Ben Avison: I was fortunate enough to be in Glasgow for the MTV EMAs – what a fantastic show!

Bruce Gillmer: It was a great show, we are very proud. The city was great too, it was a good partnership – it was a good one for sure, glad you were there.

Ben Avison: What qualities is Viacom looking for in a host city of the MTV EMAs?

Bruce Gillmer: First and foremost, we are attracted to cities that have rich musical heritage and robust music fans – that lights up the scoreboard for us. Cities that are interesting culturally are attractive. 

Also a city that’s easy to travel in and out of from a variety of different cities around the world – easy to get to from the US and the UK, not too far off the beaten path. 

Something that is of huge importance to us is the presence of a proper venue to stage the event. 

Ben Avison: What are the main technical requirements of a venue to host the MTV EMAs?

Bruce Gillmer: The EMAs is quite a big event, so generally speaking we look for an arena that can hold approximately 10,000 fans and VIPs. We prefer a structure that’s on the newer side, maybe built in the last 10 years.

The Hydro this year was incredible. We got tremendous feedback from the artists, fans and VIPs. It was a comfortable environment with very good sightlines, no matter where you are sitting, for taking in the various different staging that we had around the venue.

And then there are all the other ancillary bits – a dressing room area that can support a red carpet pre-show and so on. The newer venues tend to be much more appropriate for an event of this scale.

Ben Avison: How can hosting the MTV EMAs benefit a city?

Bruce Gillmer: There’s the obvious economic boost that an event brings to a city, with several people travelling in from all around the world. 

But really we think the value is in the amount of exposure on an international level that the event brings to the host city. There’s all of the pre-show marketing and promo and press, and then the broadcast of the EMAs itself reaches over 160 territories around the world – it’s a massive audience on every platform. In our minds that’s key – it’s the international exposure. 

Also, the EMAs is synonymous with being super-relevant. A city that’s hosting the EMAs will be seen as a forward-looking, exciting location.

Ben Avison: What opportunities are there for cities outside Europe to host MTV events?

Bruce Gillmer: We host a variety of events around the world and we’ve got several award shows in addition to the EMAs, starting with the MAMAs, which is the Mother Africa Music Awards that takes place in Africa each year. 

In the past it’s been in Lagos but most recently in Durban. The next host will be another exciting city in South Africa that will prove to be most advantageous from a staging production perspective. The other locations were extremely interesting from a cultural standpoint. 

We have the VMAJs (Video Music Awards Japan) which is our awards show for MTV Japan, in Tokyo. 

We also produce a variety of World Stage events around the world, which is not an awards per se – it’s basically a collection of artists, both international and local. It’s in Malaysia each year; we’ve been to quite a few cities around Mexico; we also host several events throughout Europe. We reach every major cluster of the world with our events.

It’s not just the obvious locations. We go for keen interest from a city or from a partner to go to a certain location, as long as it makes sense from a staging and production perspective and we can get what we need and we’ve got robust audience and excited music fans, then we’ll consider. 

Ideas for events sometimes come to us from external partners or cities. In the case of the MAMAs, we staged an event also on South Africa a couple of years ago – the MTV Africa All Stars – where we had a vast array of artists from different genres from all over the continent – just. We also brought Snoop down, which was really cool and there was a lot of interaction between the artists.

So we’ve literally been to every corner of the world. 

Ben Avison: How important are the EMAs to the MTV brand?

Bruce Gillmer: We do a vast array of events throughout the year; they are all important and they all serve a purpose and they all quite frankly support our brand and help us keep connected to the audience, which is vital. 

The EMAs is really the crowning jewel and it really does personify the MTV brand. It’s always cutting edge; we hope that it’s always funny and fun and irreverent – all these characteristics are part of the DNA for the MTV brand. It’s really our opportunity to bring the brand to life in one glorious evening. 

Ben Avison: The next MTV EMAs is in Milan, isn’t it?

Bruce Gillmer: Correct, we’re extremely excited about that. We announced that partnership as we were leaving Glasgow so really looking forward to that experience. The city of Milan really seems to be excited as well  and we look forward to it.

