[Source: SportAccord and Host City] SportAccord is pleased to welcome back its longstanding media partners including AFP, FrancsJeux, GlobalData, Host City, SportBusiness and SportsPro. Armed with this dedicated team of experienced media content providers, the quintet will provide outstanding news and content coverage from the World Sport & Business Summit in Birmingham this April.
SportAccord is committed to delivering exceptional content using a variety of formats including breaking news, exclusive interviews, featured articles, video broadcasts, and news bulletins, to ensure global audiences are primed with the latest stories in sport.
Martin Gibbs, Managing Director of SportAccord said:
“Our global audience of leading sports decision makers and influencers really benefit from the unrivalled content and news analysis the World Sport & Business Summit brings.
“International news coverage in several languages enables audiences worldwide, to stay connected and gain insights from key innovators and organisations attending the Summit, with content delivered through our highly networked media partner channels.
“We’re delighted to welcome the return of our media partners who are also involved with the business of sport on many other levels too, involving stakeholders, international federations, leagues, city destinations, and industry.”
AFP – leading news gathering network across 151 countries, covering 6 languages
AFP is a leading global news agency providing fast, comprehensive, and verified coverage of the events shaping our world and the issues affecting our daily lives. Drawing from an unparalleled news gathering network across 151 countries, AFP is also a world leader in digital verification.
Pierre Galy, Head of Sports at AFP said:
“AFP and SportAccord have been partners for many years. AFP is one of IOC’s officially recognised news agencies and a member of the IOC Press Commission. Our commitment to producing quality editorial content throughout the world, about all disciplines, in six languages, in both sporting and non-sporting fields, makes us a benchmark in the world of sports coverage. It is therefore only natural that we should support the IOC, SportAccord and the international federations in their joint discussions through the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit.
“We are also taking part in a MediaAccord discussion on the attractiveness of innovations such as robotics and artificial intelligence for measuring and increasing the audience for the Paris Olympic Games.”
FrancsJeux – first French-speaking news website dedicated to sport
FrancsJeux is the first-ever French speaking international news website dedicated to the world sports community providing sports leaders with exclusive daily updates taking place in the global industry.
Alain Mercier, Editor-in-chief of FrancsJeux had this to say:
“First presence for FrancsJeux was at SportAccord 2015 in Sochi; first participation as a media partner was Lausanne in 2016 – a commitment that has been renewed ever since. The facts speak for themselves.
“For FrancsJeux, a leading media outlet in the Olympic movement, SportAccord is not just a must-attend event and date in the diary committed months in advance. It’s much more than that. It’s a unique opportunity to meet the major players in international sport, in the best possible conditions, for discussions and interviews. Birmingham, here we come!”
GlobalData – supports industry giants in making key decisions
GlobalData is a leading provider of data, insights, and analytics for the world’s largest industries so organisations can gain access to exclusive news, and make faster, well-informed decisions on media rights, sponsorship, events, and bidding across the industry.
Sportcal.com is part of a network of 40+ proprietary B2B websites owned by GlobalData with expertise spanning more than 80 markets worldwide. The Sportcal.com channel will publish news stories from SportAccord 2024 to global audiences.
Matt Finch, Head of Sport, GlobalData commented
“We are very excited to continue our partnership with SportAccord for 2024. SportAccord is the premier global gathering for international federations and their stakeholders, all of whom play a vital role in the development and prosperity of sports. Their exclusive World Sport & Business Summit draws over 120 International Federations, who are very much the centre of attention for Sportcal’s news coverage. We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with all our partners in Birmingham in April.”
SportBusiness – global sports intelligence
SportBusiness works with sports organisations around the world to provide them with the intelligence they need to unlock value and grow their businesses. Teams, franchises, leagues and tournaments, sponsors, broadcast companies, agencies, venues, financial institutions, and universities have come to rely on SportBusiness’s information, data and analysis in their decision making.
“We are excited to be a media partner and to be covering this year’s event when the global sports community comes to Birmingham for the first time”, said Paul Rossi, CEO of SportBusiness.
