Tag: SportAccord Convention

  • SportAccord Convention 2017 is a runaway success in Aarhus

    SportAccord Convention 2017 is a runaway success in Aarhus

    SportAccord Convention 2017, which took place in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus, Denmark from April 2-7, was billed as a runaway success.
    With more than 1,600 delegates in attendance representing 71 nationalities, including 100 International Sport Federations and Associate Members, the 15th edition attracted key decision-makers from the world of sport.
    With sport being the fastest growing sector in the entertainment industry, the six-day Convention included a full conference programme focused on ‘Innovation in Action’. This included the Plenary keynote from Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group, City Day, MediaAccord and LawAccord, as well as a sell-out exhibition with 66 booths representing some of the international federations, cities and many industry sectors.
    SportAccord Convention also received a royal visitor with Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark and heir apparent to the throne who visited the exhibition, as well as legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel who greeted delegates on the Sport Event Denmark stand.
    This year saw 135 cities and regions attend the SportAccord Convention who brought more than 300 delegates between them, including the 2024 bid cities who delivered introductory presentations at the ASOIF General Assembly.
    Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of SportAccord Convention and ASOIF said: “SportAccord Convention is flying again. Following a difficult transition period, the SportAccord Convention in Aarhus has been a great success with special thanks to our hosts, Sport Event Denmark and the City of Aarhus.
    “In the last few days, we have also had meetings with 15 cities interested in hosting future conventions from Asia, the United States of America, the Middle East and Europe. This confirms how relevant SportAccord Convention is for the international sports community.”
    The glittering opening ceremony organised by this year’s Convention hosts was attended by more than 850 delegates. Held in the Musikhuset, the event featured culture, music and the performing arts, as well as speeches from the presidents of SportAccord Convention and the International Olympic Committee, and the Mayor of Aarhus.
    The 16th edition of the SportAccord Convention was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn and will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from April 15-20, 2018 and H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s Minister for Tourism and Sports was also in attendance with her delegation.
    The closing event took place in the iconic art museum of ARoS where hundreds of guests enjoyed panoramic rainbow views of the city, exclusive access to the new exhibition ‘The Past’, and cocktails and tapas accompanied by live music.
    Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, a long-term gold partner and this year, co-host of the SportAccord Convention, said: “Playing co-host to SportAccord Convention together with the City of Aarhus has been a privilege and honour, and we hope and believe that all delegates have enjoyed our hospitality and experienced the beautiful City of Aarhus. Thanks to SportAccord Convention for giving us the opportunity, and we look forward to catching up with the world of sport in Bangkok next year.”
     

  • SportAccord Convention unveils plenary conference theme ‘marketing and sponsorship’ for #SAC2018 in Bangkok

    SportAccord Convention has announced ‘Marketing and Sponsorship’ as the theme of the Plenary Conference following feedback from International Federations and delegates.
    For sport and entertainment organisations, sponsors spend millions to build brand equity and it’s not just about eyeball exposure. The Plenary Conference will look at how to tap into the spirit of the sport by marketers who are sponsoring to leverage the enthusiasm and loyalty of sports fans, and transfer the fan’s passion to the brand as well as meet international sports federations expectations. Sessions will also focus on best practices to create and measure sponsorship activation. The 16th edition of the Convention in Bangkok, Thailand will take place from April 15-20, 2018.
    SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. Held in a different city each year, the Convention takes place over six days and is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, and organisations involved in the business of sport.
    In addition to the two-day Plenary Conference, SportAccord Convention offers the ever popular City Forum which saw a packed conference hall at this year’s Convention in Aarhus, Denmark. The City Forum is designed to address the needs and concerns of cities and regions bidding for major international sporting events. It does this by bringing together cities, event organisers, sports commissions, host cities, development authorities, international sports federations, and commercial organisations to share their insights and proven advice as well as practical takeaways. The Forum’s aim is to help cities obtain and host world class sporting events.
    “SportAccord Convention is flying again following its great success in Aarhus, Denmark. This included meetings with 15 cities interested in hosting future conventions from Asia, the USA, the Middle East and Europe. This confirms how relevant SportAccord Convention is for the international sports community.” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, president of SportAccord Convention.
    The conference programme also includes LawAccord and offers the opportunity to examine the most pressing and relevant legal issues for the international sports movement and the cities that host them.
    In addition, the MediaAccord conference enables international sports federations, media organisations and media experts to work together to share best practices and winning ways to capture fan engagement and build strong brands across all media platforms with the SAC2018 conference theme providing a strong focus.
    Bangkok is the next destination and global sports gathering for SportAccord Convention 2018 and serves as an international hub for this region. A key opportunity for any organisation involved in the business of sport, Bangkok provides organisations with unique opportunities to deepen their relationships in this region, or use #SAC2018 as a springboard to kick-start their involvement and tap into the region with over 90% of the delegation being key decision-makers and in a position to take action. Organisations will have access to the Who’s Who in the world of sport and achieve many of their business goals in one location within days – the No. 1 key objective for delegates who attended SAC2017 in Aarhus, Denmark.
     