Ben Avison: Have you had much interaction with the World Expo people there?

Bruce Gillmer: Not a tremendous amount just yet but I assume as the weeks and months go on we will for sure, because we are tied in and meant to be the exclamation point to the Expo if you like. We always look to bring the fun with us.

This interview first appeared in the Winter 2014/15 issue of HOST CITY magazine

Three of FIFA’s most influential figures voiced concerns at Soccerex Global Convention about the media crisis that has engulfed football’s governing body in recent times, expressing a need for action to counter negative perceptions. 

Quizzed by Soccerex consultant David Davies about the impact of the ongoing media allegations about FIFA’s affairs, in a panel discussion entitled “A Word from the Wise”, FIFA Executive Committee Member Michel D’Hooghe said “I think we must be very honest and say that this has been very damaging for the reputation of FIFA.

“Although FIFA does many good things, these things never appear in the media. It’s the bad things that give, for the moment, FIFA a bad reputation.”

And according to Jim Boyce, Vice President of FIFA, the press is not the only source of negative attacks. “We are not only talking about the English press – the FA have come out and made certain statements regarding FIFA” said the Northern Irish ExCo member.

“There is a perception that when England lost the bid, that’s when most of the adverse criticism started. Some of the criticism is entirely justified, but an awful lot is not entirely justified.

“There are a lot of good people in FIFA – they shouldn’t all be tarnished with the same image. I am proud to finish my career as being Vice President of FIFA.”

The challenge for FIFA is to communicate its positive contributions to the world. “I am not blaming the media; I think we have to blame ourselves,” said D’Hooghe. 

“We need to have better communication of the good things that FIFA is doing. Do you hear about 20 centres for hope? Do you hear about restoration of sports facilities after the tsunami? 75 per cent of all FIFA funding goes back into infrastructure.

“Whoever is or will be president, this will be one of his first obligations: to restore confidence in FIFA, to prove to the world that FIFA wants to good for people all over the world. We are promoting football for health to youth in many countries. 

Another major priority is to tackle the issue of transparency. “We are challenging transparency and integrity, to restore confidence in FIFA, to prove to people that FIFA wants to good,” said D’Hooghe.

Also on the panel was Moya Dodd, who joined FIFA’s Executive Committee in 2013. “I get people asking me how it feels to be part of the problem now I’ve joined the FIFA ExCo,” she said. “It’s difficult for people from outside it to understand how it works.

“What’s important is that the leadership of any organisation at board level is independent from the day-to-day flow of interests that tend to make decision-making difficult.”

The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has officially become World Climbing, unveiling a refreshed global identity that reflects the sport’s rapid rise and its diverse global community. The rebrand highlights the evolution of climbing, nearly 19 years after the organisation’s founding. 

Built around the guiding philosophy “We get the World Climbing,” the new identity reinforces the federation’s values and commitment to openness, inclusivity, culture, and inspiration. 

“Since climbing began its Olympic and Paralympic journey in 2007, our community has evolved rapidly,” said World Climbing President Marco Scolaris. “This transformation into World Climbing is another important step in the journey. It reflects our heritage while embracing the future. This new brand represents every part of our sport, from Athletes to National Federations, to global partners and more.”

As climbing continues to grow in mainstream society, particularly with younger, digitally connected audiences, the new visual identity aims to strengthen the sport’s visibility and accessibility worldwide. World Climbing’s modernised brand will help connect new participants with the sport’s history, culture and values, while also enabling a more cohesive presence across events and digital platforms. 

At the heart of the rebrand is a distinctive new logo: a ‘world’ formed from climbing holds, with interwoven routes symbolising global climbing. Each colour in the new palette represents one of the sport’s three disciplines, Lead, Boulder and Speed, all in harmony with a written font that will be seen to be ascending in selected visuals.

“Climbing started from humble beginnings and has developed into the sport we always believed it could be,” Scolaris added. “With World Climbing, we are not simply adopting a new name, we are promoting a global identity that reflects our principles of inclusivity, adaptability, responsibility and adventure. We are becoming a bigger part of many more people’s lives, and this brand is built for that future.”

