[Source: Interkultur] The World Choir Games, also known as the Olympics of Choral Music, will be held exceptionally in October/November. "Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures. Corona will not get our choirs down! The Games will go on!": the Flemish government and INTERKULTUR decided to postpone the World Choir Games for a second time.

Minister Jambon explains: "Many people have sacrificed a lot and made efforts to get through pandemic last year. Also our thousands of choir singers in Flanders and all their enthusiastic fellow singers from all over the world. We have already had to postpone a fantastic event - the World Choir Games - once. Now, however, the summer period is also coming too soon. Choirs want to be able to rehearse, practice and work together towards the event for a few months, but that is not yet possible. Also, the numbers are still uncertain, even for many foreign choirs."

However, INTERKULTUR and the Flemish government have come together in the determination to give a perspective to the international singers also in these extraordinary times. With the decision to let the World Choir Games exceptionally take place in autumn, the Flemish government and INTERKULTUR react to the overall positive dynamics around the World Choir Games.

The decision to postpone is a decision about giving perspective, according to Minister-President and Minister of Culture Jan Jambon: "We are delighted that all partners have agreed to a feasible date, so that in 2021 we can still bring this top event to Flanders. It is a bright spot for many passionate singers at home and abroad who have been deprived of their stage for so long. I have felt an enormous urge to make this event happen, even in these special times.”

The health, welfare and safety of the participating choirs, the supporters who travel with them and the many fans and visitors in Flanders are and remain top priority. And although the scale of the event will obviously have to be adjusted, and some parts of the program will have to be reviewed again, all parties involved are welcoming this development as a turning point after a particularly difficult period. It will be a special – rather emotional – moment for everybody that will leave many deeply moved.

INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch: “After months of restrictions, overcoming the crisis now seems within reach. I am very pleased that together with our partners in Flanders and especially through the personal support of Minister-President Jambon, we have found a good way to let the 11th World Choir Games 2021 take place with the greatest possible security for all participants. This fall we will show to everyone: The international choral world is back and will finally sing on a world stage again!”

The World Choir Games will have an innovative virtual component in addition to the live event. It was also the corona crisis that led to the move to the virtual. Koor&Stem drew up a digital concept for the development of a 'Virtual Village' for the World Choir Games. This tool enables all the choirs that are unable to participate in the 11th edition, to still actively participate in the Games. It involves not only streaming of the main events, workshops and concerts, but also international meetings and even competitions!

The Flemish Government, INTERKULTUR and Koor&Stem are ready to work together with the cities of Antwerp and Ghent to make the 11th edition of the World Choir Games from October 30 to November 7, 2021 an unforgettable event! They are convinced that all sponsors and partners will help compose this musical story. Together, they aim for nothing less than the best edition ever in the history of the World Choir Games.

All the details regarding the autumn edition of the World Choir Games 2021 are now available at www.wcg2021.com.

Pinnacle sailing league SailGP has partnered with Aggreko, the world-leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy services, as the championship prepares to become fully powered by clean energy by 2025.

Through the partnership, the delivery of all event operations over the next three seasons will become increasingly sustainable.

SailGP has already achieved the Carbon Neutral International Standard, joined the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative and met the international sustainability standard ISO20121.  

“We are extremely excited to work with Aggreko – a company that shares our belief that innovation and technology is critical to drive the sustainability agenda and transition to a cleaner future, powered by nature,” said Fiona Morgan, Director of Purpose and Impact at SailGP.

“We look forward to working together to test and innovate on solutions to reduce emissions across our global events and share a blueprint of clean events so others can learn and follow.”

Starting next month, SailGP will deploy a hybrid solution from Aggreko that comprises solar power, battery storage and thermal generation. Further into the partnership, Aggreko will work with SailGP to lower emissions further by introducing green grid distribution and alternative fuels such as bio-methanol and hydrogen, as they become available.

Robert Wells, MD at Aggreko Events Services said: “At Aggreko, we greatly admire SailGP’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and innovation – values that we proudly share. This partnership brings us one step closer to delivering sustainable sporting events globally, and we are excited that Aggreko continues to demonstrate reliable innovative energy solutions for world class events such as SailGP.”  

Aggreko has itself committed to reduce local emissions and diesel usage by 50%  and become Net Zero by 2050.

SailGP aims to set new standards for major event delivery as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property.

As part of its Race for the Future purpose-driven agenda, SailGP champions “a better world powered by nature”, with a focus on accelerating a transition to clean energy.

