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  • “Time for Africa”: IOC leaders recommend Senegal to host 2022 Youth Olympic Games

    [Source: IOC] The IOC Executive Board (EB) today made the decision to propose Senegal as host for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2022. The host will be elected by the IOC Session in Buenos Aires. This proposal is based on the report of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, chaired by IOC Vice-President U?ur Erdener, who said:
    “The IOC was fortunate to have four quality partners representing the African continent in the YOG 2022 Host Selection Process. All four candidates have the capability of delivering successful Youth Olympic Games and offer many opportunities:

    Botswana, the smallest of the four candidate countries, proposed a compelling project based in the capital Gaborone that would help achieve the country’s long-term vision for young people and sport.
    Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, proposed a very solid and compact project in the capital Abuja, a project also fully aligned with the national sports and youth strategy.
    Tunisia presented a robust project involving Tunis, La Soukra, Radès and the seaside tourist resort of Yasmine-Hammamet. The project’s vision is in line with the government’s goal to empower young people.”

    In taking its decision, the IOC EB recognised that Senegal offers a strong project and the greatest opportunities at this moment in time.
    The candidature is centred on three locations: the capital city, Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the coastal resort of Saly. Senegal’s project is tied in with the West African country’s overarching development strategy, notably the national government’s “Emerging Senegal’’ plan, which envisions major economic and infrastructure improvements.
    IOC President Thomas Bach said, “It is time for Africa…Africa is the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes. Africa is a continent of youth. That is why we want to take the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to Africa and to Senegal. They have offered a project based on a strong vision for youth and sport. There are many opportunities, and we will endeavour to deliver together, as part of a strong partnership, visionary, responsible and inspiring Youth Games”.
    In PyeongChang, the IOC Session in February this year unanimously decided that the next edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2022 would be awarded to the African continent.
    The process has been collaborative, and the IOC was impressed by the quality and thoroughness of each party’s submissions. The IOC would like to particularly praise the level of involvement and positive response of all four NOCs and the public authorities concerned.
    The Youth Olympic Games 2022 in Africa will make history as the first Olympic event on the continent. The Host Selection Process was shorter than previous processes, and reduced cost and complexity for the Interested/Candidate Parties.
    Considering the unifying power of the Games, the IOC is pleased to count on the four parties, which all promised to endorse the decision of the IOC and pledged full support to the selected host.
    Following the IOC Session’s endorsement and the signing of the Host Contract in Buenos Aires, Senegal will enter a Co-construction phase with the IOC to build the detailed Senegal 2022 Edition Plan.
    The IOC Session will convene on 8-9 October 2018 in Buenos Aires.

  • Eurosport, JLT And Sports Nevada USA confirmed as commercial partners for International Federation (IF) Forum 2018

    [Source: SportAccord] The 12th International Federation (IF) Forum organised by SportAccord today confirmed partnerships with Eurosport, JLT and Sports Nevada USA. The IF Forum is set to take place from 5-7 November 2018 when more than 100 international sports federations, associates and observer members from GAISF will gather at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland.
    The IF Forum provides a platform for GAISF members (both Olympic and non-Olympic) to tackle global matters related to the Sports Movement. The annual 3-day gathering is also limited to a small number of industry partners and gives them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement.
    Eurosport is one of the top sport destination broadcasters and this includes the Olympics in Europe. Eurosport channels reach more than 242 million cumulative subscribers across 75 countries worldwide. Its online sports news website Eurosport.com sees around 42 million users per month and along with the Eurosport app, enables fans to watch Eurosport anytime, live or on demand, via its digital streaming service the Eurosport Player.
    This year sees JLT as an IF Forum industry partner for the 8th year running. They specialise in risk and insurance services to the sports industry and have worked with the international federations (IFs) since 1980. JLT offers a number of bespoke products specifically designed for IFs such as broad coverage, risk and insurance advice including arrangements, as well as liability claims for significant events.
    Sports Nevada USA promotes the State of Nevada (USA) as an elite sports competition and event destination, and nurtures the Olympic Movement statewide. Sports Nevada USA hosts, facilitates, and supports such activities to further its mission, partnering with tourism agencies in Reno-Tahoe and Las Vegas including the Boyd Gaming resorts.
    Commenting on the IF Forum partnerships, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “We are delighted to have JLT and Sports Nevada USA with us again. Their commitment demonstrates the value a partnership brings by being involved in a high-profile event. We are also pleased to welcome Eurosport into the fold for the 2018 edition.
    “This year’s IF Forum should be an extremely interesting three days of discussion, debate, and insights into what the future holds for international sports federations and the wider global sport community.”
     
