The organisers of Host City are delighted to announce that the Host City 2019 Expo & Conference will take place in Glasgow across two floors of the Technology & Innovation Centre for two full days on 26th and 27th November, with a welcome reception on 25th.
Now with full run of the entire venue, Host City Expo & Conference has greatly expanded the marketplace of stands and number of attendees.
Extending the programme to two full days gives delegates even more business and networking opportunities around the world class international conference for which the event is famed.
Rights holders and destinations now have even more opportunities to meet, display and present to one another.
Suppliers have greatly increased opportunities to meet, display and present to event organisers, including organising committees and other future event hosts.
– Cities & Destinations: Why should cities host? How do cities attract and bid for events? How do they best engage with their citizens?
– Rights Holders: Discover new hosting opportunities and learn best practice from other event owners.
– Opportunities for suppliers to engage with events organisers, project managers, decision makers, and each other.
– Event Organisers: Learn about successful event hosting from a range of different events of many sizes and profiles
We look forward to welcoming you to Glasgow on 25th November at the largest international meeting of sports, business and cultural events.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Host City organisers if you have any questions.
SPONSORSHIP & DELEGATE ENQUIRIES:
Adam Soroka
Group Managing Director
+44 (0)203 675 9531
adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk
SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES:
Ben Avison
Editorial and Conference Director
+44 (0)203 675 9530
ben.avison@hostcity.com
Tag: Host City
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Host City Expo & Conference Grows in Glasgow on 25th – 27th November 2019
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VIP speakers will kick off Host City 2019 Opening Panel: LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER!
VIP speakers will kick off the opening conversations at Host City 2019 in Glasgow on 26-27 November with conversations that explore new paradigms of how rights holders, cities and brands are working together to create exciting events, and which areas of the major events sector are ripe for disruption through creative new partnerships.
Co-creation is also a big discussion point as a way of taking all stakeholders in major events with you. These eminent speakers will share invaluable insights into creative leadership and how to promote a culture of innovation and collaboration while staying ahead of the competition.
The opening conversations will be led by conference Chair:Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland
joined by:
Sarah Lewis OBE, Secretary General of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Association of Winter Olympic International Federations (AIOWF)
Ian Reid, CEO, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee
Markus Stenger, Managing Director, DFB EURO 2024
Antonio Arimany, Secretary General, International Triathlon UnionPaul Bush said: “I’m delighted to be chairing such an esteemed panel of speakers for the opening conversation of this year Host City conference. We operate in a dynamic and ever-changing world and as an industry we need to be agile, smart and brave to deliver meaningful major events for all. By putting collaboration and co-creation at the heart of the event delivery model, we can ensure that real transformational change, both socially and economically, is delivered for everyone.”
Sarah Lewis said: “FIS and the International Winter Sports Federations are constantly endeavouring to innovate and evolve our event properties. Partnerships with other stakeholders is a key component of our event strategy. I look forward to exploring these themes from the different perspectives of cities, sports and business at Host City, which is always a valuable opportunity for the different organisation and entities involved with events to learn and exchange amongst each other.”
Ian Reid said: “I’m really pleased to be invited to be part of Host City 2019 and I’m looking forward to talking to attendees about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, an event which is being organised by a group of partners, who have all come together to jointly create what will be the biggest sports and culture event ever to be staged in Birmingham and the West Midlands region.”
Markus Stenger said: “With the UEFA EURO 2024 we want to organize a EURO for everyone. We want everyone to get involved and participate for the good of the community.”
Antonio Arimany said: “I’m very happy to be able to attend and honoured to have been asked to speak at the event. We have seen time and time again that working closely with cities brings enormous mutual benefits and that is the message that I hope will be underpinning the conference.” -
An event portfolio for an ever-changing world
Host City: Scotland will host the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023. Who were all the partners involved in securing this new event? Going forward, how important will partnership working be in creating and delivering this new event?