“Our global news service delivers exclusive and breaking news through SportBusiness.com and social media platforms, while our media rights and sponsorship deal trackers give organisations up-to-date valuations and market insights.”
Host City – connecting the owners, hosts and organisers of major events
Host City shares expertise within the community of international sports, business and cultural events. Host City was launched as a bilingual magazine in 2003 for the 2008 Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games; the publisher’s CEO Matthew Astill was awarded the Great Wall Friendship Award by the Vice Mayor of Beijing. The Host City brand now serves all stakeholders in staging international major events, through online publishing and conferences.
Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director at Host City said: “We’re delighted to renew our longstanding partnership with SportAccord. It is always a great gathering for sports events, and I look forward to sharing exclusive coverage with our audience of destinations, rightsholders and organisers.”
SportsPro – leading aggregator of knowledge, insights and expertise
SportsPro is a leading media and events company for the business world of sports. Generating nearly six million views annually on Sportspro.com through the latest news, in-depth features, special reports, and exclusive interviews, SportsPro bring their content to life through industry-leading global events and intimate communities. They continue to serve audiences year-round with the addition of the subscription product SportsPro+, a personalised and interactive business tool being used by hundreds of experts across the ecosystem.
Francesca Greane, Head of Marketing at SportsPro said:
“We’re delighted to return as a media partner for SportAccord 2024. As the aggregator of knowledge, insights, and expertise for sports business, SportsPro finds a lot of value in collaborating with those that look to gather sports business professionals together to advance the industry, and SportAccord is the perfect example of this. We look forward to enriching both the SportAccord and the SportsPro audiences through this combined partnership.”
Register for SportAccord
Organisations involved in the business of sport are encouraged to join leading organisations at the unmissable World Sport & Business Summit taking place from 7 – 11 April in Birmingham at the International Convention Centre, to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer.
Blog
-
Host City joins SportAccord Media Partners to ensure global audiences are primed with latest news
-
West Midlands prepares to host global sporting elite at SportAccord
[Source: West Midlands Growth Company] Birmingham and the West Midlands’ sporting offer and major events hosting expertise will be thrust back into the global spotlight from 7-11 April when it welcomes the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit at ICC Birmingham.
Nearly two years on from hosting the biggest-ever Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands will roll out the red carpet for more than 1,500 international delegates from 120 sporting federations to showcase why it is at the heart of sport in the UK.
From basketball, bobsleigh and bodybuilding to tennis, triathlon and taekwondo, presidents and CEOs from global sporting organisations will visit Birmingham and the West Midlands for SportAccord’s conference programme, which includes specialist streams CityAccord, HealthAccord, LawAccord and MediaAccord. The summit will also feature panel events, evening networking sessions and a keynote speech during the event’s opening ceremony from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, ahead of the year’s biggest sporting celebration, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit offers a huge opportunity for the West Midlands’ people, venues and suppliers to come together and put on a great show for international sports leaders, continuing the positive buzz and legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
“Our region has world-class sporting infrastructure, unrivalled connectivity and a passion and knowledge for hosting major events. We will be showing visiting officials and senior delegates why the West Midlands deserves to sit at sport’s top table when they are picking the destination for their next championships, conference or business event, which will provide a welcome boost for our local businesses and communities.”
With less than two months to go until “sport’s most influential industry gathering”, final touches are being made to the summit’s event programme focusing on this year’s theme, the ‘power of sport’, and speaker list. The programme already includes Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman MBE; Secretary General of the World Union of Olympic Cities, Melanie Duparc; and CEO of Global Esports Federation, Paul Foster.
The West Midlands’ cultural, tourism and sporting credentials will also be on show for SportAccord delegates as part of an excursion programme, which will include the region’s Industrial Revolution story at Black Country Living Museum and Ironbridge Gorge; and its arts and literary heritage at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The region’s instrumental role in shaping Britain’s sporting tradition – having invented rugby, lawn tennis and the Football League, and hosted the forerunner to the Olympic Games in Much Wenlock – will be covered during a sporting tour, to include Villa Park and Edgbaston Stadium.
Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The SportAccord Summit 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for Birmingham to showcase the city and provides the chance to bring people together.
“The city has world-class sporting facilities, which have hosted some fantastic events including the Commonwealth Games, IBSA World Games and the FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships, plus with our famous reputation as a friendly city, we can guarantee a warm Birmingham welcome to all visiting delegates.”
The West Midlands has recently hosted some of global sport’s biggest spectacles, including the Rugby World Cup, The Ashes and the FIG World Trampoline Championships. The ESL One – Dota II esports tournament in Solihull (26-28 April); the European Judo Union Junior Cup in Walsall (15-19 June); and the Kabaddi World Cup (24-31 March 2025) are a snapshot of the sporting fixtures taking place in the West Midlands in the next 12 months, thanks to the region’s Major Events Fund.
SportAccord 2024 will also present opportunities for companies, brands, products, services and destinations to showcase their offer as part of a dedicated exhibition, running in parallel with the summit at ICC Birmingham. Companies and individuals, which provide cutting-edge governance, research, advisory services, sports tech, insurance and fan engagement across the business of sport are encouraged to contact the West Midlands Growth Company to receive more information about getting involved: partners@wmgrowth.com.
Interested parties can visit the official website here to register their interest in attending. -
“A host city that will deliver a world-class experience”
Host City: What do you think are the main considerations for rightsholders deciding where to host events?
Jason Siegel: While this could vary by rightsholder, for the most part, they are looking for a host city that will deliver a world-class experience for their constituents, athletes, officials, and partners and a city that will drive desired net revenue back to the rightsholder.
Using Orlando as an example, our tourism ecosystem seamlessly works together – hoteliers, restauranteurs, elected officials, transportation providers, and attraction operators all work closely to ensure a smooth and successful event for all stakeholders. This strong working relationship is reflected in the 74 million visitors who enjoyed Orlando in 2022 alone, a testament to our city’s ability to deliver.
When it comes to infrastructure, Orlando boasts an impressive 35+ sports venues across the region, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to your specific needs. With over 200,000 hotel rooms, timeshares, and vacation rentals, we can easily accommodate athletes, officials, and fans.
Ultimately, while rightsholders seek world-class experiences and revenue generation, they also value a collaborative and engaging environment. With its proven track record of hosting major events, experienced local organizing committee, and collaborative community spirit, Orlando stands out as the ideal choice to deliver on all fronts.
Host City: Why did Orlando want to host the US Olympic Trials for Marathon?
Jason Siegel: The opportunity to host an Olympic qualifying event fit perfectly in our strategic plan and aligns with our goal of bringing world-class sporting events to Orlando.
We also wanted to shine a spotlight on Downtown Orlando and boost the local economy. We are very proud of our incredible community here, and our economic impact so far has been tremendous. We also were confident in the return on investment the event would bring and the media value of hosting a nationally televised event.
We were thrilled that the event drew over 100,000 spectators. With the robust running community here in Orlando, we knew this event would be well-received not only by fans of the sport but by everyone.
Host City: What are Orlando’s wider event hosting ambitions?
Jason Siegel: From Premier League clashes like Aston Villa vs Fulham and international giants like Juventus and Real Madrid facing off in the Florida Cup to the electrifying spectacle of WrestleMania and the inspirational 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Orlando has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events. We’ve also welcomed the pinnacle of wakeboarding and waterskiing with the IWWF World Championships in 2021 and 2023. These, alongside over 1,600 other events since 1993, demonstrate our commitment to driving economic impact, showcasing Orlando’s vibrancy, and benefiting our residents and businesses.
With our elite venues and facilities, coupled with the entertainment powerhouses of Disney and Universal, Orlando offers an iconic backdrop for world-class events. We enjoy strong partnerships with local government and are passionate about collaborating with all stakeholders to bring even more exciting sporting experiences to our city, encompassing youth/amateur, Olympic, collegiate, international, esports, and everything in between.
Host City: How will you look to capitalise on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28?