    Limited partnerships are available and partners have access to the official schedule which includes: entry to all conference and panel sessions, workshops; VIP functions and social events; and the opportunity to deliver a presentation as part of the conference programme.

  • Nashville’s Music City brand grows to embrace world sports

    Nashville’s Music City brand grows to embrace world sports

    Host City: What sort of a situation was Nashville in when you took over?
    Butch Spyridon: Our primary attraction was a theme park. The company that owned the theme park owned two TV networks, so, we had the ability to package the city and put it out on the networks, and we relied on that for weekend visitors in summer and spring.
    The theme park closed in 1998, and the networks went away. Then 9/11 hit a few years afterwards, and we were sitting here with no substitute demand generator. Our city convention center was woefully inadequate and we were just floating in the water. Even our primary source of business, the Opryland Hotel, was starting to build hotels around the country, so it was no longer a case of signing five-year contracts to come to Nashville; it was signing five-year contracts to rotate along with three, four and five other cities.
    So we had to decide: do we want to be in the business of the hospitality industry, and, if so, what is it going to take to be successful?
    I don’t think any other city has used events quite like Nashville as a key strategy to getting itself out of its slump – to create awareness, recognition, build the brand, generate PR and sell hotel rooms. It’s very intentional, and in 2003-2004 we put a plan together.
    Three things came out of the planning process. We needed a true demand generator – a new convention center, that became the Music City Center.
    Then it was to own the Music City brand. We had a nickname, but we didn’t have a brand. And we focussed on living up to the brand in every way imaginable.
    And then the third leg of the stool was to use events to build the brand, to draw attention to ourselves and generate travel.
    So, the cornerstones were the convention center, the brand, and big events.
     
    Host City: What big events did you host in those days?
    Butch Spyridon: First, we worked with CMA, the Country Music Association, to stage a four-day, 45,000 out of town visitors per day event. At the time it was 20,000 and dying, a very uninspiring event. We worked with them to reinvent it and move it downtown. That was the number one move, to grow that as a signature summer event.
    Then we took over July 4th and turned that into an event that sells 20-25,000 rooms and generates national PR for us.
     
    Host City: How did Nashville manage to take ownership of something which is a national event?
    Butch Spyridon: We had to make it bigger; we had to bring A-list talent to the table. And for events that go on in other places, we look at who does it best. When you think of July 4th or New Years’ Eve, where do you think of? It’s New York. We don’t have the Statue of Liberty, but we could put on the biggest fireworks show in the country. Nobody would expect that from Nashville.
    We built the reputation with A-list talent like Lady Antebellum and a symphony performed live with the fireworks choregraphed and hand fired – which nobody else was doing. We made it the biggest July 4th fireworks show, we made sure the music was in place and we only book Nashville-based artists. We’re happy to go head to head with Macy’s or Philadelphia or Boston – our “Let Freedom Sing” show is that good.
    It worked so well that the hotel community asked us to build a New Year’s Eve event. So now we are entering year nine for New Year’s Eve – 100,000 people, 20,000 hotel rooms – we built it from the ground up. For New York, New Year’s Eve is an event, but ours is a party! There’s a subtle difference there.
     
