Bangkok to host SportAccord Convention 2018

[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention is delighted to confirm that the ultra-modern city of Bangkok, Thailand will be Host City for the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in 2018 where Muaythai is the national sport. Known as the land of smiles, thanks to the welcoming nature of the people, the Convention is looking forward to returning to South East Asia where there are plans to make the 16^th edition of the SportAccord Convention a family event for delegates and their families.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport.

On becoming Host City to the next SportAccord Convention, H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand said, “We are delighted and honoured to be hosting the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand. We believe our city will provide a wonderful experience for delegates and the sports world who will be able to experience the culture and warm hospitality of the Thai people.”   

The city of Bangkok is served by many of the international airlines with most countries offering direct flights and is also the main hub for South East Asia. A dynamic city, Bangkok is a great city to explore with lots to offer in terms of culture, shopping, and delicious food, all at affordable prices.

For those who are bringing their families, the Convention are planning a strong cultural programme. Families will also have an opportunity to further enjoy their stay in Thailand with vacation packages on offer. For those who would like to experience culture and arts outside the city, delegates can immerse themselves in the north of Thailand, a one hour flight away. For those who would prefer some sea and relaxation, a one-hour flight South will transport you to the stunning beaches and islands. A two-hour drive east or west of Bangkok and you are within easy-reach of the sand and sea.

Commenting on the announcement of next year’s new Host City, Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of SportAccord Convention and ASOIF said:

“It will be a pleasure to bring the 2018 SportAccord Convention to Bangkok, Thailand and I would like to thank the government of Thailand for supporting the Convention which will be the 16^th edition.  I am sure it will embrace all the qualities and opportunities that city and country have to offer. I am confident our collaboration with Bangkok and the government of Thailand will provide an excellent platform for the international sport community to build on the excellent work achieved at past Conventions while more than meeting the needs of our Stakeholders and delegates.”

On Thursday 16 March the UK’s sports industry is teaming up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to take advantage of future global sporting events, taking the success and expertise of the London 2012 Games overseas.

DIT’s annual Global Sports Projects Conference, in London, offers UK companies advice and shared insight into working overseas on sporting projects, and gives tips on best practice, potential pitfalls and the support available.

The UK has long established a worldwide reputation for organising first-class sporting events across the country and overseas. These events have helped to boost economic growth and in 2015, the sport sector contributed £35 billion to the UK economy, increasing by 2.2 per cent since 2014.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “From Wimbledon to the Grand National, the United Kingdom is renowned for its love of sport and we can use our first-class expertise to help deliver of some of the world’s most exciting major sporting events.

“It’s an open goal for UK companies as there is a global demand for UK goods and services across the sporting world. My department is committed to helping businesses realise their exporting potential and we even want more companies to take full advantage of the opportunities that open up to them.”

The UK has a major sports legacy and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is widely recognised as one of the most successful Games in history. By 2020, it’s expected to have contributed between £28 billion and £41 billion to the UK economy.

Since 2012 the UK has successfully staged more than 70 major sporting events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and World Track Championships in 2016. The UK also hosted the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever in 2015.

Last summer, DIT also directly helped over 40 companies secure business in excess of £150 million for Rio 2016. Looking ahead to future events, the UK has also secured the right to host over 20 Olympic and Paralympic events at European or World level, including 15 World and European Championships.

The Global Sports Projects Conference takes place at Plexal on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where more than 140 businesses are expected to attend to hear about their exporting opportunities.

It’s a day of panel discussions, presentations and networking; with DIT offering specialist advice to helping UK companies export to their respective markets.

Businesses will be given expert help to capitalise on export opportunities for major sporting events like the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games and the growing football sector in China and India.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention today announced the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government will be a Gold Partner again for this year’s 15^th edition taking place from 2 – 7 April 2017 in the waterside city of Aarhus Convention Center in Denmark.

Commenting on its Gold Partnership, Mr Pun Weng Kun, President of Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government said, “We are honored to return again as one of the Gold Partners, as we look forward to enhancing Macau’s profile as an active sport city, making contributions to the positive growth and development in the global sport industry and being a significant part of the success of the SportAccord Convention.”

The Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government seeks to promote sport at all levels with athletes and citizens alike. It focuses on creating the necessary conditions for the development of sport and plays an active role between sports associations as well as encouraging citizens to lead a healthy lifestyle, promoting the positive message, “Let’s exercise for our health” as a good habit.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are pleased to welcome Macau for their tenth anniversary year as a Gold Partner. Their strategy and objectives for enabling people to participate in sport from grassroots to elite levels, as well as hosting international sport events, makes Macau a key contender as an international sports destination.” Hatt went on to say, “With interest high for this year’s Convention, as well as Aarhus being on the radar of many organisations around the world as European Capital of Culture for 2017, we’ve seen a sharp rise in registrations to take advantage of this halo.”

Held in a different city every year, the annual SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas. An exclusive 6-day event with 1500 delegates expected to attend in just under 6 weeks, organisations who want to take advantage of the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event and get involved in the business of sport, are registering as exhibitors or delegates daily at www.sportaccordconvention.com.

The SportAccord Convention is also host to annual general meetings of governing bodies, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee, and its 3-day conference programme focused on ‘Innovation In Action’ promises to share cutting edge business ideas and fire the imagination of delegates.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention today provided an update on the Plenary Conference programme ‘Innovation in Action’ including speakers, additional sessions, and partners. SportAccord Convention will be held from 2 – 7 April 2017 at the Scandinavian Center in Aarhus, Denmark, this year’s European Capital of Culture.

With sport being the fastest growing sector in the entertainment industry, it also holds a unique place in the hearts and minds of supporters. Thanks to our Top Media Partner Dow Jones, Tom Glick, CCO of City Football Group will share his insights into how the club has opened the door to innovation, to build loyalty and grow support as well as commercial success, in a scene setter focused on ‘Innovation in the Business of Sport’.

Commenting on the Group’s strategy, Tom Glick said, “At Manchester City and all our City Football Group clubs, we have a passion for innovation and for connecting with our fans everywhere in the world; whether in stadium or wherever they follow our clubs. Our fans are increasingly global, increasingly digital and increasingly mobile and we are delighted to be working with world-class partners who are helping us to find new ways to engage them.”

Continuing the theme ‘Innovation in the Business of Sport’, a panel will consider the risks of moving too fast for fans, balanced against the dangers of getting caught up in the wake of other, faster moving clubs, sports, and competitions. The session will address how sponsor engagement, digital, data and in-stadium technology, enables sport disciplines to deliver even more to meet fan expectations and draw so much more in return.

The Panel lineup includes:

• Ishveen Anand, Founder & CEO, OpenSponsorship
• David de Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events Division, Aggreko
• Tom Glick, CCO, City Football Group
• Fiona Green, Director & Co-Founder, Winners

The Panel for the session focused on ‘Innovation – A permanent change revolution, or an opportunity to reset your sport?’ is now confirmed and will look at how sports are using innovative approaches within their specific disciplines to advance both the sport itself as well as expand who is able to participate.

Panel members includes:

• Mark Barfield, Technical Manager, UCI
• Johannes Holzmüller Head of Football Technology Innovation Department, FIFA 
• Angela Ruggeiro, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Sports Innovation Lab and Chair of IOC Athletes' Commission
• Chris Wells, Communication Manager, World Archery

David Eades, Journalist and Anchor for BBC World will moderate the sessions. Further details of the Plenary Conference as well as the LawAccord programme can be found at www.sportaccordconvention.com.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport. The Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies as well as bid cities, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention has announced first details of the Plenary Conference programme ‘Innovation in Action’ taking place in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus, Denmark from 2–7 April 2017.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. Held in a different city each year, the Convention takes place over six days and is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, and organisations involved in the business of sport.

“We have a great event lined up for delegates at this special 15^th anniversary edition of the SportAccord Convention and we’ll see a number of speakers make their debut at the Plenary Conference,” said Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention. “Innovation is at the hub of any successful organisation and this year’s conference programme will enable delegates to explore and experience the innovative ways business leaders are making decisive decisions to keep their organisations ahead of the game and in the hearts and minds of fans.”

