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.
Blog
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Arena Group a safe bet at Cheltenham Festival 2017
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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. -
International Association of Events Hosts incorporated as charity
The International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH) came together from across the globe for the annual IAEH Forum at SportAccord Convention in Aarhus, Denmark yesterday to discuss and vote on the structure of the organisation.
Representatives from 24 of the 34 member organisations voted on the incorporation of the IAEH as a charity under English law, overseen by the Charities Commission in England. The establishment of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation was unanimously approved.
IAEH founding members Iain Edmondson from London & Partners and Devorah Blumberg from New Zealand Major Events said that the vote is a milestone in the association’s development.
Edmondson said: “The agreement from members to incorporate the IAEH is a huge step forward for us as an association. It signals that we are globally aligned in our thinking as event hosts. The formalisation of the association provides a platform for growth as the global network for sharing our knowledge”.
Blumberg went on to say: “The incorporation of the association will also provide members with an international shared voice for hosts of major events. We invite cities, regions and countries that aren’t already involved in the network to join now and enjoy the benefits of working with peers on a global scale.
The membership discussed nine priority areas for knowledge sharing and the calendar of meetings for the period ahead. Of the priority areas for discussion the group identified a clear front runner of interest to event hosts – measuring economic and social benefits. Other subjects which were front of mind for members included attracting visiting tourists and alternative sources of funding. Members will discuss these priority areas in greater depth as part of the IAEH work programme.
Throughout 2017 IAEH members will have four more opportunities to meet ahead of the Annual Forum in 2018 which is usually timed with SportAccord Convention. IAEH members also met at Host City 2016 in Glasgow. Members see these meetings as valuable opportunities for sharing experiences from hosting major events with a focus on overcoming challenges and measuring success. -
Bangkok to host SportAccord Convention 2018
Bangkok to host SportAccord Convention 2018
[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention is delighted to confirm that the ultra-modern city of Bangkok, Thailand will be Host City for the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in 2018 where Muaythai is the national sport. Known as the land of smiles, thanks to the welcoming nature of the people, the Convention is looking forward to returning to South East Asia where there are plans to make the 16th edition of the SportAccord Convention a family event for delegates and their families.
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; rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport.
On becoming Host City to the next SportAccord Convention, H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand said, “We are delighted and honoured to be hosting the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand. We believe our city will provide a wonderful experience for delegates and the sports world who will be able to experience the culture and warm hospitality of the Thai people.”
The city of Bangkok is served by many of the international airlines with most countries offering direct flights and is also the main hub for South East Asia. A dynamic city, Bangkok is a great city to explore with lots to offer in terms of culture, shopping, and delicious food, all at affordable prices.
For those who are bringing their families, the Convention are planning a strong cultural programme. Families will also have an opportunity to further enjoy their stay in Thailand with vacation packages on offer. For those who would like to experience culture and arts outside the city, delegates can immerse themselves in the north of Thailand, a one hour flight away. For those who would prefer some sea and relaxation, a one-hour flight South will transport you to the stunning beaches and islands. A two-hour drive east or west of Bangkok and you are within easy-reach of the sand and sea.
Commenting on the announcement of next year’s new Host City, Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of SportAccord Convention and ASOIF said:
“It will be a pleasure to bring the 2018 SportAccord Convention to Bangkok, Thailand and I would like to thank the government of Thailand for supporting the Convention which will be the 16th edition. I am sure it will embrace all the qualities and opportunities that city and country have to offer. I am confident our collaboration with Bangkok and the government of Thailand will provide an excellent platform for the international sport community to build on the excellent work achieved at past Conventions while more than meeting the needs of our Stakeholders and delegates.” -
Sport Event Denmark returns as gold partner and #SAC2017 co-host
SportAccord Convention is delighted to welcome the return of Sport Event Denmark as a Gold Partner and Co-Host for the 15th edition of the SportAccord Convention taking place in Aarhus, Denmark from 2-7 April 2017.
