Host City: What are the main challenges and opportunities facing the sports broadcasting sector right now and how is SPORTELMonaco addressing these questions?

Laurent Puons: The main issue the industry faces these days is that the world is becoming smaller for everybody. Broadcasting is not only a territorial effort, but with new technologies that enable broadcasting and streaming via internet and social media, territorial and legal matters have become a major headache for rights owners. Broadcasters are facing more and more competition from OTT providers and classic broadcasters must face the reality of extinction, although many still don’t believe it.

The fact is however that audiences worldwide demand variety and freedom of choice. This, for the sport industry is of course a great development and opportunity! The more fans can be rounded up across the globe to see just one sports event, the greater the opportunity to build brand, event and merchandise deals in multiple territories globally.

It’s impossible to cram all issues into one conference, there is simply not enough time to address all at once, but during SPORTELMonaco we can definitively address issues such as OTT, social media and new developments in Asia, which will lead up to our next spring convention SPORTELAsia 2018, in Singapore.

Host City: SPORTELMonaco is now described as “The World Sports Marketing & Media Convention”, reflecting a wider remit than the traditional focus on broadcasting. Why have you changed focus in this way?

Laurent Puons: We haven’t changed our focus, rather evolved “with” the industry, as more and more technologies appear every year that enable events, productions and broadcasters to deliver more sports content to viewers and fans on a massive variety of platforms and change the content business significantly. Also this part of the industry is a lot more influenced by marketing objectives of agencies, federations and brands. In result it is of course a necessary and natural progression of SPORTEL to provide these business opportunities to our community. No other event, but SPORTEL can realistically provide this wide variety.

3/ How can SPORTELMonaco help rights holders to find new ways to reach audiences?

Laurent Puons: For close to 30 years, SPORTEL has always been part of the industry development. Our team knows the industry personally, which is why we never address them as clients but our “community”. We have open and direct dialogues, built on years of trust and know how, understand which companies do what and know what will happen before most in the industry do. This gives us the advantage to prepare and build real business opportunities for the community.

SPORTEL truly is on the frontline of the industry and together with international decision makers we are in the position to see the future of our industry and react accordingly.

[Source: SportAccord] Making choices can be tricky when it comes to selecting which events to attend for organisations involved in the business of sport. With so much to consider, as well as Asia-Pacific set to overtake Europe in sponsorship spend, organisations who want to ensure they make the most from their investments, should register and become involved in the SportAccord Convention 2018 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Why? SportAccord Convention is the only global sports business event guaranteed to have all the international sports federations present. Delegates can rest assured they will have access to 109 Members and Associate Member organisations, as well as 7 Observers, during the world sport and business summit.

SportAccord Convention offers a unique and exclusive networking environment, placing stakeholders in the perfect position to meet the key decision-makers in sport. Here are some compelling reasons for anyone who has a vested interest in sport, to invest and become an exhibitor at the 16^th edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

• APAC is becoming the hottest global market with sponsorship growth expected to reach record levels
• Nearly 40% of confirmed exhibitors are international sports federations who are actively looking to engage
• Over 30% of exhibitors are cities and regions - just under half of these organisations are partners too
• Every sport needs equipment manufacturers to operate an event
• 43% of the exhibition floor space has been reserved already – booths are being snapped-up quickly
• Exhibition booths always sell-out well in advance of the Convention
• For the first time, all delegates will pass through the exhibition area to access the conference auditorium and meeting rooms
• The SAC Café is larger than ever and located within the exhibition zone with many great locations for delegates to network and take in the experience
• Top speakers are signing-up for the #SAC2018 conference programme with the highly topical theme - Uniting a Global Audience: Marketing & Sponsorship for the Future

Commenting on the reasons why The World Games 2021 Birmingham (TWG 2021 BHM) and Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) have secured an exhibition booth (No. 113), Steve Mistrot, Sport Director, TWG 2021 BHM said:

“SportAccord Convention provides opportunities to develop relationships with the IWGA Member Federations. Partnering with GBCVB this year as Exhibitors provides valuable visibility for both organizations:

“For TWG 2021 BHM, a branded space to meet with IWGA Member Federations; for GBCVB, visibility to market Birmingham as a viable host for future events.”

Entry-level booths for SportAccord Convention will start at 6m² and include 4 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, furniture, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet. Visit the website for further information including the Official Schedule or to register, and become an exhibitor, partner or delegate.

Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City said:

“Host City is delighted to have become SportAccord Convention’s Delivery Partner. We see this as the natural evolution of an increasingly powerful relationship between two crucial platforms supporting the community of stakeholders in major international events.

“SportAccord Convention and Host City have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years through media partnerships and conference activities.

“Host City particularly values opportunities to reinforce and forge new connections with leading people and organisations involved in major events.

“As well as being a focus for Host City’s high quality editorial coverage, SAC2018 in Bangkok will also provide a welcome opportunity for us to build engagement in Host City’s own events – including Host City Asia, which will bring the world of international event hosting to Beijing at the end of May 2018, and our annual global conference and exhibition in Glasgow in November 2017.”

SportAccord Convention is also a Silver Sponsor to Host City 2017 taking place in Glasgow from 28-29 November 2017.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “As an Official Delivery Partner, we’re delighted to have Host City onboard, given the importance and complexities of hosting major sports events. Host City has provided first-class support and media coverage for SportAccord Convention, and in recent years, with Ben Avison involved as a moderator for our CityAccord conference. We value their expertise and encourage delegates to draw on their experience in the lead-up to and during the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok.”

To network and connect with delegates ahead of the SportAccord Convention 2018 including international sports federations, cities, regions, organising committees, rights holders and suppliers, organisations involved in the business of sport can register for the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok as a delegate, or become involved as a partner and/or exhibitor.

The annual SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit runs for 6 days and features an extensive Conference programme including CityAccord, a sell-out 3-day exhibition, and hosts the stakeholder General Assemblies attended by their Members. The Convention also offers many social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.

[Source: SportAccord Convention] Sir Ben Ainslie, four-time Olympic Gold Medallist & Team Principal, as well as Skipper of Britain’s America’s Cup Challenger, Land Rover BAR, will give the keynote on 8 November 2017 at the eleventh edition of the International Federation (IF) Forum focused on Sustainability.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event set to take place from 8-10 November at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland, Sir Ben Ainslie shared the following thoughts:

“It’s great that a flagship event like the International Federation (IF) Forum is focusing specifically on sustainability. Sports teams represent key role models in society and there is an opportunity for all sports teams to become truly sustainable businesses. At Land Rover BAR, we believe our influence should extend far beyond the race course, we look to educate and inspire to drive sustainability forward instinctively.”

This year’s IF Forum conference: ‘‘International Federation Impact - Leading the way towards a Sustainable Agenda’ will include Welcome Remarks from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor Department of Economy and Sport, Canton of Vaud.

Patrick Baumann, President of GAISF and SportAccord Convention will deliver the Opening Address to leaders of the international sports federations and discussed the significance of this year’s theme on Sustainability:

"Avery Brundage, 5^th president of the International Olympic Committee once described sport as ‘an international phenomenon like science or music’ and he was right.  Sport has significant influence to shape the way people think about issues such as sustainability which is central to the future of our planet. As leaders of International Sports bodies we have a responsibility to use that influence by ensuring promoting sustainability and ingraining best practice into our events and operations.”

Marie Sallois Dembreville, Director of Corporate Development, Brand and Sustainability, IOC, will lead the Welcome and Opening Remarks on Thursday 9 November, and outline the objectives for the IF Forum, as well as the importance of implementing a common strategy.

The IF Forum conference will focus on infrastructure and natural sites, sourcing and resource management, climate, mobility, and workforce. The programme is a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee and all International Federations, and hosted by the SportAccord Convention team.

Speakers will include:

• Inger Andersen, Director General of IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature
• David Stubbs, Sustainability Expert
• Antony Scanlon, Executive Director, IGF - International Golf Federation
• Gloria Scarano, Mountain Protection Coordinator, UIAA - International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation
• Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI - International Equestrian Federation
• Andreas Graf, Human Rights Manager, FIFA - International Federation of Football Association
• Elena Merdaca, Administration Director, FIE - International Fencing Federation
• John Liljelund, Secretary General, IFF - International Floorball Federation
• Max T. Edkins, Manager, Connect4Climate Programme, World Bank Group
• Janne Leskinen, Secretary General, Lahti 2017, FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
• Thomas Kurth, Secretary General, UIM - International Powerboating Union
• Denis Décosterd, Chef du Service du développement de la Ville et de la communication, ville de Lausanne
• Maël Besson, Policy Officer, Sustainable Development of Sport, French Ministry of Cities, Youth and Sport, French Government
• Dr Beate Grupp, IIHF - International Ice Hockey Federation
• Will Lloyd, CEO, Global Sports Jobs
• Roger Piarulli, Executive Director, THF - Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, WT - World Taekwondo
• Jörn Verleger, Secretary General, IFA - International Fistball Association
• Volker Bernardi, Executive Director, WFDF - World Flying Disc Federation
• Magnus Sverdrup, Head of International Relations, Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, Lillehammer Youth Olympic Games 2016

An additional speaker will be presented by IKEA.