Day 1 will kick-off with a keynote to address why organisations must innovate to remain relevant. This will follow with a conference session examining whether innovation is a permanent change revolution or an opportunity for organisations to reset their sport. Other sessions will focus on the business of sport and includes how one English Premier League football club opened the door to innovation, to build loyalty and grow support, as well as commercial success. A panel will consider the risks of moving too fast for fans, balanced against the dangers of getting caught in the wake of other, faster moving clubs, sports and competitions. Delegates will also hear how some International Sports Federations have used innovation to great effect in their sport discipline.

Day 2 will begin with a presentation from Tokyo 2020 on their plans for hosting the next Games and why it will be the most futuristic sporting event to date. Panel sessions will examine whether technology is a friend or foe when it comes to dictating the direction of sport and how organisations can embrace beneficial technological change and meet generational expectations without losing the very essence of sport. A technology health-check for the sports movement will also provide updates on key developments in the areas of digital and social media, wearable devices, 3-D and VR content, drones, and more, with experts who can share the latest technology, best practice and answer questions.

The Convention provides organisations involved in the development and business of sport with a unique opportunity to meet and network on a global scale with over ninety percent (90%) of the delegation being key decision-makers and in a position to take action. The majority of delegates, partners and exhibitors return each year, ensuring the Convention is part of their business strategy. With over seventy percent (70%) of exhibitor space sold, and just under two weeks to go until the delegate pass is due to rise to CHF 2,500 on 6 February, organisations can become involved at SportAccord Convention as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor and register at www.sportaccordconvention.com

Source: SportAccord Convention

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention has announced its Silver Partners for the 15^th edition of the Convention taking place from 2 - 7 April 2017 in the Scandinavian Center Aarhus, Denmark. This year’s Silver Partners include:

• Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance – created through a partnership with the Canadian Tourism Commission, CSTA has over 400 members including 142 municipalities and 200+ national and regional sport organisations, as well as product and service suppliers. One of its key objectives is to market Canada internationally as a preferred sport tourism destination.
• Edmonton Events – established as a strategic partnership between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Tourism, is focused on attracting major events to the region. Edmonton Events provides a single point of contact, offering services and expertise from event inception, bidding and marketing, to operations and legacy.
• EventScotland – part of VisitScotland, and building on Scotland’s reputation as a major events destination, its refreshed vision is aimed at making Scotland ‘The Perfect Stage’ for events.
• Malaysia Major Events – a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, MME was established to promote, facilitate and stage international events as the venue of choice for the region.

Welcoming on-board this year’s Silver Partners, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We’re delighted to welcome our Silver Partners to this year’s special edition. As regional event and hospitality experts and hosts, they are well aware of the benefits and exposure SportAccord Convention provides them as a host city.” Hatt went on to say, “With Aarhus being the European Capital of Culture for 2017, this setting enables all our partners and exhibitors to really shine and take advantage of the opportunities and interest surrounding our event and the Host City.”

Aarhus, the city that never sleeps, has a monumental year ahead with a cultural programme to keep everybody entertained. Filled with museums, and iconic buildings like ARoS offering panoramic ‘rainbow’ views, or the stunning new waterside library ‘Dokk1’, an ambitious project which successfully manages to marry two Danish cultural traditions - being accessible to all generations and social classes, as well as being functional within a beautiful design. The bustling streets are packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, where Aarhus (and the surrounding area) also hold the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2017.

Over one thousand organisations attend the SportAccord Convention to network and discuss the business of sport. With just under one week to go before the delegate pass rises to CHF 2,500, and the exhibition proving as popular as ever with 85% of booths now sold, organisations still considering whether to become involved should take action and register as a delegate or secure a booth at www.sportaccordconvention.com. For those who would like to go the extra mile and benefit from this unique opportunity, a couple of Bronze partnership opportunities remain.

SportAccord Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies as well as bid cities, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.