Paul Bush: The event is the vision of UCI President, David Lappartient, and we are extremely excited to be hosting the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023. We worked in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Glasgow Life, UK Sport and British Cycling to secure the event after the UCI announced its ambition to create this brand new cycling concept in 2018.
Collaboration will continue to be key amongst the current and future partners as we develop and deliver this event, especially as it will provide a visible focus to support the acceleration of a range of local and national policy initiatives across the areas such as of health, transport, sport and tourism.
Host City: Scotland has just successfully delivered The 2019 Solheim Cup, hailed the best-ever staged. How was it and what other major events has Scotland got on the horizon?
Paul Bush: I’m incredibly proud of what was delivered and could not have asked for a more thrilling finish! We set out four years ago to deliver an event that would take the Solheim Cup to the next level and Scotland has achieved that. Record crowds of more than 90,000 turned out to watch, making it the highest attended women’s golf event ever held in the UK.
We also set a new benchmark for accessibility and inclusion as well as the quality and scale of the infrastructure to support the event, including a dedicated family zone which significantly enhanced the event experience for parents bringing their children. It once again proved Scotland delivers on the international stage.
Looking ahead there’s lots to look forward to including the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup and the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships both in Glasgow this November and December respectively. Next year Scotland hosts the UEFA EURO 2020 and World Men’s Curling Championships in Glasgow, LEN Junior Championships in Aberdeen and the Women’s British Open at Troon. Beyond that there is The 150th Open at St Andrews in 2021, the Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh in 2022 and the Orkney Island Games in 2023. Together with our annual portfolio of events and festivals, there’s a lot taking place in Scotland over the next few years.
Host City: What impact do you think the new P&J Live in Aberdeen will have on Scotland’s ability to host major events?
Paul Bush: Aberdeen’s brand-new events venue and arena, P&J Live, is going to have a big impact on Scotland’s events industry. It is a world-class venue and is the largest event complex in the North of Scotland with 48,000sqm of flexible event space and is expected to contribute an additional 4.5million visitors, £113 million of visitor spend and £63m net GVA to the Scottish economy.
Already the venue has attracted major artists and events, including most recently BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019, which will be broadcast live to millions watching on BBC One. It will be a great showcase for the venue, Aberdeen and Scotland.
The VisitScotland Expo will also be held there next April. The two-day event is Scotland’s premier business to business travel trade event so again a great opportunity to showcase the venue and the region to key leisure buyers from all corners of the world.
Host City: Sports, business or cultural events – what is their relative importance to Scotland and how do you prioritise investment in each of these?
Paul Bush: All three types of events are equally important to us and it is not a question of prioritising investment in one type of event over another. We find taking a portfolio approach to events and festivals as outlined in our national events strategy works best for Scotland, our partners and the industry.
Taking this approach allows for a variety of large and small, fixed, recurring and one-off events to be identified and supported. It also ensures that over time a wide range of significant impacts can be delivered.
Host City: Scotland has hosted Host City since 2015. What are your expectations of Host City 2019 and its theme of “Innovate, Reformulate, Co-Create”?
Paul Bush: Scotland has a strong affinity with Host City and I’m delighted it’s returning to Glasgow for the 5th consecutive year. I’m expecting another lively two days of thought provoking debate and discussion as we delve into this year’s theme, which is extremely relevant to the events industry as we need to continue to evolve and innovate in order to stay relevant especially in this ever-changing, dynamic and at times, unpredictable world. -
Host City 2022 champions the value of major events
Host City, the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, made a triumphant return to Glasgow after two years online. With the theme of “Face to Face with New Realities”, the conference championed the value of major events against a challenging global landscape.
In his opening address, Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland touched on a range of themes including community engagement, the creation of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group, sustainability and the ongoing challenges being faced by the sector following the pandemic.