  • #SAC2018 to open with new CityAccord

    #SAC2018 to open with new CityAccord

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention, the biggest global gathering for the sporting community, is delighted to announce the unveiling of the new conference programme ‘CityAccord’, aimed at cities, regions, sponsors, international sport federations and organising committees, as well as industry. A unique opportunity for everyone with a stake in sport, CityAccord, formerly known as City Forum, will take encompassing themes way beyond the confines of sport and the field of play, and examine how cities are ‘Making Relationships a Priority’ – this year’s conference programme focus for CityAccord.
    Always a popular day for delegates, and with the 2024 Olympic bid cities in attendance at #SAC2017, speakers presented to a packed conference hall. #SAC2018 ‘CityAccord’ is set to take place on Tuesday, 17 April 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Commenting on the benefits for delegates of CityAccord within the SportAccord Convention programme, Nis Hatt, Managing Director said, “Everyone with a vested interest in sport attends SportAccord Convention. It provides the business community with a vital networking opportunity. The Convention in Aarhus, Denmark saw a big rise in attendance for the cities community with 135 cities and regions present. CityAccord provides delegates with the platform to share ideas, challenge the status quo, as well as discover the benefits of staging sports events.”
    Conference sessions will examine why establishing successful relationships from the outset is key to successful event hosting, and what it takes to build on-going relationships between events for grass roots sport and people within the community, sharing examples of local programmes that are successfully motivating people of all ages and abilities. Sessions will also focus on long-term partnerships between international sport federations and cities, where IFs support and rewards cities and regions who not only host major sporting events but also invest in legacy through developing community participation and related infrastructure.
    CityAccord will also look at novel ways cities and international federations have pooled technological resources as a result of changing behaviour and expectations of athletes, fans and sponsors. The session ‘Upside Down/Inside Out’ will explore unique ways cities are repurposing facilities post-event, enabling sports to find new audiences in non-traditional markets and locations.
    The interactive panel discussion will examine the bidding process and how it affects the City/IF relationship. It will address what key changes need to take place to ensure cities are not put in a position where they have to drop-out of a bidding race. Event Watch will look at the keys to a successful ‘City and Organising Committee relationship’ and the final session, City Update, will focus on successful strategies being implemented between IFs and host cities for upcoming events.
    CityAccord will be preceded by City-to-City. This event is for cities and regions only and will focus on two topics, each with short presentations, followed by discussion: (1) Creating an event that inspires children to participate in sport through dedicated local youth sports programmes (2) Don’t wait for your legacy, activate it before your event. The full #SAC2018 conference programme will include a ‘city focus’ within each conference stream.
    “The Smart Cities & Sport Network is thrilled to support the SportAccord Convention in developing inspiring and interactive topics for the City-to-City session and the CityAccord. We look forward to enhancing the relationships between cities from around the globe and the international sport world.” said Co-ordinator Melanie Duparc, Official Supporter of SportAccord Convention who helped to shape the upcoming CityAccord conference programme.
    Further information can be found on the webpage CityAccord. Watch highlights from last year’s successful #SAC2017 City Day including comments from Melanie Duparc of Smart Cities & Sport, Ben Avison of Host City, as well as the #SAC2017 Convention City Co-Host, Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, and Damien de Bohun, General Manager of Major Events, Visit Victoria. Registration for #SAC2018 opens on Wednesday, 28 June 2017, revealing more news on the Plenary Conference as well as new delegate opportunities.

