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Tag: Business Events

  • Merits of SportAccord exhibition sees quick uptake for Gold Coast

    Merits of SportAccord exhibition sees quick uptake for Gold Coast

    [Source: SportAccord] Exhibitor uptake for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord has risen quickly, just a few months after SportAccord officially opened its doors, inviting participation from organisations involved in the business of sport.
    Taking part in the SportAccord exhibition provides unique experiences for the sporting community and this view is shared by Susan Sawbridge, Manager, New Zealand Major Events:
    “SportAccord is the greatest annual opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its strengths, as an events destination, allowing us to connect with International Federations, other host cities and suppliers.”
    The SportAccord exhibition is considered to be an important aspect of the World Sport & Business Summit and its attributes can be viewed via the Bangkok exhibition video tour. Its prime location together with the buzzing SportAccord Café, provides the ideal setting to have business conversations, as well as enjoy the many networking events on offer throughout the week.
    Organisations looking to exhibit at SportAccord 2019 can review their options in the interactive floor plan and register for the Gold Coast edition of SportAccord ahead of the next price rise early March.
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord commented: “The exhibition provides a dynamic platform and advantage for industry, cities and regions, as well as sporting bodies, to showcase their organisation – whether it’s to kick-start a new initiative or share latest developments.
    “Each year we look at ways to improve and ‘localise’ the SportAccord exhibition, and this year is no exception. With the support of Host City Gold Coast, we will be revealing some new additions for SportAccord 2019.”
    Exhibitors and delegates alike will be able to enjoy a host of benefits at this year’s stunning Gold Coast and Exhibition Centre including:

    Enhanced exhibition stands as a standard offering
    Comfortable meeting areas
    The lively and larger than ever SportAccord Café with lunch served daily to all delegates
    Exhibition cocktails and ‘get-togethers’ offering myriad networking opportunities
    Press opportunities
    Close proximity to the conference areas accessed via the exhibition hall

    With cities, regions and industry evenly matched with international sports federations this year, the exhibition will have much to offer everyone.
    To take advantage of all these opportunities and much more, organisations can register and exhibit for SportAccord 2019. The Official Schedule enables attendees to enjoy multiple networking events the popular 3-day Exhibition, access 50+ conference sessions, visit the Sports Festival and take part in cultural activities in Gold Coast.
    Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

  • Prague hosts record number of business events

    Prague hosts record number of business events

    [Source: Prague Convention Bureau] Prague hosted a record number of conferences and congresses in 2018. Over 4,500 events took place in its collective accommodation establishments last year – that is more than a third of all events held in the Czech Republic. The Czech metropolis welcomed almost  540,000 delegates from all over the world. At the same time, Prague occupied the ninth position in the international ranking of the most popular meeting destinations this year.
    According to the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO), that keeps only the records of meetings held in the collective accommodation establishments and with the attendance over 50 persons, 4,534 conferences and congresses took place in Prague in 2018. That is by 2.2 % more than in the record year of 2016 and by 3.3% more than in 2017. At the same time, it is also 36% of all events held in the Czech Republic.
    The number of delegates has remained around 540,000 since 2013, while the average number of participants per meeting has been on decline. These facts only confirm the long-term trend when the organizers prefer to hold more events for smaller number of participants. The total number of meeting participants who arrived to Prague in 2018 was 536,232 – by 1.4% more than in the previous year.
    Prague meeting industry was very successful last year not only on the local level, but also in the international comparison. In the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) global ranking, which rates the destinations based on the number of association congresses and conferences held, Prague has ranked ninth. It has maintained its position in the world’s top ten most popular meeting destinations, whereas it ranked eighth in the previous year. As for the national ranking, the Czech Republic has occupied the 26th position.
    The Prague Convention Bureau statistics are based on the data gathered from the key subjects of the Prague meeting industry including the congress centers, which are not included in the CZSO statistics, show that most events host 10 to 149 delegates (74% of all events). 41 major congresses and conferences with the participation over 1,000 delegates took place in Prague last year.
    The most common source markets in 2018 were the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France and Switzerland. The delegates visited the Czech capital city to address the topics of medical sciences, education, social sciences or industry. Congress hotels maintained to be the most popular meeting venues (78% of all events held in Prague).
    “Following the opening of new major meeting capacities last year and this year, a continuous growth of number of events can be expected in the coming years,” says Roman Muška, Managing Director of the Prague Convention Bureau. “The Czech Republic already is one of the top 50 countries, which generate the largest global direct consumption in the field of meeting industry, as published in the Global Economic Significance of Business Events by the Events Industry Council in collaboration with the Oxford Economics in November 2018. According to the report, the meeting industry is one of the significant areas of the global economics. In 2017, over 1.5 billion persons from over 180 countries from around the world participated in various business meetings. These events generated direct consumption in the value of 1.07 trillion USD (of which 1.3 billion USD in the Czech Republic), supporting 10.3 million of direct job positions (of which 12,000 in the Czech Republic).”

