After the hugely successful Host City 2015 event in Glasgow in November, the must-attend conference and exhibition for leaders in event hosting will return to the state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Centre on 16 and 17 November 2016.
At Host City 2016, cities, event owners and suppliers will exhibit alongside a truly outstanding conference programme in the heart of Glasgow.
As the largest conference and exhibition of cities and cross-sector events, Host City provides a much needed one-stop event where city representatives, destination marketers, event owners and suppliers can all meet.
Host City 2015 was twice the size of the 2014 launch event in London and Host City 2016 is set to double again to reach 500 attendees from cities and destination marketing organisations, cross-sector rights holders and suppliers.
Host City features world class speakers from IOC, CGF, FIFA, sports federations, BIE, EU Capital of Culture, major scientific congresses; city event leaders from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Japan, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, USA and many more.
The conference attracts delegates and exhibitors from cross sector rights holders, together with organising committees, city halls, national Olympic committees, Convention Bureaus and the suppliers that make city events possible.
The event is firmly established as the optimal environment for cities, events owners and suppliers to network with and learn from peers in the business of bidding for and hosting cross-sector events, from mega sports events to live entertainment and congresses.
With a mix of panel discussions, keynote addresses and case studies on how to attract and host secure and engaging sports, business and cultural events. The conference highlights the issues and opportunities facing everyone in the business of city events.
Host City attracts the attention of global media, with coverage from Press Association, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, O Globo, Bloomberg, Associated Press, ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, Huffington Post, Yahoo, China Sports, Indian Express, Yomiuri Shimbun, Sports Illustrated, Washington Times, MSN, Eurosport, STV, Kyodo News, Sky News, audioBoom and many more. Media partners have included SportCal, Around the Rings, iSportConnect, fcbusiness, SportBusiness, Sports Features, SportsPro.
What attendees said about Host City 2015:
“Thanks again for a conference that was interesting, inspiring, very very well organised and a good opportunity to meet some interesting people” – Alex Koch, Corporate Communications Manager, FIFA
“It was a good platform which is completely new to us; it’s very interesting to meet senior level associations, buyers, suppliers, all areas of the business” – Livio Götz, Market Manager UK & Ireland, Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau
“An inspiring event” – Karel Bartak, Head of Culture, European Commission
“I was really impressed by the quality of the event – the speakers, the delegates, the topics and the venue” – Robert Datnow, Managing Director, The Sports Consultancy
“Great conference, well organised and a very good subject area” – Martin Fitchie, Programme Manager, European Sports Championships Management
“A great success” – Bridget McConnell, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
“The speakers have all been good, the panels have been good and it’s explored a lot of different areas” Hamish Fraser, Group Director, NVT Group
“A good conference with interesting and motivating sessions” – Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor, Eurovision Song Contest, European Broadcast Union
“It was interesting to be here to promote the city of Bern as a host destination for major and small sports and cultural events” – Bernhard Rhyn, Bern Incoming Ltd.
“I found Host City to be very useful for audioBoom as a platinum sponsor for meeting a lot of people who we want to engage with in the sports and event industry” – Marc Webber, Head of Sport, audioBoom
“The quality of the speakers and the content was outstanding” – Mike Hopper, CEO, Advance Brand Consulting
Join the Host City movement
We look forward to welcoming you to Host City 2016, the EU’s leading meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, in Glasgow on 16th to 17th November.
For more information on Host City 2016, join the conversation on on Twitter using #HostCity and visit http://www.bidtowin-hostcity.net. For updates on Host City 2016 and much more, keep an eye on www.hostcity.com
Tag: HOST CITY 2016
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Host City 2016 to return to Glasgow on 16 and 17 November
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Host City welcomes City Day at SportAccord Convention
Once again, cities will be in the spotlight at this year’s SportAccord Convention with City-to-City and City Forum taking place on Tuesday 19 April at the SwissTech Convention Center, Lausanne. As ‘go-to’ events for delegates, this year’s City Day is no exception, with an excellent line-up of speakers, a content-packed programme assessing the impact of sport, with plenty of opportunity for the audience to be involved.