  • Ricci Bitti hands over presidency of SportAccord Convention to Baumann

    Ricci Bitti hands over presidency of SportAccord Convention to Baumann

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of ASOIF, announced today that he will stand down as President of SportAccord Convention, but will remain on the Executive Committee of the organisation representing the major stakeholder, ASOIF.
    Following the situation in May 2015 when the previous President of SportAccord resigned, Ricci Bitti, together with Gian-Franco Kasper, the FIS President, ensured the continuity of both the Association and the Convention. Kasper became interim President of SportAccord Association and Ricci Bitti was elected President of SportAccord Convention in June 2015.
    “Gian-Franco was able to accomplish the approval of new statutes for SportAccord Association that clarified the mission and governance rules and culminated in the election of Patrick Baumann as a new president for a four year term,” said Ricci Bitti. “My mission was to take care of the continuity of the Convention; mission that we believe has been accomplished with the very successful organisation of Lausanne 2016 and Aarhus 2017, in spite of very challenging conditions. The announcement of Bangkok 2018 and the interest received from many other potential candidates give us great confidence for the future years. SportAccord Association (newly renamed GAISF) and Convention are two different legal entities, but maximum integration is recommended – being the Convention the most relevant activity of the Association. It is just time to return to a common leadership for the two entities. For this reason I want to thank the board for accepting my proposal to be replaced by Patrick Baumann assuring him the support of ASOIF.”
    On this occasion, Patrick Baumann expressed: “I would like to thank Francesco Ricci Bitti for his confidence and his great commitment in this transition time and I look forward to the continuing success of GAISF and SportAccord Convention to the benefit of all member IFs and Associations.”

  • Registration opens for #SAC2018 in Bangkok

    Registration opens for #SAC2018 in Bangkok

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention confirms registration is open for the sixteenth edition of the Convention set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 15-20 April 2018. A city destination brimming with opportunities, #SAC2018 will be held at the five-star Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, a world-class conference complex in the heart of the capital.
    The Official Signing Ceremony for #SAC2018 took place in the Host City Bangkok on 31 May 2017 and was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, and the Minister of Tourism and Sports for Thailand, with well over 100 people in attendance from government, media and other organisations. Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said:
    “SportAccord Convention is the biggest annual global gathering of the sporting community and is the only Convention worldwide with every International Federation present. Without doubt, the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok is going to present a myriad of opportunities for every organisation and delegate who attends. Hatt went on to say:
    “The business of sport has grown enormously since the last Convention took place in the region and I would strongly recommend anyone who has a stake in sport, to take advantage of the unique networking opportunities SportAccord Convention offers and register for Bangkok.”
    The multiplex venue provides a complete experience for delegates attending the Convention. Both the hotel and the convention centre connect seamlessly with CentralWorld, one of the largest lifestyle and shopping complexes in Southeast Asia. Organisations are encouraged to book their place early and take advantage of the early-bird rate of CHF1,500 (a discount of CHF1, 000 from the list price), available for a short period only.
    The conference rooms and state-of-the-art exhibition hall offer outstanding facilities with natural day-lit rooms in a pillar-less environment. Exhibitor visibility will be second-to-none, and dedicated networking zones will help to showcase what organisations have to offer and how delegates connect.
    The world’s premier annual event at the service of sport, SportAccord Convention is the place where sport meets whether it’s for International Federations, organising committees, cities and regions, marketing and sponsorship enterprises, legal teams, insurance companies, healthcare organisations, and many more. The Convention creates the occasion to build relationships, seed ideas and gain visibility on a world-stage, and many of these, play out as new business opportunities, or projects to further develop and support the sports movement.
    As Deborah Jevans (CBE), former Tennis Player and the first woman to be appointed Director of Sport for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games (London 2012) told SportsPro during a podcast (08:05) at this year’s Convention in Aarhus, Denmark:
    “SportAccord Convention is the place to be seen and is a really important event in the sporting calendar. The growth of sport has advanced as a business and is not just about the field of play. You don’t necessarily do a deal here but there is a lot of networking, a lot of conversations take place and relationships are created. Jevans went on to say, “Talking to companies during the Convention in Aarhus confirms this. SportAccord Convention provides the opportunity to meet any number of people from throughout the whole world.”
    The Convention will include a 3-day exhibition as well as a full conference programme focused on sponsorship and marketing. Programme streams will include the Plenary, City Forum, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord.  The Convention also offers numerous social events giving delegates the opportunity to network outside more formal settings, including the daily Exhibition Cocktails, Opening Ceremony and After Hours Bar, and its cultural programme will also take advantage of all that Bangkok has to offer.