  • World-leading speaker confirmed for 2019 National Events Conference in Scotland

    World-leading speaker confirmed for 2019 National Events Conference in Scotland

    One of the world’s leading influencers in policy innovation around major events, Bruce Dewar, has been confirmed as the first of two keynote speakers for this year’s National Events Conference: Embracing Innovation, Delivering Change.
    Bruce, a key IOC advisor on legacy development and President and CEO of Vancouver based LIFT Philanthropy Partners, will provide the Scottish events and festivals sector with valuable insight into the importance of developing and delivering wider policy impacts as part of major events during his presentation ‘The Game is Changing: Policy Innovation and Social Impact for Major Events’.
    He comes with a wealth of experience in social innovation having helped British Columbia leverage the hosting of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games into a lasting legacy for the region through 2010 Legacies Now; known now as LIFT.
    Bruce said: “Hosting major events can provide so much more than just a great spectator experience. They can be the catalyst for long-term social change, creating benefits and impact on issues that are important to the citizens in the host community and the country.
    “Over the last decade I have seen first-hand game changing social impacts and the importance of policy innovation. I’m looking forward to coming to Gleneagles this September to share some of my learnings and insight with the vibrant Scottish event industry.”
    He joins Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, who will deliver the day’s opening remarks, setting the scene for the day, and VisitScotland Director of Events, Paul Bush OBE, as the other confirmed speakers at the conference.
    Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland’s has built a strong reputation as a leader and innovator in the planning and delivery of major events. As we gear up to deliver our next major event, The 2019 Solheim Cup, there is no better time or place than Gleneagles for the industry to come together to forge new partnerships and to make future plans to help ensure that Scotland continues to be the perfect stage for the world’s major events.” 
    Aimed at people working in Scotland’s events and festivals sector, including the arts, heritage, sport and wider cultural activity, this will be the sixth biennial National Events Conference. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s conference will consider innovation and change, plus future opportunities and challenges across the sector.
    It will provide up to 250 delegates with a first-class opportunity to hear from industry experts and share their own event experiences, plus plenty time to meet industry colleagues.
    Taking place at the world-renowned Gleneagles Hotel on 9th September, the conference will kick off an action week of the Scottish events and festivals industry as it runs alongside The 2019 Solheim Cup, the pinnacle of women’s golf.
    The Solheim Cup will see the best golfers from Europe and the USA go head-to-head over three days of intense competition, attracting tens of thousands of spectators and reaching a global broadcast audience in the millions. Conference delegates will have the unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of one of the biggest sporting events in Scotland this year.
    Paul Bush OBE, said: “As the world’s eyes turn to Scotland once again, the National Events Conference will kick off a stellar week for Scotland’s events and festivals industry ahead The 2019 Solheim Cup.
    “I’m delighted we will be joined by both Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Bruce Dewar as we consider innovation and change as well as the future opportunities and challenges for our sector. I know Bruce will provide some fascinating first-hand knowledge and insight on social innovation and the importance of delivery social legacies from major sporting events, which is an important area for our industry as we look to deliver more meaningful impacts beyond the field of play when hosting major events.”
    Tickets for the conference are now available, with a limited number of early bird delegate places available at the discounted rate of £90 + VAT. To register and take advance of the early bird off, visit www.nationaleventsconference.scot.