Starting the day, City-to-City will enable delegates to hit the ground running by providing a platform for free discussion on the needs and challenges faced when looking to host sport events. Led by Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London & Partners, he commented, “Cities like London have come to recognise the value of major events in developing our economy and society. We are always seeking to learn from colleagues around the world and we hope to see representatives from every continent taking part.”
Points for discussion could include: issues relating to the bid process, economic impact, legacy, governmental and private sector support, as well as other matters of concern. City-to-City is attended by representatives from regions, cities and countries, with delegates encouraged to share experiences and lessons learned.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events commented, “Major events make a vital contribution to the Scottish economy and, in recent years, staging some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup, has brought about substantial benefits for the nation.” He went on to say, “Our progress has been greatly aided by knowledge sharing and discussing best practice with other leading event-hosting nations and I look forward to the further opportunity of doing just that during City-to-City and City Forum at the SportAccord Convention.”
The afternoon will begin with City Forum led by Don Schumacher, Executive Director of the National Association of Sports Commissions. The event will provide a series of seminars and panel sessions, addressing the needs and concerns of cities bidding for, as well as hosting, international sporting events.
Speaking of the importance of such an event, Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City for the Cavendish Group commented, “Host City is pleased to support City Forum at the SportAccord Convention. As a media provider, Host City always places cities at the centre of the major event hosting community and we welcome this excellent opportunity for cities to share experiences of hosting sports events.”
The first City Forum session will focus on The Current State of Affairs for cities presented by one of the Principal Media Partners, Sportcal. Delegates will receive an exclusive printed Summary covering some of the highlights from the studies made for the Global Sports Impact (GSI) Reports.
This year’s Event Watch focuses on the Tour de France Grand Départ providing a Netherlands case study on their decision to bid for the Tour start, as well as the results that followed.
The City Forum will also focus on Government and Non-Government Hosting Models with representatives from different countries, discussing the benefits and limitations of various models used by cities, bidding for and hosting sporting events. In the final session, delegates will be able to take part in a Group Project challenge focused on an event-bidding issue.
To find out more about SportAccord Convention, including the 4-day Conference Programme and Official Schedule, or to register for SportAccord Convention, visit: www.sportaccordconvention.com
HOST CITY is the media brand of choice for cities, rights holders, organisers and suppliers in their quest for best practice on hosting major events. First published in 2003 for the organisers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, HOST CITY now serves all sports, business and cultural events through a quarterly magazine, online news and live events. Contact ben.avison@hostcity.net or visit the website www.hostcity.com
Source: SportAccord Convention
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Host cities to form international association
Over 50 representatives of cities, regions and countries attending this year’s SportAccord Convention, have reached an overwhelming consensus to move forward with the formation of an international association of event hosts.
The representatives met at the City to City session facilitated by members of a working group who have been investigating the feasibility of forming an organisation for “not-for-profit” investors to share knowledge of hosting international events.
During the session, representatives learned from the successes and challenges of a number of recent events hosted at destinations across the world.
Representatives also provided feedback on different models of how destinations could share knowledge and generate greater benefits from hosting events. The working group will now take this feedback and develop a plan to formalise cooperation between destinations.
Members of the working group to date include:
•Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development
•Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance
•EventScotland
•Fáilte Ireland, National Tourism Development Authority
•London & Partners
•Los Angeles Sports Council
•New Zealand Major Events
•Sport Event Denmark
•USA National Association of Sports Commissions
Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London & Partners said “The very productive session at SportAccord Convention has again demonstrated the benefits of sharing experiences of hosting events. By working together I believe all investors in major events will generate greater long term value, whether they are public bodies, rights-owners or commercial sponsors.”
“Sharing knowledge of hosting events is very important and cooperating with other hosts in a trusted environment will benefit all of us,” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said: “Events and tourism have a hugely beneficial symbiotic relationship and this initiative can only do good for the industry.”
Rick Traer, CEO, Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance added “We’ve seen the advantages of working together and sharing best practices at a national level. Taking those experiences to the international level and learning from our colleagues around the world will be a very productive partnership. Our cities will reap the benefit of knowledge from other countries, and sport tourism will continue to be a vital and vibrant part of our economy.”