Taking place in some of the world’s most iconic harbours, anticipation is growing for the opening event of SailGP Season 2, with the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess kicking off April 24-25.

National reopening plans, pent-up customer demand and digitalisation will all contribute to the revival of the live events sector, according to Joe Berchtold, President of Live Entertainment.

The head of the world leading event promoter cited the UK government’s announcement of a roadmap to lifting lockdown in England as a great enabler to reopening the events business.

“The UK is the leading example of what’s working well. They got out fast with the vaccines. They came out with a plan last week,” he told Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on 4^th March.

Subject to the progress of the virus and vaccination, the UK aims to remove all lockdown restrictions in England in a phased approach by 21 June. “Because we have those dates, we can make an informed decision. It has a big impact on consumer side.”

The announcement of the roadmap created a rapid surge in sales of festivals, with Live Nation selling 170,000 tickets in three days, including Creamfields and Reading and Leeds which sold out rapidly.

“We needed a 90-day plan that gives the ecosystem the ability to plan.

“We’re waiting for that in the US, or if not on a state-by-state basis,” he said. “It looks like the south is moving fast. And there are more aggressive plans from some of the big states like California and New York; others are more conservative."

Fortunately outdoor events, which reopen soonest due to the lower risk of transmission, serve the promoter’s biggest customer base. “The benefit for us is the large volume of fans. our most valuable customers are our fans in amphitheatres and our festivals. That’s the best way for us to economically get moving.”

With pressure building on both the supply and demand side, Live Nation’s post-pandemic strategy is to drive more fans into its ecosystem and monetise more effectively.

“We are looking at an elevated supply and demand as we come out of this. We have a very large pent up supply issue,” he said, highlighting a roster of big name artists who have been unable to tour during the pandemic.

“You have latent demand of people wanting to see artists. 95% of fans want to go as soon as they can – so we’re going to have an accelerated supply and demand dynamic.”

Although Live Nation’s revenues were hit dramatically in 2020, their cost base has also reduced.

“We’ve took $950 million out of our cost base last year, and we’re putting $750 million back in. So that’s making us nimbler and more effective.

The promoter is also looking for new revenue streams.

“We’re looking into streaming. There are fans out there that are not going to be able to go to the show, if it’s not in their city or if it’s sold out, who will buy a stream. We can very efficiently provide our thousands of artists with the option of adding a stream to a show or a  tour.

“Most people want to go to the show rather than stream, which reinforces the value of the live proposition. But there are a lot of people who just can’t make it. so it opens the scale of distribution on a global basis. For most artists it will be integrated into touring – an additional element of their live show.”

The pandemic is also accelerating the deployment of digital ticketing. “People will go into the venue on a ticketless basis. This will improve the fan experience and reduce friction. If you reduce friction, you’ll sell more food and beverage and merchandise. That will have direct benefits for the fan, for the venue, it helps us to know and understand our fans, to add value to the sponsors – so the whole system starts to work better.

“Across the whole business, we’re finding ways to do it better.”

Future growth will also be driven beyond the UK and the US. “We’re doing this on a global basis in 40 countries. We have teams in all the markets, taking a market by market approach.

“We are excited about new markets and how they come out of this.”

These comments were made in conversation with Ben Swinburne, Head of U.S. Media Research at Morgan Stanley

[Source: AIPH] The AIPH Virtual Expo Conference on 16 March presents an excellent opportunity to learn more about hosting or being involved with our major horticultural events and to network with expo organisers, city representatives interested in hosting an expo, urban developers, AIPH members, NGOs, international city and environmental organisations and suppliers to major events.

Millions are spent on developing these international spectacles that can have the ability to stimulate the development of entire cities and transform the international reputation of hosting regions. Each exhibition attracts many international participants and millions of visitors, lasts up to six months, with sites ranging from 25 to 500 hectares in size. Every Expo is carefully regulated, steered, and monitored by AIPH.

The period from now until 2027 already includes AIPH approved expos in China, Turkey, Qatar, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Japan with more to be approved in upcoming meetings. The following Expos will be submitting their progress reports on 16 March.

A1 World Horticultural Expos: The World Horticultural Expos include Expo 2022 Floriade (the Netherlands); Expo 2023 Doha (Qatar) and World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama (Japan).

B International Horticultural Exhibitions: The International Horticultural Exhibitions include 2021 Yangzhou (China); Expo 2021 Hatay (Turkey); Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş (Turkey) and Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo (South Korea).

There will also be news about Expos going through the approval process including International Horticultural Exhibition Chengdu 2024 (China) and Expo İzmir 2026 (Turkey).