The transition to the name World Climbing was formally approved by national federations in October 2023 and written into the federation’s statutes, after which work began on developing the new identity.

The visual identity will be rolled out throughout the 2026 season, anchored by the launch of the new World Climbing Series, which will succeed the IFSC World Cup. The federation’s five continental bodies, World Climbing Africa, World Climbing Asia, World Climbing Europe, World Climbing Oceania, and World Climbing Pan America, will adopt the updated identity as part of the global implementation. A phased digital transition will accompany the rollout, including new broadcast graphics, event branding and online platforms designed to bring the sport to life for audiences across the world. 

“We’re setting the holds on the wall of life, building the routes that we will climb together, into the future. Higher, stronger, faster; Together”, president Scolaris concluded.

[Glasgow, Scotland] – Host City 2025, the leading international meeting for major event hosts, owners and organisers, took place in Glasgow on 1-3 December with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts: Glasgow Life and EventScotland.

The 12th edition of the annual conference welcomed rights holders, city officials, organising committees and global brands to explore the theme “Getting on with the Business of Events.”

Across three days, delegates examined how major events can evolve to deliver more meaningful impact – from sustainable operations and new hosting models to technological change, job security and community benefit.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration between host cities, organising committees and rights holders should replace outdated demand-led models.
• Event restructuring that prioritises meaningful impact can reduce operating costs by using existing infrastructure.
• Sustainability and community-focused social impact must sit at the heart of host city strategies.
• Knowledge-sharing and operational-readiness programmes can improve job security across the events workforce.
• Shifting socio-political landscapes in the Middle East are enabling greater progress.
• AI can support organisers but should not replace human interaction or live experience.

Evolving host–client relationships

A shift toward genuine collaboration was a clear theme.

Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “We’ve learned that a proactive integrated partnership approach is absolutely key, not only to staging successful events but also to creating the environment and conditions needed for long-term economic, social and environmental impact.”

Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, said: “The day of the dictator to a city or country who wishes to host an event, are gone… it’s now called the host collaboration agreement.”

James King, CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, noted: “We're the guests who are coming in and we want to be invited back… that helps us deliver a shared outcome framework.”

Dominic McKay, CEO, SEC and Chair of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), stressed the importance of executing events with athletes and supporters in mind. “If you do that, they’ll leave happy and want to come back and experience the city and the culture.”

John David, President and CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, added: “It's a completely different customer experience and you need to nail it, and you need to know your audience.”

Driving change in event delivery

Speakers repeatedly emphasised that meaningful change is essential – whether through budget-conscious delivery or deeper community engagement.

Max Cobb, Secretary General of the International Biathlon Union, highlighted the success of the Loop One Festival in Munich’s Olympiapark, which brought a traditionally cross-country sport into the heart of the city. “You really have to have a vision and a strong stomach. And yes, people are going to tell you you're crazy, but you have to keep going.”

Jakob Kjeldgaard Fuglsang, Manager of Copenhagen Legacy Lab at Wonderful Copenhagen, highlighted the importance of strategy. “Do we want to host stand up paddle to attract more water sport tourists? Do we want gaming events to help bring companies to our city? What is it we want to achieve?”

Rob Stull, President of the UIPM, highlighted modern pentathlon’s transformation. “When I competed, it was five days; now in LA it’s a 90-minute format… It's all about capturing the imaginations and people's attention.”

Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Artiste Management Productions Ltd said the public opinion is far stronger than some organisers realise in event delivery: “The most important thing is take the view of the audience of what their experience is going to be and then follow the pathway through because the event takes care of itself.”

With just over 200 days until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, organisers highlighted the radically different approach shaped by new structures at Commonwealth Sport and Glasgow 2026.

Phil Batty OBE, CEO of Glasgow 2026, said setting the bar high is essential. “There are very few things that are actually impossible… You do need a level of courage and a level of just sheer relentless ambition to make something brilliant.”

Chief Operating Officer Jade Gallagher added, “Without thinking differently for this iteration, there would be no Commonwealth Games… It’s a balance and we challenge ourselves every day.”