Source: SportAccord Convention
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Agenda and first speakers revealed for Host City 2016 conference and exhibition
Now in its third year of rapid expansion, Host City is the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and entertainment events. More than 350 delegates from cross-sector events, cities and suppliers are set to attend and exhibit at Host City 2016.
The Host City 2016 agenda is now published on the new www.hostcity.com website, with an impressive and rapidly growing initial list of speakers participating. The owners, organisers, hosts and enablers of the greatest events will address the critical issues and opportunities they face.
Confirmed speakers so far include:
Sir Craig Reedie CBE, Vice President, IOC and President, WADA
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, Visit Scotland
Sarah Lewis, Secretary General, FIS and AIOWF (Association of Winter Olympic Sports Federations)
Dimitri Kerkentzes, Deputy Secretary General, BIE (World Expos)
Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO, Messe Munich
Adriaan Visser, Vice Mayor of Rotterdam
Prof Dr Ugur Erdener, President, NOC of Turkey; Executive Board Member, IOC and WADA
Carine Saloff-Coste, Head of Economic Development, City of Paris
John Langford, Director of Live Entertainment, SSE Hydro & SECC
Michael Nagy, Director, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau
Kulveer Ranger, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, Atos UK
Sooad Islam, Associate, Populous
David de Behr, Head of Global Events, Aggreko
Ignacio Packer, Secretary General, Terre des Hommes International Federation
Session topics include “Has Sport Lost Its Integrity and How Can It Win Confidence Back?”; “How Hosts can be Safe and Secure”; “Creating Entertaining Experiences for Visitors”; “Harnessing Disruptive Innovation and Digital Transformation”; and “Business Events and Economic Development”.
Host City is the world’s largest international forum where global decision makers for event destinations, international federations, event owners, rights holders and suppliers can connect, create new business opportunities, generate media attention and foster new working partnerships across sporting, cultural, entertainment and business event sectors.
Please note that the date of Host City has changed from 16-17th to 21st-22nd November, through dialogue with ANOC and WADA to maximise synergy with their activities.
Cavendish Group looks forward to welcoming you to Host City 2016 at the whiskey tasting reception on 20th November, 2016.
For more information and to register visit www.hostcity.com
For speaking opportunities please contact Ben Avison on +44 (0) 7876 682072 or ben.avison@hostcity.net -
New partners and sponsors signing up for Host City 2016
The organisers of Host City 2016 are delighted to see new partners and sponsors signing up for what is set to be the largest EU-based gathering of event destination markets, international federations, event owners and rights holders, and suppliers.
In addition to Host City 2016’s Supporting Organisers EventScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, new sponsors that have joined include: audioBoom, Aggreko, Populous, MatchVision, Rio Convention & Visitor Bureau, Hemingway Corporate Finance, 4global, Finnish Olympic Committee, Marsh, DB Schenker, Rotterdam Topsport, Nussli, Arena Group, Terre Des Hommes, Citec, Kanstet and De Boer.
Host City 2016 creates a truly unique opportunity for the world’s leading hosting destinations to exhibit alongside the most attractive and lucrative events in the worlds of sports, business and culture.
The format of the conference and exhibition and the layout of the state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow are optimised to create maximum opportunities for delegates to network with other senior attendees and engage with the event partners and sponsors at the numerous exhibition stands.
Rights holders will meet cities that are looking to host their events and build long term relationships. Hosting and bidding destinations will showcase the capabilities of their cities and venues to an audience of event owners.
The exhibition is built around a world class conference with an outstanding VIP speaker and panel debate programme. Recently confirmed speakers include: Sir Craig Reedie CBE, Vice President, IOC and President, WADA; Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, Visit Scotland; Sarah Lewis, Secretary General, FIS and AIOWF (Association of Winter Olympic Sports Federations); Dimitri Kerkentzes, Deputy Secretary General, BIE (World Expos); Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai World Expo 2020; Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO, Messe Munich; Prof Dr Ugur Erdener, President, NOC of Turkey; Executive Board Member, IOC and WADA ; Carine Saloff-Coste, Head of Economic Development, City of Paris; John Langford, Director of Live Entertainment, SSE Hydro & SECC; Michael Nagy, Director, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau; Kulveer Ranger, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, Atos UK and many more.
See the latest agenda here.