  • Sport Event Denmark first Gold Partner to sign-up to SAC2018

    Sport Event Denmark first Gold Partner to sign-up to SAC2018

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] Sport Event Denmark, the national Danish sporting event organisation for Denmark, is the first Gold Partner to sign-up for the sixteenth edition of the SportAccord Convention due to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
    Sport Event Denmark helps to develop and promote sport worldwide, and hosts major international sports events and congresses in Denmark, including SportAccord Convention this year in the City of Aarhus – the European Capital of Culture 2017.
    “After being co-host and Gold Partner of SportAccord Convention earlier this year, we are delighted to be a Gold Partner once again and very much looking forward to April next year. I am convinced that our friends in Thailand will host a truly fantastic Convention in the great city of Bangkok. The SportAccord Convention has made tremendous progress over the years and is the leading and must-attend sports business convention globally.” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.
    Sport Event Denmark always host a busy and vibrant booth where Peter Schmeichel dropped by during SAC2017 to meet and chat to delegates. At SAC2018, the Sport Event Denmark team will be found at Booth (no. 70) where delegates are always given a warm welcome and guaranteed to be entertained.
    Commenting on the partnership, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are delighted to have Sport Event Denmark as Gold Partners again this year. Their loyalty and support is never underestimated and Sport Event Denmark helped to deliver an outstanding 2017 Convention in Aarhus, Denmark. We very much look forward to working with them again for the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok.”
    With exclusive access to the key decision-makers in sport including all the International Federations present, around 1,500 delegates will attend the SportAccord Convention and take advantage of the networking opportunities provided across the Official Schedule including social events, a 3-day exhibition and conference programme and some of the official meetings taking place. Conference programmes already available include the always popular CityAccord and LawAccord.

  • SportAccord Convention welcomes Principal Media Partners Sportcal, Sportspro and Yutang Sports for Bangkok

    SportAccord Convention welcomes Principal Media Partners Sportcal, Sportspro and Yutang Sports for Bangkok

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention, the largest global gathering covering the business of sport and attended by all international sport federations, is delighted to confirm its Principal Media Partners, Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports for its 16th edition taking place from 15 – 20 April 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Selected as Principal media partners for their unique offerings, media reach and expertise, particularly in the APAC region, they will provide media and marketing support in the lead-up to the next Convention, as well as in-depth news coverage and workshops during #SAC2018.
    Sportcal has provided sports market intelligence for over 25 years and delivers sports analysis and insight to a range of global clients supported by its product suite of Intelligence Centres, data-driven Insight package, and Global Sports Impact Project.
    SportsPro has served the global sports industry since 2008, providing content on the commercial, political and organisational aspects of global professional sport. Its platforms offer expert commentary and opinion, features and in-depth interviews, and the sports industry can now keep up-to-date with breaking news and analysis on the move with its recently launched SportsPro app.
    Yutang Sports has been in the business of sports marketing and sponsorship services for 20 years accumulating rich expertise and a deep understanding of the ongoing transformation of the Chinese sports market. Yutang Sports will also host a dedicated Chinese language section on their website for the SportAccord Convention 2018, as well as produce video content to connect with the Chinese sports community around the globe through its multiple social media platforms.
    Welcoming this year’s Principal Media Partners on-board, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are delighted to be working with Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports again. Their continued support as well as marketing and media services will help to drive awareness and deliver up-to-the-minute sports news stories around the world.”
    [Source: SportAccord Convention]