On the subject of digitalisation he said: “Digitalisation in events continues to accelerate – it has changed the way we work, live and do business, and has reshaped the events industry. We are regularly seeing events putting attendees in control of their own experience, with innovation and creativity driving new dynamics and consumer satisfaction.”
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said, “The future of events is extremely positive. Events of all kinds that bring people together have great benefits – but not at any cost.”
In his keynote address, Ivo Ferriani, IOC Member and President of GAISF, SportAccord, AOIWF and IBSF said: “In a cost-of-living crisis, a ticket is a luxury. We need to price events in a way that people can afford.
“We need to find a new balance between online and offline, and we need to do this quickly.
“Sport can be a driver of sustainable development.”
Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said “If you want sustainability to work, it has to be embedded in processes.” She highlighted how meals at the Games will have half the carbon weight of the average French meal. “Our suppliers are part of the solution.”
Energy supplier Aggreko has made a commitment to reduce its fossil fuel use by 50% by 2030. David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events said “We are doing a lot of good things providing green energy, but it has a financial impact.”
Another challenge is the decline in the young fans identifying as being passionate about sport. “Traditional sports need to connect with Gen Z fans,” said Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.
The drive to create a new fan base is behind the new initiative to replace riding with obstacle in modern pentathlon, said Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager at ESA and Communications Manager at UIPM.
Teqball is one of the fastest growing sports, among fans who are increasingly concerned with purpose and values. “The high number of social followers is not something we want to show off,” said Gergely Murányi, Head of Diplomatic Relations at governing body FITEQ. “It means we have a huge responsibility around what we communicate.”
“The number of viewers and audiences for women’s sport events has significantly increased over time,” said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Vice President, Badminton World Federation and IOC Member. “A greater number of audiences in turn attracts more media coverage, resulting in more financial support for women’s sport.”
“The Olympics is the most challenging event of all,” said Yiannis Exarchos, CEO, Olympic Broadcasting Services and Executive Director, Olympic Channel Services. “With the IOC digital strategy, the vision is to use the Olympic platform to aggregate all information. Our vision is to bring together disparate activities on one Olympic journey.”
The metaverse is already in use in event planning and delivery, Exarchos said. “But the metaverse with live interaction could take five, ten or 15 years. The technology is not there.”
According to John Tweardy, Managing Partner – Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice at Deloitte, this technology is developing rapidly. “LA2028 will have a fully functioning metaverse.”
“The world needs sport more than ever now,” he said. “We’re putting the power and passion of Deloitte into sports, from the digital ambition to the field of play.”
“A lot has been achieved in making online events meaningful, said Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member at the Global Esports Federation. “The challenge is now combining those things – integrating the physical and digital is critical.”
For major events to thrive, they need to demonstrate impact. “You have to ask yourself what the event will do for the community,” said Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation.”
“For the 2026 World Cup, all 16 host cities are working with FIFA to create a lasting legacy for their communities,” said Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami. “In Miami, we have proposed working with our local communities’ leaders and the US Soccer Foundation to celebrate the 23rd edition of the World Cup and either create, renovate or reimagine up to 23 spaces throughout the South Florida community that would be accessible to all.”
Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said, “I know that hosting the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games is just the start for Birmingham” and that the event has ushered in a “golden decade of opportunity for the people, communities and businesses of Birmingham and the wider region.”
Nine years on from hosting the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow and Scotland are hosting the first Cycling World Championships. Presenting the project with Paul Bush, David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and IOC Member said “Cycling is unique in that you can showcase the country. That’s key for us, that we showcase not only the race but the country.”
Lappartient applauded Copenhagen’s hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart. “We had the same number of people watching the time trial on the streets that live in the city,” said Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen.
“How do you unite people? Through music and sport,” said Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. “By working together when you have an event you bring value to the community, we will continue to do that in the Indian subcontinent.”
“Events play a really important role in defining a city,” said Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers. “We are really focused on promoting the green city. Plants have a functional role to play in tackling climate change, and events provide an opportunity to think differently.”