There will also be progress news from the organisers of the International Horticultural Show Euroflora 2022.

The ongoing impact of safety measures against coronavirus means that rather than a physical international conference, we shall be using the multi-faceted Hopin platform to host this online international event where delegates from around the world can meeting real-time.

We are very grateful to our Gold Sponsors IGMPR (creators of themed floral and horticultural attractions) and PERA Event (specialising in major event management) for their support of the conference. These companies are also AIPH Preferred Partners. IGMPR Director Ibo Gulsen will be giving a presentation about creating a unique floral event within your Expo.

Registration is free and you will be able to network with delegates and sponsors starting from 7am (GMT), and all from the safety of your home office device.

AIPH extends its appreciation to AGES (Association of Global Event Suppliers), Major Events International, Biophilic Cities and media partners HOST CITY and FloraCulture International magazine.

AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, comments, “We are delighted to welcome our Expo organisers and all delegates to the AIPH Expo Conference. AIPH approved expos are beautiful events, which are enjoyed by millions of visitors wherever they are staged. Cities around the world are looking to further develop their green credentials and urban spaces, as well as driving the appreciation and benefits of plants and flowers in the built environment. In addition to seeing the interesting progress of our approved Expos, attendees will be able to network with delegates and learn more about how staging an International Horticultural Expos can bring great benefits to the host city, not just during the Expo itself, but for years to come.”

[Source: ASOIF] At its first meeting of 2021, the Council of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) today agreed to organise its General Assembly virtually on 8 June, due to the ongoing global pandemic. This year’s annual gathering of the ASOIF member federations will feature the election of three Council members.

During its virtual meeting, the Council agreed on proposing to the General Assembly amendments to the ASOIF statues, aimed at improving gender balance within the representation of International Federation (IF) delegates at the General Assembly. The draft wording states that if any member federation intends to send the maximum number of three delegates to the ASOIF General Assembly, then both genders must be represented.

In another move to continuously enforce good governance, the ASOIF Council discussed arrangements for the fourth ASOIF review of IF governance and endorsed the launch of a pilot study on organisational culture within IFs.

ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said on this occasion: “It’s important to have rules and regulations in place, but we all know that the behaviour and actions of people play a large role in how an organisation really functions. Our new pilot study on organisational culture is a complex exercise but we are convinced that the outcomes will be highly beneficial to our member federations.”

The Council also reviewed the latest developments in the final preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and welcomed the COVID-19 countermeasures “Playbooks”, which also lay out the framework for IF operations at Games-time. ASOIF and its member IFs remain fully committed to delivering successful and safe Games in Tokyo. Everybody is working hard to find practical and fair solutions regarding the Olympic qualification process.

With the pandemic having accelerated the interest and participation in virtual simulations of IF sports and disciplines, the Council endorsed an esports project to explore strategic and business options for all IFs to engage with gaming/esports.

Finally, the Council welcomed the recent views expressed by the European Commission in support of the European Model of Sport. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted sport’s important contribution to society in social, health and economic terms as well as the need for solidarity within the sports movement. The Council stressed that the fundamental elements of the European Model of Sport – solidarity, revenue redistribution and sport autonomy – should be protected and that the public authorities should be mindful of the third-party sport event promoters’ impact on the European Model of Sport.

[Source: FIFA] Following their initial appointment last year to lead the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ office in their respective host countries, Jane Fernandez has now been named as the COO for Australia, with Jane Patterson being officially appointed as the COO for New Zealand.

Jane Fernandez led Football Australia’s successful joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and was subsequently appointed as Head of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Office (Australia). In addition, she was Head of Sport for the Australian Olympic Committee and Tournament Director of the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

Jane Patterson has worked on sports events across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the UK, including a wide range of world championships in netball, BMX, para-swimming and taekwondo and major events including the Ironman Triathlon and the New Zealand Open golf tournament. She was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 in recognition of her achievements in service to sport and worked for New Zealand Football as Project Director for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Speaking about the announcement FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “Today’s announcement adds to the excitement around the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. We are delighted to welcome Jane Patterson and Jane Fernandez on board as Chief Operating Officers for the competition. Their skill, experience in leading multi-talented teams and passion for football will be key to ensuring the delivery of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the highest level.”

James Johnson, Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, added: “We are delighted that Jane Fernandez has been appointed to this prestigious and important position, and that her vast knowledge and skillset will continue to be utilised by FIFA for the biggest sporting event to be held on Australian soil since Sydney 2000.”