The large number of sponsors and delegates already signing up shows there is great demand for being part of this unique event for the global market of cities bidding for and hosting multiple types of events.
Book your Exhibition Stand today with Adam Soroka on +44 (0) 203 077 8732 or adam.soroka@bric.com -
More VIP speakers announced for Host City 2016
Host City 2016 is delighted to announce exciting additions to this year’s speaker line-up.
In addition to representatives from Glasgow, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Brussels, city leaders that have recently confirmed their participation include: Adriaan Visser, Vice Mayor of Rotterdam and Alderman for Sports, Rotterdam; Ronnie Hansen, General Manager, Experience Economy, City of Odense; and Devorah Blumberg, Head, New Zealand Major Events.
News and updates on panels and speakers:Simon Clegg CBE, Chief Operating Officer, World Expo Dubai 2020 – the world’s biggest non-sports event – is set to attend and speak at Host City 2016.
Ann Delmiche, Director of Meetings and Events Department, International Association of Public Transport (UITP) will join other leaders on the panel “Business Events and Economic Development”, moderated by Aileen Crawford, Head of Conventions, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.
A panel discussing “How Cities Can Be Secure Hosts” will feature Karen Eyre-White, Chief Executive of the Sports Ground Safety Authority and Patrick Vajda, Sports and Events Consultant for Marsh – the Global Leader in Insurance Broking and Risk Management.
A discussion dedicated to finding practical ways of “Making Event Infrastructure More Sustainable” will now feature Mark Breitenmoser, Head of Strategy, NUSSLI Group and moderator Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers.
In addition 25+ confirmed VIP speakers have confirmed attendance at Host City 2016. View the full speaker line-up on the Host City website.Host City 2016 is an event that you don’t want to miss! Get your pass today to attend the leading meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events in Glasgow on 21-22 November. Register online
A limited number of speaking opportunities remain. For opportunities please contact Ben Avison on +44 (0) 7876 682072 or ben.avison@hostcity.net
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Host City 2016 speaker John Langford appointed manager of The O2
John Langford is joining AEG as Vice President and General Manager of The O2 in London on 1 November. The move follows three years as Director of Live Entertainment at The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Glasgow, including The SSE Hydro arena.
Shortly after starting the new role he will be speaking at Host City 2016, the leading conference and exhibition for cities and sports, cultural and business events. He will be speaking on November 22 in Glasgow on the subject of “Creating Entertaining Experiences for Visitors” alongside other global leaders in staging major events.
Leading the team at The O2, Langford will be responsible for the overall operational management, commercial delivery, event booking and content creation at the London venue as well as setting the vision and strategy. Reporting directly to AEG Europe’s SVP Facilities, Richard Krezwick, he takes over as the venue approaches its tenth birthday in 2017.
John Langford also sits on the board of the European Arenas Association.
“With John’s knowledge of the music and entertainment business world and his proven track record in the venue management business, I know he’ll do a fantastic job,” said Krezwick. “John inherits a tremendously talented team at The O2 which will certainly make for a seamless transition and a bright future ahead.”
Langford’s leadership was pivotal in transforming The SSE Hydro into one of the world’s leading entertainment venues, during which time the arena significantly added to group profitably and economic impact for the City of Glasgow. Prior to the SECC, he spent seven years as Chief Operating Officer at BIG Concerts International, Africa’s premier concert promoter and previously at senior management roles in the commercial radio industry.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at AEG and The O2,” he said.
“I have always admired the impact that The O2 has on the live entertainment industry and I am greatly honoured that I can play a part in the future growth of this iconic venue. I will miss my colleagues at the SECC tremendously and I wish them well as their incredibly successful journey continues.”
According to AEG, The O2 is the world’s most popular music and entertainment venue. Since opening in 2007, it has been visited by more than 60 million people and picked up awards including: Venue of the Year at the Music Week Awards, Venue of the Year at the Event Awards, Venue of the Year at the AEO Awards, Pollstar International Arena of the Year (nine consecutive years), Venue Team of the Year at the Event Awards, Best New Major Concert Venue, Venue of the Year at The Event Services Association and Favourite Venue at the TPI Awards.