David Stubbs, who was head of sustainability at London 2012, said “Alongside the climate crisis we are seeing a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Every event can do something to support biodiversity.
“If you don’t get it right, you can lose sponsors.”
Other conference highlights included a presentation on solving the complex transports challenges of the next Winter Olympics from Stefano Manelli, Director of Citec Italy and Transportation Supervisor, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 , and a case study on the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) from Antony Warren of Supersize Live.
The diverse conference programme also included notable contributions from: Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and VP, FINA; Sir Craig Reedie GBE, Honorary Member, IOC; Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, IFSC; Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO; Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, FIH; Jason Ferguson, Chairman, WPBSA; Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, CGF; Jennifer Arnold, VP, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Claire Nelson, CEO, Netball Scotland; Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh; Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke; Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics; Sarah Lewis OBE OLY; Gayle Shepherd, Director of People, Projects and Technology, SEC; Bailee Leòdhas Massie, Glasgow City Council; Liese Abili, VP of Sports Development, Florida Sports Foundation; Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau; Jack Nixon, Strategy Director, Nielsen Sports; Mate Bor, Chief of Staff, FITEQ; Jonny Gray, Senior MD, Ankura; Perttu Pesä, Director, Major Events, City of Tampere and Chair, IAEH; Sandra Wall, Creative industries, Event and Meetings, Norrköping Municipality; Richard Bate, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer, EBK Grand Prix, Cube International; Jonny Murch, CEO / Founder, Redtorch; Martin Ross, Global News Editor, SportBusiness; Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place; Duncan Mackay, Founding Editor, insidethegames.biz; Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH; Chris Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas; Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland; Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers; Mike Laflin, CEO & Founder, Global Sustainable Sport; Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services; Jack McGill, CEO, QTV and David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights.
Other supporting participants included Recast, DB Schenker, Explore Edmonton and and Glasgow Convention Bureau.
Host City 2022 took place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow with the support of Hosts and Global Presenting Partners EventScotland and Glasgow Life. For further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com. -
Global event leaders unite to “drive the change” at Host City 2023
More than 200 owners, organisers and hosts of the world’s greatest events gathered in Glasgow, Scotland at Host City 2023 under the theme “Driving and Reacting to Change”.
Artificial intelligence, climate change and Generation Z were among the concerns addressed by representatives of Paris 2024, Milano-Cortina 2026, LA28, Cirque de Soleil, FIFA and many more.
The 10th edition of Host City, the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, took place at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 20-21 November with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland. Attendees came from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
In her opening remarks, Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life, said: “High profile events undoubtedly contribute to a city’s economy and identity and over the past two decades Glasgow has cemented its reputation as the perfect location for international events.
“Glasgow is a pioneer and an architect of its own future which has led the way in reacting to change.”
“Looking ahead, how will host cities respond to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are not just fashionable buzz words?
“We must commit to collectively making a genuine effort to drive the change that celebrates access for all.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, covered a range of topics in his opening remarks including governance, sustainability and the impact of technology.
“AI and other technologies are a having a transformative impact on events but the balance between automation and human interaction will be key considerations to understand and navigate going forward,” said Bush.
He also impressed on the audience both in his opening remarks and in the panel discussion on the strategic development of destinations through sport and events, the challenge around funding and the importance of demonstrating the impact of events through robust measurement.
“We are all very privileged to work in this sector but as I have said previously, I would encourage all of you to continue to extoll the values and benefits of the sector to ensure that our funding partners whoever they may be, governments, commercial or the paying spectator continue to support and be excited by events!” he said.
David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko, said the events industry had been on a “rollercoaster” over the past four years.
“We went from 2019 where the world was exploding with events to the darkest period ever where we had to react to just survive. And here we are at the end of 2023 – a year that has been massive. It has been bigger than 2019 and it has been non-stop. More and more sporting events, bigger music festivals and larger conferences.
“I am confident that our industry will drive and react.”
There were a total of 60 speakers across 20 panels and presentations addressing the most pressing concerns in the industry today.
Vikram Philip Rajkumar, Account Director at Satisfi Labs, outlined the impact of AI across sports, entertainment and tourism.
“AI is not coming – it is here,” said Rajkumar.
“Whether you integrate it or not, your fans and consumers are going to bring it to your doorstep and demand those services.”
Petra Sörling, IOC Member and International Table Tennis Federation President and Damien Combredet-Blassel, Director of Impact & Heritage of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee participated on a panel focusing on the strategic development of destinations through sport and events.
Combredet-Blassel underlined the efforts of Paris 2024 to get people active in France with an initiative that promotes 30 minutes of exercise a day, which drew praise from Sörling.
“We need to activate people, so what Paris is doing is brilliant,” said Sörling.
“If people are active, they are more keen to watch sport and stay active which is good for the city.”
Hilary Ash, Vice President of Games Delivery & Infrastructure at LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, was also among the speakers.
She gave an overview of the use of existing venues and the Games Plan including the sports programme and venue mapping.
“We are at a really exciting pivot,” said Ash, following the confirmation that cricket, squash, lacrosse, flag football and baseball/softball will be the additional sports at LA28.
“We are in the operational delivery phase and going into a greater level of detail now we have a formal masterplan.”
Giulio Alessandrini, Director of Venues & Infrastructure, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, outlined the overlay infrastructure plans and the challenges facing the event, including global warming that threatens the future of winter sport.
“Climate change is a hot topic and the Winter Olympics rely on the climate,” said Alessandrini.
“We don’t know how much snow will be there in 2026 but we are trying to plan as much as possible.
“We are improving snow-making technologies.”
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society highlighted the disparity in investment between major short-term sporting events, which move around the world, and resident arts festivals.
“I feel that we host the cultural Olympics in Edinburgh,” said McCarthy.
Ben Avison, Conference Director at Host City, said: “We’re delighted to be back to pre-pandemic attendance levels for Host City.
“We are clearly in a different world in terms of the pressure on public sector expenditure, which impacts heavily on our events industry, so we are extremely pleased to have such good numbers at Host City in Glasgow, Scotland.
“It has been great to hear how the industry is driving change in areas including policy objectives, fan engagement and digital twins for event planning, but in other areas such as artificial intelligence and climate change we are still reacting to change.”
Reporting by Geoff Berkeley.
Host City 2023 took place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts EventScotland and Glasgow Life. For further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com -
Host City Awards to recognise excellence in major events
The inaugural Host City Awards will take place in Glasgow, Scotland to celebrate exceptional accomplishments in hosting, delivering and promoting major events.
The awards form part of the Host City 2024 conference, hosted at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 3-4 December, with winners announced during the Civic Reception and Dinner at the City Chambers on the evening of December 3.
The Impactful Event Hosting award will recognise destinations that demonstrate economic impact, social engagement and environmental sustainability of a major event.
The Resourceful Event Delivery award is open to suppliers and organising committees that have delivered cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions for a major event.
The third category, Engaging the Audience, recognises rights holders that demonstrate significant audience growth and inclusion while innovating fan experiences.
Organisations registered to attend the Host City 2024 conference are eligible to enter for free by 30th October, submitting concise written entries and optional supporting materials.
The diverse judging panel of renowned experts includes Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Allegra Roccato, Head of Events, World Physiotherapy, Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, FEI, Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery, Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Prem Singh CEO British Kabaddi League, Joanne Deponio, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland, The FA and Brian Lewis, Immediate Past President, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. -
Host City 2025 set for 1-3 December with refreshed format
Host City 2025 conference, exhibition and awards is set to return to Glasgow, Scotland on 1-3 December.
The conference and exhibition will take place at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 1-3 December, with the Host City Awards, building on the success of last year’s launch, taking place on the evening of 2 December.
This year’s conference programme will introduce a variety of fresh formats, including case studies and interactive workshops, focusing on sharing knowledge across the core areas of major event hosting and delivery.
Host City is the largest international meeting of major event owners, hosts, organisers and suppliers. Speakers at Host City include heads of organising committees, international federations, promoters, festivals and major congresses.
Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group said: “Host City 2025 will provide our community of major event organisers, owners, hosts and suppliers with deeper and more varied opportunities for learning and business. We thank Glasgow and Scotland for their longstanding support of Host City.”
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Host City is always a fascinating and highly relevant exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practice between event delivery professionals from around the world. Glasgow has a reputation for fantastic cultural, sports and business occasions so we’ll look forward to welcoming delegates to the city once again for the Host City Conference and Exhibition in December.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The return of Host City to Glasgow and Scotland reinforces our reputation as world-leading events destination. The conference and exhibition provide the ideal platform for delegates from across the sport, cultural and business events landscape to come together and discuss the issues and trends facing the industry. We look forward to once again welcoming delegates from around the global back to Glasgow this December.”
Ben Avison, Conference Director of Host City said: “I look forward to presenting a refreshed agenda for the Host City 2025 conference and Awards, focusing on inspirational best practice in major sports, business and cultural events.”
The full agenda for Host City 2025 and details for the inaugural Host City Awards will be announced soon.
For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com
EDITOR’S NOTES
About Host City
Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events.
Through its conference, exhibition, awards and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events.
Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.
About Glasgow Life
Glasgow Life is a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and we find innovative ways to make this happen across the city’s diverse communities.
Our programmes, experiences and events range from grassroots community activities to large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting events which present Glasgow on an international stage.
Our work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city’s visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.
About EventScotland
EventScotland, part of VisitScotland – the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events.
It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores.
It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date.
The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.
Find out more about Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035.
For further information about funding programmes and latest event news:visit visitscotland.org/events
follow @EventScotNews on x.com
follow EventScotland on linkedin.com
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Agenda, themes and hosts announced for Host City 2025
Host City 2025, the greatest meeting of organisers, hosts and owners of sports, business and cultural events, has revealed the conference theme and agenda topics, and confirmed the Global Presenting Partners and Hosts.
The conference will centre on the theme “Getting on with the Business of Major Events.” This year’s focus underscores a renewed commitment to the practicalities of hosting and delivering world-class sports, business, and cultural events.
Taking place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Host City 2025 will offer a dynamic and diverse program featuring keynotes, interviews, workshops, and panel discussions.
Keynote Addresses & Q&As will explore critical topics, including:The enduring inspiration of major events
Lessons from organising committees
The business of sport in the Middle East
The business of sport in the AmericasPlenary sessions will address pressing industry trends such as:
Driving growth in major events
How AI is transforming major events
Making major events pay
The economics of women’s sport
Private investment in major events
Digital fanship and engagement
A decade of sport in the Americas
Technologies driving event delivery
Advances in security and ticketingWorkshops & Case Studies will provide hands-on insights into subjects ranging from:
Bidding processes and strategies
Net Zero
Innovations in AV and broadcasting technology
New event formats and production innovations
Tools for managing teams and events
Data, infrastructure, and transport solutions
Procurement processes and opportunities
VR and immersive experiences
Purpose-led sponsorship and commercialisation strategies
Ensuring event relevance and long-term impactAn exhibition featuring event hosts, owners, and suppliers will run alongside the conference.
Host City 2025 will feature the second Host City Awards, set to take place over an Awards Dinner on 2nd December, recognising excellence in major event hosting and delivery across a range of categories.
With an expanded agenda and a sharpened focus on industry challenges and innovations, Host City 2025 is an unmissable gathering for leaders shaping the future of major events.
Host City 2025 conference and exhibition takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow, Scotland.
Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group said: “Host City 2025 will provide our community of major event organisers, owners, hosts and suppliers with deeper and more varied opportunities for learning and business. We thank Glasgow and Scotland for their longstanding support of Host City.”