Jason Siegel: We have a longstanding relationship with FIFA and the USOPC, and both organizations know they can always count on Orlando to deliver exceptional results. -
Madrid European Games would be “good step” towards Olympics – EOC President
As Madrid comes back into contention for the Olympic Games, Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) expressed hope that the city will bid for the European Games.
Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE following an EOC Executive Committee meeting in Madrid, Capralos said: “What we hope is that one day Spain joins the map as the organizing country of the European Games. I know that there are many cities that have the necessary infrastructure.
“On the path to organizing Olympic Games in the future, the European Games are a good step to then move forward.”
His comments came as Madrid re-entered the fray as a potential host of the 2036 Games. Following the city’s securing of Formula One, the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso said: “Who knows if it will help us to attract other major events? The Olympics perhaps? We’re working on it.”
Capralos said: “Spain is one of our most important members. Its Olympic committee is very actively involved and always has a place in our Executive. President Alejandro Blanco is highly respected, not only in Europe, and the general secretary, Victoria Cabezas, makes very valuable contributions. Madrid joins a growing list of candidates to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The new IOC rules reduce the cost in many aspects, especially in construction. And we want to set a good example for society in terms of sustainability. Having many candidates is good.”
Unlike the IOC, the EOC does not have many candidates for its flagship event, but it has a strong candidate for the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, which is also bidding for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “We are going to receive here in Madrid a delegation from Turkey, from the municipality of Istanbul, to discuss a candidacy that is very good. We will go to the city soon, before granting them the Games. It makes us very happy that a great country like Turkey wants to organize the Games.
“In today’s world it is very difficult to attract candidates to organize multi-sport competitions. But the Poland Games [in 2023] were a great success, with top-level athletes qualifying there for the Paris Olympics. And federations, Olympic committees and athletes have already realized its importance.”
The EOC and Istanbul are in discussions with the federations of gymnastics and swimming about their possible inclusion in the 2027 program. “Gymnastics and swimming are, of course, big competitions and both European federations want to be at the Games. I am sure that artistic and rhythmic gymnastics will return to the programme and we are discussing an under-23 swimming competition,” said Capralos.
“We do not want to insist on sports that force organizers to build new venues. At most, to reform them at a lower cost. This way we will attract more cities in the future.” -
Ingmar De Vos sole candidate to run for ASOIF Presidency
The Belgian, Ingmar De Vos, Council member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will stand for election as the next ASOIF President at the 48th General Assembly on 9 April in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The third term of incumbent President Francesco Ricci Bitti will come to an end on 31 December 2024.
The President is elected by secret ballot for a term of four years in the year of the Summer Olympic Games and takes up the position on 1 January of the following year.
The nomination of Mr De Vos was the sole candidature received by the official deadline of 25 March. In line with the ASOIF Statutes, Full Members may nominate one of their executive body members for the position of ASOIF President.
Ingmar De Vos has served as FEI President since 2014 and as ASOIF Council member since 2019. An IOC Member since 2017, he is part of the IOC Coordination Commission for LA28, the Legal Affairs Commission, and the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission. He is also a SportAccord Executive Committee member, ASOIF representative on the WADA Executive Committee, member of the Board of Directors of the Belgium Olympic Committee, and a UN International Gender Champion.
The 48th General Assembly will be organised during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit, which takes place from 7 to 11 April in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It will be fully livestreamed on YouTube. Click here to learn more about the agenda. -
Wiz-Team provides smart event management system for SportAccord 2024
[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is thrilled to announce Wiz-Team, an independent, leading provider of comprehensive Events and Games management solutions, as Official Supplier for the World Sport & Business Summit in Birmingham – the West Midlands, on 7-11 April 2024.
Next month, sport’s most influential gathering will bring together more than 1,500 delegates, including leaders and key decision makers from over 120 International Federations (IFs), the International Olympic Committee, host cities and organisations involved in the business of sport.
In the run-up and during the Summit, Wiz-Team will support SportAccord and the local organisers with important solutions and services based on its all-in-one event management platform “Event-Works”, which will ensure smooth event delivery, from the registration of participants to the management of arrivals, departures and accreditations, to accommodation and access control, to name just a few.