    Host City: Nashville is renowned for music, but how has Nashville taken steps to host major sports events?
    Butch Spyridon: We booked the 2014 Final Four NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, that was a big step six years ago. Then we saw what we could really do.
    We booked and hosted the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch in 2015. We really brought it to life with a downtown festival with the Kings Of Leon headlining. We tented Lower Broadway, an eight-lane wide street with honkytonk bars and neon lights, and streamed it live. According to Sports Illustrated, it was their biggest and most successful launch. It was food, music and fashion in Nashville.
    Two years ago we hosted the NHL All Star game and really turned that into an event instead of just a sporting competition in the arena – we brought it outside, we had a concert, we had celebrity guests – we elevated the All Star game in a way the NHL hadn’t done before. And now they’ve tried to continue that.
    We also chased for the World Cup with the US when we lost six years ago. And this year we were part of the successful United bid, and that’s taking our domestic US national event strategy and pushing it globally.
     
    Host City: Do you think this will be the seminal moment where you become a truly international event host?
    Butch Spyridon: I think we have a decent shot; it’s not a foregone conclusion. If you think about it, ten or 11 US cities will host games. There will be training sites and a media center, and there will be a conference in February before the year of the Cup. So there are ample opportunities to score something – we obviously hope it is a game.
    We know we are on display, so next summer we’ll have another Gold Cup game – it will be even more meaningful next year. When we do events, we do them at a high level. It is Nashville’s time to shine. It’s important we have a good turnout as the decision-makers will be watching not only how we execute but also how the fans respond to coming to Nashville for a soccer game.
    Prior to the Gold Cup we will host the 2019 NFL Draft, which is a pretty big coup for us. Over three days, several hundred thousand people go through; it’s broadcast on multiple TV networks with international media – and we want to turn it into an international party.
    The Tennessee Titans are playing in London this summer, so this further enhances our exposure and our ability to market both the football season and the draft itself.
     
    Host City: Are you interested in other international sports championships?
    Butch Spyridon: Where we have the facility, the answer is absolutely, yes. We can build a case for rugby, for International Champions Cup (ICC), when private promoters bring European teams over her. We hosted an ICC Game last year with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur; we are told we will get one next year. Those sorts of things are very important.
    One of the most fun events we host is Red Bull Flutag. The concept is they build a runway over water to see who can fly the furthest with homemade flying machines.
     
    Do you see yourself as in competition with other cities or is it useful to get together to share ideas?
    Butch Spyridon: I absolutely believe and love learning from what other cities, destinations, countries have done. We can all learn so much from each other, I do believe that, but also believe it is competitive, and we try not to give away all the secrets.
     
    Host City: So how useful would an event like Host City be to you?
    Butch Spyridon: Very useful. There are sporting related conferences like that that but there is not an event conference especially that includes international. I think it would be extremely valuable.
     

    A few noteworthy events hosted in Music City

    NFL Draft; coming to Music City in April of 2019
    Gold Cup; US vs. Mexico September 2018.  Also hosted in 2017.
    International Champion Cup (ICC); hosted in July of 2017
    NHL Play-off’s street party (hosted & produced by the NCVC), 2017
    CMA Festival (85,000 people in attendance per day over 5 days)
    NHL All-Star Game
    Davis Cup, 2018
    Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Fan Party featuring Kings Of Leon, 2015
    Jack Daniels’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville (hosted & produced by the NCVC)
    Let Freedom Sing: July 4th in Music City Fireworks Celebration & Concert (hosted & produced by the NCVC)
    Nashville is an official candidate host city for the 2026 World Cup

     

  • SportAccord unveils new ‘DotSport’ domain – sportaccord.sport

    [Source: SportAccord] SportAccord today announced it has been awarded exclusive use of the ‘DotSport’ domain extension ‘sportaccord.sport’ following the successful launch of the new .sport digital ecosystem, managed and delivered by GAISF.
    A .sport domain name is seen as a positive endorsement of any organisation operating in the world of sport. GAISF’s ownership of the domain protects the integrity of .sport by ensuring that only properly qualified organisations and individuals can use it. These include sports governing bodies to events, companies and clubs.
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord, World Sport & Business Summit commented:
    “We are delighted to take advantage of this new opportunity and have applied the SportAccord.sport domain extension to key digital platforms and collateral. This will further help to enhance the SportAccord brand across the global sports and business sectors.
    “We are proud to be part of this community-led initiative and fully support the values, culture and principles it represents for sport.”
    SportAccord joins other organisations who have been awarded the .sport extension including several of the international sports federations, Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games and the
    International Testing Agency.
    GAISF Head of Digital Pierre Germeau said:
    “This digital transformation is proving to be a game-changer, not just for IFs but for all reputable sports stakeholders that work hard to promote the best image of sport. Each domain offers stakeholders a significant and respected online presence, tailored specifically to their individual needs.”
    SportAccord is host to the annual general assemblies and official meetings for event stakeholders, with representation from all the GAISF international sports federations, associates and observers in attendance.
    SportAccord 2019 will take place in Gold Coast, Australia from 5-10 May 2019 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and will welcome the sporting business community for the 17th edition of the World Sport & Business Summit.

  • Bayern talent factory with sports surfaces from Polytan

    Bayern talent factory with sports surfaces from Polytan

    A 70 million euro state-of-the-art football academy has been built on the site of a former barracks within sight of the Allianz Arena in the north of Munich. Polytan was in on the action as the fitter of choice: the Burgheim-based sports surface specialist laid around 22,000 square metres of synthetic turf and synthetic surfaces outside – with 20,000 square metres consisting of the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus premium synthetic turf system with top quality Infill Bionic Fibre infill granules.
    Great importance is attached to the development of young talent in Munich: the ultra-modern sports facilities on the club’s 30-hectare site include a sports hall, a ground with three stands for 2,500 spectators, a basketball court, a beach soccer pitch, fitness/technique/coordination areas, mini pitches, a circular track and seven full-size pitches. This unique offering is rounded off by the academy for 35 talented junior players, the club house, a cafeteria, a medical practice and much more besides.
    At the request of the German record-holders, sports surface systems from Polytan were installed over an area of around 22,000 square metres on the open-air site, with synthetic turf from Polytan being laid on two full-size pitches, two mini pitches and the fitness/technique/coordination area. In addition, Polytan synthetic surfaces were the ideal choice for the basketball court and the circular track: the basketball court was fitted out with the hard-wearing PolyPlay S all-round surface, while the Rekortan M professional sports surfacing system ensures that the running track is suitable for competitions. Both areas have been laid in classic brick red, the usual colour of choice in professional facilities used for competitive events.
    When it came to the synthetic turf, FC Bayern Munich opted for the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus system with Infill Bionic Fibre infill granules, which currently represents state-of-the-art technology in professional football.
    Polytan had already been awarded the contract for the synthetic pitches at the training ground on Säbener Strasse by the German record-holders back in 2009 and 2011. Thomas Hanke, the Sales Director for Germany at Poly- tan, attributes the fact that the club has again opted for premium products by the Burgheim-based sports surface specialist to the continuous advances in its systems.
    “In combination with the elastic base layer, which provides for long-lasting, optimum force reduction, the LigaTurf RS Pro II CoolPlus synthetic turf system is ideal for the high demands placed on it by FC Bayern Munich. The highly resilient smooth filaments are similar to real blades of grass and yet they provide consistently good playing qualities, even when the weather is cold and wet. There is no need to close the pitches, and the turf heating system means that training sessions can run continuously, even if temperatures fall below freezing or there is a bit of snow.”
    The state-of-the-art Infill Bionic Fibre granules contribute to even better playing qualities and help to reduce the risk of injury to players. The EPDM granules are of an irregular shape, in contrast to the angular, smooth-cut form of conventional infill. The result is a softer and naturally springy surface.
    Thomas Hanke emphasises yet another advantage: “The organic structure of the infill granules reduces what is known as ‘splash’, when material sprays up in other words, and duelling and tackling are possible to almost the same extent as on real grass.”
    Furthermore, stalks of grass in two shades of green and the green infill granules give the turf a fresh, natural look which lasts all year round. The playing field is prevented from heating up excessively on hot summer days by Polytan’s patented CoolPlus technology, which incorporates UV-reflective pigments into the filaments.
     