Growth markets: women’s sport, the US and the Middle East

Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 gave a keynote interview highlighting the factors that led to the tournament’s runaway success.  “We started out with a really, really bold ambition,” she said. “The stats are incredible; they surpass all expectations of our KPIs and metrics, and that's just down to a huge number of people that works on the event and the organisations that came together.”

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching – alongside LA28 and the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games – the United States is preparing for an unprecedented period of sport and celebration.

Lynn Young, Commissioner of the US Semiquincentennial Commission said "There will be a lot of activities going on… we’ll have plenty of opportunities."

Brett Gosper, Head of Europe & Asia NFL, and former CEO of World Rugby, highlighted why international sports were attracted to US. “The draw, whether it be for rugby or football, is you take a bigger slice of by far the biggest sports market in the world."

The conference also explored the Middle East’s rapid development as a hosting region, from Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup to Iraq’s Expo 2029 Garden.

Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Director at the Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia, said:
“We went from zero to 100 in almost seven to eight years… What really matters for us is the social and community impact.”

Sustainability and legacy

Discussions highlighted cost-effective sustainability and the need to retain talent in an industry often reliant on freelance expertise.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events are much more than moments in time. They are catalysts for positive change, they drive our sustainable growth and they shape our destination rooted in the purpose to be a better, economic and socially vibrant country.”

John Langford, Executive Vice President of Venues International of AEG stressed the importance of using major names to drive change. “The most powerful influencer in the artists. If Billie Eilish says this entire event is going to be vegan and focused on sustainability, it’s the easiest way to get it into fans’ heads.”

Bonnie May, CEO of Global Infusion Group, added: “We now put vegetarian and vegan options at the top of the menu and it changes those habits.”

Chris Thompson, CEO of You.Smart.Thing. said gamifying sustainability can change people’s behaviour. “Convenience is a massive influencer. If we feel something is inconvenient, we’re turned off. Incentives are key.”

Bev Ward, COO of UK Events Limited highlighted the importance of skills legacies. “When it's just one-off events, what strategies should you still implement to retain critical skills and knowledge between those events and how does it benefit future hosts? That is the key thing that we're trying to challenge.”

Culture and authenticity

Speakers also stressed that culture remains central to the emotional impact of events.

Professor Gayle McPherson, Director of the Research Centre for Culture, Sports and Events at UWS, said: “The cross-over between culture and sport has existed for centuries… and what we learn is a mutual understanding and respect for each other.”

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland, added: “Cultural events play a hugely influential role in stimulating connection, creativity, and identity.  They create opportunities for communities to come together to share experiences and traditions, and are intrinsically linked with an authentic sense of place.”

Host City Award Winners

The second annual Host City Awards were presented at Glasgow City Chambers, recognising excellence across global event delivery.

• Best Event Engagement & Fan Growth: Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
• Excellence in Infrastructure & Delivery: GL Events for Paris 2024
• Most Sustainable Event: Sport Event Denmark for the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship
• Outstanding Economic Impact: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Notable guests included Scotland’s Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Lochhead, and Olympic silver medallists and two-time world curling champions Bruce Mouat, Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan Jr.

Notes to Editors

About Host City

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

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

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

About Glasgow Life

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

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

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

About EventScotland

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

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

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

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

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

For further information about funding programmes and latest event news: 

• visit visitscotland.org/events 

• follow @EventScotNews on x.com 

• follow EventScotland on linkedin.com 

DSV is a global leader headquartered in Denmark, operating in more than 150 countries and offering end-to-end supply chain solutions backed by advanced technology and a commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Our Fairs & Events division specializes in managing complex, time-critical logistics for exhibitions and live events of any scale. From customs clearance and on-site support to global transport and storage, we ensure your event materials arrive safely, on time, and ready for showtime.

Case Study: “Sustainable Logistics in Action: DSV’s Role at the London Marathon”

At the 2025 TCS London Marathon, DSV Fairs & Events supported the event with a logistics fleet powered entirely by HVO fuel. A total of 34 arctic trucks and 32 smaller vans were deployed, resulting in an estimated reduction of 2.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions, up to 90% less compared to conventional diesel vehicles. All vehicles were strategically positioned the evening before the event to avoid unnecessary movement and fuel consumption. This approach helped ensure that logistics operations were both efficient and environmentally conscious. The project illustrates that sustainable transport solutions can be implemented successfully at large-scale events without compromising operational performance.