SportAccord 2024 – #WhereSportMeets
In addition, Wiz-Team’s Delegate Mobile App, which has been custom branded “SportAccord”, will support the key purpose of SportAccord – networking and facilitating meaningful connections between the delegates, speakers and exhibitors. Delegates will have instant access to the event’s full programme, speakers listing, information on local cultural activities, as well as all relevant social media streams and other useful information. Thanks to the App, attendees will also be able to include their preferred sessions directly into their own agendas and use their personalised QR code to access the event venue.
Martin Gibbs, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “Wiz-Team is internationally recognised for their innovative event technology, smart data management and seamless event delivery services – all crucial to help ensure an excellent delegate experience. We are absolutely delighted we can count on them as our official supplier for SportAccord 2024.”
“Wiz-Team has long-standing links with SportAccord and the International Federations it unites. Supporting the return of the Summit, long awaited by so many, is a matter close to our hearts,” said Tim Goethals, COO of Wiz-Team. “We are looking forward to meeting many old and new friends all in one place next month in Birmingham, a city we know well through our work with the Commonwealth Games, and supporting the continued success of this unique event.”
Delegates can meet Wiz-Team at their booth number 17 in the exhibition space.
About Wiz-Team
Wiz-Team delivers cutting-edge technology and support services to the world’s greatest events across sport, institutions, hospitality, and entertainment. An industry-leading independent solution provider since 2012, it designs and delivers comprehensive Events and Games management solutions and services, including internationally renowned all-in-one event management platform “Event-Works”. Designed by event managers for event managers, Event-Works provides a suite of customisable tools aimed at flexing and scaling to the changing needs of event operations and delivery. Wiz-Team’s innovative platform empowers event professionals across industries to manage various event types, sizes and demands, from major sports competitions like the Commonwealth Games and World Cups, to high service level meetings, such as Congresses, Summits, and General Assemblies. -
SportAccord 2024 – MediaAccord is ‘rare opportunity’ to meet before Paris 2024
[Source: SportAccord] Join us at MediaAccord (Day 4 – Thursday, 11 April) to hear from Olympic Broadcasting Services and Agence France-Presse – leading global news agency and long term SportAccord Media Partner – on the most technologically complex and visually stunning Olympic Games in history.
Paris 2024 – unique in so many ways
Paris 2024 will be showing the world the best France has to offer in just 140 days, transforming world-famous monuments into magnificent competition venues – from the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro to Roland-Garros Stadium and Château de Versailles.
“It’s not only the athletes who will have to be at the top of their game in Paris: this is the ultimate test for media companies. MediaAccord is a rare opportunity for all the stakeholders in sport to come together, listen, discuss and learn about the latest trends and developments,” explained James Pearce – award-winning sports journalist & broadcaster, covering eight Olympic Games – and MediaAccord’s moderator.
Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will be taking broadcast coverage of Paris 2024 to an entirely new level, with more coverage than ever before and innovative technologies being used – the stage is set for a spectacular Games in Paris that will redefine how viewers experience this global event.
Yiannis Exarchos, Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and Executive Director of the Olympic Channel explained: “Technological enhancements like UHD HDR, immersive sound and AI integration contribute to our commitment to capture the essence and emotions of athletes. With a desire for more human interaction post-pandemic, Paris 2024 coverage will provide more content than ever before and behind-the-scenes material for a deeper connection to the Games experience.”
Paris 2024 – breaking news with tech twist
In Paris, across France and in Tahiti – where surfing will be staged – the editorial coverage will be immense, and this time with a technological twist.
“At MediaAccord, we’re looking forward to discussing the attractiveness of innovations including robotics and artificial intelligence for measuring and increasing the audience for the Paris Olympic Games editorially,” explained Pierre Galy, Head of Sports at Agence France-Presse, International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially recognised news agency and member of the IOC Press Commission.