    This article first appeared in the Summer 2018 Issue of Host City magazine

  • Sports tourism grows in Canada

    Sports tourism grows in Canada

    [Source: Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance] Figures released by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance demonstrate that the sport tourism industry continued to have a significant impact on the Canadian economy in 2017. According to custom data tabulations from the Travel Survey of Residents of Canada (TSRC) and the International Travel Survey (ITS), Canada saw a continued rise in the value of sport tourism, with a total expenditure of $6.8 billion, an increase of more than $33 million over 2016.
    The most significant increases occurred in the spending of visitors from the USA and worldwide.
    International sport tourism from both markets continued their steady increase with 2017 up 5 per cent over the previous year.
    The volume of sport tourism visitors from the U.S. rose 3 per cent, while the volume of sport tourism visitors from overseas rose 2 per cent.
    International visitors accounted for 35 per cent of the total value of sport tourism in Canada, up from 27 per cent in 2014.
    “Canada continues to be a very attractive host country for many international events, which draws people coming to compete, support and spectate at those events,” said Rick Traer, CEO, Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance.
    “We have a stellar reputation for our expertise in hosting both summer and winter sports, with excellent facilities, organizational abilities, welcoming volunteers, and strong hosting program financial support at the federal and provincial levels.”
    There has also been a concerted effort to market Canada as a preferred host for international sport events, said Traer.
    “Working with Destination Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, CBC Sports and a number of destinations across Canada, we have successfully marketed Canada on the world stage, at major international conferences including SportAccord and others.
    “In 2017, Canada hosted 41 international events that qualified for funding under the federal government’s hosting program, second only to the USA in terms of the number held in any one country. That was a major factor in the growth of the sport tourism industry.”
    Traer was also pleased to see the industry continue to thrive without a major multi-sport event held in 2017. “We saw visitation increase significantly in 2015, when Canada hosted both the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 in six different cities and the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games in Toronto. Seeing the steady increase in the past two years, without a major sport event as a draw, demonstrates just how effective our destinations and sport rights holders have been in bidding for and hosting events.”
    Domestically in the sport tourism market, the number of overnight visitors from within Canada was virtually unchanged as compared to 2016 whereas the number of same-day travellers registered a 9 per cent decline. While there was a 4 per cent increase in the overall value of the sport tourism market for domestic overnight travellers, there was a surprising 21 per cent decrease in the value of same-day travellers. However, as the overnight market is significantly larger than the same-day market, the overall value of domestic sport tourism decreased slightly by 2 per cent overall.