Panel sessions will be led by David Eades, Anchor and Journalist, BBC World who will also serve as Master of Ceremonies for the IF Forum 2017.

The IF Forum is for international sports federations, speakers and official IF Forum partners by invitation only.

Official Partners include: JLT Specialty, Nielsen Sports, Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, Sport Event Denmark, Lausanne and the Canton de Vaud.

Host City: In the current climate, what kind of events do you think cities and sponsors are most interested in investing in?

Nenad Lalovic: The current climate demands an event that can deliver in a variety of areas that match with a cities or regions current agenda. Promotion of sport as means to a healthy lifestyle, sustainable which is not a burden to a city in the years following an event and a legacy that provides more options and programmes for youth development.

Host City: How does UWW maximise the impact of its own events for stakeholders – the IOC, host cities, sponsors and fans?

Nenad Lalovic: With our new Host City Bidding process, we included a more direct dialogue with host cities while maintaining the existing relationships we have with our National Federations. In doing so it allows us to have the city’s commitment right from the beginning, which creates synergies in finding more sponsors, engaging with fans as well as an event with a legacy.

Host City: Which regions around the world do you see as having the greatest potential for growing wrestling and how can you reach new fans there?

Nenad Lalovic: Asia has a tremendous growth potential for wrestling. Especially, China and India are two markets where we see strong viewership through our livestream and rights holders, and strong future athletes coming up. In addition, Africa and Eastern Europe are also in regions where we have seen steady increase in participation and viewership.

Nenad Lalovic is speaking at Host City 2017 on 28 and 29 November in Glasgow. For more information visit https://unitedworldwrestling.org and www.hostcity.com

New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks may have walked away with the Webb Ellis Cup after beating Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham, but there’s no doubting which nation stole the limelight during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Japan sent shockwaves through the sporting world after a memorable 34-32 victory over South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Pool B encounter in Brighton.

Figures from the world of sport, the media and celebrities could not hide their excitement at Japan’s stunning performance on 19 September, 2015.

England’s World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward called it “the best game ever in World Cup history”. Japanese model and actress Risa Yoshiki tweeted: “And Japan won! I was transfixed from beginning to end! I can’t sleep now! Thank you to the Japanese players!”

Even J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, was locked to her TV screen when the “Brave Blossoms” secured the famous last-gasp victory. She tweeted to her 10 million followers: “#RSAvJPN #RugbyWorldCup You couldn't write this...”

After the 2015 tournament finished, Brett Gosper, the managing director of Rugby World Cup Limited, said: “Possibly the greatest story of 2015 has been the success of the Japanese team. The Japan-South Africa game, I’m sure they’ll make Hollywood films of that one day as they did with Miracle on Ice.

“This has been the most competitive World Cup ever and I think the performance of the Japanese inspired all the other tier two teams so we had the smallest winning margins in World Cup history.

“I’m sure 2019 will break records in some areas but it will be ground-breaking. It will look very different, feel very different and will sound different to any World Cup we have ever had.”

Japan’s victory over the Springboks was one of the most epic finishes in sport, let alone rugby, and it firmly placed Japan on the rugby map. Some might say it was fate, considering their destiny in taking over the Rugby World Cup hosting baton from England.

From Brighton to Yokohama

Two years on from that result in Brighton, Japan is busy preparing to host the Rugby World Cup in 2019 (RWC2019). Starting with the opening game at Tokyo Stadium on 20 September and finishing with the final on 2 November 2019 at Yokohama Stadium, the 2019 Rugby World Cup will feature 20 nations, 12 stadiums, 48 matches and will welcome 400,000 international fans.

As Gosper said, it’s going to be a huge moment in Japan and Asia’s rugby history. Japan will be the first Asian nation to host a Rugby World Cup and the tournament comes 10 years since 2009 when the World Rugby Council voted to award the hosting rights to the Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU).

There still may be two years to go until the opening kick-off on September 20, 2019, but this year is a huge one for the RWC2019 organising committee and the JRFU.

So far this year the HSBC Kitakyushu Sevens, the first ever HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series round to be played in Japan, was hosted from April 22-23 and the draw for the RWC2019 pools took place in Kyoto on May 10.

Another major milestone in 2017 was in March when a World Rugby delegation held a week of meetings in Tokyo for its third official review of Rugby World Cup 2019 hosting preparations.

Topics of discussion and plans for 2017 included the pool draw, the launch of the IMPACT Beyond 2019 legacy programme, the selection of the team camps, finalisation of the match schedule, and the announcement of ticketing programme details.

Gosper, who led the World Rugby delegation in March, said: “This is an exciting and important year in the tournament’s lifecycle. Milestones in 2017 will lay the foundation for the successful delivery of RWC2019, including the pool draw, the match schedule announcement and launch of the ticketing programme – these are all major moments that will bring the tournament to life for the teams and fans around the world.

“With an accessible ticketing programme set to be announced later this year, it is important that our friends at the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee continue to ignite excitement throughout the host cities, who will be central to inspiring people to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime event that has fan-experience at its core.”

Akira Shimazu, CEO of the 2019 Rugby World Cup organising committee, said: “Hosting this first tournament review meeting of 2017 marks an important phase as we begin to move from planning to delivery. The meetings were detailed, constructive and provided us with an opportunity to outline progress and be guided by World Rugby’s knowledge.

“We are doing our best to deliver a ground-breaking tournament for teams and fans in partnership with our colleagues in the host cities and the Japanese government, who fully support us.”

Refitting of FIFA World Cup venues

From the Sapporo Dome in the north to the Oita Stadium in the south, some venues chosen for the 2019 Rugby World Cup were previously used when Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

“Match venues are being refitted to be suitable for RWC performance,” a spokesperson from the organising committee told Host City. “Some venues have previous experience as FIFA 2002 sites. Others are being renovated or being newly built for the purpose.

“As for the transport links, plans are being made from this fiscal year working with local governments. With regard to the accommodations, we have already secured the necessary capacity for the teams, guests and officials.”

Legacy plans for venues and host cities will also be confirmed later this year. “JRFU and host cities feature in the legacy plan of RWC2019 and they are in the planning process targeting late 2017,” added the spokesperson. “JRFU lead rugby development across the nation with particular focus on the cities and towns that provide a match venues and/or team bases. Twelve host cities aim at making a positive impact on the society in their own context.”

Japan’s biggest event this decade

With rugby in Asia growing year on year, the Rugby World Cup organisers are optimistic that Japan 2019 can emulate the 2015 tournament held in England.

More than 400,000 international visitors are anticipated for the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia and strong demand is expected for the 48 matches in the 12 host venues.

Another milestone being achieved this year will be the appointment of the tournament’s official travel agents. The official travel programme for the 2019 Rugby World Cup is aiming to be more successful than England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup where more than 185,000 ticket-inclusive travel packages were sold across 48 matches.

For the 400,000 international rugby fans predicted to visit Japan, plans are in place for the creation of city activities, fan-zones and festivals throughout the tournament.

It’s not just international visitors though that Japan is hoping to attract to the 2019 tournament. With the 12 venues located throughout the length of the country it means that 75% of the Japanese population will live within one hour of a match venue.

According to the organising committee’s tournament vision the impact of hosting Japan’s biggest sporting event this decade will have a major impact for both rugby and the country’s economy. The 2019 nationwide festival of rugby activities will “further the reach and popularity of a sport that has seen an 11 million person increase in its fan-base since Rugby World Cup 2015” and the tournament is expected to deliver an estimated JP¥420 billion (US$3.82 billion) economic impact across the 12 host cities.

Huge IMPACT in Asia

It’s also at the grassroots level where rugby is gearing up to grow across Asia. Launched in May by the JRFU, Asia Rugby and World Rugby, the “IMPACT Beyond” programme pledges to attract, inspire and retain one million new players across the world’s most populous region.

Despite already having 300 million fans and 8.5 million participants in Asia, the IMPACT Beyond programme will aim to make rugby accessible and inclusive to all across Asia and convert a new generation of rugby participants in the region.

Shimazu said: “Japan is preparing to welcome the world. We are committed to Rugby World Cup and we’re aiming to deliver the best yet. It will be a celebration of rugby and of Japanese culture as we will show off the best of our country and our hospitality on a global stage.”

