The International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH), the network for ‘not for profit’ organisations representing cities, regions and countries who host major sporting and cultural events, will host its first Annual Forum in Aarhus, Denmark on Monday 3rd April, on the eve of SportAccord Convention.
Since its establishment in Summer 2016, IAEH has grown its membership to 32 members, from 15 countries, across five continents.
At the private Annual Forum meeting, members will discuss the Association’s work plan for the forthcoming period, share experiences and lessons learned from hosting major events. Following the meeting, members will continue the discussion at a social dinner also restricted to members-only. Both the meeting and social dinner are sponsored by IAEH founding member Sport Event Denmark.
An opportunity for prospective members and industry representatives
Closing the day of activities, IAEH members invite other representatives of the industry and prospective members to an informal evening reception taking place at the Scandic City Hotel from 7pm on Monday 3rd April. Individuals in attendance will have the opportunity to meet representatives of the most relevant organisations in the event hosting industry and learn about the Association’s work in representing event hosts.
Organisations in the events industry and representatives of cities, regions or countries that host major events are welcomed to attend the open reception. Those interested in attending should contact IAEH at olga@eventhosts.org.
Blog
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Members of the International Association of Event Hosts will meet in Aarhus, at the IAEH Annual Forum
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Association of Global Event Suppliers gaining importance for large event organisers
An impressive speaker line-up and record turnout will mark the third annual event of the Association of Global Event Suppliers (AGES) from March 19-21 in Basel, Switzerland.
AGES, based in Switzerland, was formed in 2014 to become the label for quality for temporary and demountable infrastructure works for major events. The interest in its annual event proves that AGES is paving the way to becoming the platform and global representative of event builders.
A number of recognised personalities of the industry will attend and speak at the event. Attendees includes Marco Balich, producer of many Olympic ceremonies, and David Grevemberg, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Meanwhile representatives of large event organisers such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the World Expo 2020 in Dubai will speak to the executives of the member and associate member companies.
“I am encouraged by the development,” said Daniel Cordey, chairman of AGES. “Organisers of large events start using our services and our membership grows. In fact, it has tripled in just three years and become more global, representing all kinds of works categories and services.”
At the General Assembly Meeting the members will decide about the elaboration of a new Guide. This Guide shall provide comprehensive information for event organisers, building authorities and governmental bodies to assist throughout the delivery process of temporary infrastructure (overlays).
This advisory document will contain general (part one) and technical information (part two) and support the stakeholders in achieving a cost-effective and professional handling of overlays for any type of event.
The event also offers presentations from the AGES partners EY Group and SOS Global, who will report about the work done in the thematic working groups, presenting a logistic guide and new contract templates to be used by the members.
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EventScotland: helping bring legacy to life
Next year Glasgow will once again take centre stage and make history when it hosts the inaugural 2018 European Championships in partnership with Berlin.
The opportunity to host this exciting multi-sport event for the first time is a direct legacy of Scotland hosting the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup.
We knew heading into these two landmark events that we had a unique opportunity to establish Scotland as the perfect stage for events. The planning, delivery and ultimately successes of 2014 gave us the springboard to establish Scotland as a world leading international events destination.
The facilities and expertise gained from both of these events, along with the events Scotland has hosted since, will now play a crucial role in the successful delivery of next year’s event. Six of the seven sports – Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing, and Triathlon – will be in Glasgow and Scotland while Berlin will host the Athletics.
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Emirates Arena, The SSE Hydro, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails are just some of the venues to make a return, while a new World Championship and Olympic standard BMX track will be built in the city, providing future opportunities for major events as well as grassroots development for the sport. A few of the sports will head out of city. Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool will host the Diving and the Open Water Swim will take place at the picturesque Loch Lomond, while Rowing and Triathlon will take place in Strathclyde Country Park.
For spectators and athletes alike, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships will create a new highlight on the international sporting calendar. It creates the opportunity for us to reach beyond the dedicated fans of the individual sports and to connect to a much broader audience, just as we saw through the legacy of the XX Commonwealth Games. It is a chance for sports to use Glasgow 2018 as a shop window to connect with people beyond the event and with some of our biggest participation sports taking part, it again allows us to inspire more people to take part in sport, get involved in coaching and establish more teams and places within sports clubs.
The success of and the legacies from the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup have been the catalysts for Scotland’s winning bids to stage internationally significant events in recent times. They set the bar by which Scottish events are judged. Glasgow 2018 will build on this and help create a legacy going into the two major events taking place in 2019.
As the sporting capital of Scotland, Glasgow will again play host to some of the world’s best athletes’ as it hosts the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships, while at Gleneagles – which will also host the golf event for Glasgow 2018 – the magic of The 2014 Ryder Cup will be recreated when it welcomes the women’s equivalent, The 2019 Solheim Cup.
Just like the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup, the images from the 2018 Glasgow European Championships will define Scotland and it is the far-reaching legacies of these occasions that will continue to define Scotland’s event industry.
Coupled with our stunning natural environment, outstanding build facilities, rich culture and heritage and passionate people, Scotland’s capability, credibility, capacity and confidence to deliver innovative and pioneering events will see us maintain our position amongst global elite event destinations.
At EventScotland we are proud of our role in bringing the legacy to life by identifying, developing and utilising Scotland’s unique selling points to bring the world’s best events to our shores. -
UK government helps sports sector go for gold in exporting expertise
On Thursday 16 March the UK’s sports industry is teaming up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to take advantage of future global sporting events, taking the success and expertise of the London 2012 Games overseas.
DIT’s annual Global Sports Projects Conference, in London, offers UK companies advice and shared insight into working overseas on sporting projects, and gives tips on best practice, potential pitfalls and the support available.
The UK has long established a worldwide reputation for organising first-class sporting events across the country and overseas. These events have helped to boost economic growth and in 2015, the sport sector contributed £35 billion to the UK economy, increasing by 2.2 per cent since 2014.
International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: “From Wimbledon to the Grand National, the United Kingdom is renowned for its love of sport and we can use our first-class expertise to help deliver of some of the world’s most exciting major sporting events.
“It’s an open goal for UK companies as there is a global demand for UK goods and services across the sporting world. My department is committed to helping businesses realise their exporting potential and we even want more companies to take full advantage of the opportunities that open up to them.”
The UK has a major sports legacy and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is widely recognised as one of the most successful Games in history. By 2020, it’s expected to have contributed between £28 billion and £41 billion to the UK economy.
Since 2012 the UK has successfully staged more than 70 major sporting events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and World Track Championships in 2016. The UK also hosted the most economically successful Rugby World Cup ever in 2015.
Last summer, DIT also directly helped over 40 companies secure business in excess of £150 million for Rio 2016. Looking ahead to future events, the UK has also secured the right to host over 20 Olympic and Paralympic events at European or World level, including 15 World and European Championships.
The Global Sports Projects Conference takes place at Plexal on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where more than 140 businesses are expected to attend to hear about their exporting opportunities.
It’s a day of panel discussions, presentations and networking; with DIT offering specialist advice to helping UK companies export to their respective markets.
Businesses will be given expert help to capitalise on export opportunities for major sporting events like the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games and the growing football sector in China and India. -
Alibaba president to deliver keynote at SportAccord Convention 2017 plenary conference “innovation in action”
[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention is delighted to confirm that Michael Evans, President of the Alibaba Group will be the Keynote for this year’s Plenary Conference, Innovation in Action at the 15th edition, to be held at the Aarhus Convention Center, Denmark from 2 – 7 April 2017.
The Keynote will begin on Wednesday, 5 April at 09:10 to 09:40 and take the format of a Fireside Chat with David Eades, Anchor and Journalist, BBC World. The session is entitled: Open Sesame: Unlocking the rich potential of new sporting horizons, and using innovation to drive sport to a new level of entertainment and fan engagement.
When Sydney hosted the Olympic Games in 2000, Alibaba was a Chinese start-up and not quite a year old. Fast forward 18 years and Alibaba has now grown into the world’s largest online and mobile commerce company. Alibaba is now expanding into media, entertainment and sport, recently forging an historic long-term partnership with the IOC through 2028, using technological innovation and know-how to contribute to the Olympic Movement.
As President, Michael Evans is responsible for leading and executing Alibaba Group’s international growth strategy. Commenting on Alibaba’s involvement in the SportAccord Convention, Evans said:
“We’re delighted to be taking part in the SportAccord Convention as this gives us an opportunity to share some of the key insights and innovative approach Alibaba is taking when it comes to sport and entertainment, the growth of the digital and mobile market, as well as the exciting potential of the Chinese market for sport.”
Panel sessions and case studies following the Keynote will include:Plenary Panel Session entitled: Innovation – A permanent change revolution, or an opportunity to reset your sport?
Innovation in the Business of Sport
IF Innovation in Action – International Orienteering Federation
Future Sports – Drone RacingNis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We’re delighted Alibaba will open the Plenary Conference focused on Innovation in Action. With the increasing significance of sport in China in terms of fan engagement and business growth, there are significant opportunities to be had by everyone. Alibaba’s meteoric rise will most certainly have some bearing on what we hear during the Keynote.”
SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport.
The Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee. The 6-day Convention includes the Plenary Conference, City Forum, LawAccord, MediaAccord, the Exhibition, as well as the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event. -
FarrPoint to make sure Glasgow 2018 European Championships are match ready
Independent specialist in telecoms and information technology FarrPoint has been appointed by Glasgow City Council to advise on the internet connectivity and telecommunications networks for the forthcoming Glasgow 2018 European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together the continent’s leading sporting competitions
The technology consultants will ensure that the best solutions are chosen and implemented to provide the event with vital wired and wireless Internet services, telephony and broadcast connectivity.