  • First six Global Active Cities announced on World Heart Day

    First six Global Active Cities announced on World Heart Day

    Six cities have received the designation of Global Active City. 
    The cities – Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hamburg, Germany; Lillehammer, Norway; Liverpool, UK; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada – have worked hard to offer all their residents the opportunity to choose active and healthy lifestyles and improve their well-being. Each city has embraced a management model that motivates people at risk of inactivity-related illnesses to take up regular physical activity and sport.
    In order to receive the Global Active City label, they each had to pass an independent audit with a stringent review of their physical activity and sports strategies and working practices.
    Regular physical activity can contribute to reducing the risk of a number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as a number of mental disorders. The Active Well-being Initiative (AWI), an international NGO responsible for the Global Active City label, works with city leaders to help them provide projects and services that engage local residents who have or are likely to develop these NCDs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, and children aged five to 17 should do an hour each day.
    Professor David Wood, President of the World Heart Federation, said: “Physical inactivity is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. As part of our World Heart Day My Heart, Your Heart campaign, the World Heart Federation is actively encouraging people across the globe to adopt more active lifestyles for their heart health. The Global Active City programme will be an important initiative as we seek to get the world moving and in particular in tackling the barriers to exercise experienced by some city populations and specific sections of society.”
    The Global Active City Standard was created with input from more than 70 experts in health, sport and social sciences; legacy and sustainability; tourism; and urban planning and management. 
    “Obesity is a disease that has become a global epidemic,” explained Dr Nathalie Farpour-Lambert, President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and one of the standard’s medical experts. “Recent WHO data shows that almost 40% of adults and over 41 million children under the age of five are overweight or are living with obesity, and rates are projected to increase further by 2030. We know that obesity is associated with a higher likelihood of developing related chronic diseases like heart disease.
    “Childhood is the crucial life phase for obesity prevention and for introducing healthy behaviours around nutrition and physical activity that can last a lifetime. The Global Active City model, promoting cities which have succeeded in increasing participation in physical activity and sport, helps us tackle growing levels of inactivity and non-communicable diseases globally, and supports young people and their families in becoming more active, focusing on community well-being for all in a holistic way.”
    The Global Active City programme was founded by Evaleo, a sustainable health association, and TAFISA, The Association For International Sport for All, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The first cities will receive their awards from the AWI in the presence of IOC President Thomas Bach, at the Olympism In Action Forum in Buenos Aires, as part of the opening events for the Youth Olympic Games. Buenos Aires’ Global Active City strategy – Ciudad Activa – is one of the many legacies of the Games for the local population.
    Christophe Dubi, IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, said: “The mission of the IOC is to ensure the celebration of the Olympic Games, but also to encourage the regular practice of sport by all people in society. The Global Active City programme is crucial in our vision to increase access to sport for all and provide everyone with the educational and health values of sport, with a focus on young people. We encourage all cities, including past and future Olympic cities, to sign up.”
    The Active Well-being Initiative recommends that cities which want their populations to be more active should start by identifying key stakeholders and available resources, and partnering with local universities, to find which groups are most at risk from inactivity, and least engaged, and how to reach them. The Physical Activity Exchange at Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group were development partners for the Global Active City model.
    Doctor Maurice Smith, Clinical Director from NHS Liverpool CCG, said: “The evidence shows that if you can get a population physically active, you will make huge benefits across a range of areas. In Liverpool, we worked out in 2016 that if we got 100% of the city physically active, each year we would prevent 400 deaths, almost 2,500 cases of diabetes, 140 to 150 hospital admissions for coronary heart disease, 50 cases of breast cancer, and 30-40 cases of colorectal cancers. These benefits far exceed anything you could do medically and certainly exceed all the screening procedures that go on.”
    To find out more about the Global Active City model, visit activewellbeing.org or follow @AWBInitiative
    [Source: Active Well Being Institute]

  • Sportel redefines opportunities

    Host City: What are the main themes of this year’s Sportel Monaco?
    Laurent Puons: The evolution of the international sports media and technology industry is happening faster than ever before, and our community is a fantastic representation of this.
    Our members have been discussing some of the main themes for many years, but now these themes have turned from added value propositions to key aspects of global strategy.
    A few of the exciting developments to keep an eye on include, but are not limited to, live broadcast across social media platforms and OTT direct to consumer models. Fans are engaging and consuming content very differently than they were just a few years ago and the entire industry needs to adapt to this fact.
     
    Host City: Can you tell us a bit about this year’s conference programme?
    Laurent Puons: This year our participants will have the opportunity to take part in a number of sponsored conference programme events, which include presentations by LaLiga, Feed Construct and more. 
    Regarding SPORTEL’s conference programmes globally, this year marks an important strategical change for SPORTEL as it redefines the opportunities for all three of its SPORTEL events.
    SPORTELMonaco will remain the global marketplace concentrating on maximising commercial opportunities for its members from across the world.
    SPORTELAsia is the ideal environment for the SPORTEL community to come together to do business in the Far East and across Asia Pacific. It is a unique opportunity for SPORTEL participants to meet the leading sports business decision makers from Asia that do not attend any of SPORTEL’s other events.
    Regarding SPORTEL conference events, SPORTEL will provide our participants with the opportunity to participate in a new event, which will shape the future of the international sport business industry. The new event will include very high-level speakers and discuss the key issues that need to be addressed by the decision makers of global markets. An official announcement of the new concept will be done during SPORTELMonaco.
     
