is where representatives of host destinations, federations and other rights holders, organisers, event suppliers and services from all over the world meet to discover opportunities and discuss the challenges of major event hosting. Participants are encouraged to use Host City as a platform to develop, workshop and announce new events, partnerships and formats.

This year’s Strategic Partners include the International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH), the Association of Global Event Suppliers (AGES), the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) and European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA).

Host City is delivered with support from EventScotland, its primary Supporting Partner.

www.hostcity.com

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord has confirmed that esports, governance and rebranding strategies, protecting athletes and social responsibility will be among the key topics on the Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 conference programme.

In announcing the theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’, SportAccord has also revealed several influential decision-makers as speakers at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, from 10-12 December 2019.

More leading sports administrators, business executives and iconic names from the sporting world will be unveiled over the coming weeks as participants in panel sessions, keynote addresses, fireside chats and workshops, ready to offer unique perspectives of the opportunities and challenges in relation to the Pan American region.

The tone of Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will be set by an opening Keynote Address on The Changing Landscape of the International Sports World by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations).

A Panel Session on The Future of International Sports Governance will then feature Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations); Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), Vice President, GAISF; Sarah Lewis OBE, Secretary General, AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations); and Andrew Ryan, Executive Director, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations)  

With the topics of anti-doping and protecting athletes set to be tackled in separate sessions, esports will also come under the spotlight, during a Esports 101 Scene Setter delivered by Vlad Marinescu, Vice President, IESF (International Esport Federation), President, UESF (United States eSports Federation) followed by his participation in a panel session with Philippe Gueisbuhler, Director, GAISF and other industry representatives.

International Sports Federation viewpoints will also be provided by the likes of Marius L. Vizer, President, International Judo Federation (IJF), and Ivo Ferriani, President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and Executive Board Member, International Olympic Committee. Representatives of sports organisations and governing bodies in the Americas will focus on how ‘win-win’ relationships can be nurtured with athletes.

A Panel Session on Social Responsibility in Sport will focus on equality, diversity and inclusion and will be joined by Jason Jenkins, VP Community Relations, Miami Dolphins.

The industry’s sharpest commercial brains will also be on hand to offer advice about rebranding opportunities joined by Jim Scherr, CEO, World Lacrosse, while a workshop will provide ‘Panam Tools for International Federations’.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, said: “As a gateway to the Americas, Regional SportAccord will equip International Sports Federations and sports entities with the knowhow and connections required to engage the region.

“The conference programme theme underlines the importance of the international sports movement working collaboratively to explore new horizons.”

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “The conference programme is at the heart of the drive to connect sport’s key decision-makers and exchange knowledge in the context of Pan America and its vast and varied population of one billion people.

“The theme reflects the inspiration behind the creation of Regional SportAccord and we are thrilled to have secured so many first-class speakers already, with many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will bring together the Pan American, Olympic and non-Olympic communities in one location, with the inaugural event set to attract sports commissions, regional, national and international governing bodies, sports ministries, rights-holders, cities and regions, commercial entities and agencies.

Registration is open for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO.

For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

Can Scotland go Dutch? That’s the question British Cycling Policy Manager, Nick Chamberlin, will put to delegates when he speaks at this year’s National Events Conference on 9th September at Gleneagles Hotel.

Joining a stellar line-up of internationally renowned speakers and presenters, Nick’s presentation, “Let’s change the way we move – Can Scotland go Dutch?” will highlight the unique opportunity available to Scotland in hosting the biggest ever festival of cycle sport: the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Will this ground-breaking major event create the chance for Scotland to follow in the footsteps of Holland and become a cycling nation?

Nick said: “I’m delighted to be speaking at this year’s National Events Conference. In 2023 Scotland will once again welcome the world and deliver another ground-breaking major event, the UCI Cycling World Championships, but does the event offer more than just a great spectator experience? I look forward to discussing with delegates the opportunity for Scotland to follow the example of the Dutch and embrace cycling for everyone and to adopt transport polices to allow short car journeys to be replaced with bikes instead.”