Supporting Access, Inclusion, and Community

The London Marathon is known for its focus on community and inclusion. DSV’s logistics support contributed to a smooth experience for thousands of participants. Trained staff and account managers were present at logistics points to ensure reliable and accessible baggage transport, tailored to the needs of a diverse participant base. Volunteers worked closely with DSV teams, helping to facilitate the handover process with professionalism and care. This collaboration reflected the cooperative spirit of the event. Strong coordination between DSV and London Marathon Events (LME) helped create an inclusive environment where all stakeholders,from logistics teams to volunteers, worked together toward a shared goal.

Structures for Long-Term Impact

The logistics concept was based on strategic partnership and sustainable principles. In close cooperation with LME, DSV developed a system that combined environmental responsibility, operational precision, and community engagement. The use of HVO-fueled vehicles was part of a broader commitment to sustainable event logistics. The collaboration with LME also serves as a model for future projects, where shared values and proactive planning lead to meaningful outcomes. This initiative demonstrates how logistics providers can integrate environmental and social considerations into their operations, creating value that extends beyond the event itself. 

Case Study: “Enabling Performance: Schenker’s Logistics Support at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025”

The IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships marked a milestone for India as host of the 12th edition of this global event. Held for the first time in South Asia, the competition welcomed 1,182 athletes from 100 nations to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi between 27 September and 5 October 2025. As the Sole Official Logistics Partner, Schenker supported the event with a comprehensive logistics setup tailored to the needs of a high-profile international competition. The scope included eight dedicated trucks, ten forklifts, and a team of 40 skilled workers operating across the stadium and Delhi airports. Two container offices and two storage units were installed on-site to facilitate coordination and equipment handling. Operations ran around the clock during the move-in and move-out phases, managed by specialized teams and onsite supervisors. The logistics setup ensured that all sporting equipment, regardless of size, was delivered reliably and on time, allowing athletes to focus fully on their performance.

Operational Excellence in a Complex Environment

The logistics execution was designed to meet the demands of a large-scale event with precision and minimal disruption. Schenker’s approach enabled smooth inbound and outbound flows, contributing to a seamless experience for organizers and participants alike. The project demonstrated Schenker India’s capability to manage complex sporting events through structured planning, responsive coordination, and dedicated personnel. The Paralympic Committee of India acknowledged the team’s commitment and efficiency, highlighting the value of professional logistics in the success of international competitions.

A Foundation for Future Sporting Events

The successful delivery of logistics services at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships reflects the growing role of specialized logistics in global sports. It also supports India’s broader ambition to host future events. By combining operational expertise with a focus on athlete needs, Schenker contributed to an inclusive and high-performing environment, reinforcing the importance of logistics as a strategic enabler in international sport.

Currently, it struggles to do this on the scale or in the detail achieved in the other sectors with which it competes for scarce capital and resources. TSC Impact has been established to help sport meet that challenge. In bringing together TSC’s wide-ranging sports market expertise and Dr Daniel Fujiwara’s globally renowned authority in social value, wellbeing economics and policy evaluation, we are committed to redefining how the industry measures socio-economic impact.

Social value and why it matters now

Social value is a quantification of the impact on society of any action, programme, investment, organisation or event. The measure looks beyond purely economic effects to capture a wider, often less tangible, range of positive and negative societal impacts that provide a rounded assessment of overall impact on people and their communities.

Providing social value – and being able to demonstrate it – is now essential for every organisation in sport as policy priorities and economic imperatives have placed an increasing emphasis on public benefit as a determinant of investment decisions. As public and private funders, federations and governing bodies have come to recognise the power of sport to do far more than attract fans and promote participation, it is properties and events that can demonstrate this social value they choose to support.