Immersive technologies – transforming sports fan experiences & content design
MediaAccord also has two fascinating tech-focused sessions looking at how immersive technologies are converging with artificial intelligence to create brand new experiences for sports fans around the world.
Join Andy Miah – Chair in Science Comms & Future Media at University of Salford, Manchester – for his Towards a World of Immersive Experience session.
Want to know how AI and wider tech impacts how media content is designed? Meet Ellie Roach – Digital and Data Services Lead at InCrowd Sports, and Ross Tanner – Director at Magnifi, for the Data, AI, OTT: Navigating Digital Opportunities session.
“The importance of data in driving engagement and creating connections between sports organisations, brands and fans is undeniable,” said Roach. “I’m looking forward to sharing thoughts on the best data technology stacks to help deliver more cohesive, immersive and personalised digital experiences.”
“The sports media industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and keeping up is a challenge for Federations – I will be sharing my insight on how new technologies, especially in AI, are giving new opportunities for fan growth and associated revenues,” explained Tanner.
SportAccord 2024 – join world’s leading sports industry experts
Meet renowned global experts in sport, industry and academia and join over 1,500 delegates and exhibitors at SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit on 7-11 April at the award-winning International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham – West Midlands.
Register now: https://register.event-works.com/sportaccord/birmingham2024/e/ce/
Partners
SportAccord2024 is supported by a number of partners and suppliers:Gold Partner: Sport Event Denmark
Silver Partners: EventScotland, Explore Edmonton, Tourism & Events Queensland
Bronze Partner: Sport Liverpool, Sports Authority Thailand
Official Suppliers: DB Schenker, Wiz-Team
Host City is a media partner of SportAccord -
“An incredible opportunity to showcase our sport” – USA Swimming CEO Tim Hinchey
Host City: Why did USA Swimming want to host the Trials in an NFL Stadium?
Tim Hinchey: At USA Swimming, we are always looking for ways to innovate and advance the sport of swimming. Hosting the Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will make history, as this is the first time swimming pools will be built in an NFL Stadium. We’re very excited to push the boundaries of our sport.
USA Swimming is fortunate to have a loyal and passionate fan base. The Olympic Trials will be a unique opportunity to simultaneously engage our loyal fans and showcase our sport in an iconic venue to an audience that will extend beyond existing swimming fans. New creative opportunities like these will allow us to pave the way for growing both the sport and its popularity.
Host City: What are USA Swimming’s goals for the Trials and beyond?
Tim Hinchey: Our priority remains to execute a technically flawless swim meet and ensure the operational success of the Olympic Trials. We want the viewing experience to be different from any other swim meet and to create an overall fan experience that exceeds any previous Trials. We’d love to sell out opening night, and we hope this event will break the record for the largest attended swim meet in the world. We have also set a goal of 45 million viewers across nine nights of prime coverage on NBC. We will capture real-time data during the Trials in the venue and the Toyota Aqua Zone to help digitally market the sport.
Beyond the Trials, we want to win the medal count at the Olympic Games in Paris, expand the sport’s reach, build an even bigger fanbase, and inspire young athletes to make swimming their sport of choice.
Were there a lot of cities that bid for the Trials? What stuck out about Lucas Oil Stadium/Indianapolis?
We received numerous bids from cities nationwide as part of the bid process. Indianapolis is no stranger to hosting major sporting events and is one of the significant sports destinations in the United States. This will mark the sixth time Indianapolis has hosted the Olympic Trials for swimming, so the sport has a rich history and deep roots there. And, of course, the community is fantastic and has a strong reputation for being home to passionate fans who come out in full force to support events.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 US Olympic Swimming Trials, which took place in Indianapolis at the Broad Ripple Park Pool. Indianapolis also hosted the 2004 FINA Short Course World Championships at what is now the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and together with the Indiana Sports Corp, we created the Swim IN Safety resource program to grant funds to organizations and pools hosting water safety classes in their community. So, these are just more examples of how vital swimming is to this community. We are proud and grateful to be able to build on the sports legacy here. Not to mention, the city has significant civic infrastructure, including premier hotels and restaurants, all within walking distance of its major sporting venues.