In addition to the arena, The O2 is also home to indigo at The O2, a live performance space; an 11-screen Cineworld complex; Up at The O2 – an experience that allows visitors to walk across the roof of The O2; Brooklyn Bowl – a 12-lane bowling alley, 800 capacity live music space and 130 cover restaurant, and The Avenue, which features 26 bars and restaurants.
Read the exclusive Host City interview with John Langford here. -
CGF, Red Bull, Feld (Disney) and European Commission speakers join Host City 2016
Host City 2016: Two months to go and CGF, Red Bull, Feld (Disney) and European Commission join as speakers
With two months to go until Host City 2016, a new wave of international event brands has joined an already impressive line-up of speakers.
The largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events will open on 21 November with a Keynote Address by Sir Craig Reedie CBE, President, World Anti-Doping Agency.
David Grevemberg OBE, CEO, Commonwealth Games Federation makes a welcome return to Host City to speak on “Transformations in Multi-City and Multi-Sports Events”.
Erich Wolf, Managing Director, Red Bull Air Race and Claire Ballard, Regional Marketing Manager, Feld Entertainment (Disney Live) will join Wang Dong, Vice President, Alisports in a panel on “Building Sports and Entertainment Brands; China’s Investment Strategy”.
Also recently confirmed to speak at Host City 2016 are Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life; Yves Le Lostecque, Head of Sport Unit at the European Commission and Risto Nieminen, President, Finnish Olympic Committee.
These new speakers join a star-studded cast that includes city leaders from New Zealand, Odense, Rotterdam and Paris, as well as: Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, Visit Scotland; Ugur Erdener, Vice President, IOC; Dimitri Kerkentzes, deputy Secretary General, BIE (World Expos); Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, World Expo Dubai 2020; Michel D’Hooghe, FIFA Council Member and Chairman of the Medical Committee, FIFA; Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO, Messe Munich; Sooad Islam, Associate, Populous; John Langford, Vice President and General Manager, The O2, AEG Facilities and more international experts.
Host City 2016 is firmly established as the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. View the full speaker line-up on the Host City website.
Host City 2016 is an event that you don’t want to miss! Get your pass today to attend the leading meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events in Glasgow on 21-22 November. Register online
A very limited number of speaking opportunities remain. For opportunities please contact Ben Avison on +44 (0) 7876 682072 or ben.avison@hostcity.net
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“Host cities are critical partners for sports federations” – IOC Vice President
Host City: What do you see as the most important issue facing major events today and why?
Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener: Unpredictable international political situations, which result in security and economic issues, are much more in focus in the modern world. Then there is doping and match fixing – both serious issues that cannot be overlooked. Protecting clean athletes is a particular priority of mine.
How is World Archery leading the fight against doping?
As a lower risk sport our emphasis has progressively shifted towards education. However, we increased the number of in- and out-of-competition tests taking place in 2016 following two cases at the start of the year.
Both were rooted in a lack of knowledge and attributed to accidental use rather than performance-enhancing doping. These cases are very sad, as they are not intentional and are completely avoidable.
In the lead up to Rio 2016, World Archery actively targeted Russian athletes for doping control, which – in the end – allowed us to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they were not implicated in any doping activities. That allowed them to compete in Rio at the Olympic Games. I believe that we had to protect clean athletes’ rights for participating in the Rio Games.
What was the highlight of Rio 2016 for you?
The archery competition at the Olympic Games in Rio was great success. Our broadcast hit record numbers in Germany, France and Korea, and received excellent viewing figures in the USA and other major markets.
The quality of the competition on the field of play was excellent, featured athletes from 56 countries, and we ended with medals going to four of the five continents.
What for you will be the greatest legacy of Rio 2016?
Seven years ago, Brazil did not have a fully-formed archery team. Now, the nation has several professional archery athletes, and a good coaching and judging structure. If progress continues, Brazil will soon be challenging for medals.
World Archery substantially increased its worldwide exposure across all kinds of media. There was a 52 per cent rise in the number of Facebook fans during the Games period.
In general, we can say there is a huge transformation in the city, a big legacy related to many high level sports facilities – and of course their management and maintenance will be important going forwards.
As a speaker at Host City 2016, what are your expectations of this important event – what do you hope to share and learn?