FarrPoint has expertise in specialist broadband, infrastructure and telecommunications networks, having worked across the UK on connectivity projects with both the private and public sectors including previous work on several major international sporting events.
FarrPoint CEO, Andrew Muir, said: “It is essential that events such as the European Championships have the right technology in place from the outset. The network needs to meet the demands and stresses that will be put on it by a large number of diverse users. The correct infrastructure and connectivity is vital in ensuring that the event runs smoothly and meets the expectations of not only the organisers and competitors but the public and the media too. We are delighted to have been appointed to advise on the project.”
As one of the world’s top five sporting cities Glasgow is known across the globe for hosting major international sporting events. It will take the next step on its proud sporting journey in the summer of 2018 when around 3,000 athletes compete in the Championships in front of a potential TV audience of up to 1.03 billion.
The partnership with FarrPoint, who have a proven track record for delivering large-scale projects, will ensure that a robust technology solution is in place to meet the demands of everyone involved in the Championships.
Glasgow 2018 will be staged in August 2018 as part of the inaugural European Championships with athletes competing in six events across Scotland – cycling, aquatics, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon. A further 1500 will compete in Berlin, which will host the athletics part of the event.
FarrPoint is an independent consultancy based in Edinburgh advising organisations throughout the UK on telecoms, IT and technology. -
eventIMPACTS measuring tool enhanced to further benefit events industry
Events have the power to inspire and change people’s lives in a number of different ways. They can generate economic growth, international and domestic profile as well as a wide range of social and cultural benefits for their hosts, both through their immediate impact and through any subsequent legacy or long term development.
Measuring and reporting the impact of an event are fundamental when evaluating the success of an event, and is vital for any future planning.
Recognising the importance for the need for a good evaluation tool for the UK events industry, partner organisations worked together to develop eventIMPACTS.
Launched in 2010, the online toolkit comprises of key guidance and good practice principles to help event organisers improve their evaluation of the outcomes – attendance, economic, environmental, social and media impacts – associated with staging sporting and cultural events. It caters for events of all sizes and categorises impacts into groups based on their potential complexity and cost to measure.
eventIMPACTS was created out of the belief that no event should be staged without an accompanying commitment to measure its success against the objectives initially set and since its launch it has proven itself to be a leading resource for the events industry. Through the use of the tool, consistent evaluation methods, measures and impact assessments provide the ability to model event outcomes and make better forecasts, which in turn improve the industry.
However, just like events must evolve and respond to customers’ needs and changes in technology, so too must the way they evaluate them. Recognising this need, eventIMPACTS has further been developed and now includes updated guidelines relating to social and media impacts. The new guidelines now allow organisers to measure how events positively impact peoples’ behaviour and quantify exposure across a range of media platforms.
These additional resources will allow event organisers to measure social impacts in areas of satisfaction, identity and image, participation and volunteering and skills. Advice on how to measure the media impacts has been extended to include volume of coverage, engagement and tone and value.
These improvements mean organisers across the UK are now better equipped to calculate the overall impact of their events and we know they agree. A survey on the new resources has revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback from the events industry. In particular, it was widely agreed that eventIMPACTS provides a clear structure for assessing the benefits from events.
The co-founder of FOCUS Wales Festival, Neal Thompson, said “eventIMPACTS is now easier to use and reveals much more information on the actual overall contribution our events make. It is such an important resource for highlighting how integral events are, both to the economy and society itself in the UK as a whole.”
The positive response from the industry shows the toolkit fulfils a need in the market and is helping ensure event organisers can see if they achieve the level of impact they desire from their event.
Just as advances in technology will continue to impact on event delivery, so too will it impact what we measure. Going forward, eventIMPACTS will continue to evolve with the changes within the industry, technology and society, to ensure it continues to be a tool that allows best practice.
To see the toolkit and find out more, visit www.eventimpacts.com -
Glasgow 2018 European Championships in search for Telecommunications And Network Integration Services Provider
Glasgow 2018 is pleased to announce the Invitation To Tender (ITT) for Telecommunications and Network Integration Services contracts for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together some of Europe’s leading sporting competitions.
To be staged every four years the European Championships will combine the existing European Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon and a new team Golf event. The first edition will be held in the summer of 2018 in a unique sporting partnership between Host Cities Glasgow and Berlin.
Technology represents a critical dependency for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships throughout all phases of the lifecycle, from planning through to delivery, operations and dissolution. Glasgow 2018 is inviting suppliers to respond to the ITT to provide a services solution for one or both lots (Lot 1 – Telecommunication Service & Internet Access Connectivity (WAN Services), Lot 2 –Network Integration Services).