Sustainability is another essential aspect of our work, which is why the pools at the Olympic Trials will be filled with water from the White River and then returned to the river after cleansing treatment.
Host City: How will USA Swimming look to elevate the sport domestically with LA28 on the horizon?
Tim Hinchey: While our team is busy preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and anticipates continued success in competition, we are excited for the Games to be on home soil. We are engaged in numerous initiatives to increase domestic excitement and support for the sport. One example is our #GogglesOn Campaign, which aims to grow grassroots participation in the sport. We have also signed an MOU with the City of LA and other local recreation and park programs to provide access to swimming pools and lessons for kids across the country, which aligns with our efforts to ensure people from all backgrounds have equitable access to the sport. Additionally, we’ll continue forming Community Swim Team partnerships and giving Community Impact Grants.
Also, the ability to watch and stream the sport is highly beneficial to our existing and growing fanbase. Watching competitions and meets beyond the Olympics and learning more about our athletes keeps fans engaged, which is why, in 2023, we launched the first free NGB-supported video-on-demand destination, USA Swimming Network, for event live streams, athlete content, exclusive training and nutrition videos, and 40 years of archived race footage.
Host City: What are the priorities for USA Swimming from a governance perspective?
Tim Hinchey: We are continually growing and evolving as an organization. USA Swimming is taking the necessary steps to ensure athlete safety through our dedicated commitment to SafeSport.
We also know how important representation is, so we are working tirelessly to increase multicultural representation in our membership and elevate more women to elite coaching and governance positions.
Our nearly 400,000 members are the core of this organization, and we are rapidly increasing the number of tools and resources to help clubs recruit and retain their members. We also provide coaches with resources to aid athlete development from the grassroots level to the highest level of international competition.
Lastly, public engagement with the sport of swimming is a top priority for us. The Olympic Games are an incredible opportunity to showcase our sport and our country’s best swimmers on the global stage. We look to keep that engagement and momentum going after Paris and in the lead-up to LA28 through new and creative marketing and communications tactics. -
Birmingham welcomes the world as SportAccord 2024 kicks off
[Source: SportAccord] The global sports movement’s most influential decision-makers have arrived in Birmingham, West Midlands, for the return of sport’s No.1 global gathering
The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2024 opened in Birmingham, with more than 1,500 delegates from over 100 countries meeting in the West Midlands for the highly anticipated return of sport’s most important industry summit.
Key figures from across the international sports movement have embarked on five days of networking from 7-11 April, with high-level meetings, a bustling exhibition, and a packed conference programme under the umbrella theme of ‘The Power of Sport’.
World-class speakers will include sports leaders such as Mark Rein, Vice President and Co-Founder, Epic Games; UK Sport Chair Dame Katherine Grainger; Rob Alberino, Vice-President of Content and Production, Kansas City Chiefs; and many more.
SportAccord Managing Director Martin Gibbs praised the team effort of Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Growth Company in embracing this powerful event and bringing it to the heart of the UK.
“We are delighted with the enthusiastic response of the global sports movement in coming back to SportAccord and the atmosphere in the city is fantastic,” Gibbs said.
“Our hosts are not only building on the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but they are also putting Birmingham and the West Midlands firmly at the centre of the sporting world over the coming days, with an event that will bring together the sport economy’s most influential decision-makers. There is no other event where you find in one place so many International Federations, the International Olympic Committee, rights holders, cities and regions as well as sports business leaders.”
Aside from the main Plenary Conference, there will also be dedicated HealthAccord, LawAccord, CityAccord and MediaAccord conference streams, as well as various workshops and a Speakers’ Corner, with experts from across the industry offering unmissable insights.
With numerous events planned in and around the International Convention Centre over the coming days, attendees can take advantage of a compact set-up to maximise networking opportunities, reconnecting with old friends and establishing new connections.
