Host City: The sports events market is crowded with a busy calendar – what were the challenges in launching Super League Triathlon and what is it that makes Super League Triathlon stand out?

Michael D’hulst: We have developed a unique product, a game changing reinvention of triathlon, and Super League appeals to the modern-day consumer in that it is very action packed, entertaining, accessible, green and sustainable, so we tick a lot of boxes.

We are also less disruptive than many other triathlons because of our small footprint.

All we need to operate an event is an 800-metre loop and that can be done in the middle of a city or even using bike ways because we need so little in the way of road closures.

We have a proven concept which we have won awards for and we can deliver these amazing entertainment and sporting events while showcasing our host cities. We always integrate with them and ensure we are not disruptive.

Though we are always mindful of a busy sporting calendar, because of our unique product we don’t consider it too much beyond arranging around the availability of our athletes and broadcast schedules.

Host City: How many visitors and participants do you typically get at Super League Triathlon events – what’s the demographic?

Michael D’hulst: Our demographic is the typical one of triathlon in terms of ABC1 – but there is one very important difference in that our audience is younger.

There is already a clear trend that fans of Super League Triathlon are a lot younger than, for example, Ironman. We see that in our social media too and help to drive that through our innovative presentation.

Our demographic is very valuable to an event host as they have a higher propensity to spend.

We are also engaging a good percentage of the population of our hosts.

On Jersey, an island of 100,000 people, we get 20,000 people coming to the events.

In 2020 we are looking to grow into bigger cities and we see attendance growing exponentially as a result.

Host City: How is the action shared to viewers that aren’t able to attend in person – what are the viewing figures and on which platforms?

Michael D’hulst: One of the major drawing cards for Super League Triathlon is that we invest a lot in creating free content, live broadcasting, streaming and on our social media platforms.

The biggest audience is in France but there is significant growth around continental Europe.

Our social media numbers have also grown exponentially event by event. If we continue the growth trends we have seen so far we expect a reach of 42 million across Facebook and Instagram for our next event.

In terms of impressions combined across those platforms, we are estimating 65 million plus.

We work with 104 broadcasters to reach 1.16 billion households and our last event in Singapore had 520 hours of broadcast time. We have seen these numbers grow event by event.

Host City: How else do destinations benefit from hosting Super League Triathlon?

Michael D’hulst: We focus on several elements.

Having a direct economic impact is always important to a destination.
Then the media value we drive and the emphasis we have on leveraging television and social media, distributing behind the scenes and destination content in the build-up to a race, pushing out news features, live streaming, highlights, post-produced documentary etc.

But, arguably, the intangible factors are even more important. We are speaking about a very interesting demographic, whose lives and priorities are aligned with the host cities we are targeting.

We have our professional athletes under contract and that means we can utilise them as we create a whole outreach programme that builds into communities and we customise to what the host venue wants.

For example, they may want to showcase their sustainability efforts to the world and promote healthy living – perhaps like Jersey’s ocean culture – or maybe like Singapore leveraging our expertise to help create a high-performance culture because they have Olympic medal dreams.

We will also take our athletes into schools, local communities and businesses.

We customise how we leverage what we bring to the table with our athletes and brand, to make that work for our hosts and also ensure there is a legacy that continues year-round.

At the event itself, it’s more than just the professional racing as we build out corporate hospitality with direct access to pros, participation events for amateurs of all abilities to encourage people to participate in our wonderful sport and a Fan Zone with an emphasis on being family friendly.

Host City: What are the main criteria you look for in a host destination?

Michael D’hulst: There needs to be shared values and an alignment with the demographic and the sport. For example, an emphasis on an outdoor and healthy lifestyle, a focus on sustainability, and also innovation.

Television is a big part of what we do so we look for scenic and iconic spots that people see on television and think ‘wow’, and our venues only require an 800-metre loop.

Host City: I am sure many destinations would jump at the chance to host Super League Triathlon – what’s the process of bidding to host an event?

Michael D’hulst: We are arranging a calendar typically a minimum of 12 months in advance.

We are looking at our 2021 calendar at the moment and we have a Championship Series that runs August-November.

We need to be responsible as well and to look after the athletes and their movements around the world.

It typically all starts with an expression of interest from a host city and then we have a conversation as to how we make that work. The formal selection decisions for 2021 will be made in summer 2020.

Host City: How would you sum up 2019 for Super League Triathlon so far and what are your expectations of 2020?

Michael D’hulst: It was always the case that 2019 was going to be a challenging season because of the upcoming Olympics. Triathlon is an Olympic sport and, understandably, a key goal for many of our athletes, and we fully respect that.

We consulted with them and decided to run two Championship Series events in 2019 but to use this ‘Olympic pause’ to prepare and work closely with our host venues to deliver what will be by far our biggest and best season yet with many more events in 2020.

We have some very exciting times ahead.