The SportAccord Convention official schedule will also include a plenary conference, City Forum, LawAccord and MediaAccord and this year’s overarching theme is ‘Innovation in Action’. These sessions are intended for International Federations and organisations who want to get up to speed with the latest thinking, as well as hear the news and views of sporting leaders from around the globe.

To become a delegate or exhibitor at SportAccord Convention register at: www.sportaccordconvention.com

Source: SportAccord Convention

[SOURCE: SPORTACCORD CONVENTION] SportAccord Convention on 18^th February launched its bid city application process for the 2019 and 2020 Conventions. Potential bid cities are invited to submit their ideas and proposal by Wednesday, 1 March 2017.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. Held in a different city each year, the Convention takes place over six days and is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport.

The SportAccord Convention is a not-for-profit organisation which annually brings together representatives from more than 100 International Sports Federations affiliated with the following umbrella organisations that host their Annual General Assemblies at the SportAccord Convention. These include:

• SportAccord
• 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) and Associate Members

In addition, the SportAccord Convention receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

The Convention provides organisations involved in the development and business of sport with a unique opportunity to meet and network on a global scale with over ninety percent (90%) of the delegation being key decision-makers. The majority of delegates, partners and exhibitors return each year, ensuring the Convention is part of their business strategy, thus helping towards achieving their goals and objectives. On top of this, SportAccord Convention works closely with the media worldwide, who delivered more than 1,500 unique news stories across all media platforms during the SportAccord Convention held in Lausanne last year.

Mr. Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention said, “We are looking for cities who will help to deliver an outstanding Convention and continue to build on the successes of previous Conventions. Cities are encouraged to look at creative ways to provide the facilities and services needed to host the Convention and welcome the sports community coming from all corners of the globe.” Hatt continued, “It goes without saying, hosting the SportAccord Convention also provides outstanding opportunities for cities in a unique setting.”

This year, SportAccord Convention is taking place in Aarhus, Denmark, nominated the European Capital of Culture for 2017. A vibrant city and passionate about sport, this accolade, together with the Cultural Programme of events unfolding throughout the year, will certainly help to make the 15^th edition of the SportAccord Convention, a special one.

Previous host cities include Madrid, Lausanne, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Athens, Denver, Dubai, London, Quebec City, Saint Petersburg, Belek/Antalya and Sochi.

Further information can be found on the website at the following link. This includes the Bid City Application Information Pack as well as details outlining the Host City Bid and Selection Process.

Bid cities interested in hosting the Convention in 2019 or 2020 should contact Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention, nis.hatt@sportaccordconvention.com to register their interest and submit their Bid City Application Form by Wednesday, 1 March 2017.

For more information about the SportAccord Convention: www.sportaccordconvention.com

[SOURCE: SPORTACCORD CONVENTION]

The Polish city of Krakow has been confirmed as the host city of the third International Congress on Ethics and Tourism on 27-28 April 2017.

The event is being organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the Government of Poland, focussing on promoting a more sustainable tourism sector.

The 2nd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism took place in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito in 2012, following the first edition in Madrid in 2011.

The revival of the event in 2017 has particular significance as it coincides with the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to be celebrated throughout the year.

“I have gladly accepted the decision of the World Tourism Organization to choose Poland as a host for the third edition of the International Congress on Ethics and Tourism” said Witold Bańka, Minister of Sport and Tourism.

“Poland is actively channelling efforts to implement ethical standards among the tourism organisations in their everyday business. I am confident that the great atmosphere of Krakow, one of the most beautiful sites in Europe, will foster thoughtful discussions and yield positive results of the Congress.”

Issues of governance and corporate social responsibility, responsible consumption patterns and universal accessibility will be discussed, as well as effective management models for natural and cultural resources, UNWTO said in a statement.

Also on the agenda are inclusive tourism practices that spread the benefits of tourism development by empowering local communities and individuals – particularly women, youth, indigenous people and persons with disabilities. The congress will also highlight the competitive advantages of investing in a more inclusive and diverse tourism sector.