Sport Event Denmark is the national Danish sporting event organisation, established and supported by the Danish Government. Its main objective is to help develop and promote sport, to attract and host major international sporting events and congresses.
Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, said: “It is a unique situation for Sport Event Denmark to welcome SportAccord Convention and all the delegates to Denmark as co-host as well as being Gold Partner once again. We will take the advantage to walk-the-talk in terms of hosting, not only in terms of the Convention but also in terms of the many major international sporting events that are in the pipeline. From the Opening of the Convention until the Closing Event in the ARoS Museum, we will do our utmost to demonstrate why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world and to share how the Danish ‘hygge’ can be translated into an international setting.”
To experience this in action, Sport Event Denmark will be found at the Danish Booth (no. 90) where delegates can take part in an interactive competition with the chance of winning a range of daily prizes including Beoplay H7 – Premium wireless over-ear headphones. Delegates are also invited to join the Danish team for Happy Hour from 16:30 to 17:30 daily from Tuesday 4 to 6 April inclusively, to sip and “exbeerience” one of the most famous beers in the world – Carlsberg.
Commenting on the partnership, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention, said: “It is always a pleasure to have Sport Event Denmark onboard as a Gold Partner and particularly this year as Co-Hosts with the City of Aarhus. Their enthusiasm, passion and contribution in putting this event together has been instrumental in helping to make the 15th edition of SportAccord Convention a special one in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus Denmark, and we would like to offer our sincerest thanks.”
Around 2,000 delegates register and attend the SportAccord Convention to network and discuss the business of sport with over ninety percent (90%) of the delegation being key decision-makers and in a position to take action. The majority of delegates, partners and exhibitors return each year, ensuring the Convention is part of their business strategy.
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Impressive line-up of bronze partners for SportAccord Convention 2017
SportAccord Convention is pleased to confirm its Bronze Partners for the 15th edition of the Convention taking place from 2-7 April 2017 in Aarhus, Denmark, a city passionate about sport with a strong cultural vibe and offering friendly hospitality – the Hygge way.
Taking place in this year’s European Capital of Culture, the SportAccord Convention Bronze Partners include:
• European Championships Glasgow 2018
• FIBA (International Basketball Federation)
• Finnish Olympic Committee
• Mexico City Sports Institute
• Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
• Melbourne – Visit Victoria
Held in a different city every year, the SportAccord Convention 6-day event is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network, and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas, and is attended by up to 1,500 delegates.
Commenting on this year’s Bronze Partners, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We’re delighted to welcome our Bronze Partners for the 15th edition of SportAccord Convention and appreciate the support, commitment and value they bring to delegates. This year’s Bronze Partners demonstrate how the Convention provides the perfect platform for organisations to network and discuss the business of sport from all corners of the globe.”
As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord Convention will host a 3-day Exhibition as well as a Conference including: the Plenary, City-to-City, City Forum, LawAccord and MediaAccord at this prestigious global gathering. Other features include the Speakers’ Corner, Opening Ceremony, as well as Closing Event to be hosted at the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum.
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3,000 volunteers needed for Glasgow 2018 European Championships
The search is on to find more than 3,000 volunteers who will be the welcoming face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together some of the continent’s leading sport.
Applications have officially opened with volunteers set to play an essential role in the experience offered to athletes, officials, media and spectators as they visit Glasgow and Scotland next year. Volunteers will support a wide range of functions from Spectator Services and Accreditation, to Transport and Media and much more.
The Glasgow 2018 Volunteer Programme was launched at Glasgow’s iconic Kelvin Hall, which recently reopened following a £35 million redevelopment. The launch event was attended a team of Glasgow 2018 Volunteering Champions and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official Volunteering Ambassador.
Thousands of people over the age of 16 are expected to express an interest in joining the volunteer team in what will be one of the most ambitious and inclusive volunteering programmes ever undertaken in Scotland, with the Glasgow 2018 volunteers set to be right at the heart of the inaugural European Championships.