Super League Triathlon CEO Michael D’hulst is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Super League Triathlon (SLT) is gearing up for the start of its 2019 Championship Series as the eyes of the multisport world turn to Jersey.

The Channel Island is one of the original SLT venues and has been further improved for this year’s event on September 28-29 to deliver one of triathlon’s most thrilling race weekends that will be watched around the globe.

Super League has reinvented the swim-bike-run format to produce short, sharp and hugely engaging races that are made for broadcast and a modern-day global sporting audience.

Jersey and SLT have formed a winning partnership as part of Super League’s ongoing collaborative efforts to recognise the uniqueness of all venues and provide value to the wider community who buy into the hosting.

It all starts with a desire to be part of the community, ensuring there is not widespread disruption to the host city and creating an amphitheatre feel around an 800-metre loop, so spectators are up close and personal with the action.

Also key to Jersey or any host city is a guarantee of world’s best athletes who are committed to not only achieving their sporting potential but also engaging in Super League’s extensive outreach programme.

The athletes spend the days building up to the weekend of racing in local schools and communities, providing role models to inspire health and wellness, social integration and diversity, and when the event goes live Jersey is seen across the world as a lifestyle destination.

And that’s all before you consider a few of the numbers. Nielsen Sports report that a Super League race is picked up by 104 broadcasters reaching 1.16 billion households with a media value of nearly £14 million.

There has also been huge growth in Super League’s digital footprint with an expectation that global reach from an event will grow to 42 million in 2019.

Super League remains focussed on delivering direct economic benefits to a host city – with Jersey estimated at around £1m last year – while also providing the intangible advantages that come via being associated with a globally recognised and game changing sports brand that aims to fit seamlessly into the local community and its culture.

Super League Triathlon has 2019 races planned in Jersey on September 28-29 and Malta on October 19-20. For more information visit superleaguetriathlon.com

[Source: Super League Triathlon] 

Michael D’Hulst, CEO of Super League Triathlon, is speaking at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November, under the conference theme “Innovate; Reformulate; Co-create”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View the full list of categories for 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

[Source: SportAccord] ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ has been unveiled as the theme of the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019, giving custodians of sport the opportunity to explore the game-changing benefits of putting athletes at the heart of their strategies.

The IF Forum 2019 is organised by SportAccord for GAISF members and supported by the International Olympic Committee to tackle global matters related to the Sports Movement. The IF Forum will bring together more than 200 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations from 28-30 October 2019 at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.

The annual three-day gathering is also limited to a small number of industry partners and gives them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement.

Safeguarding athletes, protection of clean athletes, athlete welfare, future financial wellbeing and strengthening the voice of athletes will be among the topics under discussion during the IF Forum 2019 conference sessions, workshops, keynotes and fireside chats.

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

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), said: “As we approach the 13^th edition of the IF Forum, the event continues to grow in importance, having become a vital gathering for the family of International Sports Federations to learn and network in a relaxed setting that encourages a healthy exchange of ideas.

“A sport cannot flourish without its athletes performing to their potential, so it is fitting that the focus of the IF Forum 2019 will be on how to nurture and strengthen relationships between International Sports Federations and athletes, who are sport’s most important stakeholders.

“It is paramount for the future growth of International Sports Federations and sport that athletes’ voices are heard and the development, interests and lives of such individuals are supported outside as well as inside the competition arena.”

Kit McConnell, Sports Director at the International Olympic Committee said: “We have seen the Olympic Movement not only recognise the value of the athlete voice but increasingly bring athlete representation into the core of their decision making structures in order to shape the future of sport. This has mirrored the increased focus of all partners in supporting athletes on and off the field of play.

Putting athletes as a focus of this year’s IF Forum reinforces this focus and, in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations, ensures that we keep athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement and build on other key steps such as the launch of the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration, the recent International Athletes’ Forum and the ongoing work of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.”

Presentation slots have been scheduled over the course of the programme as part of exclusive rights and benefits available to Partners of the invitation-only event.

The IF Forum 2019 will also feature numerous other opportunities for Partners to engage directly with sport’s decision-makers, including VIP functions and social activities for networking.

To discuss partnership opportunities and take advantage of exclusive access to the IF Forum, contact Malcolm Hardman of SportAccord +41 (0)79 945 89 34 or email malcolm.hardman@sportaccord.sport

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

Sarah Lewis, Secretary General of the International Ski Federation (FIS) updated Host City about developments in China immediately following meetings with the IOC Coordination Commission and Beijing 2022 Olympic Games Organising Committee.

“The drive and commitment in China is unparalleled, not just to organise outstanding Games, but to develop winter sports as a mainstream sporting activity, recreation and industry,” she told Host City.

China’s winter sports push has led to a major expansion of sports facilities, with 742 ski resorts and 596 ice rinks by the end of 2018, according to an IOC statement. The Beijing 2022 Organising Committee has cited a 16 per cent year-on-year growth of the winter sports industry in China to USD 53.6 billion in 2018, creating 1.5 million jobs to date.