With just under a month to go, Nick is the latest speaker to confirm his attendance at the flagship industry conference for the Scottish events & festivals sector, which will address the theme Embracing Innovation, Delivering Change. Other confirmed keynote speakers include:

• Bruce Dewar, CEO & President Lift Philanthropy Partners
• Dr Beatriz Garcia, Director, Impacts 18 / European Capital of Culture Research Programme
• Helen Marriage MBE, Director, Artichoke
• Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs,
• Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events

There is also a range of breakout sessions with sector experts covering up-to-the-minute topics relevant to the industry, including:

• Events and Sustainability with Jonathan Smith, GEO Foundation Founder & Executive Director and consultant to The Solheim Cup, Dan Withall, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Property Manager, and Lachlan Kirk, Resource Efficient Scotland Implementation Advisor.
• Visitor & Audience Trends with Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland Senior Tourism Insight Manager, and Cimeon Ellerton, The Audience Agency Chief Product Officer
• Broadcast Innovation with Jason Wessely, Sky Sports Golf Executive Producer, Jack McGill, CEO QTV, and Ali Russell, Formula E Director of Media & New Business
• Data Drive Innovation with Joshua Ryan-Saha, University of Edinburgh’s Data Driven Innovation Lead for Tourism & Festivals, Lyndsey Jackson, Deputy CEO Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Oliver Davis, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Head of Marketing & Development, and James McVeigh, Festivals Edinburgh Head of Marketing and Innovation

With the conference taking place alongside the 2019 Solheim Cup - the biggest women’s golf event in the world - conference delegates will have the unique opportunity to go on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour and hear from some of the key people delivering this major international event.

The conference will provide delegates with a first-class opportunity to hear from experts, network with industry peers and share their event experiences, plus enjoy the fabulous surrounds of the Gleneagles resort. As part of the delegate pass, there are free courtesy coaches from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “I’m delighted to have Nick join us at this year’s National Events Conference to share his insights into how Scotland can capitalise on the amazing opportunity the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships presents beyond just delivering a world-class event.

“This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the best yet and to have the opportunity to host it within a major international event is something truly special. With places selling fast, I urge anyone in Scotland’s events and festivals sector who is yet to sign up to do so now. It promises to be a great day filled with lots of helpful information and insight as well as a great opportunity to network with industry peers in the amazing surrounds of Gleneagles Hotel.”

Delegate places cost £145 + VAT and can be paid online or by invoice. With only a few weeks left before registration closes, remaining places are selling fast so make sure you BOOK NOW to secure your spot and preferred breakout choices. Visit www.nationaleventsconference.scot

[Source: EventScotland] BT Sport and Premier Sports presenter, Emma Dodds, is set to host this year’s National Events Conference at Gleneagles Hotel on Monday 9 September, joining a stellar line-up of confirmed speakers and presenters, including Bruce Dewar, Dr Beatriz Garcia and Helen Marriage MBE.

An established sports presenter and media professional who has worked for an array of broadcasters, Emma’s extensive experience across flagship sporting events makes her the ideal host for the Conference, which will take place alongside the world’s greatest women’s golf event – The 2019 Solheim Cup.

Emma’s experience includes the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, Football and Rugby World Cups as well as Golf Majors, Tennis Grand Slams, and the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup.

She said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the 2019 National Events Conference at the world renowned Glenealges Hotel. There is a great line-up of speakers and presenters and sitting alongside The 2019 Solheim Cup, the conference will be a great opportunity to look across the events landscape and see the opportunities and challenges that are facing it. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Designed for those working to create, deliver and support Scotland’s cultural and sporting events, the conference will consider innovation, change, future opportunities and challenges across the sector under the title, Embracing Innovation, Delivering Change.

With over half of the tickets sold, don’t miss this first-class opportunity to hear from industry experts, share your own experiences and meet industry colleagues all the while enjoying the fabulous surroundings of the Gleneagles resort.

For further information, including the full programme of speakers and breakout sessions, and to secure your delegate place NOW please click here.

[Source: ESA] The European Sponsorship Association, the membership body that works to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry across rights holders, brands and agencies, is now accepting entries for its prestigious 2020 ESA Awards.

