Spirit of Harrogate launches new ready to serve drinks brand

[Source: The Sports Consultancy] Harrogate-based premium drinks brand, Spirit of Harrogate, is today announcing the launch of ‘Solo’ – five ready to serve drinks – created for the UCI Road World Championships, taking place in Yorkshire this September.

Solo will be an Official Supplier of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships running from 22^nd – 29^th September, with the world’s best cyclists descending on Yorkshire for the week. Spectators can sample the range of refreshing tipples from the tournament’s multiple bar venues throughout the week, and from the Spirit of Harrogate experience store on Montpellier Parade. Solo will also be available to purchase in store after the races too.

Solo has been made using award-winning Slingsby Gin and includes Slingsby London Dry with Indian Tonic Water – a signature classic made with locally sourced botanicals. Attendees can also enjoy Slingsby Rhubarb Gin with Ginger Ale or Elderflower Tonic Water infused with the finest Yorkshire rhubarb or Slingsby Gooseberry Gin mixed with Mediterranean Tonic. Solo will also launch a ready to serve made using the Gin brand’s latest flavour variant Marmalade, complimented with Mediterranean tonic. All products are bottled at 8% ABV.

The sponsorship deal, which was concluded on behalf of the UCI by The Sports Consultancy (TSC), will see Solo benefit from multiple promotional opportunities over the seven days including on-course branding, branded content across the event’s social channels and advertisement in the official programme. The team will also be handing out branded giveaways throughout the duration of the event in the UCI Fan Zone, in their flagship store in the heart of Harrogate and as part of the 2-day publicity vehicle caravan on the final weekend.

Co-Founder of Spirit of Harrogate Mike Carthy comments:

“We’re delighted to be launching our first ready to serve drinks brand and thrilled that Solo will be the Official Supplier for such a prestigious sporting event. We can’t wait to welcome the thousands of attendees and world’s best cyclists to our hometown. I’ll certainly be there cheering on the sports men and women who are competing as they race through the heart of Harrogate – with a Solo in hand of course. Solo is something we’ve worked incredibly hard on and we can’t wait for visitors to trial our unique flavours during the event.”

At the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in Rwanda, the CGF launched Transformation 2022 Refresh, showcased the organisation’s rebrand as Commonwealth Sport and re-elected President Louise Martin DBE for a second four-year term.

Transformation 2022 is the Commonwealth Sport Movement's Strategic Plan from 2015-2022. Refresh refers to the current period from 2019-2022 following the first four-year phase.

The plan follows detailed member consultation as part of the CGF’s Regional Meeting Programme which commenced following the conclusion of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The refresh commits the movement to focusing on delivering inspirational sporting moments, nurturing a powerful sporting movement and activating transformational partnership.

It also establishes a new strategic priority focusing on the Movement’s ambition to ‘Realise Collective Impact’ - focused on athletes and sport for social change – a defining differentiator for the Commonwealth Sport Movement.

This aims to empower and equip athletes as agents of change and advocates for integrity; provide support and opportunities for CGAs; contribute to truth, reconciliation and relief programmes and strengthen the contribution of sport in Commonwealth Cities.

This new strategic priority also includes the future formation of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation.

Commonwealth Sport

The “Commonwealth Sport” brand was developed in close consultation with the 71 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs).

It reflects a bold, forward looking approach that underpins the CGF’s values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny, the collective work of the six regions and the vision of the Movement.

It is a brand for the entire movement, created by RBL agency in the UK, and replaces the more internally-focused corporate identity, launched back in 2000.

CGF CEO David Grevemberg CBE said: “There really is no better place than Rwanda to strengthen and position Commonwealth Sport as a progressive leader in sport and social change, harnessing the power of sport as a catalyst to unleash our human potential and positively transform lives.

“The Transformation 2022 Refresh will ensure the Commonwealth Sports Movement is in the best possible position to capitalise on the opportunities and mitigate possible risks that lie ahead in a rapidly changing world.  

“It is an important time to galvanise and drive the positive impact of sport on society which is why we have updated and launched an exciting new Commonwealth Sport Brand to keep pace with our ambition.

“This means we aren't just unveiling a new logo and emblem but actually linking our narrative, positioning and meaning. It is about putting the emphasis back on our vision, our values and our athletes.”

President Louise Martin re-elected

Dame Louise Martin DBE was re-elected by delegates at the General Assembly four years after she took up the role in 2015, when she became the first female to hold this office.

She said: “Looking back over the last quadrennial, I am overwhelmed by a sense of pride from our collective achievements, at the endeavours of Commonwealth athletes, at the success of our flagship events and how we have adapted and responded to challenges as well as harnessed opportunities.

“Like all families, we are defined by people, how we treat and respect each other and how we work together.

“Let’s continue to deliver on the strategy outlined in the Transformation 2022 Refresh and enjoy this journey as through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.”

The General Assembly took place at the flagship Kigali Convention Centre with the event marking the ten-year anniversary of Rwanda joining the list of Commonwealth nations in 2009.

It was staged a year before the country hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020 with Commonwealth Secretary General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC in attendance where she delivered a formal address to the Assembly.

Rwanda is the newest member of the Commonwealth and the second country (as well as Mozambique) in the Commonwealth without historic UK ties.