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont added: “With 75 per cent of the population within an hour of a match venue or host city, everyone is welcome to be a part of what promises to be the biggest-ever festival of rugby in Asia and it is great to see so much interest from cities and prefectures as preparation accelerates within this big year for Rugby World Cup 2019.”

With big plans in place off the pitch in preparation for the 2019 spectacle, the JRFU will also be working hard to make sure the team again gets the results on the pitch when the action starts.

It’s going to take a lot of work to emulate the heroics of 2015, but the Brave Blossoms can take inspiration from the team they spectacular beat in Brighton, South Africa.

“A very inspiring movie called Invictus was made based on South Africa’s winning the 1995 World Cup,” said Shimazu, chief executive of the RWC 2019 organising committee. “Hopefully we can do similarly in 2019 to inspire Invictus II: the Japanese version.”

This article first appeared in the summer 2017 issue of Host City magazine

[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention, the largest global gathering covering the business of sport and attended by all international sport federations, is delighted to confirm its Principal Media Partners, Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports for its 16^th edition taking place from 15 - 20 April 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Selected as Principal media partners for their unique offerings, media reach and expertise, particularly in the APAC region, they will provide media and marketing support in the lead-up to the next Convention, as well as in-depth news coverage and workshops during #SAC2018.

Sportcal has provided sports market intelligence for over 25 years and delivers sports analysis and insight to a range of global clients supported by its product suite of Intelligence Centres, data-driven Insight package, and Global Sports Impact Project.

SportsPro has served the global sports industry since 2008, providing content on the commercial, political and organisational aspects of global professional sport. Its platforms offer expert commentary and opinion, features and in-depth interviews, and the sports industry can now keep up-to-date with breaking news and analysis on the move with its recently launched SportsPro app.

Yutang Sports has been in the business of sports marketing and sponsorship services for 20 years accumulating rich expertise and a deep understanding of the ongoing transformation of the Chinese sports market. Yutang Sports will also host a dedicated Chinese language section on their website for the SportAccord Convention 2018, as well as produce video content to connect with the Chinese sports community around the globe through its multiple social media platforms.

Welcoming this year’s Principal Media Partners on-board, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are delighted to be working with Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports again. Their continued support as well as marketing and media services will help to drive awareness and deliver up-to-the-minute sports news stories around the world.”

[Source: SportAccord Convention]

A recent Nielsen Sports report found that ‘global disruption’ is having an unprecedented effect on sport due to political, social and technological impacts. These factors are affecting where sports investment is coming from, how content is created and distributed, as well as the relationships between rights holders, sponsors and fans.

As sport is facing one of its most challenging periods yet, the #SAC2018 plenary conference will examine how sport and sponsors can unite a complex global audience through influence marketing and innovation, as well as keep fans entertained around the clock.

The initial plenary session will focus on ‘The Power of Influence Marketing’. Delegates will hear how a panel are using key influencers through live sport, endorsement, agents, event hosts, fan websites and marketing tools, to extend reach, deliver original content and influence the entire sports ecosystem.

Other sessions will include a technology update on ‘Augmenting the Sponsorship Profile’ and look at how augmented reality can help a brand to come alive, reach new audiences and deliver new experiences, both in stadiums, at home and on any number of devices. Delegates will also hear from an international sport federation on how they are using innovation to break new ground in marketing and sponsorship initiatives.

A further panel session covering ‘Socially Responsible Marketing’ will focus on what needs to be addressed when choosing commercial partners such as ethics, transparency, environmental issues, gambling, and role models; and whether sports, events and athletes should take into account what is best for society.

A round table will look at the main challenges that lie ahead for sport and sponsorship as a result of rapidly changing technology and the fragmented media landscape. Participants will discuss how to stand-out from competitors as well as keep audiences permanently entertained.

Further information can be found on the webpage Plenary Conference including the 2018 plenary conference programme, highlights from last year’s Plenary sessions including Alibaba Group – using innovation to drive sport to a new level of entertainment and fan engagement; Nielsen Sports – understanding the changing trends in audience consumption and media habits; and the International SAMBO Federation – making the most of your digital assets. Registration for SportAccord Convention 2018 is open for delegates with discounted rates available for a limited period only.

Taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018, the SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to engage with key decision-makers involved in the business of sport. The 6-day annual Convention is attended by all the international sports federations and hosts all the General Assemblies, is supported by the IOC, and features a 3-day sell-out exhibition, an extensive Conference programme, and offers many social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.

With just under 30 days to go until the start of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, the Trivandi Chanzo team on site has surpassed the 700-mark.