  • David Simon, President of Los Angeles Sports Council to co-chair CityAccord and City-To-City at SAC2018

    David Simon, President of Los Angeles Sports Council to co-chair CityAccord and City-To-City at SAC2018

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] Recognised as one of the most influential sports business leaders in Los Angeles having played a significant role in bids for almost every major sporting event that has been brought to the region in the last three decades, David Simon, President of the Lost Angeles Sports Council will co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City at the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018.
    In 1984 LA was the first Olympic Games ever to generate an operating surplus (US$235 million) and the region is eager to repeat this economic achievement in 2028. So how do cities go about selecting the right events and turning them into an outstanding success?
    “Making relationships a priority – this year’s theme for CityAccord – is one of the pillars of success when it comes to bidding for and hosting major events. However, in order to achieve great success, selecting the right events is also key and requires clear thinking.
    “As a city you need to look at your specific community and determine what is achievable based on your resources: human, financial and physical. Once you’ve identified these critical factors, forging strong relationships with event stakeholders will help you achieve your vision and deliver successful results. Cities and stakeholders will be able to examine these elements and more during CityAccord.” commented David Simon.
    A popular day at SportAccord Convention, CityAccord will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2018 from 14:00 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre. Aimed at cities, regions, sponsors, international sport federations, organising committees and industry, delegates are encouraged to register.
    Giles Morgan, HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events of HSBC – Global Financial Organisation, will take part in the CityAccord Interactive Q&A entitled: “How do sponsors determine which sports and events to partner with?” where delegates will have the opportunity to ask sponsors about their approach and choices.
    “It is a most timely question and one that will no doubt elicit a wide variety of responses. One thing is for sure – the sponsorship landscape is changing and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved. In short, we want our customers and our four key sports – golf, rugby, tennis and cycling – to thrive. We believe the way to achieve this is to invest in our sports through innovation, grass roots, entertainment and much more; by doing this we add value to the sports we sponsor and at the same time deliver spectacular brand experiences for our customers.”    
    Melanie Duparc Co-ordinator of Smart Cities & Sport Network – an Official Supporter of SportAccord Convention, will also co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City.
    Further information can be found on the webpage CityAccord. Watch highlights from last year’s successful #SAC2017 City Day including comments from Melanie Duparc of Smart Cities & Sport, Ben Avison of Host City, as well as the #SAC2017 Convention City Co-Host, Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark. Registration for #SAC2018 is open.

  • Event publisher “Host City” becomes official Delivery Partner for #SAC2018

    Event publisher “Host City” becomes official Delivery Partner for #SAC2018

    Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Ben Avison, Editorial and Conference Director of Host City said:
    “Host City is delighted to have become SportAccord Convention’s Delivery Partner. We see this as the natural evolution of an increasingly powerful relationship between two crucial platforms supporting the community of stakeholders in major international events.
    “SportAccord Convention and Host City have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years through media partnerships and conference activities.
    “Host City particularly values opportunities to reinforce and forge new connections with leading people and organisations involved in major events.
    “As well as being a focus for Host City’s high quality editorial coverage, SAC2018 in Bangkok will also provide a welcome opportunity for us to build engagement in Host City’s own events – including Host City Asia, which will bring the world of international event hosting to Beijing at the end of May 2018, and our annual global conference and exhibition in Glasgow in November 2017.”
    SportAccord Convention is also a Silver Sponsor to Host City 2017 taking place in Glasgow from 28-29 November 2017.
    Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “As an Official Delivery Partner, we’re delighted to have Host City onboard, given the importance and complexities of hosting major sports events. Host City has provided first-class support and media coverage for SportAccord Convention, and in recent years, with Ben Avison involved as a moderator for our CityAccord conference. We value their expertise and encourage delegates to draw on their experience in the lead-up to and during the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok.”
    To network and connect with delegates ahead of the SportAccord Convention 2018 including international sports federations, cities, regions, organising committees, rights holders and suppliers, organisations involved in the business of sport can register for the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok as a delegate, or become involved as a partner and/or exhibitor.
    The annual SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit runs for 6 days and features an extensive Conference programme including CityAccord, a sell-out 3-day exhibition, and hosts the stakeholder General Assemblies attended by their Members. The Convention also offers many social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.