  • How AIPH-approved international horticultural expos create lasting legacies for hosts

    How AIPH-approved international horticultural expos create lasting legacies for hosts

    Since the 1950s, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has been approving international horticultural exhibitions as the pre-requisite for an event to receive the recognition of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE). Through this official approval process, hosting countries and regions gain the ability to invite the participation of other nations through the very highest diplomatic channels.
    In 1960 the first AIPH-approved international horticultural expo was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Over the ensuing sixty years, AIPH has approved thirty A1 world horticultural expos, around the globe, attracting millions of visitors for the benefit of gaining knowledge and inspiration of the positive power that plants and flowers have on the lives of a region’s population.

    The Floriade legacy
    Profusely aware of the multitude of benefits that world horticultural expos bring to a host region, the Netherlands hold a Floriade every ten years. In 2022, Expo Floriade Almere will be the sixth international horticultural expo to be held in the country.
    Floriades play a critical role in the development or regeneration of a city. Hosting a Floriade stimulates significant regional infrastructure investment which initiates a boost to the region’s trade, industry, international relations and even education.
    Floriade 2012, held in Venlo, testifies to the long-term benefits a region can reap from hosting an international horticultural expo. Since hosting the Floriade, Venlo has experience on-going levels of economic growth above the national average. The project also led to the establishment of two new university campus sites which today attract talent and skills, of all age groups, to the region. The location has become a thriving community of development and innovation.
    Hosting the expo also provided a powerful means for branding the region, achieving national and international recognition and establishing a strong and purposeful reputation. Venlo is now familiar not only to the horticulture industry but also beyond. Obtaining a strong sense of regional identity also had the impact of strengthening a sense of social cohesion within the area. As a ‘cradle-to-cradle’, project Floriade 2012 has created significant lasting benefits across numerous areas, including employment, innovation and education, for many generations to come.
     
    The AIPH Green City Concept
    Alongside AIPH’s role for approving international horticultural exhibitions, AIPH’s work in Green City involves spreading awareness of the AIPH Green City Concept and supporting city greening through AIPH Green City Guidelines. The objectives of international horticultural exhibitions are synergistic with AIPH’s Green City work. The growing imperative to address salient issues of climate change, air pollution, biodiversity, mental health and social cohesion can be directly addressed through the development of green cities. As stronger evidence builds daily to prove the direct correlation between plants and flowers and a healthier and happier place to live and work, cities around the world are embracing the concept of city greening. Through AIPH’s Green City Concept and approved international horticultural exhibitions, AIPH supports cities in developing their genuine commitment to becoming an internationally recognised green city. AIPH’s global platform for disseminating knowledge; sharing studies, research and best practices; for enabling discussion and encouraging networking offers the unique opportunity for galvanising the pace of ‘living green’ infrastructure development with the multitude of benefits this brings to a region.
     
    Four categories of AIPH-approved horticultural exhibitions
    AIPH approves horticultural exhibitions for large public audiences, smaller public audiences and industry only. Approved horticultural events are categorised into four different classes: A1, B, C and D.
    A1: World Horticultural Exhibitions
    A1 class events are major, large scale world horticultural exhibitions that are held for a long duration of three to six months. AIPH approval and subsequent BIE recognition gives organisers the authority to invite the participation of other countries through the highest diplomatic channels. A country is allowed to organise one A1 horticulture exhibition every ten years. The minimum exhibition area is 50ha, the minimum number of participating counties is 10 and applications are required 12 to 6 years before the event opens. AIPH approved A1 exhibitions have been held in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Turkey, Japan, China and Thailand.
    The next AIPH Approved (A1) world horticultural expos are:
    Expo 2019 Beijing, China
    Expo 2021 Doha, Qatar
    Expo 2022 Floriade Almere, the Netherlands
    Expo 2024 ?ód?, Poland
     
    B: International Horticultural Exhibitions
    B class events are horticultural exhibitions with international participation, held for three to six months. These are organised more at city level, rather than involving national governments. International participation is secured through city to city contact. The minimum exhibition area is 25ha, the minimum number of participating counties is 10 and applications are required 10 to 3 years before the event opens. AIPH approved B class events have been held in France, Germany, China, Japan and Canada.
     
    C: International Horticultural Shows
    C class events are held for the purpose of inspiring and entertaining the public. They are held for a period of between four to twenty days. The minimum exhibition area is 6,000m² and the minimum number of participating countries is 6. Applications are required 5 to 0.5 years before the opening of an established show and 5 – 1 years before the opening of a new or non-annual show. AIPH approved shows include Floralies in Nantes, France.
     
    D: International Horticultural Trade Exhibitions
    D class events promote trade, innovation, development, knowledge sharing and networking in the global horticulture industry. These B2B events are often held annually and there are no restrictions on their duration.  A minimum of 60 per cent of exhibitors must be involved in horticultural production or supply, exhibitions can incorporate symposia and applications are required 5 to 0.5 years before the opening of an established exhibition and 5 to 1 years before the opening of a new or non-annual exhibition. AIPH approved trade exhibitions include Flormart (Italy) and GreenTech (the Netherlands).
     
    Bringing cities to life
    All AIPH-approved events are regulated, monitored, supported and promoted by AIPH to ensure that the highest possible standards and recognition are achieved for the benefit of organisers, participants, visitors and citizens of the hosting region.
    AIPH is committed to championing the power of plants around the world and welcomes the partnership of any city that is committed to developing its horticulture industry, ‘living green’ infrastructure and has the ambition to bring the AIPH Green City Concept to life.
     
    This article first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Host City magazine. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers is speaking at Host City 2019

  • 2020 ESA Awards entry now open and calling for judges

    2020 ESA Awards entry now open and calling for judges

    [Source: ESA] The European Sponsorship Association, the membership body that works to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry across rights holders, brands and agencies, is now accepting entries for its prestigious 2020 ESA Awards.
    The Awards will see industry professionals across Europe rewarded for their best-in-class sponsorship campaigns at a glittering ceremony at The Brewery in London on 26th February 2020.
    View the full list of categories for 2020.
    Andy Westlake, ESA Chairman comments:
    “The ESA Awards have always presented us with entries that show us what a dynamic and exciting industry we’re part of – work that continues to innovate, consistently puts great creativity at the heart of the output and with a focus on delivering results. As a result, we see a wide range of campaigns that deserve the highest sponsorship industry recognition. I’m excited to see what this year has in store!”
    Jackie Fast, ESA Awards Committee Chairman adds:
    “I urge anyone involved with sponsorship to enter the ESA Awards.”
    Jackie goes on to explain:
    “The ESA Awards are designed for Europeans to benchmark their work, raise their profile, see their world-class campaigns honoured, enjoy celebrating the best of the best at the final ceremony, and, crucially, win business.”
    The 2020 ESA Awards rewards successful sponsorship campaigns across all sectors – community, culture, digital, entertainment, media, purpose-led, research and sport – by assessing their business objectives and campaign results. The ESA Awards celebrates great achievement, not just big budgets, ensuring that all campaigns have an equal chance of winning. The early bird deadline for entries closes at midnight on 6th September 2019.
    All campaigns receive the same expert critique and are judged purely on merit against a comprehensive criteria-based matrix. Our esteemed judges bring insight, direction and robust evaluation to the judging programme. With a two-stage process of judging – both online and face-to-face – being an ESA Awards judge provides you with the opportunity to both witness and award Europe’s best sponsorship work of 2019.
    Anyone interested in being an ESA Awards judge should complete an application by Friday 20th September 2019.
    Watch last year’s ceremony and winner interviews and find out more about the 2020 ESA Awards.
     
    The European Sponsorship Association is a Strategic Partner of Host City 2019, the largest meetings of cities and sports, business and cultural events, taking place in Glasgow on 26-27 November