Andrew Pragnell, CEO of New Zealand Football said: “New Zealand Football are thrilled to see Jane Patterson confirmed as Chief Operating Officer (New Zealand) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Jane has done a stellar job to date as Project Director for the Initial Operating Phase and we are delighted to see her continue to bring her wealth of knowledge and experience to the tournament.”

As part of their new roles, the newly-appointed COOs will oversee the operational aspects of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

In 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted for the first time in FIFA’s history across two confederations. In addition, the number of teams participating will increase from 24 at the eighth edition of the competition in France 2019, to 32 in 2023. 

Recruitment has also started for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role for the tournament. Details have been posted on the careers section of FIFA.com and on the Football Australia and New Zealand Football websites.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has appointed Susan Murrin, Pamela Brockett and Rob Arbuthnot to its team in the roles of Head of Operations, Head of Sport Delivery and Head of Marketing and Communications respectively.

Each will work alongside their respective Directors and the Championships Event Partners and stakeholders to design and deliver the event as well as its wider ambition of supporting meaningful societal change across Scotland.

Susan joins the team with 15 years of major event experience having worked across the full range of operational requirements at events including at the World Rowing Championships, FIS Snowboard World Cups, London 2017 World Athletics Championships and the Glasgow 2018 European Championships. Most recently, Susan led the Championships Services team at the Yorkshire 2019 UCI Road Cycling World Championships.

For more than 10 years, Pamela has played a key role in developing Glasgow’s reputation as a world-leading event city as part of the Glasgow Life team, using her exceptional event management skills to deliver an annual portfolio of events and one-off major projects. This includes a roster of national, European and UCI Cycling World Championships and over six years’ experience of operating at a leadership level within a major multi-sport event environment, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the inaugural 2018 European Championships. 

Having spent the last 10 years at Red Bull, Rob will bring a wealth of experience in leading world-class marketing activations across consumer goods, media and live experiences. Whilst in the Brand Team, he was responsible for leading and delivering some of Red Bull's most successful cycling event campaigns and activations, including Red Bull Hardline, Red Bull Timelaps and Red Bull Million Mile commute campaign, which encouraged the nation to get on their bike and, through pedal power, commute 1 Million Miles.

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “I’m delighted to have Susan, Pamela and Rob joining the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships team. The appointment of the three Heads of Department is another key step forward as we look to deliver this historic event and build a blueprint for future editions. 

“The Championships is more than just an event. In addition to delivering a great event for athletes and spectators our aim is for it to also be a catalyst for change across Scotland by supporting ideas and opportunities that help more people to ride bikes more often. Alongside the rest of the team, Susan, Pamela and Rob will ensure this ambition for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is realised.”  

Susan will take up her role on 1 March while start dates for Pamela and Rob are currently being finalised.

Taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland in August 2023, the UCI Cycling World Championships will be the single biggest cycling event in history bringing together thousands of cyclists around 13 of cycling's existing UCI World Championships into one mega event for the first time.

The Championships is more than just an event. It will celebrate the unique power of the bike and all it can bring to our everyday lives, whether it’s physical and mental health benefits, easing congestion on the road to help the environment, or simply making it easier for people to get around.

The Championships is being delivered in collaboration between cycling’s governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Scottish Government, Glasgow Life, UK Sport, British Cycling and VisitScotland with its EventScotland team, with the partnership creating a blueprint for future editions by ensuring the inaugural event is authentic, innovative and distinctive.

[Source: Interkultur] The 12th World Choir Games 2022 in Gangneung, Republic of Korea, are making us dream of a bright future: Singing and celebrating at a wonderful destination surrounded by beautiful coast and mountains with a treat of real Olympic air through the Olympic Park and ICE Arena, which tell us about the time of Winter Olympics in 2018.

In order to help you making this dream reality we have recently published a new loyalty package which grants you additional discounts for registrations until May 5, 2021: the more World Choir Games participations you had since 2012, the greater benefits you’ll receive. But that’s not all: On top of this we will give you a free city sightseeing tour, a voucher for your scores and even professional pictures from your choir on stage.

You didn’t join a World Choir Games with your choir yet? No problem, also new choirs will receive a little discount, if they register for the World Choir Games 2022 until May 5.

And no worries, we don’t need the full registration documents until that date. All you have to send to us is the

• Full Registration forms , except repertoire (this can be submitted later with sheet music)*
• Registration fee
• Photo of your choir*
• Short biography of your choir
• Recording of your choir in mp3 format

(*the number of participants and final travel dates in the registration form as well as your official choir photo can of course be updated at a later stage)

What are you waiting for? Check out all the details at www.wcg2022.com! You will find the specific information in the section “Registration” after you have chosen your country from the list.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] David Grevemberg will be leaving his role as Chief Executive Officer at the Commonwealth Games Federation on 5 March.