Glasgow 2018 is seeking to engage with companies for these services who not only have the appropriate level of experience, technical and resource capacity, but will also offer a flexible, creative and dynamic approach that is fully integrated with Glasgow 2018 and other stakeholders involved in the delivery of technology solutions for the Championships; collectively helping to ensure that the 2018 European Championships are the very best they can be.
The successful bidder for the Telecommunications Services contract will deliver services critical to Glasgow 2018 and provide vital connectivity to both competition and non-competition venues for the event and for client groups and stakeholders. Services may include internet access ranging from consumer broadband to high-bandwidth leased line business services; basic telephony services and broadcast connectivity/circuits.
The successful bidder for the Network Integration Services contract will supply both wired and wireless LAN services, as well as Network Integration services to co-ordinate the delivery of technology services. This will include Network Design, Architecture & Security; Network Technology Integration; Network Technology Implementation; Programme Management of network services and Technology Service Management. Wired and wireless LAN connectivity will be required at both competition and non-competition venues to support the range of different client groups and stakeholders.
As part of the inaugural European Championships in 2018 around 3,000 athletes will visit Scotland for six events (Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon) while a further 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin as part of the European Athletics Championships. The event will build on Glasgow and Scotland’s track record of hosting major international events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2014 Ryder Cup and 2015 World Gymnastics Championships.
The tender has been published on public contract Scotland. All details and a link to the tender can be found at http://www.glasgow2018.com/get-involved/procurement -
Arena Group a safe bet at Cheltenham Festival 2017
Arena Group played a major part in the success of this year’s Cheltenham Festival by supplying event infrastructure to the world-famous race meeting held from March 14-17.
Attracting 250,000 visitors, The Jockey Club’s world-renowned event saw five Arena UK and Europe companies work in tandem to deliver more than 20,000sqm of VIP level facilities overlooking the racecourse, including the world’s longest temporary triple deck structure.
Grahame Muir, Arena Group UK & Europe CEO, said: “In the first year of our new three-year multi-venue Jockey Club contract, we were keener than ever to deliver an even higher level of finish than last year. I am incredibly proud of what our teams delivered and it was pleasing to see all divisions having a part of play.
“Significant investment was made into even more of our cantilevered balconies, providing unencumbered views and increasing valuable hospitality floor space. Additionally a new staircase design was introduced.”
Arena RIM Scaffolding were first on site, with project coordinator Darren Simpson bringing the team’s event engineering expertise to install the all important sub-structures, which involved more than 400 tonnes of scaffolding material, and create level, solid foundations across the undulating course for the Structures team to build on.
Arena Structures Ben Sly project managed the 13-week installation of 20,000sqm of temporary event environments. More than 190 linear metres of triple-decked private suites and exclusive restaurants are provided for Jockey Club clients and guests.
The structures incorporated kitchen, bathroom and rear access facilities on all levels, along with Tote betting booths, phone charge points and cash machines.
Arena’s bespoke Moet & Chandon Champagne covered bar and mezzanine was a constantly popular facility throughout the Festival.
Spaceworks provided 5,000 dining chairs and 500 banqueting tables, set up throughout Arena’s facility. In addition, Well Dressed Tables provided 10,000 covers including crockery, cutlery and glassware across all hospitality areas on the site.
Arena Seating provided its award winning Clearview seating product along with terracing within the Guinness stand, providing fantastic views across the finishing line.
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Discover Los Angeles announced as global partner for SportAccord Convention 2017
SportAccord Convention is delighted to announce Discover Los Angeles will be the exclusive Global Partner at its 15th edition of the Convention, taking place from 2–7 April 2017 in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus in Denmark.
Since its founding on September 4, 1781, Los Angeles has grown into a dynamic metropolis with its eye on the future, while preserving its extraordinary cultural heritage. LA is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, making it a truly global city. From San Pedro to the San Fernando Valley, LA is home to 211 sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. As the entertainment capital of the world and its rich legacy of sport, Los Angeles has a long history when it comes to culture and sport.
Discover Los Angeles President & CEO Ernest Wooden Jr. said, “An epicentre of the sports and entertainment universe, Los Angeles is committed to delivering championship calibre sporting events on the world’s greatest stage. We are excited to be the Global Partner of the SportAccord Convention for the first time and look forward to showcasing L.A.’s unparalleled culture of creativity, innovation and entertainment.”
Held in a different city each year, the annual SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas. A 6-day event with 1500 delegates expected to attend, organisations can take advantage of the many opportunities offered at the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event focused on the business of sport.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are delighted to welcome Discover Los Angeles onboard as the Global Partner for the SportAccord Convention. A diverse city, its rich cultural heritage makes Los Angeles one of the ‘go-to’ destinations, and delegates will have every opportunity to connect and discover more during the Convention.”
The Discover Los Angeles team will be found at Stand 37.