    Host City: How does Sportel Monaco help rights holders to reach new audiences?
    Laurent Puons: If you are looking to do global or national business with broadcasters, social media platforms, agencies or technology providers they are all at SPORTELMonaco. Three days at SPORTELMonaco 2018 can provide our participants with substantial opportunities for business development. The SPORTEL community cannot be found anywhere else but SPORTEL Events.    
     
    Host City: Which markets are growing the fastest for you and how is this reflected in your three continental editions: Sportel Monaco, Asia and America?
    Laurent Puons: Each of our events is unique and offers different business opportunities. SPORTELMonaco 2018 is our global convention with over 3,000 delegates, representing more than 1,000 companies from across the globe. 
    SPORTELAsia 2019 will be held in exciting Macau, from 5-7 March and provide our international SPORTEL community with the opportunity to do business with key decision makers from the Far East and Across Asia Pacific. We have some new incentives for this edition of SPORTELAsia 2019, so watch this space!

  • The transformational power of host cities

    The transformational power of host cities

    Host City: The theme of Host City 2018 is “The Future of Major Events”. What do you think will be the single most important concern for event hosts and organisers in the next five to ten years?
    Paul Bush: I believe the single most important concern for event hosts and organisers in the next five to ten years will be how major events contribute to government policy and help bring about long-term transformational change within society beyond just having an economic impact.
    No longer can we hold events for events’ sake. They need to reflect the priorities of the wider community and ensure the benefit is felt across the board, not just amongst those immediately connected with the event.
    It is about ensuring a 360-degree approach to the planning and delivery of events to ensure policy drivers such as health, education, transport and sustainability are reflected in the event’s overall aims and objectives.  
    By taking this approach, it will in turn filter down into other key areas that will impact events going forward, including the integrity of the event, security and the role of technology in the viewing and delivery of events.
     
    Host City: How are geopolitical trends and concerns over event governance impacting the distribution of future major events? Where in the world will future investment be strongest? What impact might Brexit have?
    Paul Bush: As major events are often bid for and awarded years in advance, considerations of the ever-evolving geopolitical trends and event governance are part of the event planning and delivery process. It’s too early to say what the full impact of Brexit will be but as a global industry, events are well placed to respond to the changes that are likely to come given we are used to operating across national and international borders to deliver events, particularly around major sporting events.
    Like everything, the funding landscape is also changing, with sponsorship and grants no longer simply about name rights and brand awareness. Therefore in the future, investment will be strongest where bids can successfully articulate the benefit of events that reflect the values and ambitions of rights holders and sponsors while aligning with government policies to deliver long-term transformational change.
     
    Host City: What can event owners, organisers and hosts do to ensure major events become more financially and environmentally sustainable? How can hosting events create happier, healthier citizens?
    Paul Bush: Again I think this comes back to taking a 360 degree approach to the planning and delivery of events. Aligning with government policy, particularly around, health, transport and infrastructure, will ensure major events are more financially and environmentally sustainable as well as helping create happier, healthier citizens.
    As a society I think we are more aware of the impact of our carbon footprint so we’re looking for events to reflect value for money by minimise their environmental impact. Take for example the recent European Championships. There was limited capital infrastructure costs because we used existing venues from the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The only new venue built for the Championships was the BMX track, which is the first and only world championships and Olympic standard BMX track in Scotland and only the second in the UK, ensuring a legacy for the sport of BMX in Scotland.
    We also want events to leave a lasting personal legacy on our citizens, whether that’s through signposting to activities that can improve both mental and physical health or providing opportunities to gain new skills and experiences through volunteering. So major events now have an important role to play within society beyond just providing an amazing spectacle for people to enjoy.
     
    Host City: What are current trends telling us about the kind of content and formats that will be in demand in the future?
    Paul Bush: Current trends are telling us we need to think about content and formats in quite a different way than we previously have. The old broadcast model is increasing becoming outdated and needs to evolve to ensure we continue to engage with fans. Fans want content that is personalised and accessible to them through a range of devices and mediums.
    From an event delivery perspective, part of this trend means embracing and experimenting with new platforms – whether that be streaming live events, augmented reality or widening the fan engagement, on the platforms they are already using.
    At the root, it is about moving away from thinking about digital as a channel and more as something that is core to the way we manage and run events.
     
    Host City: What are your expectations of Host City 2018 and why should people attend?
    Paul Bush: It is great to have Host City 2018 back in Glasgow and Scotland for the fourth consecutive year. I’m once again looking forward to the high calibre of speakers and delegates Host City attracts. This year’s agenda continues to push the industry to delve into the issues we’re facing and having meaningful debate round them.
    It is also a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sporting, cultural and business events sector in a relaxed and friendly setting. So if you haven’t registered already, I highly recommend you do so now.
     
    As Chairman of Host City 2018, Paul Bush OBE will be delivering the opening keynote address and speaking on the panel “Populations, politics and popularity stakes”. Register your attendance here

  • SportAccord 2019 registration opens for Gold Coast Australia

    A vibrant coastal city and recent host to the Commonwealth Games, SportAccord 2019 will take place at the world-class Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with over 1,500 delegates expected to attend.
    To register for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit and take advantage of the registration opening rate (CHF 1,500) available for a limited period only, visit www.sportaccord.sport.
    Commenting on SportAccord 2019, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said:
    “We are delighted to be in Gold Coast, Queensland for the next edition of SportAccord. The World Sport & Business Summit brings important opportunities and unique networking experiences to any organisation involved in the business of sport, particularly as it is the only global event with all the key players from the Olympic and non-Olympic movement present.
    “Following the recent SportAccord team visit to Gold Coast, strong commitment from the Local Organising Committee and the award-winning venue team is very apparent. Together, we are confident the next edition of SportAccord will be a great success and bring significant opportunities to delegates, the region and Australasia, as well as to the sports business community worldwide.”
    Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said she was looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Gold Coast. “Hosting SportAccord is a great opportunity to show the world why the Gold Coast is now renowned as a hub for major events.
    “While they’re here, delegates will enjoy the world-class tourism experiences on the Gold Coast – from our famous beaches and surf breaks, to our lush hinterland, food and wine experiences, theme parks and local hospitality.
    “We’re working hard to make the most of the Commonwealth Games to ensure this event continues to deliver a great legacy for Queensland and we look forward to discussing new opportunities to secure international sporting events for Queensland.”
    The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) offers magnificent, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and large spacious foyers showcasing 180-degree views of the Broadbeach skyline. However, it is the venue team’s ‘can-do’ approach, professional service and attention to detail that really sets the GCCEC apart and will help to make each and every delegate experience unique and memorable.
    With an abundance of stunning exhibition space, businesses looking to raise their visibility and showcase their organisation, launch a new product or service during SportAccord, will be able to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. For further details and to secure premium exhibition space, make early contact with sales@sportaccord.com as booths always sell out quickly.
    SportAccord 2019 will host over 50 conference sessions with around 100 international speakers and panellists taking part. The five conference streams include: The Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord, and HealthAccord.
    The World Sport and Business Summit will also offer a varied and exciting social programme to suit every delegate with plenty of opportunity to network outside formal surroundings. This includes the daily Exhibition Luncheons and Evening Cocktails, After Hours Bar, Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, bringing a sense of occasion and cultural flavour to the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord.
    This year SportAccord is delighted to confirm oneworld® as the Official Airline Alliance partner enabling delegates to enjoy reduced airfares with thirteen carriers for flights to Brisbane (BNE)/Gold Coast (OOL).
    The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support SportAccord 2019 which features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar. Your perfect next event is in Queensland where live events combine with the most incredible destinations, and life is beautiful one day, perfect the next.
     
    To become an Exhibitor or Partner contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070. To register as a delegate and watch past SportAccord footage visit www.sportaccord.sport.
    Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.
    For media enquiries, email the Media Relations Officer: jenny.edmondson@sportaccord.com