“With more than 1.2 billion international tourists crossing international borders in one single year and the prospects of continuous growth, it is crucial that we manage growth in an ethical and responsible manner” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

“The tourism sector needs to build equitable partnerships and adopt effective national policies and sustainable business strategies in all areas of development.”

The 3rd International Congress on Ethics and Tourism will be held within the framework of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in the framework of the cooperation between UNWTO and the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission (DG GROW), with the support of the EC and the Government of Poland.

A group of prominent companies and trade associations with sound CSR policies and strategies will sign a “Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism” at the event.

Host City, the largest and fastest growing meeting of sports, business and cultural events, will return to Glasgow on 28 and 29 November 2017.

With a highly regarded conference programme, Host City attracts hundreds of international delegates and a large and growing number of exhibitors from the world’s event hosting sector.

Host City is now firmly established as the annual one-stop shop for hosts, organisers and owners of sporting, cultural and business events.

Attendees at Host City include host destinations from all continents, major exhibitions, organising and bid committees, venues, sports federations and entertainment and cultural events.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Host City back to Glasgow in 2017. EventScotland has a strong heritage with this conference and we are pleased to be once again supporting them to bring leading events professionals together.

“With a packed programme of cultural and sporting events already taking place in the coming years, including the 70th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festivals in 2017, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the Solheim Cup in 2019, Scotland continues to demonstrate that it is truly the Perfect Stage for events. It will therefore be fitting to have many of the world’s foremost event practitioners meeting in Glasgow at Host City.”

Aileen Crawford, Head of Conventions at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “As one of the largest gatherings of event professionals in the world, we are delighted that Host City is once again making its home in Glasgow in 2017. Business Tourism and Major Events are key to growing Glasgow and Scotland’s competitive advantage as a vibrant, world-class meetings and events destination.”

Councillor Archie Graham OBE, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Recently named as one of the top five sporting cities in the world, Glasgow really is the perfect place to host such a prestigious and world class conference as Host City.

“We’re looking forward to hosting this fantastic event for the third time, and also to welcoming the hundreds of attendees and events professionals from across the world.”

Colin Hartley, Glasgow 2018 European Championships Director said: “We are delighted that Host City is once again taking place during a golden era of sport in Glasgow. We will take the next step on that proud sporting journey in the summer of 2018 when we host the European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together some of the continent’s leading sports.”

Ben Avison, Host City Conference Director said: “The quality and scale of Host City continues to grow in Glasgow and we look forward continuing our journey together in 2017.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has received expressions of interest from three cities to host the next World Conference on Doping in Sport, due to take place in November 2019 subject to the progress of three working groups.

Muscat in Oman, Katowice in Poland and Geneva in Switzerland all submitted before the deadline of 25 November 2016.

WADA will now evaluate the submissions, including “possible site visits”, before the host city is determined by a vote at its Foundation Board meeting on 12 May 2017 in Montreal.

“WADA is delighted to have received such a strong level of interest from three outstanding cities for what promises to be a crucial World Conference on Doping in Sport,” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie.

“The World Conference will represent the culmination of active stakeholder consultation that is already underway concerning WADA’s path forward as it relates to compliance, governance and other matters of importance to clean sport. We look forward to appointing the host city during our May 2017 Foundation Board meeting.”

The date of the next World Conference on Doping in Sport is subject to the progress of three new working groups.

These groups, established at the last WADA Foundation Board meeting in Glasgow on 20 November, are reviewing the Agency’s governance structure and lab accreditation process and evaluating the establishment of an Independent Testing Authority.

They are due to complete their work by the November 2017 Foundation Board meeting in PyeongChang.

“The Board upheld that a World Conference be organized for end-2019 with the timing being revisited at the end of 2017 in light of the progress of the Working Groups,” WADA said in a statement.

The World Conference on Doping in Sport is set to be the fifth event of its kind, following similar events in Lausanne (Switzerland) in February 1999; Copenhagen (Denmark) in March 2003; Madrid (Spain) in November 2007; and Johannesburg (South Africa) in November 2013.