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “The Host City Conference provides an invaluable platform for global events sector partners to come together to share their experiences and insights on industry issues, and take part in productive discussions and debates about the challenges and opportunities host cities face.
“The event also provides a fantastic opportunity for the world’s top industry contacts to network and build connections that foster collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships – which is incredibly important too. So we are really looking forward to welcoming Host City delegates to Glasgow once again in December..”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The return of Host City to Glasgow and Scotland reinforces our reputation as a world-leading events destination. The conference and exhibition will provide the ideal platform for delegates from across the sport, cultural and business events landscape to come together and discuss the issues and trends facing the industry. With EventScotland continuing its support of Host City as Global Presenting Partner alongside Glasgow Life, we look forward to once again welcoming delegates from around the globe back to Glasgow this December.” -
Host City 2025 Announces Final Speaker Line-Up
This year’s event brings together senior leaders from across global sport, culture, government, and major event delivery to explore the theme “Getting on with the Business of Events” – practical look at how cities and organisers are delivering impact, investment and innovation in a changing world.
A world-class speaker programme
The completed programme features influential figures shaping the future of major events, including:U?ur Erdener, President, SportAccord; Honorary President, World Archery; Honorary Member, International Olympic Committee
Sheikha Asmaa Thani Al-Thani, Director of Marketing & International Cooperation Sector, Qatar Olympic Committee
Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Director, Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Artiste Management Productions Ltd
Sarah Massey, Managing Director, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Rob Stull, President, UIPM
Kay Morrison, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland
Phil Batty OBE, CEO, Glasgow 2026They are joined by senior representatives from the International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Sport, Milano Cortina 2026, and many more.
The full final line-up is available at www.hostcity.com.
Speaking ahead of the event, Conference Director Ben Avison said: “We are greatly honoured to welcome such an amazing line up of speakers from all over the world to this must-attend conference in the great city of Glasgow, Scotland.”
Billy Garrett Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life said: “We’re committed to further enhancing the global reputation that Glasgow and Scotland have built up over many years as expert, trusted and welcoming hosts of events of all types so we maximise the positive economic and social impact to our city and country.
“Partnership working is absolutely vital to achieving that, and Host City provides an important platform for collaboration by bringing together influential industry professionals and decision-makers to share information, insights and ideas. This year’s dynamic programme and inspirational line-up of speakers will, I’m sure, be invaluable in helping us shape and realise our collective vision for world-class events.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events are not only vital for fostering connections and innovation, but they also play a crucial role in strengthening our communities and driving economic growth. Host City 2025 is the ideal platform for delegates from sport, cultural and business events to come together and explore the issues and trends facing the industry. With an outstanding line-up of speakers, we’re set for two days of inspiring conversations and fresh ideas. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Glasgow in just under two weeks.”
Host City is delivered with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Media Contact
Ben Avison (ben.avison@hostcity.com)
About Host City
Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events. Through its conference, exhibition, awards and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events. Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.
About Glasgow Life
Glasgow Life is a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and we find innovative ways to make this happen across the city’s diverse communities.
Our programmes, experiences and events range from grassroots community activities to large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting events which present Glasgow on an international stage.
Our work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city’s visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.
About EventScotland
EventScotland, part of VisitScotland – the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events.
It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores.
It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date.
The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.
Find out more about Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035.
For further information about funding programmes and latest event news:visit visitscotland.org/events
follow @EventScotNews on x.com
follow EventScotland on linkedin.com -
The Sports Consultancy: Demonstrating the true value of sport
Currently, it struggles to do this on the scale or in the detail achieved in the other sectors with which it competes for scarce capital and resources. TSC Impact has been established to help sport meet that challenge. In bringing together TSC’s wide-ranging sports market expertise and Dr Daniel Fujiwara’s globally renowned authority in social value, wellbeing economics and policy evaluation, we are committed to redefining how the industry measures socio-economic impact.