  • FISU confirmed as first Gold Partner for SportAccord 2020 Beijing

    [Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to confirm the International University Sports Federation (FISU) is the first Gold Partner to sign-up for the 18th edition of SportAccord in China. The next annual SportAccord event is set to take place in Beijing from 19 – 24 April 2020 and organisations can now register and take advantage of the pre early bird rate (CHF1,500) available for a limited period only.
    FISU, founded in 1949, organises world-class sports and educational events for university students, promoting the pursuit of excellence in mind and body. These include the Summer and Winter Universiades – the largest global multi-sports events for university athletes.
    The 30th edition of the Summer Universiade (3-14 July 2019) recently took place in Naples to great acclaim. The USA rank top for the number of gold medals won followed by China in the All-Time Summer Universiade Medal Table. Chengdu in China is the host city for the 2021 Summer Universiade, and was officially awarded the 2025 World Games during SportAccord 2019.
    Raising the bar and becoming a Gold Partner for the next SportAccord event taking place at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, Paulo Ferreira, Director General for FISU commented:
    “SportAccord 2020 in Beijing is set to be a confirmation of just how important China has become to the world of sport. It is a city that FISU has a great affinity for, with the Summer Universiade having been hosted in Beijing in 2001, shortly before the attribution of the 2008 Olympic Games.
    “As a SportAccord Gold Partner, FISU is proud to once again help bring international sport’s leadership to one of our favourite places.”  
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord said: “We’re delighted to welcome FISU onboard as a Gold Partner for the first time. Their commitment and investment demonstrate that the SportAccord platform provides excellent visibility for international sports federations, particularly at this level. We very much look forward to working with FISU in the lead-up to SportAccord 2020 in Beijing.”  
    Attending SportAccord enables delegates to network with sporting leaders at the highest levels, access an extensive conference programme, and experience the many opportunities on offer in one location, at the world’s leading global sports business event.
    To raise visibility still further, organisations can become an official partner or exhibitor and discuss these investment opportunities with sales@sportaccord.sport.
    The SportAccord 2019 Review magazine looks back at some of the many highlights that took place across the World Sport & Business Summit in Gold, Australia.
    Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2020, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook.

  • Emma Dodds to host 2019 National Events Conference

    Emma Dodds to host 2019 National Events Conference

    [Source: EventScotland] BT Sport and Premier Sports presenter, Emma Dodds, is set to host this year’s National Events Conference at Gleneagles Hotel on Monday 9 September, joining a stellar line-up of confirmed speakers and presenters, including Bruce Dewar, Dr Beatriz Garcia and Helen Marriage MBE.
    An established sports presenter and media professional who has worked for an array of broadcasters, Emma’s extensive experience across flagship sporting events makes her the ideal host for the Conference, which will take place alongside the world’s greatest women’s golf event – The 2019 Solheim Cup.
    Emma’s experience includes the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, Football and Rugby World Cups as well as Golf Majors, Tennis Grand Slams, and the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup.
    She said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the 2019 National Events Conference at the world renowned Glenealges Hotel. There is a great line-up of speakers and presenters and sitting alongside The 2019 Solheim Cup, the conference will be a great opportunity to look across the events landscape and see the opportunities and challenges that are facing it. I look forward to seeing you there.”
    Designed for those working to create, deliver and support Scotland’s cultural and sporting events, the conference will consider innovation, change, future opportunities and challenges across the sector under the title, Embracing Innovation, Delivering Change.
    With over half of the tickets sold, don’t miss this first-class opportunity to hear from industry experts, share your own experiences and meet industry colleagues all the while enjoying the fabulous surroundings of the Gleneagles resort.
    For further information, including the full programme of speakers and breakout sessions, and to secure your delegate place NOW please click here.

  • Experts to discuss ‘united approach’ to Americas on Regional SportAccord conference programme