David has served in this position since November 2014 following his tenure at the helm of the successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

During this time, David worked to help transform the Federation’s focus from quadrennial oversight of its major Games to a dynamic, strategic Movement focused on legacy, impact and community benefit.

In 2015, David oversaw the development and launch of the organisation’s strategic plan, Transformation 2022, as well as its refresh in 2019, following extensive consultations across the Federation’s governance, management and global network of members and stakeholders.

This ambitious plan has informed and directed the priorities and activities of the Federation over a period of significant evolution, and David has worked diligently to deliver on this vision.

As part of Transformation 2022, David has passionately led on the recognition of the role of human rights in sport and tirelessly championed initiatives focused on social justice, impact, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Leading a dedicated team, he has successfully supported the Host Cities and Organising Committees of the Samoa 2015 and Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, and Australia’s 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The Federation will now begin the process of recruiting for a new CEO.

Dame Louise Martin said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank David for his work, energetic advocacy, and strong commitment to our Movement and leaving the Federation well positioned for Birmingham 2022.

David is a visionary and energetic advocate of the power of sport and its ability to enhance and transform lives.”

David Grevemberg said: “I have had the privilege of working in the Commonwealth Sport Movement for over a decade; including six years as CEO of the Federation.

I am enormously proud of the work that we have achieved and continue to drive through our strategy, Transformation 2022, which has always been delivered in ambitious partnership with our team, our leadership and our passionate global network of members and Commonwealth athletes.

Together we have transformed the vision, mission and impact of our Movement, and it has been an honour to play my small part in building peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth through sport.

The upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are tracking positively and I am confident will be another milestone event for the movement.

After much reflection, I feel that now is the right moment to pass the baton. This will give a successor time to support and experience next year’s Games in Birmingham and plan and oversee the next significant phase of the Federation’s history, post-Transformation 2022.”

Host City wishes David and the CGF well. Watch David Grevemberg chairing the discussion on The Impact of the Black Lives Matter with Densign White and Brian Lewis at Host City 2020

Host City 2021, the world’s largest meeting of cities and sports business events, will take place on 7-8 December in Glasgow with a global, hybrid format that will maximise participation from all regions of the world.

Scotland and Glasgow will host the global event for the 7th consecutive year. Host City 2021 will build on the phenomenal success of last year’s first digital edition, combining face-to-face action at Glasgow’s Technology & Innovation Centre with online connectivity.

The global, hybrid Host City 2021 will be preceded by two regional, digital events: Host City Americas and Host City Asia, set for 30 June and 14 April respectively.

Host City 2021 will also feature online sessions timed for Asian and American participation. The combination of physical and digital elements over an expanded timeframe will take Host City to more of the world than ever before, while enabling the physical content and networking in Glasgow for which Host City is renowned.

Host City 2021 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: "EventScotland has a strong connection with Host City, having been a supporter of the conference since its inception in 2014, and we are delighted to be welcoming it back to Scotland and Glasgow for the 7th consecutive year.

"Host City is always a great opportunity for the major events sector to come together and share best practice, and the global hybrid format for this year's conference will ensure attendees, whether they are there in person or online, are able to learn and share knowledge as we continue to navigate through the new normal.

"Events are a force for good and we look forward to working with the Host City team to deliver a conference that ensures a bright future for all events."

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “As a proud supporter of Host City, we’re delighted to welcome the event back to Glasgow for the seventh year in a row.

“As a leading host city for festivals and events, Glasgow has keenly felt the impact of Covid-19, and seeing how well last year’s Host City event was delivered on a digital platform was hugely encouraging and the global feedback was fantastic.

“We look forward to working with the Host City team once again to ensure that 2021’s event is even bigger and better than previous iterations, and to share best practice with our colleagues across the world as we all work to create the best possible future for events.”

Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City said: “Since the first Host City event in 2014, we have staged continually growing physical events, two Asian editions, and last December we reached our biggest ever audience by going online for the first time.

“2021 represents a tremendous opportunity to combine all these elements and present the greatest platform for of cities and sports, business and cultural events to participate in a way that works best for them, whether that is meeting in person in Glasgow or participating online on the other side of the world.

“The digital regional events – the third Host City Asia and the first Host City Americas – will also play a huge part in bringing our community together, enabling stakeholders in major events the world over to share best practice and set the global agenda.”

For more information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com or adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk