Pavegen, a UK-based tech company renowned for its kinetic energy-generating floor tiles, turned dance moves into electricity, engaging the audience in the sold-out UEFA Champions Festival Friday Night Show in Trafalgar Square on May 31.
The event, held in collaboration with the Champions Innovate Programme and Rockstar Energy Drink, marked the first time a music performance in Trafalgar Square was powered by the kinetic energy of the audience.
The highlight of the festival, the Friday Night Show, headlined by BRIT Award-winning band Rudimental, blended the excitement of football and music, drawing a diverse crowd. Over 6,300 attendees danced on Pavegen’s kinetic tiles, generating energy that powered Rudimental’s DJ booth and microphone during their electrifying set.
Festival-goer Daniel, a Londoner, said, “I really like this dance floor, it’s great, it feels so responsive – it’s cool that it’s the first time ever something like this has been done in Trafalgar Square!” Amir from Surrey added, “It’s amazing how the floor is making electricity for the show. It makes me want to dance more!”
“Our participation in the UEFA Champions Festival has been a phenomenal success,” said Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO of Pavegen. “It’s so simple, you just need to dance to generate power on our technology. Feeling the energy and enthusiasm from the crowd and seeing Pavegen in action, powering such an iconic event, was truly inspiring. We’re proud to partner with UEFA and Rockstar Energy to demonstrate how innovative solutions can drive sustainability and community engagement.”
Bart LaCount, Vice President of International Beverages Marketing at PepsiCo, highlighted the collaborative effort. “The collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and Pavegen allowed us to take energy to another level,” he said. “Fans danced the night away while also contributing to power the event – thanks to the kinetic dance floor.”
Looking ahead, Pavegen plans to continue its partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink, repurposing the kinetic energy dance floor for future events to sustainably fuel a summer of music experiences.
The UEFA Champions Festival welcomed attendees from over 100 countries.
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Dancing for Power: Pavegen electrifies Rudimental show at UEFA Champions Festival
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Cyclists race in Svendborg for place in World Championships
[Source: Sport Event Denmark] The UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg 2024 was an unforgettable cycling event with 1,700 entries. The race, held on the weekend of June 8-9, featured fantastic cycling, with participants also getting the chance to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships 2024, to be staged in Aalborg, Denmark from August 28 to September 1.
More than just a race, UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg was a celebration that brought together cycling enthusiasts of all levels. The event evolved over the weekend, ending in heavy rain and hail. Despite the harsh weather on Sunday, many riders expressed their plans to return, especially in better weather.
“I’ve got diamonds in my legs. It was just my kind of weather! We had plenty of rain, hail, wind, and sun. It wasn’t for the faint-hearted. The route was fantastic and well-organised,” said TV chef Claus Holm, who cycled the Medio Fondo with friends.
Jesper Tikøb, Event Director, Danish Cycling Federation, highlighted the importance of the event: “We have a great interest in all aspects of cycling. We are pleased to contribute to both national and international cycling experiences for riders of all ages and levels. Events like the UCI Gran Fondo allow us to involve local clubs, ensuring they become part of these major events. The support from the host city and Sport Event Denmark is also indispensable.”
Sport Event Denmark also expressed satisfaction with the event’s execution: “Denmark has showcased our unique cycling DNA through these UCI Gran Fondo races, where both amateur and professional riders take centre stage,” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.
UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg is a testament to the thriving cycling culture in Denmark. We now look forward to the World Championships in Aalborg, where many of Svendborg’s participants will compete for world titles.
UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg was organised by the Danish Cycling Federation in collaboration with Svendborg Municipality, Destination Fyn, and Sport Event Denmark.
Facts about UCI Gran Fondo Svendborg:
1,700 entries, with 259 in Saturday’s time trial.
Participants from 31 nations.
The top 25% in each category qualified for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg from August 28 to September 1.
Over 100 volunteers ensured a smooth event.
The event took a step towards greener practices by not distributing goodie bags. Prizes were limited to a bouquet of flowers for all winners, and the top 3 finishers received a bag of mixed flower seeds to promote environmental sustainability. Participants were encouraged to plant these seeds to foster a greener future. -
Extreme E returns to Scotland for second championship
[Source: Extreme E] Following a successful debut event in Scotland last season, Extreme E today announces its return to Dumfries and Galloway for Rounds 3 and 4 of 2024.