The Awards will see industry professionals across Europe rewarded for their best-in-class sponsorship campaigns at a glittering ceremony at The Brewery in London on 26th February 2020.

View the full list of categories for 2020.

Andy Westlake, ESA Chairman comments:
“The ESA Awards have always presented us with entries that show us what a dynamic and exciting industry we’re part of – work that continues to innovate, consistently puts great creativity at the heart of the output and with a focus on delivering results. As a result, we see a wide range of campaigns that deserve the highest sponsorship industry recognition. I’m excited to see what this year has in store!”

Jackie Fast, ESA Awards Committee Chairman adds:
“I urge anyone involved with sponsorship to enter the ESA Awards.”

Jackie goes on to explain:
“The ESA Awards are designed for Europeans to benchmark their work, raise their profile, see their world-class campaigns honoured, enjoy celebrating the best of the best at the final ceremony, and, crucially, win business.”

The 2020 ESA Awards rewards successful sponsorship campaigns across all sectors – community, culture, digital, entertainment, media, purpose-led, research and sport – by assessing their business objectives and campaign results. The ESA Awards celebrates great achievement, not just big budgets, ensuring that all campaigns have an equal chance of winning. The early bird deadline for entries closes at midnight on 6th September 2019.

All campaigns receive the same expert critique and are judged purely on merit against a comprehensive criteria-based matrix. Our esteemed judges bring insight, direction and robust evaluation to the judging programme. With a two-stage process of judging – both online and face-to-face – being an ESA Awards judge provides you with the opportunity to both witness and award Europe’s best sponsorship work of 2019.

Anyone interested in being an ESA Awards judge should complete an application by Friday 20th September 2019.

Watch last year’s ceremony and winner interviews and find out more about the 2020 ESA Awards.

 

The European Sponsorship Association is a Strategic Partner of Host City 2019, the largest meetings of cities and sports, business and cultural events, taking place in Glasgow on 26-27 November

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to confirm the International University Sports Federation (FISU) is the first Gold Partner to sign-up for the 18^th edition of SportAccord in China. The next annual SportAccord event is set to take place in Beijing from 19 – 24 April 2020 and organisations can now register and take advantage of the pre early bird rate (CHF1,500) available for a limited period only.

FISU, founded in 1949, organises world-class sports and educational events for university students, promoting the pursuit of excellence in mind and body. These include the Summer and Winter Universiades - the largest global multi-sports events for university athletes.

The 30^th edition of the Summer Universiade (3-14 July 2019) recently took place in Naples to great acclaim. The USA rank top for the number of gold medals won followed by China in the All-Time Summer Universiade Medal Table. Chengdu in China is the host city for the 2021 Summer Universiade, and was officially awarded the 2025 World Games during SportAccord 2019.

Raising the bar and becoming a Gold Partner for the next SportAccord event taking place at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, Paulo Ferreira, Director General for FISU commented:

“SportAccord 2020 in Beijing is set to be a confirmation of just how important China has become to the world of sport. It is a city that FISU has a great affinity for, with the Summer Universiade having been hosted in Beijing in 2001, shortly before the attribution of the 2008 Olympic Games.

“As a SportAccord Gold Partner, FISU is proud to once again help bring international sport’s leadership to one of our favourite places.”  

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “We’re delighted to welcome FISU onboard as a Gold Partner for the first time. Their commitment and investment demonstrate that the SportAccord platform provides excellent visibility for international sports federations, particularly at this level. We very much look forward to working with FISU in the lead-up to SportAccord 2020 in Beijing.”  

Attending SportAccord enables delegates to network with sporting leaders at the highest levels, access an extensive conference programme, and experience the many opportunities on offer in one location, at the world’s leading global sports business event.

To raise visibility still further, organisations can become an official partner or exhibitor and discuss these investment opportunities with sales@sportaccord.sport.

The SportAccord 2019 Review magazine looks back at some of the many highlights that took place across the World Sport & Business Summit in Gold, Australia.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2020, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.