Glasgow 2018 is committed to ensuring that the Volunteer Programme is open to all, building on the success of previous programmes delivered in the city including the Host City Volunteers and the Homeless World Cup. Full support will be given to those wanting to be part of the team regardless of their experience or current circumstances.
Glasgow 2018 Championships Director Colin Hartley said: “The Glasgow 2018 European Championships promises to be a memorable event for the whole city and our volunteers will be at its heart. From assisting elite athletes at venues to providing a friendly and welcoming face to the thousands of visitors arriving during Championships time, the volunteers will play an absolutely vital role in ensuring Glasgow 2018 is a success.
“Glaswegians are renowned for their generosity and friendliness and these are valued which we aim to reflect in our volunteers. This will be one of the most inclusive volunteer programmes ever delivered so we want to hear from everyone regardless of their previous experience or current circumstances. There is a real opportunity for you to play your part in sporting history by applying to become a Glasgow 2018 volunteer.”
To be staged every four years, the European Championships will combine the existing European Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon along with a new Golf team championships. The first edition will be held in 2018 in a unique sporting partnership between Host Cities Glasgow and Berlin.
This partnership will create a new event on the world stage elevating the status of European Champions and attracting a potential television audience of up to 1.03 billion across the continent, with a wider audience via digital platforms. Attendances across Glasgow 2018 are expected to be in the region of 250,000.
Applications will remain open up until July 31, 2017.
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Glasgow to make cycling history at 2018 European Championships
Glasgow will become the first city in the world to simultaneously stage four Olympic-discipline cycling championships within its boundaries following a host city agreement (HCA) between the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the Union of European Cycling (UEC).
The European Championships is a new multi-sport event that will see the continent’s leading athletes compete for career-defining moments of glory at world-class venues throughout Scotland. The first edition will be held in 2018 in a unique sporting partnership between Host Cities Glasgow and Berlin. It will combine the existing European Championships of athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon along with a new golf team championships at the famous PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles.
Glasgow is host city for all events with the exception of athletics, which takes place in Berlin. Around 3,000 athletes will visit Scotland during the Championships while a further 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin.
An action packed 11-day sports schedule will begin on August 2, 2018 with 10 days of television coverage providing a seamless viewing experience for a potential TV audience of more than one billion across Europe.
The four individual European Cycling Championships for road, track, BMX and mountain biking will all take place in Glasgow attracting 650 of Europe’s top cycling names to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at the Emirates Arena, the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, the streets of Glasgow and a new world championship and Olympic-standard BMX track to be built in the Knightswood area of the city.
The HCA with the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC) pledges to deliver an event that elevates the status of European cyclist in all disciplines as they compete for the status of European champion.
David Lappartient, president of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme, said: “For the first time ever in cycling, four major European Championships will take place in the same city and will last two weeks. This is a historic moment for European cycling enabling us to forge ahead with our development programme.
“The city of Glasgow has always loved the bike and is an ideal venue for combining the tradition of Road and Track cycling with the modernity of BMX and Mountain Bike, in a setting that will be particularly appreciated by all fans and experienced cyclists.
“We are looking forward to this experience with great enthusiasm in the knowledge that these 2018 European Championships promise to be a great success.”
British Cycling’s cycling director, Jonny Clay, said: “It’s fantastic to have the European Championships coming to British soil. With the 2014 Commonwealth Games , a national road race championships, and two rounds of the track world cup all hosted in Glasgow, the city’s appetite for cycling knows no bounds and the Championships will no doubt draw the crowds from across Britain.”
Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome hosted the opening round of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup last November and the city also staged events for road, track and mountain biking during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow 2018 will see a major BMX event come to the city for the first time ever and the new track at Knightswood will leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Scotland.
Glasgow 2018 Championships director Colin Hartley said: “Cycling has historically attracted wide support in Scotland and we are delighted to be bringing four different disciplines to Glasgow 2018.
“With cycling events spread across the city and competition on the streets and roads of Glasgow and surrounding areas, we hope to give as many people as possible the chance to see sporting history being created.