The championship’s latest visit to the popular Scottish location kickstarts the European leg of Season 4, which will take place on 13-14 July.
The announcement of the race return was made today, Thursday 6 June, in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament, by Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, and Kate Forbes MSP, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, said: “I am delighted that Extreme E will be returning to Scotland this summer. Last year’s Hydro X Prix brought both social and economic benefits to our communities and regional and national economies, while providing a new and exciting platform to showcase the country’s offer to a global audience.
“Extreme E shares our ambition for sustainability, renewable energy, gender equality and local conservation and I am confident this this year’s event will once again demonstrate that Scotland can provide the perfect stage for major, innovative international events like the X Prix.”
In 2023, the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site, on Queensberry Estate, played host to two exciting races in Scotland, won by Sir Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing outfit and E.ON Veloce Racing, respectively.
The restored former coal mine, set to undergo the next phase of its major transformation into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm, is a project which is being developed by Foresight Group’s Energy Transition Fund (FEIP). The setting provides a poignant backdrop for the sport, which uses its platform to raise awareness of climate change and global solutions. Exact details of the 2024 course layout will be confirmed ahead of the upcoming Hydro X Prix.
The Hydro X Prix in Scotland represents an exciting return home for Extreme E, creating the opportunity to highlight climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also right on our doorstep.
Scotland’s landscape includes rugged mountains, rolling hills, deep valleys, and stunning coastline. The country is home to numerous lochs, rivers, and forests, including the famous Caledonian Forest, which is one of the few remaining ancient woodlands in Europe. Scotland also has a rich and varied wildlife population, with species such as red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals found across the country.
However, Scotland’s environment is not without its challenges, including issues related to climate change, land use, and biodiversity loss, which are being addressed through a range of conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Heading back to the UK and Scotland for the next event of the 2024 Extreme E season is an exciting prospect for our championship.
“It was a hugely successful event last year and we cannot wait to return to such a dramatic location for our action-packed racing series, but also one which has sustainability values at its core. Scotland is a strong voice in the adoption of a clean energy future and renewable energy sources, and our Hydro X Prix marks a great opportunity to highlight these important issues that are happening so close to home.
“We are excited to race once again and get the second half of our championship underway.”
As part of the championship’s commitments to raising awareness of the climate crisis, Extreme E’s legacy initiatives will continue at the Hydro X Prix.
From the impactful re-planting of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies being implemented by Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality and temperatures, Extreme E will continue to focus on a long-term transformation of the River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local industries.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director at Queensberry Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Extreme E team back to Queensberry Estate for races in their 2024 season. The news of their return is exciting for Buccleuch and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area. The 2023 races at Glenmuckloch were thrilling and Extreme E’s engagement with local young people and their environmental project on the River Nith have left a lasting legacy. For this year’s Hydro X Prix, Buccleuch will work with the Extreme E team to reach more of the community and help them leave their positive mark on the local area. -
The Clipper Race launches quest for hosts and sponsors
[Source: The Sports Consultancy (TSC)] The Clipper Race has announced its search for Host Port Partners and Sponsors for its 2025-26 edition of one of the world’s most well-known global adventures.
The Host Port Partner and sponsor bid process is launched and organised by The Sports Consultancy (TSC), whose CEO Angus Buchanan was previously a professional sailor.
As well as a swathe of experience in sailing, with the America’s Cup, World Sailing, and Oman Sail amongst its previous clientele, TSC is an expert in host procurement and sponsorship rights sales and has undertaken similar projects with the NFL, Volleyball World and Laver Cup in recent months.
The Clipper Race is foremost a thrilling adventure experience for non-professional sailors who are trained to take on the challenge of becoming ocean racers. With the adventure tourism market valued at USD483.3B in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2024 to 2032 (source: Global Data Insights), there is a large and steady rise in adventure-orientated experiences in the travel and tourism industry, this is a fantastic opportunity for ports and brands to align with Clipper Race.
The positioning of remote, extreme adventure contrasts the regularity of everyday people taking on an adventure of a lifetime and, with that, brings opportunity to tell human stories and create authentic, gripping content that will engage communities around the world.
Global Scale
The gargantuan scale of the challenge takes in all six continents in each corner of the globe, with previous ports including Seattle, New York, Cape Town, Bermuda, Punta del Este and Qingdao.
Clipper Race Head of Partnerships, Tom Adams is looking forward to the process: “We have joined forces with The Sports Consultancy as it has a wealth of experience in bringing host cities, brands and rights holders together to deliver meaningful partnerships. This new collaboration has enabled us to refresh our portfolio of opportunities in line with the evolving needs of potential partners. We are confident we have developed an effective platform to engage our partners’ communities and drive growth.”
TSC Director, Fraser Houlder, said: “Clipper Race is unique in that it is a brand synonymous with adventure, but it is also aspirational. With the growth of adventure tourism, this is an opportunity for cities, destination and consumer brands to come into this space.
“We are delighted to be working with the Clipper Race, to speak with potential Host Port Partners and brands, and the team is raring to go!”
Interested parties for either Host Port Partners or Sponsor brands should in the first instance, contact TSC Consultant, Oliver Ng at oliver.ng@thesportsconsultancy.com for more information. -
supertri E World Triathlon Championship opens bidding process for 2025 and 2026 host cities
[Source: supertri] Cities around the globe are invited to bid for the opportunity to host this groundbreaking annual World Championship event, which seamlessly blends real-life and virtual racing, crowning the official Esports Triathlon World Champions in partnership with World Triathlon.
supertri E is known for its high-octane racing, featuring the world’s best athletes competing in-stadia, safe from any adverse weather conditions. The unique format includes swimming in Olympic pools and bike and run disciplines completed on smart trainers and self-powered curved treadmills, all integrated into a virtual race environment. The event’s broadcast brings these elements together, delivering an immersive and captivating experience for viewers.
“We are thrilled to open the bidding process for cities to host the supertri E World Triathlon Championship,” said Michael Dhulst, CEO of supertri. “Our goal is to inspire and entertain, creating an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Host cities will benefit from extensive media coverage and the chance to showcase their commitment to innovation and sport.”
supertri E, created in 2020 under the name Arena Games Triathlon, has redefined the sport of triathlon. The innovative format, recognized for its blend of Olympic-level athleticism and cutting-edge virtual technology, featured at the IOC’s Olympic Esports Week and continues to revolutionize the sporting world.
“supertri E represents the future of triathlon, combining the best of real and virtual racing,” said Marisol Casado, President of World Triathlon. “We are excited to partner with cities that share our vision of promoting health, wellbeing, and the spirit of competition through this innovative format.”
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE
The supertri E World Triathlon Championship has a proven track record of success, attracting thousands of spectators to venues and millions of viewers through TV and streaming. In 2023 alone, the event aired on 15 broadcasters across 135 countries and reached 25.4m households. The digital video views grew 92% between 2022 and 2023 reaching 25m. Previous host cities include London, Rotterdam, Montreal, Munich, and Singapore.
Cities chosen to host supertri E will gain significant media exposure and become part of the future of the sport. The event is highly adaptable, able to take place both indoors and outdoors, and is delivered as a turnkey solution with supertri E providing all necessary technology and operational support.
The event featured many of the sport’s most celebrated athletes, including:Jonny Brownlee – Most decorated Olympian in triathlon history
Beth Potter – 2023 WTCS World Champion
Léo Bergere – 2022 WTCS World Champion
Cassandre Beaugrand – France’s pick for Paris Gold
Alex Yee – Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist
Lisa Tertsch – Up-and-coming German powerhouse
Kate Waugh – 2023 supertri Champion
Hayden Wilde – 2022 supertri Champion
Jeanne Lehair – 2023 supertri runner-up
Matthew Hauser – Commonwealth Games multi-medalist
Kristian Blummenfelt – Olympic Gold Medalist
Georgia Taylor-Brown – Olympic multi-medalist, 2021 supertri championsupertri E offers more than entertainment. In collaboration with the local triathlon federation and triathlon clubs, the event has also provided participation opportunities for the community in the build-up to the main event. By adding age group racing and corporate challenges to the program, supertri E can engage local enthusiasts and add to the positive impact of the event to the local community. Youth and Junior races as well as Para racing can also be part of the program, offering talent development opportunities and inspiring the next generation of local champions.
As such, the impact of hosting the event is measured across a range of parameters, including economy, image, society, sport, and environment. Key findings of impact reports produced for recent events hosted in Montreal and London in 2022 and 2023 revealed compelling statistics, such as that 65% of spectators came from outside the host economy and 85% of spectators were inspired to engage in more sport and physical activity.
Interested cities must submit their applications before 15th August 2024. The selection and announcement of the Host City will take place in November 2024.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE -
LA28 updates venue masterplan, with world-class stadiums and arenas chosen to enhance athlete and fan experience
[Source: www.olympics.com] Updates to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan have been revealed, with the Organising Committee prioritising the use of world-class arenas and stadiums to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Additional benefits relating to sustainability, legacy and economics are anticipated, with the city preparing to host the Games in only four years’ time.
Overview of LA28’s venue masterplan, including the latest updates:Gymnastics will be held at the recently renovated Downtown LA Arena that is home to the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Lakers, National Hockey League’s Kings, and Women’s NBA’s Sparks.
Basketball will be held at the nation’s newest and state-of-the-art Indoor Arena in Inglewood, that will be home to the NBA’s Clippers.
The nation’s newest and most advanced large pro sports stadium, located in Inglewood, which is home to the National Football League’s Rams and Chargers, will become the largest swimming venue in Olympic history, with a planned 38,000 seats.
Athletics and Para Athletics will remain at the iconic and recently refurbished LA Memorial Coliseum, making this the only stadium in history to host track and field competitions at three Olympic Games.
* To accommodate these moves, both World Athletics and World Aquatics, the governing bodies of athletics and aquatics Olympic events respectively, have approved and support LA28’s plan to adjust the traditional Olympic schedule. Specifically, the athletics competition will move to the first week of the Olympic Games LA28, while the swimming competition will be held during the second week.
LA28’s plans for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are unchanged, with parts hosted at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Inglewood Stadium.
The San Fernando Valley will be a hub for youthful, high energy Olympic competitions in BMX Freestyle and BMX Racing, along with Skateboarding Park and Street, all in the Sepulveda Basin area.
Also in the Sepulveda Basin area will be Archery, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Diving will return to the same pool that hosted the aquatics events at the 1932 Olympic Games, the 1932 Pool in Exposition Park, which will remain a legacy venue for Angelenos as part of the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks.
The City of Long Beach will host Artistic Swimming and Para Swimming competitions, in addition to several other sports that will be announced at a later date.
Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions, previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be held at an existing facility in Temecula – the only such facility in Southern California large enough to accommodate all the required disciplines in one location.
Shooting and Shooting Para Sport competitions, which were also previously assigned to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, will be assigned to one of two possible sport shooting clubs, to be determined, in the Southern California region.
Oklahoma
While Southern California has more professional and collegiate sports venues than any area in the United States, there is no canoe slalom venue that exists locally (or anywhere in the Western US), and the largest softball venue in Southern California seats fewer than 2,000 people, which does not meet the expected spectator demand for softball at the Olympic Games.
Instead of building temporary venues for these sports, and in alignment with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendation that encourages the use of existing stadiums outside the region of the Host City, LA28 will assign canoe slalom and softball competitions to existing, world-class venues in Oklahoma City.
Both the existing canoe slalom and softball stadiums in Oklahoma City are built to international competition standards, and the local community has consistently supported top tournaments for both sports, ensuring a high-quality experience for both athletes and fans, while allowing LA28 to achieve cost savings and revenue gains to support its balanced budget.
Benefits
Speaking about these changes, LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition and achievement, and we’re proud to host the Los Angeles 2028 Games in some of the greatest stadiums and arenas ever built.
“LA28’s updated venue plan will provide the ideal Hollywood stage for the world’s top athletes, and choosing from spectacular, existing venues, wherever they are, rather than building new permanent or temporary stadiums, achieves more than USD 150 million in savings and new revenue to help maintain a balanced budget. We look forward to partnering with these venues, and their experienced operators and workforce, to deliver an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans in 2028.”
By making use of the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020, one of the primary goals of the updated venue plan is to leverage existing infrastructure, which significantly reduces the need for temporary constructions and enhances long-term legacy opportunities for local communities. Many of these venues will continue to serve the community long after the Games, providing opportunities for future sports events and activities.
All proposed venue changes have been assessed in consultation with the respective International Federations and have already been approved by the IOC Executive Board, conditional on LA City Council approval. LA28 submitted these updated venue proposals to the City of Los Angeles on 21 June, which must approve changes that move competitions outside the city’s boundaries compared with the venue plan submitted during the bid.
Additional changes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA28 venue masterplan that do not move events outside the city’s boundaries, venues for new sports and disciplines added to the Olympic and Paralympic sports programme since 2017, and the updated Paralympic venue plan will all be announced at a later date.
The Olympic Games LA28 are due to take place between 14 and 30 July 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games, which will be held from 15 until 27 August -
Inspiring speakers line up for Host City 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland on December 3-4
This year’s conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers from around the world, representing top organisations in sports, entertainment, and event management.
Under the theme of “Inspiring Action”, delegates will hear from:Marisol Casado, IOC Member and President of World Triathlon
Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
Vicki Miller, current Director of Marketing and Digital and incoming Chief Executive Officer at VisitScotland
Harvey Goldsmith CBE, renowned concert promoter and founder of Earth Aid Live
Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the FEI and President of APSO
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL, Independent Crossbench Peer, The House of Lords
Shiny Fang, Secretary General of the UIPM
Richard Smith CBE, Chief Operating Officer of the Invictus Games
John Langford, COO of AEG Europe
Colin Grahamslaw, Secretary General of World Curling
Céline Payell, Vice-President and General Manager of Events & Experiences at Cirque du Soleil
Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, IOC Member and Vice-President of ANOCA
and many more to be announced.These distinguished figures will share their expertise on a wide range of topics, including technology’s role in event transformation, sustainability strategies, diversity and inclusion, and creating lasting legacies for host cities.
Host City 2024 promises to be an exceptional gathering of global thought leaders, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the future of event hosting and city development.
Host City 2024 takes place with the support of Hosts and Global Presenting Partners: Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Vicki Miller, current VisitScotland Director of Marketing and Digital; and incoming Chief Executive Officer, said: “Events play an important role in our communities, bringing a wide range of economic and social benefits while strengthening our position as a world-leading tourism and events destination.
“As the largest meeting of cities, and sports, business and cultural events, we are proud to be continuing our support of Host City as Global Presenting Partner.
“I’m honoured to be joining the line-up of esteemed speakers from around the world to take an in depth look at the role events play in inspiring action at a local, national and international level.”
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow is globally renowned for its expertise in delivering world-class events which attract visitors from near and far, boost our economy and international profile, and support the city’s health and wellbeing agenda.
“We are proud of our track record and reputation as a trusted partner and first-choice destination for major brands and worldwide event organisers. We are also committed to ensuring our hosting of events creates a genuine legacy and positive long-term benefits for Glasgow’s diverse communities through a strategic approach to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
“The city is delighted to be welcoming Host City again – bringing together international event owners, federations, and wider stakeholders to share insights and experience, and to debate and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. It’s a privilege to be part of this important conversation.”
Host City Awards
Host City is launching the Host City Awards, to celebrate excellence in hosting, delivering and promoting major sports, business and cultural events worldwide. The winners will be revealed at Host City 2024. To find out more and enter, visit https://www.hostcity.com/host-city-awards. -
11th Host City Conference advocates for events as catalysts for lasting change
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Host City 2024, the greatest international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, took place in Glasgow, Scotland on 3-4 December. The 11th edition of the annual conference brought together event professionals – including rights holders, city officials, event organisers and global brands – under the theme of “Inspiring Action Through Major Events”.
Speakers from all continents examined the evolving opportunities and challenges of hosting major events worldwide, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and social impact.
Key takeawaysEvents are powerful platforms for positive change, extending beyond entertainment to foster community connections, advance sustainability, and create lasting legacies.
Collaboration and partnership are essential for successful and impactful events.
Sustainability must be approached holistically, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations.
Event organisers must embrace innovation and harness technology to enhance event experiences, streamline operations, and generate new revenue streams.
Data is crucial for measuring event impact, informing future strategies, and demonstrating the value of events to stakeholders.
Social Impact and Legacy
This year’s conference placed significant emphasis on the long-term impact of major events, moving beyond immediate economic benefits to consider their role in fostering social cohesion, promoting diversity, driving sustainability, and inspiring community engagement. The events industry is increasingly prioritising social impact and community engagement alongside economic considerations, demonstrating a shift towards a values-driven approach.
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Events are not just a moment in time. They can be platforms that inspire action, and drive positive and sustainable change.”
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “In a world often characterized by chaos and disconnect, events satisfy a deep human need for connection, with people increasingly prioritising experiences and social impact over mere entertainment.”