TSC Impact: A new benchmark for evaluation standards

Without the rigour of the social value assessment tools available in sectors where impacts are easier to quantify – in health, education or housing, for example – sport’s contribution to society will remain undervalued and under-resourced as investors and policymakers will be limited in their ability to make evidence-based decisions on where best to assign their resource. The challenge now, therefore, is to develop the robust, standardised and internationally recognised framework for measuring social value that will enable sport to compete with other policy levers for continued investment and support.

The Sports Consultancy (TSC) is committed to doing just this; partnering with Dr Daniel Fujiwara, a globally recognised authority in social value, wellbeing economics and policy evaluation, to establish a new international benchmark for measuring the social value of sport and the social return on investment it generates. Our shared mission is to close the social value analysis gap to other policy sectors by embedding a new, robust, standardised and internationally aligned social value measurement across sport, from its professional elite to its amateur grassroots and spanning major events, sponsorship and commercial partnerships, community programmes, and infrastructure projects.

Development of the new standard will be informed by this mix of sports industry expertise, leading-edge analytics and proven policy evaluation models, and guided by an industry taskforce made up of stakeholders with an interest in the field. Dr Fujiwara has authored or contributed to 15 global guidance manuals, including the OECD’s Social Value Framework and HM Treasury’s Green Book, and has led more than 120 policy evaluations for governments and international organisations including the United Nations and International Monetary Fund.

TSC is an award-winning advisory in sport and major events with a 20-year record of helping clients maximise and measure economic impact and social outcomes. Its dedicated research and intelligence unit SEER (Sports & Entertainment Evaluation and Research), which provides data, insight and analysis to support the decision-making of commercial, public and third sector organisations, will bring this experience to the project that will shape and test the new methodologies as they evolve.

The final framework will align with global best practice in social value measurement, including that of the OECD’s Cost-Benefit Analysis Guidance (2018) and the European Union Guidelines (2022). In so doing, it will give governments, investors and governing bodies the credible evidence they need to support the expansion of capital and revenue funding for sport; enable athletes, clubs, brands and sponsors to maximise the social impact of their work; and strengthen the case for the long-term prioritisation of sport as a powerful tool for building the healthy, resilient, inclusive societies of the future.

Next steps

TSC Impact has published its Social Value Positional Paper in November 2025, which outlines the importance of social value, best practice within social value measurement and the future potential for sport. TSC will also publish the new framework’s technical components in Volume 2 of this report during 2026. These will be informed by early engagement with industry leaders to better understand their priorities and the challenges they face in measuring socioeconomic impact and tested throughout their development with the input of a Sports Social Value Taskforce (SSVT).

Representatives of public sector bodies, international federations, rights holders, brands and investors are all invited to express an interest in joining the SSVT, which will build a new network of industry players with shared interest and experience in creating and measuring social value in sport. TSC and SEER will be seeking expert representation to join the SSVT, from the sports sector and beyond, and welcome contributions from all organisations and individuals as we work together to capture and communicate the true and full social value of sport.

The question sport must ask is not what society can do for it, but how it will show what it can do for society. For potential investors in sport, social value matters more than ever. For sport itself, quantifying that contribution to societal wellbeing and growth has never been more important in improving lives.

This year’s event brings together senior leaders from across global sport, culture, government, and major event delivery to explore the theme “Getting on with the Business of Events” – practical look at how cities and organisers are delivering impact, investment and innovation in a changing world.

A world-class speaker programme

The completed programme features influential figures shaping the future of major events, including:

• Uğur Erdener, President, SportAccord; Honorary President, World Archery; Honorary Member, International Olympic Committee
• Sheikha Asmaa Thani Al-Thani, Director of Marketing & International Cooperation Sector, Qatar Olympic Committee
• Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Director, Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Artiste Management Productions Ltd
• Sarah Massey, Managing Director, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
• Rob Stull, President, UIPM
• Kay Morrison, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
• Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland
• Phil Batty OBE, CEO, Glasgow 2026

They are joined by senior representatives from the International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Sport, Milano Cortina 2026, and many more.

The full final line-up is available at www.hostcity.com.

Speaking ahead of the event, Conference Director Ben Avison said: “We are greatly honoured to welcome such an amazing line up of speakers from all over the world to this must-attend conference in the great city of Glasgow, Scotland.”