“Moreover the creation of a world-class Olympic standard BMX venue in Knightswood will provide a long-standing legacy for the sport beyond the Championships.”
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US, Canada and Mexico launch joint bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup
On April 10 CONCACAF member nations the United States, Canada and Mexico declared their intention to formally submit a unified bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
The unified bid, which would represent the first time that three nations would jointly host a FIFA competition, was announced in New York by US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani, and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol president Decio de Maria.
Gulati said: “This is a milestone day for US Soccer and for CONCACAF. We gave careful consideration to the prospect of bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ultimately feel strongly this is the right thing for our region and for our sport. Along with our partners from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, we are confident that we will submit an exemplary bid worthy of bringing the FIFA World Cup back to North America.
“The United States, Mexico and Canada have individually demonstrated their exceptional abilities to host world-class events. When our nations come together as one, as we will for 2026, there is no question the United States, Mexico and Canada will deliver an experience that will celebrate the game and serve players, supporters and partners alike.”
The three nations have hosted 13 FIFA World Cups combined (Men’s, Women’s and Youth), which is more than any other trio of geographically connected nations, and set attendance records for five of those events. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first with the expanded 48-team format, requiring facilities and infrastructure that these countries are uniquely suited to fulfill.
The US hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, which served as the catalyst to launch Major League Soccer in 1996, which today fields 19 teams in the US and three in Canada. In addition, the USA welcomed the world for the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups.
Mexico was the first nation to host the FIFA World Cup for the second time, having first held the event in 1970. In 1986, the Argentine team captained by Diego Maradona captured their second title in three tournaments. El Tri became the first host country to win the FIFA Confederations Cup, collecting the title on home soil in 1999. They repeated that feat at the youth level with a victory in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“For the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, and the entire Mexican soccer family, it is a source of pride to be candidates, along with the United States and Canada, to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” said de Maria.
“We have a unique opportunity to be the first country to host three World Cups. As such we are filled with pride and committed to make it the best ever. Mexico has been recognised for being a magnificent host of past FIFA events, such as the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, the 1999 Confederations Cup, the 2011 Under-17 World Cup, and most recently the 2016 FIFA Congress.
“If we are selected to host, it will be an honour to welcome everyone with open arms.”
Canada hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, which featured an expanded 24-nation field with matches played in six cities in five time zones. With record setting attendance for any FIFA event outside of the FIFA World Cup, more than 1.35 million spectators and nearly 25 million in the United States alone watched the final on FOX.
Canada has hosted five FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cup Canada 2002 where the 47,784 final match crowd remains the largest on record for any FIFA women’s youth competition, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 drew a then-record 1.2 million fans in six Canadian cities.
“Canada Soccer is honoured to partner with fellow CONCACAF member associations USA and Mexico to bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Canadian Soccer president Victor Montagliani.
“Canada is the only remaining G-8 nation to have not hosted a FIFA World Cup despite our history of success in raising the bar for youth and women’s FIFA tournaments.
“We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with fellow CONCACAF member associations U.S. Soccer and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol under the FIFA Council principles for joint bids and to continue our tradition of hosting record-breaking international events.”
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No decision from Edmonton over new 2022 Commonwealth Games bid
Although it was originally one of the primary candidates to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Canadian city of Edmonton has yet to decide if it will launch a new bid.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has again opened up the bidding process after Durban was stripped of the event and its CEO David Grevemberg revealed that prospective host cities have until April 28 to submit interest in replacing Durban.
Edmonton withdrew from the first bid process in 2015 to leave Durban as the sole candidate to go forward to CGF General Assembly for the 2022 games.
But speaking exclusively with Host City, Doug McLean, director of marketing at Edmonton Tourism, said no decision had yet been made if a new 2022 campaign will be launched.
McLean said: “We’re aware of what’s going on and looking at a lot of different situations, Commonwealth Games and others, but there’s nothing by any means confirmed that we would consider a bid at this point.
“We are certainly aware of the other cities and we will keep abreast of what’s happening.”