Sustainability
The conference highlighted the critical need for integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of event planning and delivery, from procurement to venue management. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting responsible resource consumption, and engaging in meaningful partnerships to achieve net-zero targets.
Jimena Saldana, CEO, Panam Sports Organisation said: “We still see sustainability as a cost when in actual fact it is a cost-saving. We need to tell that story much better.”
Innovation
The role of technology in shaping the future of events was explored, with discussions on how AI, augmented reality, and digital platforms can enhance audience engagement, streamline operations, and generate new revenue streams. Delegates also discussed the growing importance of data in evaluating event impact and informing future strategies.
Maria Teresa Squillaci, Head of Web & Social Content, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 said: “All of us working in organising major events face the same challenges. One of those challenges is engaging with the young generation in a new way. Through AI, we hope we will be able in 2026 to deliver personalised highlights.”
Event delivery
Effective execution and risk mitigation was a key topic. Events success hinges on meticulous planning, clear roles, and open collaboration among stakeholders to prevent “grey areas” and address unforeseen challenges. Scenario testing, adaptability, partnerships and proactive communication are essential in enabling teams to pivot when issues arise.
Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI and President, Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) said: “There’s a sequence to follow – what’s the issue, can we fix it, do we have a termination clause, who needs to know about the cancellation, and what’s our plan B? Everyone needs to know what that plan is in advance.”
Harvey Goldsmith CBE, music promoter said: “Risk aversion is an issue. Health and safety regulations can be overblown and used to stop events taking place.”
Reimagining the economics of events
Discussions centred on exploring alternative funding models, such as co-hosting and public-private partnerships, to ensure the financial sustainability of major events, particularly in light of tightening public budgets.
Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events at West Midlands Growth Company said: “Local authorities and governments have too much competitive pressure on budgets. So rights holders need to do more to develop commercial partnerships with the private sector.”
Glasgow 2026
The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow served as a recurring point of reference throughout the conference, showcasing the key themes in a real-world context. The organisers explained how the Games are being redesigned to make them more compact, with just four venues within walking distance, reducing operational costs and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with travel. They also echoed themes of adopting new financial models and community inclusion that were prevalent across the conference.
Katie Sadlier, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation said: “We are rethinking the economics – moving the Games out of major markets to a co-hosting model, where costs can be shared among host cities.”
George Black, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company said: “If we want the Games to have a sustainable impact on Glasgow, then we need to understand the city’s expectations from the start. That requires input from local communities, and especially young people.”
Collaboration
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including rights holders, host cities, sponsors, suppliers, and communities. This includes shared responsibility for sustainability goals, transparent data sharing, and co-creation of legacy initiatives.
Joseph Piotrowski, VP of Sports Development at Florida Sports Foundation said: “Collaboration has been at the heart of the state’s success in this area. There are 36 partners across Florida that coordinate to cater to a diverse range of demographics and needs.”
Tim Kasper, Account Manager for Sport & Culture, Explore Edmonton said: “Events in the city are planned by engaging with indigenous population and underrepresented groups. It makes events a movement for inclusion and cohesion.”
Prem Singh, CEO of British Kabaddi League said: “EDI policies don’t always reflect real-life. Organisations need to engage with communities directly when planning their events. Engagement is your friend, even if it means hearing tough lessons.”
Inaugural Host City Award Winners
Host City 2024 also saw the launch of the Host City Awards, celebrating excellence, innovation, engagement and impact in hosting major events. UEFA EURO 2024 Host City Berlin won the award for Impactful Event Hosting; OnePlan won the award for Resourceful Event Delivery; and BLAST won the award for Engaging the Audience.
Host City 2024 was delivered with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland. -
Glasgow confirmed to host 2026 Commonwealth Games
[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.
With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.
The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball.
The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.
The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city.
With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.
The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games.
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.
‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.
‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.
‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.
‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’
Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.
“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.
“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”
First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.
“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.
“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.
“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.
“There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.
“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland’s renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.
“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”
Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.
“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.
“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.
“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.”
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Jersey hosts 46th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Conference
International brands including Apple, Google, Johnson & Johnson, the IAPP, Microsoft, Meta and TikTok as well as the most high-profile data protection and privacy leaders in the world will be in Jersey from Monday 28th October, as, for one week, the Island becomes the centre of the world for data protection and privacy at the 46th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Conference.