  • Sir Ben Ainslie to deliver keynote at Lausanne IF Forum focused on sustainability

    Sir Ben Ainslie to deliver keynote at Lausanne IF Forum focused on sustainability

    [Source: SportAccord Convention] Sir Ben Ainslie, four-time Olympic Gold Medallist & Team Principal, as well as Skipper of Britain’s America’s Cup Challenger, Land Rover BAR, will give the keynote on 8 November 2017 at the eleventh edition of the International Federation (IF) Forum focused on Sustainability.
    Speaking ahead of this year’s event set to take place from 8-10 November at the Hotel Royal Savoy in Lausanne, Switzerland, Sir Ben Ainslie shared the following thoughts:
    “It’s great that a flagship event like the International Federation (IF) Forum is focusing specifically on sustainability. Sports teams represent key role models in society and there is an opportunity for all sports teams to become truly sustainable businesses. At Land Rover BAR, we believe our influence should extend far beyond the race course, we look to educate and inspire to drive sustainability forward instinctively.”
    This year’s IF Forum conference: ‘‘International Federation Impact – Leading the way towards a Sustainable Agenda’ will include Welcome Remarks from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor Department of Economy and Sport, Canton of Vaud.
    Patrick Baumann, President of GAISF and SportAccord Convention will deliver the Opening Address to leaders of the international sports federations and discussed the significance of this year’s theme on Sustainability:
    “Avery Brundage, 5th president of the International Olympic Committee once described sport as ‘an international phenomenon like science or music’ and he was right.  Sport has significant influence to shape the way people think about issues such as sustainability which is central to the future of our planet. As leaders of International Sports bodies we have a responsibility to use that influence by ensuring promoting sustainability and ingraining best practice into our events and operations.”
    Marie Sallois Dembreville, Director of Corporate Development, Brand and Sustainability, IOC, will lead the Welcome and Opening Remarks on Thursday 9 November, and outline the objectives for the IF Forum, as well as the importance of implementing a common strategy.
    The IF Forum conference will focus on infrastructure and natural sites, sourcing and resource management, climate, mobility, and workforce. The programme is a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee and all International Federations, and hosted by the SportAccord Convention team.
    Speakers will include:

    Inger Andersen, Director General of IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature
    David Stubbs, Sustainability Expert
    Antony Scanlon, Executive Director, IGF – International Golf Federation
    Gloria Scarano, Mountain Protection Coordinator, UIAA – International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation
    Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI – International Equestrian Federation
    Andreas Graf, Human Rights Manager, FIFA – International Federation of Football Association
    Elena Merdaca, Administration Director, FIE – International Fencing Federation
    John Liljelund, Secretary General, IFF – International Floorball Federation
    Max T. Edkins, Manager, Connect4Climate Programme, World Bank Group
    Janne Leskinen, Secretary General, Lahti 2017, FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
    Thomas Kurth, Secretary General, UIM – International Powerboating Union
    Denis Décosterd, Chef du Service du développement de la Ville et de la communication, ville de Lausanne
    Maël Besson, Policy Officer, Sustainable Development of Sport, French Ministry of Cities, Youth and Sport, French Government
    Dr Beate Grupp, IIHF – International Ice Hockey Federation
    Will Lloyd, CEO, Global Sports Jobs
    Roger Piarulli, Executive Director, THF – Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, WT – World Taekwondo
    Jörn Verleger, Secretary General, IFA – International Fistball Association
    Volker Bernardi, Executive Director, WFDF – World Flying Disc Federation
    Magnus Sverdrup, Head of International Relations, Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, Lillehammer Youth Olympic Games 2016

    An additional speaker will be presented by IKEA.
    Panel sessions will be led by David Eades, Anchor and Journalist, BBC World who will also serve as Master of Ceremonies for the IF Forum 2017.
    The IF Forum is for international sports federations, speakers and official IF Forum partners by invitation only.
    Official Partners include: JLT Specialty, Nielsen Sports, Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, Sport Event Denmark, Lausanne and the Canton de Vaud.