Billy Garrett Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life said: “We’re committed to further enhancing the global reputation that Glasgow and Scotland have built up over many years as expert, trusted and welcoming hosts of events of all types so we maximise the positive economic and social impact to our city and country.

“Partnership working is absolutely vital to achieving that, and Host City provides an important platform for collaboration by bringing together influential industry professionals and decision-makers to share information, insights and ideas. This year’s dynamic programme and inspirational line-up of speakers will, I’m sure, be invaluable in helping us shape and realise our collective vision for world-class events.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events are not only vital for fostering connections and innovation, but they also play a crucial role in strengthening our communities and driving economic growth. Host City 2025 is the ideal platform for delegates from sport, cultural and business events to come together and explore the issues and trends facing the industry. With an outstanding line-up of speakers, we’re set for two days of inspiring conversations and fresh ideas. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Glasgow in just under two weeks.”

Host City is delivered with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.

Media Contact
Ben Avison (ben.avison@hostcity.com)

About Host City

Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events. Through its conference, exhibition, awards and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events. Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.

About Glasgow Life

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

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

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

About EventScotland

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

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

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

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

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

For further information about funding programmes and latest event news: 

• visit visitscotland.org/events 
• follow @EventScotNews on x.com 
• follow EventScotland on linkedin.com 

[Source: Sports ETA] The U.S.-based Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), will lead a historic visit of 16 major U.S. host destinations to meet with global sports federation leaders and event organizers in Lausanne, Switzerland from December 3-5, 2025.

This notable visit marks a significant milestone in the international engagement strategy of Sports ETA—the leading and only trade association representing the U.S. sports tourism industry—ahead of a series of global sports events coming to the United States, including the FIFA World Cup 26 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The delegation will connect with international sports federations and organizations headquartered in Lausanne, widely recognized as the Olympic Capital of the world. 

Sports ETA President & CEO John David said: “Leading the first-ever Sports ETA international delegation is a historic step for our organization and 16 of our premier U.S. host destinations. This visit to Lausanne underlines the unprecedented opportunity ahead as the U.S. prepares to host some of the biggest sporting events over the next decade. We look forward to seeing our members strengthen relations with the global sports community and create long-lasting partnerships that will define this new era of sports tourism.”

The visiting delegation includes representatives from Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Washington, D.C.; and the State of Florida. These destinations are experienced hosts of major sporting events and are eager to welcome even more international competitions.

During the visit, the delegation will host an exclusive reception at the Olympic Museum on December 3, followed by one-on-one networking sessions on December 4, providing International Federation leaders direct access to U.S. destinations eager to support global sporting events.

Sports ETA Chief of International Sports & Strategy Janis Burke said: “Our delegation is looking forward to connecting with International Federations (IFs) and Olympic stakeholders in the Olympic Capital. Our member destinations are experienced sports tourism leaders, and this visit underlines their appetite to strengthen ties with the international sports community and explore future hosting opportunities. We look forward to welcoming IFs and sports organizations to our reception at the Olympic Museum on December 3, followed by one-on-one networking sessions on December 4, providing International Federation leaders direct access to premier U.S. destinations eager to host events.”

Building on the Lausanne visit, Sports ETA will expand its annual Symposium flagship event to include an international component for the first time, from April 20-23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Symposium International 2026 will bring together international sports federations, event organizers, and U.S. host destinations to explore partnerships and advance global sports tourism collaboration.

International sports federation representatives and event organizers interested in attending the December 3 reception at the Olympic Museum or the December 4 networking sessions in Lausanne should email Janis Burke at janisburke@sportseta.org. For more information about Sports ETA or Symposium International 2026, visit SportsETA.org.

Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the opening of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games tomorrow, continuing until 21 November, with participation from 57 Islamic countries.

The Islamic Solidarity Games unites the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association’s (ISSA) member National Olympic Committees, providing a platform to celebrate peace and diversity.

The 6^th edition marks a return to Saudi Arabia, where the inaugural Islamic Solidarity Games was held in 2005.

It will feature 3,500 of the best athletes from the 57 competing countries, participating across 23 sports until the Closing Ceremony on 21 November.