The Global Privacy Assembly connects the efforts of more than 130 data protection authorities worldwide every year, to discuss major issues impacting upon privacy and data protection and create the roadmap for the future of international privacy regulation.
Hosted by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner on behalf of the Global Privacy Assembly, the event combines an impressive open session agenda, open to business and public at the Royal Jersey Showground followed by a closed session for members of the Global Privacy Assembly at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, and will see 500 delegates and 70 international data protection and privacy industry leaders explore the conference theme ‘The ‘Power of i’.
“For one week, the Bailiwick of Jersey will be the centre of the world for all those involved in data protection and privacy,” said Clarisse Girot, Acting Head, Division on Data Flows, Governance and Privacy, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Kate Charlet, Global Director of Privacy Safety and Security Policy from one of the event’s gold sponsors, Google, commented: “The privacy landscape continues to evolve and grow more complex every day, so we’re excited to gather at this year’s GPA to learn how global regulators and privacy experts are tackling new challenges and focusing on responsible innovation.”
Aruna Sharma, Global Head of Privacy & Regulatory Affairs from Gala Dinner sponsor TikTok said: “TikTok is delighted to sponsor this year’s GPA conference in Jersey, and to contribute to the important dialogue on how organizations can work together with privacy and data protection regulators to foster the protection of personal information in times of rapid technological innovation.”
The speaker line-up includes European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski, President of the French data protection regulator the ‘CNIL’ (Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés) Marie-Laure Denis, Japanese Privacy Commissioner Yuji ASAI, Chair of South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, Haksoo Ko, Head of the Data Protection Office, International Committee of the Red Cross, Massimo Marelli, Commissioner, Instituto Nacional de Transparencia Josefina Roman Vergara, Commissioner for Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim and Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, Chair of 5Rights Foundation.
Keynote speakers, panel discussions and fireside chats throughout the week include:The Future of Privacy Regulation
Innovation and the Impact of AI
Data Protection and Mental Health
The concept of ‘harm’ in a Digital Age
The advantages and challenges of Data Transfer Tools
The Societal Impact of Privacy Education
Accessible Privacy: Protecting the disabled, vulnerable and socially marginalised in a digitised world
Creating trust through Data Trusts
Trust and Safety for Automobile Innovation
Data sharing between Government and Third SectorSmaller side events, many of which are open to all delegates, will take place at venues across the island throughout the week and see world leading organisations such as UNICEF engage in high level discussion with delegates and Data Protection Authorities.
Keynote speakers lined up for the week include Futurist Nikolas Badminton, Bestselling Author and Hall of Fame Speaker Douglas Kruger and the final speaker at the open session is 7/7 survivor, paralympic athlete and inspirational and motivational speaker Martine Wright MBE. As a survivor of the most horrific terrorist atrocity to hit London in the post-war era, Martine’s story is one of pure inspiration. Delegates will hear how the trauma of that life-changing day affected Martine in terms of her privacy. Martine will discuss how she was thrust into the media spotlight, press intrusion, the impact of her disability in terms of access to basic services and how she harnessed the power of the media to tell her story to the world, on her terms.
Paul Vane, Information Commissioner for Jersey, commented: “Hosting the 46th GPA is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Island and we’ve worked hard to ensure local businesses have the opportunity to network with some of the most influential organisations on earth. To welcome these global sponsors and international visitors to our shores is an incredible opportunity for Jersey.
We are delighted to provide local businesses with the opportunity to hear directly from international experts shaping the future of data protection and privacy, as well as be part of conversations that will influence the future of global data protection regulation. From tech suppliers to caterers, 90% of our resource for the conference is local to the Island and we hope the event brings a welcome boost for tourism in these shoulder months. It is an immense honour to be showcasing Jersey and we’re grateful for the support from the Government of Jersey and sponsors, to make it happen. The importance of hearing the voices of our next generation cannot be underestimated, so we’re also delighted to be welcoming students from Hautlieu School in Jersey for their perspectives on cyber bullying, facial recognition and what privacy means for future generations.”
The 46th Global Privacy Assembly will take place from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.
Registration for virtual attendance remains open until midnight (Jersey time) on Saturday 26th October 2024. To view the conference programme, speaker line up, find out more and register, visit 46th Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) | Jersey 2024 (gpajersey.com)