More than 300 Games-experienced international staff from over 20 countries have been recruited and mobilised to Ashgabat during the last year.

These international experts have also recruited and trained over 400 national staff through the Ashgabat 2017 Games Academy to ensure a lasting human legacy of event professionals for Turkmenistan.

Trivandi Chanzo Limited (TCL) were appointed as the official ‘Operator for Games Planning and Delivery’ in June 2016 and the combined international and national TCL team represents the largest ever outsourced solution for major event planning and operations.

The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games will be hosted in the city of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in September and will see more than 6,000 athletes and officials from 65 delegations in Asia and Oceania participate in 351 medal events across 21 sports in 15 venues.

Jean Tomlin, CEO of Chanzo said ‘Ashgabat 2017 is showcasing the capability of people to ‘deliver brilliant’ when faced with an unprecedented challenge and at the same time leave a significant human legacy for future events in Turkmenistan’.

James Bulley, CEO of Trivandi said ‘As we complete our final preparations for the Games I am delighted that we have been able to assemble a team of such talented international and national staff to deliver the extraordinary task of planning and delivering a major multi-sport event in less than 500 days.’

Mr Dayanch Gulgeldiyev, Chairman of the 5th AIMAG Executive Committee said, ‘We are very proud of the team of international and national staff that have been working together to plan and deliver our Games to the highest international standards and showcase the capabilities of Ashgabat and Turkmenistan as a host for major sporting events now and in the future.’

Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games will take place in Turkmenistan from 17 to 27 September 2017. The Games will feature 21 sports across 15 venues. Ashgabat 2017 is the first Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Games to be held in a Central Asian country.

Trivandi Chanzo is a joint venture founded by two former members of the London 2012 Organising Committee.

Trivandi, co‐founded by former London 2012 Venues and Infrastructure Director, James Bulley, are experts in providing operational planning and delivery services to major events.

Chanzo, founded by former London 2012 HR and Workforce Director, Jean Tomlin, are experts in HR, Workforce, Volunteering and international recruitment for major events.

Host City, the world leading event hosting conference, returns to Glasgow for a third consecutive year on 28 to 29 November 2017.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at EventScotland and Chairman of Host City 2017, said: “I’m delighted Host City is returning to Glasgow for the third year running.

“I’ve always enjoyed attending the conference and exhibition and not just because they keep choosing to come to one of Scotland’s great cities. 

“I’m always impressed with the high-quality delegates and excellent speakers that attend Host City. The combination of exciting and relevant content means you can really delve into the issues facing the sector, while also creating more meaningful debate. It also allows for greater opportunities to network and make those all-important industry contacts.

“My expectations for this year is an exciting programme of interesting panel discussions, keynote speeches and networking opportunities with high quality delegates from the sporting, cultural and business events sector.”

The conference theme this year is High Impact Events in the Current Climate.

Paul Bush OBE said: “It is an exciting but also a challenging time for hosts of High Impact Events. The recent events in London, Manchester and the rest of the world have again brought security to the fore.

“The current security climate and the rising costs this brings is a major issue for events for all sizes, especially ones of High Impact that attract wide-spread attention and large crowds, so the session on ‘Strategies for hosting safe and accessible events’ is especially pertinent.

“Alongside the challenges there are also great opportunities. The rise in technology means that audiences engage with an event in a whole new and exciting way. The session on ‘How technology can enhance the live experience’ will be particularly apt for events adjusting to this new way of engagement and delivery.

“For High Impact Events in the current climate, dealing with these challenges while harnessing these new opportunities is vital and it’s great to see the conference programme reflecting these current issues.”

There are many benefits to staging Host City conference and exhibition, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.

Paul Bush said: “The economic impact of any event like this is significant. It is also a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland as the perfect stage for events, and for delegates to see first-hand what Glasgow has to offer.

“For us at EventScotland it is also a wonderful opportunity to welcome the international family of the events industry. We have a packed programme of major events taking place in the coming years, including the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships and The 2019 Solheim Cup so it will be great to have some of the world’s foremost event practitioners coming to Glasgow for Host City where we’ll be able to swap ideas and discuss how we manage some of the current challenges whilst making the most of the upcoming opportunities together.

“My other expectation for this year is for a greater opportunity for delegate cross-over between Host City and our own National Events Conference, which takes place the day before Host City.”

The full transcript of a wide-ranging interview with Paul Bush will be published in the Autumn issue of Host City magazine.