Host cities are critical partners in the success of any event. As a sport federation, we are constantly working to see how to better exchange expectations and expertise with our host cities, to ensure our events are a win for both parties.
Hopefully, this event promotes and nurtures this positive collaboration.
Why is it important for cities and rights holders of sports, business and cultural events to have the opportunity to connect at Host City 2016?
Successful events only take place when stakeholders truly collaborate.
Not only is it important for sports – or event rights holders – and cities to find the correct fits, for both parties, but be able to define common objectives that allow them to work together to deliver results for both parties in a true partnership.
Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener is delivering a keynote address at Host City 2016, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. For more information visit http://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2016 -
“Host City provides a great platform” – Sarah Lewis, FIS
Host City 2016 conference and exhibition takes place in Glasgow on the 21 and 22nd November 2016, drawing together the owners, organisers, hosts and enablers of sports, business and cultural events.
Sarah Lewis, Secretary General of FIS and the Association of Winter Olympic International Federations, is speaking at the conference, the theme of which is “Creating Safe and Engaging Events”.
In this exclusive interview, she talks about how Host City can help to create safe and engaging event experiences in a competitive world.
Host City: What do you see as the most important issues facing the events industry today and why?
Sarah Lewis: Guaranteeing a safe event is becoming increasingly complex and yet something every organiser must ensure, regardless of the costs and logistics.
The market has become so competitive to gain media attention and fan support with such a wide array of different events on offer for consumers to choose from.
As far as our FIS sport of Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Ski and Snowboard are concerned, today it is not enough for the organisers to simply stage a competition to attract visitors and fans, there must be a complete experience and this is also an excellent opportunity for sponsor engagement.
How do you think public perception of Winter Olympic Games changed since Sochi 2014 and what are your expectations of the future for the Games?
Leading into the Sochi 2014 Games many of the headlines concerned the huge expenditure that was made for construction, but the reality is that this investment was related to building logistical infrastructure for developing tourism in the area including the roads, railway and airport as well as three ski areas and many hotels.
Recently the image of Sochi 2014 suffered another blow with revelations and allegations about corruption and doping that have further damaged the perception of these Games. But the extraordinary performances of the athletes captured the public’s imagination and hearts which is the fundamental mission of the Games.
The IOC has taken many steps to address the future of the Games in a proactive manner through measures adopted in Agenda 2020 and specifically for the Winter Edition through an expert working group that has looked into adapting the model to make them more accessible for more candidates. Looking at the number of countries that are presently studying potential bids for 2026, the new model appears to be making steps in achieving this objective.
What has been the highlight of 2016 for you so far in the event hosting world?
The two major events with the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and European Football Championships have had the biggest global impact and produced many memorable sporting accomplishments.
In the winter sport world, back in February the Winter Youth Olympic Games was on a different scale, but it successfully engaged youngsters and uncovered some future champions.
The ski and snowsport world is just gearing up for the main winter season and we have many highlights ahead, led by our FIS World Championships in Alpine Skiing (St. Moritz – Switzerland), Nordic Events (Lahti – Finland), Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding (Sierra Nevada – Spain).
Before these begin in early February, the FIS World Cups will be in full swing, including Olympic Test Events in PyeongChang, Korea as part of the tours.
As a speaker at Host City 2016, what are your expectations of this important event – what do you hope to share and learn?
Host City provides a great platform to communicate and promote our sports and events to a knowledgeable audience, and also gain valuable information from other important events. It is particularly interesting to encounter new and different events, who we are not generally meeting up with in the Olympic Movement.
Why is it important for cities, rights holders and their partners to have the opportunity to connect at Host City 2016?
Host City offers a convergence of the various stakeholders involved in staging events and it is always helpful to learn of the challenges and opportunities from other angles of event organisation and participation.
What can the organisers of sports, business, culture and entertainment events learn from one another?
Transfer of knowledge is important in every area of business, but perhaps none more so than the event industry. There is so much experience among those that hosts events, and so many excellent best practices out there, that it can only benefit organisers – and ultimately those that attend the events – to provide the most compelling consumer experience possible.
Sarah Lewis, the Secretary General of FIS and the Association of Winter Olympic International Federations, is speaking at Host City 2016. Register your attendance here.