Events have already begun in Futsal, Volleyball and Boxing. The other sports on the programme are Athletics, Para Athletics, 3x3 Basketball, Camel Racing, Duathlon, Equestrian, Esports, Fencing, Handball, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Muay Thai, Para Powerlifting, Swimming, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu.

Competition will be staged across four venue clusters, delivering a sustainable hosting model which will inspire future editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Minister of Sport, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal stated, "This royal patronage highlights the importance of joint Islamic action and the support for cooperation among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Sport serves as a vital bridge for fostering peace, unity, and understanding."

"We are excited to host over 3,000 athletes competing in more than 22 different sports and are committed to delivering an exceptional event that showcases the Kingdom's organizational capabilities," he added.

The Islamic Solidarity Games are a major event in the Islamic world, fostering fair competition, promoting values of peace and brotherhood, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to unity among Islamic nations.

[Source: JTA] JTA, the world’s leading independent communications and international relations consultancy in sport, today announced the launch of neo, a pioneering digital transformation offer in sport and entertainment, which has already delivered a pilot global campaign that successfully reached over 250 million unique users.

neo combines expertise from across the world’s best digital agencies to form the neo collective. The neo collective comprises specialists with a client portfolio that includes some of the most recognisable global brands, including Marc Jacobs, L’Oréal, Amazon, Lamborghini, the Olympic Games Organising Committee Paris 2024 and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Within the neo collective are JTA Design, a world-leading international design agency; Vagabond, industry experts in full-funnel digital performance; and Sticht, a fan-generated content agency that transforms brand enthusiasts into content creators.

The full list of organisations in the neo collective can be found here.

neo has already delivered significant results on a global stage with the launch of the inaugural World Volleyball Day in July 2025. The campaign reached over 280 million people across social media, generated GBP 1.4 million in earned media value, and drove more than 2 million fan interactions and 826 influencer mentions.

Jon Tibbs, Founder of neo, commented: “The sports communications industry is at a pivotal moment. Its future will be defined not just by storytelling, but by how the digital space transforms the way those stories are shared and experienced. That’s why we’ve launched neo - to give our friends and partners the tools and insight to lead that transformation. After 25 years of helping to shape the global sports narrative, this is the natural next step for JTA: combining our expertise in sport and communications with the limitless possibilities of digital innovation.”

neo’s mission is to help organisations transform how they attract and retain audiences, create value, remain relevant and credible, and lead change.

neo applies a five-stage model that blends creativity, data and technology to deliver measurable impact. The process begins with assessing a client’s digital reality and identifying hidden potential, before the creation of ideas and moments that can move people and brands. These ideas are then activated through campaigns, experiences and social storytelling, amplified through data, AI and performance insight, and continuously evolved through innovation and reinvention.

neo’s Tech Futurist and strategic advisor to many of the neo collective organisations, Andy Evans, commented: “The digital space is evolving faster than ever - audiences expect more, and the landscape shifts daily. What makes neo different is that it’s built as a collective - a network of specialists who each bring something exceptional to the table. That kind of collaboration is rare, and it’s exactly what the industry needs right now: joined-up thinking that provides fresh perspectives and helps brands to drive culture.”

Salva Ramirez, Vision Director of neo and Managing Director of JTA Design, said: “Sport and entertainment don’t wait - they move fast, and digital moves faster. Brands that lead don’t just keep up with culture: they shape it.

“That’s what neo does. It's in our DNA. We’re built on decades of collective experience. In industries where attention is currency and relevance can be ruthlessly short-lived, neo helps brands to move faster, connect deeper and lead where it matters most.”

TJ Lee, neo’s Digital Pulse Lead and CEO of Vagabond, added: “People want to be part of something that feels real. At Vagabond, we’ve always believed that impact doesn’t come from pushy ads or paid noise, but from creating journeys that audiences actually remember. That’s what neo is all about - an integrated approach that connects creativity and data to build genuine relationships. It’s exciting to be part of the neo collective as we look to redefine how stories are told.”

For more information about neo and how it can transform your digital presence, please visit here.