Dame Louise Martin DBE is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secrets of success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Digital development

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: Yutang Sports] The Chinese sports marketing online media Yutang Sports and Host City, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, have signed a media partnership for the 2019 Host City event to be held in Glasgow, Scotland on Nov. 26-27.

The partnership is the latest development after two years of friendly collaboration between the two parties on the Chinese market. Under the partnership, Yutang Sports will help promote the Host City 2019 to its Chinese and global audiences. Chinese citizens or companies who register for Host City 2019 through Yutang Sports may also get a discount.

Host City focuses on sharing knowledge, insights and best-practice around the organization of sports, business and cultural events globally. It welcomes leaders of International Federations, organising committees, businesses and government authorities to share opportunities and socialize with each other.

This year’s event features high-profile speakers from IOC, International Triathlon Union, Rugby World Cup France 2023, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Expo 2020 Dubai, UEFA EURO Germany 2024, English Football League, Riot Games, Aggreko Event Services, just to name a few.

About Yutang Sports

Yutang Sports delivers editorial and interviews on sports marketing and general sports business news. It is a leading vertical sports business media in China published in both Chinese and English, with influence in both China and around the world. In the meanwhile, Yutang Sports also provide sponsorship sales services to sports rights holders and brands. http://en.ytsports.cn/

About Host City

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

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

www.hostcity.com

At the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland on 29^th August, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach showed his admiration for the modern, values-based direction of ITU under the leadership of Marisol Casado.

“ITU is maybe the International Federation that has most embraced the Olympic Agenda 2020,” said Thomas Bach in his address to the Congress.

“The IOC is proud of the close cooperation it has with the ITU in respect of good governance as well as gender equality, which is in the interests of every organisation. So, I thank Marisol Casado for all she is doing with ITU.”

The ITU President thanked Bach for his commitment and guidance, and for his admiration for the sport of triathlon and its athletes.

“The athletes are at the heart of every decision we make as an organisation and their commitment to the sport is incredible, so I am very proud of the support Thomas Bach has shown to ITU,” she said.

The 2019 ITU Congress brought together 73 member Federations and other stakeholders including the IOC.

Julie Duffus, Sustainability Manager at the IOC gave a presentation on sustainability in sport, while IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell also followed Thomas Bach onto the stage to reflect on the success of the Tokyo Test Event and look ahead to next year’s Olympic Games.

Other activities at the Congress included the announcement of the new World Cup and Paratriathlon calendars for 2020, in-depth reports from the 2019 Tokyo Test Events, a new mentorship programme and the approval of American Samoa as the 172nd member of the International Triathlon Union.

Brook Sport Consulting – led by Norman Brook, who has worked with Olympic coaches and received an MBE for his services to social development through sport – was chosen at the Congress to deliver the ITU mentorship programme across all areas of the sport, from coaches to Technical Officials, including a specific focus on women in the sport.

The organising committee of the Edmonton 2020 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final also gave a preview of their plans for next year, before the ITU Grand Final took place in Lausanne on 30 August - 1 September 2019.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: Aggreko, March 2019] Aggreko is proud to announce it will be providing critical power and distribution for the ninth Rugby World Cup, which takes place from 20 September to 2 November, in Japan. This will be the first time the tournament is to be held in Asia, providing a great showcase for the sport in the region and across the world.

The global leader in mobile, modular power, heating, cooling and energy services will supply the power to 12 venues spread across Japan, as well as the International Broadcast Centre that is responsible for providing the television coverage to millions of fans across the world.

Aggreko is tasked with all critical power systems and distribution for all broadcast activities, and Field of Play Backup Systems too. Venues are spread around the country, providing a logistical challenge, so Aggreko will ensure around 80 engineers will be on site to support the operations and logistics. 

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "We are delighted to welcome Aggreko as a supplier for Rugby World Cup 2019. The appointment of company with a proven track record in major events delivery to the tournament commercial family will further broaden the reach and profile of what is shaping-up to be the most popular Rugby World Cup ever with record ticket demand and the biggest-ever broadcast and digital media footprint."

“Aggreko are proud to be chosen to provide our critical services to such a global and prestigious event as Rugby World Cup 2019. We have ample experience handling the worlds’ biggest events, and the 2019 Rugby World Cup certainly falls under that category.” said Robert Wells, Managing Director, Aggreko Events Services.

Aggreko have been involved in some of the biggest events in the world, providing their services to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Ryder Cup in Parisamong many.

Rugby World Cup 2019 is on track to be the event to attend in 2019 with unprecedented ticketing demand during the priority and public phases to date. Fans interested in attending Asia's first Rugby World Cup can find out more via the official website at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets, where tickets are currently on sale. The site also contains details of the official supporter tour and hospitality programmes.

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

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

New speaker confirmations include IOC Members:

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

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

organising/bid committee leaders:

Claude Atcher, CEO, Rugby World Cup France 2023

Markus Stenger, Managing Director, DFB EURO 2024

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

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

Debbie Jevans CBE, Executive Chair, English Football League

Russell Samuel, VP, Marketing and Creative, Viacom Velocity

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

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

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

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

in addition to world leading experts and service providers:

David de Behr, Head of Sales, Aggreko Event Services

Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate, Sports Ground Safety Authority

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

David Tunnicliffe, Commercial Director, GL events UK

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

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

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

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

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

About Host City

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

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

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

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

www.hostcity.com

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.