Social value and why it matters now
Social value is a quantification of the impact on society of any action, programme, investment, organisation or event. The measure looks beyond purely economic effects to capture a wider, often less tangible, range of positive and negative societal impacts that provide a rounded assessment of overall impact on people and their communities.
Providing social value – and being able to demonstrate it – is now essential for every organisation in sport as policy priorities and economic imperatives have placed an increasing emphasis on public benefit as a determinant of investment decisions. As public and private funders, federations and governing bodies have come to recognise the power of sport to do far more than attract fans and promote participation, it is properties and events that can demonstrate this social value they choose to support.
TSC Impact: A new benchmark for evaluation standards
Without the rigour of the social value assessment tools available in sectors where impacts are easier to quantify – in health, education or housing, for example – sport’s contribution to society will remain undervalued and under-resourced as investors and policymakers will be limited in their ability to make evidence-based decisions on where best to assign their resource. The challenge now, therefore, is to develop the robust, standardised and internationally recognised framework for measuring social value that will enable sport to compete with other policy levers for continued investment and support.
The Sports Consultancy (TSC) is committed to doing just this; partnering with Dr Daniel Fujiwara, a globally recognised authority in social value, wellbeing economics and policy evaluation, to establish a new international benchmark for measuring the social value of sport and the social return on investment it generates. Our shared mission is to close the social value analysis gap to other policy sectors by embedding a new, robust, standardised and internationally aligned social value measurement across sport, from its professional elite to its amateur grassroots and spanning major events, sponsorship and commercial partnerships, community programmes, and infrastructure projects.
Development of the new standard will be informed by this mix of sports industry expertise, leading-edge analytics and proven policy evaluation models, and guided by an industry taskforce made up of stakeholders with an interest in the field. Dr Fujiwara has authored or contributed to 15 global guidance manuals, including the OECD’s Social Value Framework and HM Treasury’s Green Book, and has led more than 120 policy evaluations for governments and international organisations including the United Nations and International Monetary Fund.
TSC is an award-winning advisory in sport and major events with a 20-year record of helping clients maximise and measure economic impact and social outcomes. Its dedicated research and intelligence unit SEER (Sports & Entertainment Evaluation and Research), which provides data, insight and analysis to support the decision-making of commercial, public and third sector organisations, will bring this experience to the project that will shape and test the new methodologies as they evolve.
The final framework will align with global best practice in social value measurement, including that of the OECD’s Cost-Benefit Analysis Guidance (2018) and the European Union Guidelines (2022). In so doing, it will give governments, investors and governing bodies the credible evidence they need to support the expansion of capital and revenue funding for sport; enable athletes, clubs, brands and sponsors to maximise the social impact of their work; and strengthen the case for the long-term prioritisation of sport as a powerful tool for building the healthy, resilient, inclusive societies of the future.
Next steps
TSC Impact has published its Social Value Positional Paper in November 2025, which outlines the importance of social value, best practice within social value measurement and the future potential for sport. TSC will also publish the new framework’s technical components in Volume 2 of this report during 2026. These will be informed by early engagement with industry leaders to better understand their priorities and the challenges they face in measuring socioeconomic impact and tested throughout their development with the input of a Sports Social Value Taskforce (SSVT).
Representatives of public sector bodies, international federations, rights holders, brands and investors are all invited to express an interest in joining the SSVT, which will build a new network of industry players with shared interest and experience in creating and measuring social value in sport. TSC and SEER will be seeking expert representation to join the SSVT, from the sports sector and beyond, and welcome contributions from all organisations and individuals as we work together to capture and communicate the true and full social value of sport.
The question sport must ask is not what society can do for it, but how it will show what it can do for society. For potential investors in sport, social value matters more than ever. For sport itself, quantifying that contribution to societal wellbeing and growth has never been more important in improving lives.