The number of events being hosted is growing accordingly, with 8.15 million people taking part in 4,401 district level, municipal and national level winter sports events in Beijing alone during the 2018-2019 season.

“Beijing 2022 is delivering on its vision to engage 300 million people in winter sports, and we can see real benefits resulting from the various actions that are being undertaken across the country,” IOC Coordination Commission Chair Juan Antonio Samaranch said. “We have heard about some impressive developments that exemplify the vision for winter sports in China in terms of mass participation, elite sport and tourism. This progress is very encouraging for the long-term future of winter sport, both in China and internationally.”

The first test event for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games will be the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup (Downhill & Super G), taking place on 15 and 16 February 2020, as part of a programme of 19 Olympic test events and 5 Paralympic test events. A local organising committee called “Experience Beijing” has been formed for the test events, with venue teams already moving to the Yanqing region and working closely with the FIS to host a successful competition.

Zhang Jiandong, Vice-Mayor of Beijing and Executive Vice-President of Beijing 2022, said that, with the first test event scheduled for February 2020, Games preparations had entered a new phase, with the focus shifting to operational readiness, and that the Organising Committee would step up work in all areas. “We will work closely with the relevant government offices to promote winter sports and attract more people, especially young people, to take part,” he added.

Strategic cooperation with Sina Sports

The IOC Coordination Commission visit to Beijing was immediately preceded by the signing of a strategic cooperation between FIS and Sina Sports for the promotion of snow sports in China.

“Our new partnership with Sina Sports complements the Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China programme focusing on beginner level,” Sarah Lewis told Host City.

The partners will also cooperate on the Sina Alpine Ski Cup mass participation skiing competition series in China, which will be officially endorsed by FIS. A “FIS Destination” will also be installed on Sina’s Weibo media platform, one of the biggest social media platforms in China, featuring coverage of FIS events and promoting FIS activities in China such as Get Into Snow Sports.

The Sina Alpine Ski Cup, created and initiated two years ago by Sina Sports, has quickly become the largest mass participation ski event in China. It will be the first such Alpine Skiing series to receive official FIS endorsement and will its organisation will be supported by the Chinese Ski Association. FIS anticipates the event will quadruple in size for the upcoming season.

The Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China grass roots beginner courses are being executed through FIS’s educational entity, FIS Academy, and in partnership with the Chinese Ski Association to complement their recreational and ski instructor programmes.

The FIS media channels on Weibo will feature various coverage of FIS events, promoted by Sina Sports alongside the Sina Alpine Ski Cup.

The reach and track record of Sina Sports is evidenced by sports events that they have already developed with 3x3 basketball and futsal.

“Sina Sports is delighted to be entering into this cooperation with FIS and receiving the first-ever mass participation skiing event endorsement from FIS. We are proud to support FIS initiatives in China, including official competition events as well as the Get Into Snow Sports (GISS)-China program, in order to jointly promote winter sports in anticipation of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics”, said Sam Li, Head of International Business Strategy for Sina Sports.

Sarah Lewis OBE is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, on 26-27 November in Glasgow

[Source: IOC] The Beijing 2022 ticketing programme will harness Alibaba’s technological and data expertise, ensuring a fully digitally enabled ticketing programme and modern user experience that allows fans to purchase and redistribute tickets securely. The OCOG will be responsible for the overall planning and delivery of the ticketing programme.

The appointment of Alibaba has been made with the objective of securing a single provider to deliver ticketing services and operations over several Games editions, reducing costs and the complexity of hosting the Games in line with Olympic Agenda 2020’s recommendations on efficient turnkey solutions. As a result, OCOGs will benefit from the opportunity to have a continuity of service through the provision of established systems and delivery experience, alleviating the need to design, engineer and deliver a solution for each individual Games edition.

Timo Lumme, Managing Director, IOC Television and Marketing Services, said: “The ticketing solutions provided will drive further innovation at the Olympic Games, enhance the spectator experience and reduce costs for organisers, delivering on the commitments made by Olympic Agenda 2020.”

Chris Tung, Alibaba’s Chief Marketing Officer, added: “We are proud to extend our partnership with the Olympic Games, beyond e-commerce and cloud, by supporting the Beijing 2022 ticketing programme. We look forward to leveraging our technology to help provide streamlined, digitally-enabled ticket sales services to create a seamless ticketing experience for fans around the world.”

In addition to existing work with the IOC on the development of its digital strategy and ecosystem, Alibaba’s expertise in engaging Chinese consumers and ownership of Damai, one of China’s largest ticketing platforms, makes it perfectly positioned to become the Beijing 2022 Ticketing Systems and Services Provider.

The 109 events in seven Olympic winter sports will take place from 4 to 20 February 2022 in the three competition zones of central Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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