    [Source: SportAccord] SportAccord has confirmed that esports, governance and rebranding strategies, protecting athletes and social responsibility will be among the key topics on the Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 conference programme.
    In announcing the theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’, SportAccord has also revealed several influential decision-makers as speakers at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, from 10-12 December 2019.
    More leading sports administrators, business executives and iconic names from the sporting world will be unveiled over the coming weeks as participants in panel sessions, keynote addresses, fireside chats and workshops, ready to offer unique perspectives of the opportunities and challenges in relation to the Pan American region.
    The tone of Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will be set by an opening Keynote Address on The Changing Landscape of the International Sports World by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations).
    A Panel Session on The Future of International Sports Governance will then feature Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations); Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), Vice President, GAISF; Sarah Lewis OBE, Secretary General, AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations); and Andrew Ryan, Executive Director, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations)  
    With the topics of anti-doping and protecting athletes set to be tackled in separate sessions, esports will also come under the spotlight, during a Esports 101 Scene Setter delivered by Vlad Marinescu, Vice President, IESF (International Esport Federation), President, UESF (United States eSports Federation) followed by his participation in a panel session with Philippe Gueisbuhler, Director, GAISF and other industry representatives.
    International Sports Federation viewpoints will also be provided by the likes of Marius L. Vizer, President, International Judo Federation (IJF), and Ivo Ferriani, President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and Executive Board Member, International Olympic Committee. Representatives of sports organisations and governing bodies in the Americas will focus on how ‘win-win’ relationships can be nurtured with athletes.
    A Panel Session on Social Responsibility in Sport will focus on equality, diversity and inclusion and will be joined by Jason Jenkins, VP Community Relations, Miami Dolphins.
    The industry’s sharpest commercial brains will also be on hand to offer advice about rebranding opportunities joined by Jim Scherr, CEO, World Lacrosse, while a workshop will provide ‘Panam Tools for International Federations’.
    Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, said: “As a gateway to the Americas, Regional SportAccord will equip International Sports Federations and sports entities with the knowhow and connections required to engage the region.
    “The conference programme theme underlines the importance of the international sports movement working collaboratively to explore new horizons.”
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “The conference programme is at the heart of the drive to connect sport’s key decision-makers and exchange knowledge in the context of Pan America and its vast and varied population of one billion people.
    “The theme reflects the inspiration behind the creation of Regional SportAccord and we are thrilled to have secured so many first-class speakers already, with many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks.”
    Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will bring together the Pan American, Olympic and non-Olympic communities in one location, with the inaugural event set to attract sports commissions, regional, national and international governing bodies, sports ministries, rights-holders, cities and regions, commercial entities and agencies.
    Registration is open for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO.
    For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.
    Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

  • British Cycling joins line-up of speakers at 2019 National Events Conference

    British Cycling joins line-up of speakers at 2019 National Events Conference

    Can Scotland go Dutch? That’s the question British Cycling Policy Manager, Nick Chamberlin, will put to delegates when he speaks at this year’s National Events Conference on 9th September at Gleneagles Hotel.
    Joining a stellar line-up of internationally renowned speakers and presenters, Nick’s presentation, “Let’s change the way we move – Can Scotland go Dutch?” will highlight the unique opportunity available to Scotland in hosting the biggest ever festival of cycle sport: the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Will this ground-breaking major event create the chance for Scotland to follow in the footsteps of Holland and become a cycling nation?
    Nick said: “I’m delighted to be speaking at this year’s National Events Conference. In 2023 Scotland will once again welcome the world and deliver another ground-breaking major event, the UCI Cycling World Championships, but does the event offer more than just a great spectator experience? I look forward to discussing with delegates the opportunity for Scotland to follow the example of the Dutch and embrace cycling for everyone and to adopt transport polices to allow short car journeys to be replaced with bikes instead.”
    With just under a month to go, Nick is the latest speaker to confirm his attendance at the flagship industry conference for the Scottish events & festivals sector, which will address the theme Embracing Innovation, Delivering Change. Other confirmed keynote speakers include:

    Bruce Dewar, CEO & President Lift Philanthropy Partners
    Dr Beatriz Garcia, Director, Impacts 18 / European Capital of Culture Research Programme
    Helen Marriage MBE, Director, Artichoke
    Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs,
    Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events

    There is also a range of breakout sessions with sector experts covering up-to-the-minute topics relevant to the industry, including:

    Events and Sustainability with Jonathan Smith, GEO Foundation Founder & Executive Director and consultant to The Solheim Cup, Dan Withall, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Property Manager, and Lachlan Kirk, Resource Efficient Scotland Implementation Advisor.
    Visitor & Audience Trends with Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland Senior Tourism Insight Manager, and Cimeon Ellerton, The Audience Agency Chief Product Officer
    Broadcast Innovation with Jason Wessely, Sky Sports Golf Executive Producer, Jack McGill, CEO QTV, and Ali Russell, Formula E Director of Media & New Business
    Data Drive Innovation with Joshua Ryan-Saha, University of Edinburgh’s Data Driven Innovation Lead for Tourism & Festivals, Lyndsey Jackson, Deputy CEO Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Oliver Davis, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Head of Marketing & Development, and James McVeigh, Festivals Edinburgh Head of Marketing and Innovation