“We have various resources available so that delegates can make the most of their time in Birmingham, including an official event app, a digital event guide and our on-site newspaper, The Daily, which will cover all of the most important developments,” Gibbs added. “We are also really grateful for the support of the dedicated team of volunteers who have been assisting attendees, to ensure their stay in Birmingham is as productive and enjoyable as possible. Their enthusiasm and friendly welcome is really making a difference.”
Host City Director Ben Avison is moderating the CityAccord roundtable at 10:30 on Tuesday 9th April: More than just sport – Creating a more engaging, inclusive event which appeals to fans, residents and athletes alike. Just how far can ‘Festivalisation’ go? -
Events sector gathers for Scotland’s National Events Conference 2024
[Source: EventScotland] Held for the first time in four years, the conference entitled ‘Resetting the Perfect Stage for Events’ covered a range of themes across the programme including Scotland’s future events ambition and global status, international perspectives, responsible events, community engagement, workforce development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), measurement and evaluation including the importance of social impact, and much more.
The day started with an insightful keynote address from the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Kaukab Stewart. In her address, she recognised the important role the events sector plays in Scotland and how it delivers across a number of key Scottish Government ambitions. She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and how the forthcoming refreshed National Events Strategy will provide focus for the whole events sector, bringing everyone together to deliver a relevant, refreshed and shared ambition.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, reflected on the industry’s journey over the last 20 years, celebrating the unparalleled global success and impact Scotland has had on the events landscape. He also discussed recent global impacts and innovation, as well as the role of the upcoming refreshed National Events Strategy in maintaining Scotland’s global events status.
Representatives from the Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) discussed the important role the EIAG has played in the industry’s recovery from the pandemic. Discussion centred on their role in the development of the refreshed National Events Strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The morning session was brought to a close with two keynote addresses from Susan Sawbridge and Gordon Johnstone. Susan, Managing Partner at New Zealand based company Daylight LTD, brought an international perspective to the conference as part of her presentation. She highlighted the similarities between New Zealand and Scotland’s approach to events in delivering social impacts and lasting change for people from major events. Gordon, Communications and Events Manager at the Scottish AI Alliance, helped navigate the wide-ranging and complex debate on artificial intelligence drawing on the challenges and opportunities for the events sector.
Afternoon breakout sessions provided delegates with valuable insights on a range of topics covered by panellists drawn from across the UK. The sessions included:
• A deep dive into the upcoming revised national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage
• Developing the Events Workforce
• Events & the Visitor Economy?
• Event Impacts, Measurement & Reporting?
• Events & the Journey to Net Zero?
• Community, Diversity & Events
Closing the conference, a panel session on ‘Life Changing Events’ provided the audience with both personal and professional experiences from Stuart Cassells (The Macallan Estate), Amy Akino-Wittering (Young V&A at the Victoria & Albert Museum), and Eilidh Doyle, (double Olympian and Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete) who all reflected on how events can deliver impact and change lives.
The conference was co-hosted by celebrated British broadcaster and author, Gemma Cairney. She was joined by Briadh Parker and Jemma Totty, two representatives from Jupiter Artland’s ORBIT Youth Council, an outreach programme that provides opportunities for young people aged 16-18 to use their creativity to have an impact and make a difference. The young co-hosts showed the audience at the sold-out event the future is bright, as well as the reinforcing the importance of providing a platform for future generations.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland’s National Events Conference 2024 was a fantastic day and there was a real buzz in the room as industry came together for the first time since 2019. “The discussions and presentations from a diverse range of speakers covering all aspects of the events industry ensured it provided a great springboard for the sector as it embarks on the journey towards 2035 under the revised strategy. “Thank you to all the delegates, speakers and exhibitors who made it such a fulfilling and rewarding day.”
Culture Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “We know that great events help make great memories. The National Events Conference provides us with a space to hear about some of the incredible work being undertaken by organisations of all sizes from across the event sector in Scotland. It helps us all understand just how interconnected all the parts are and how vital it is that we all continue to work together in order to continue to make Scotland the Perfect Stage.”
Delivered by VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the National Events Conference is the flagship industry conference for the events sector in Scotland. It is produced for all those working to create, deliver, and support Scotland’s cultural, sporting and business events.