    With the conference taking place alongside the 2019 Solheim Cup – the biggest women’s golf event in the world – conference delegates will have the unique opportunity to go on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour and hear from some of the key people delivering this major international event.
    The conference will provide delegates with a first-class opportunity to hear from experts, network with industry peers and share their event experiences, plus enjoy the fabulous surrounds of the Gleneagles resort. As part of the delegate pass, there are free courtesy coaches from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.
    Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “I’m delighted to have Nick join us at this year’s National Events Conference to share his insights into how Scotland can capitalise on the amazing opportunity the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships presents beyond just delivering a world-class event.
    “This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the best yet and to have the opportunity to host it within a major international event is something truly special. With places selling fast, I urge anyone in Scotland’s events and festivals sector who is yet to sign up to do so now. It promises to be a great day filled with lots of helpful information and insight as well as a great opportunity to network with industry peers in the amazing surrounds of Gleneagles Hotel.”
    Delegate places cost £145 + VAT and can be paid online or by invoice. With only a few weeks left before registration closes, remaining places are selling fast so make sure you BOOK NOW to secure your spot and preferred breakout choices. Visit www.nationaleventsconference.scot

  • Olympians to deliver key insights at athlete-focused International Federation (IF) Forum 2019

    [Source: SportAccord] Olympians Danka Barteková and Virginie Faivre will bring the vital perspectives of athletes to the International Federation (IF) Forum 2019 after being announced as speakers at the annual three-day gathering in Lausanne.
    The pair will offer valuable insights into the lives of elite athletes under the IF Forum 2019’s umbrella theme of ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ at the event, which will take place from 28-30 October 2019 and is organised by SportAccord for GAISF members and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
    Slovak skeet shooter Barteková is the IOC Athletes’ Commission Vice Chair, while Swiss freestyle skier Faivre is the President of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 Organising Committee.
    Faivre, a three-time FIS (International Ski Federation) world champion in halfpipe, will give the Keynote Address on the opening day of the IF Forum 2019 on Monday, 28 October. The opening day’s Welcome Session will also include input from IOC President Thomas Bach and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor, Department of Economy & Sport, Canton of Vaud. Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, will deliver the Opening Address.
    Barteková, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and has recorded some impressive results in 2019, will take part in a Fireside Chat entitled ‘The Athlete’s Perspective’ on Tuesday, 29 October.
    With ‘Athlete Centred Sport’ as the event’s focus, safeguarding athletes, athlete welfare, future financial wellbeing, protecting clean athletes and strengthening athletes’ voices will be among the topics under discussion during the Sessions, Workshops, Keynotes, Scene Setters and Fireside Chats.
    Faivre said: “It is so important to involve athletes in strategic discussions and I applaud all IFs and administrators who are getting athletes involved and including their feedback in the heart of their long-term strategies.”
    “I look forward to discussing my experiences as an athlete, providing insights from my days of competitions and particularly highlighting areas which are crucial to athletes, from scheduling, communications and facilities as well as life after competition. In addition, I will also reflect on how we at Lausanne 2020 are looking to put the athlete at the centre of our plans for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020.”
    Barteková said: “Good organisation that is focused on athlete welfare makes for better sport and a more entertaining and enticing proposition for fans and other partners.”
    The IF Forum 2019 will bring together more than 200 leaders from over 100 International Sports Federations at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne.
    The gathering is limited to a small number of Partners, giving them exclusive access to an authoritative networking environment and recognition as a supporter of the Sports Movement. Presentation slots have been scheduled as part of exclusive rights and benefits available to Partners of the invitation-only event, with numerous other opportunities to engage directly with sport’s decision-makers, including VIP functions and social activities.
    With attendance strictly limited to the International Sports Federations and the event’s Partners, delegates will discuss best practice in an intimate and inspirational environment, strengthening links within the global sports family as they gain a greater understanding of their role in supporting athletes and how they can benefit from ‘Athlete Centred Sport’.
    To discuss partnership opportunities and take advantage of exclusive access to the IF Forum, contact the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 612 3070.
    For further information about the IF Forum, please download the brochure here or visit: https://www.sportaccord.sport/if-forum.