Host City

In this keynote interview from Host City 2025, Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the visionary promoter behind Live Aid, reflects on The Enduring Inspiration of Major Events. In conversation with Rhona McLeod, Harvey shares behind-the-scenes stories from Live Aid, explores how major events are conceived and delivered against the odds, and discusses why great events continue to inspire societies long after the...

In this interview from Host City 2025, Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, joins Sarah Lewis OBE OLY to reflect on a landmark tournament that redefined what women’s sport can achieve. From record-breaking attendances and global broadcast reach to inclusive fan experiences, bold leadership and lasting social impact, Sarah shares the vision, decisions and values behi...

This panel, Empowering Host Cities and Event Organisers Through Exceptional Visitor Experience, explores how cities and organisers can design seamless, inclusive and memorable journeys for attendees. Helen Helliwell (Invictus Games Birmingham 2027), John David (SportsETA) and Dr. Igor Lanzoni (JJIF and multiple international federations) join moderator Chris Thompson (You. Smart. Thing) to discuss...

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life. Drawing on Glasgow’s experience as a globally recognised host city, Kay reflects on the power of partnership, long-term legacy and collaboration in delivering world-class events. She sets the tone for the conference by welcoming delegates to Glasgow and framing this year’s theme: getting on with...

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland. Rob highlights the central role of events in driving tourism, economic growth and global connection, reflecting on Scotland’s recent successes across sport, culture and business. He sets out VisitScotland’s Team Scotland approach and looks ahead to a strong pipeline of major even...

This Host City 2025 panel, Driving Growth in Major Events, brings together leaders from live entertainment, festivals and multi-sport events to explore how major events can scale sustainably while protecting quality, culture and community value. Jim King (AEG Presents UK & European Festivals), Lori Anderson (Festivals Edinburgh) and Darren Hall (Commonwealth Sport) join moderator Billy Garrett...

This keynote address from Host City 2025 is delivered by Uğur Erdener, President of SportAccord, Honorary President of World Archery, and Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee. Speaking from the perspective of international federations and SportAccord, Uğur reflects on the evolving role of host cities, the importance of sustainable, values-led partnerships, and how cities and righ...

This panel from Host City 2025, The Business of Events and Sport in the Middle East, explores how major international events are reshaping perceptions, investment and opportunity across the region. Basim K. Ibrahim (Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Fatema Hayat (Islamic Sports Solidarity Association) and Treve Evans (AIPH) join moderator Matt Wilson (The Sports Consultancy) to dis...

This panel from Host City 2025, New Content for New Audiences, explores how sports and events are evolving to engage younger, more diverse audiences. Rob Stull (UIPM), Pierre Trochet (IFAF), Cherrelle Redley Murrain (Glasgow 2026) and Federico Müller Teran (International Olympic Committee) join moderator Jack McGill (QTV) to discuss emerging sports, urban and flexible event formats, broadcast inno...

This Host City 2025 panel, The Business Case for Investment in Major Events, brings together senior leaders from across sport, destinations and event delivery to examine how major events can be funded, delivered and justified in an increasingly cost-conscious environment. Phil Batty OBE (Glasgow 2026), Dominic McKay (SEC & EPCR), Joanne Deponio (UK & Ireland 2028), James Bulley OBE (Trivan...

This Host City 2025 panel on Innovation in Major Events brings together leaders from sport, destinations and event services to explore how major events are evolving in format, scale and impact. Max Cobb (International Biathlon Union), Paul Bush OBE (Tour de France Grand Départ 2027) and Bonnie May (Global Infusion Group) join moderator Sarah Lewis OBE OLY to discuss innovation in event formats and...

This Host City 2025 panel, The Americas’ Decade of Sport, explores how the United States and the wider Americas are preparing for an unprecedented period of major global events, from FIFA World Cup 2026 to LA28 and beyond. Martye Kendrick (Harris County Sports & Convention Corp.), Brett Gosper (NFL), Lynn Young (U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission) and David Grevemberg CBE (Deloitte) join moder...

This Host City 2025 panel, How Can International Events Maximise Local Impact?, explores how major events can deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for host communities. Rebecca Edser (EventScotland), Professor Gayle McPherson (University of the West of Scotland) and Jakob Kjeldgaard Fuglsang (Copenhagen Legacy Lab, Wonderful Copenhagen) join moderator Ruth Hollis OBE (Spirit of 2012) to discuss...

This Host City 2025 panel, Sustaining the Future with Major Events, examines how sustainability is shifting from obligation to opportunity across the global events industry. John Langford (AEG), Nasser Majali (Islamic Solidarity Sports Association) and Chris Thompson (You. Smart. Thing) join moderator Selina Donald (Trivandi Group) to discuss energy transition, sustainable venues and festivals, fa...

Adam Soroka, CEO, Cavendish Ltd  Ben Avison, Editorial & Conference Director, Cavendish Group

Speakers: Marie-Josee Adam, VP - Managing Director Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil Bobby Hare, Director, Host City Partnerships and Hospitality, ESL Pro League Jonathan Coates, Communications Director, UIPM Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company Mike Golub, President of Business, SlamBall League Joe Dougan, Promoter, Shine Moderator: Chris Barret...

Giulio Alessandrini, Director of Venues & Infrastructure, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with Q&A with Ben Avison, Conference Director

Speakers:  Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Birgitte Nestande, Senior Advisor Sport and Cultural Events, Innovation Norway Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO Moderator: Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, International Association of Event Hosts (IAEH)

Speakers: Petra Sörling, IOC Member and President, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland Dr Beatriz Garcia, Member, Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission, International Olympic Committee Damien Combredet-Blassel, Director of Impact & Heritage Deputy of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee Chair: Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Touris...

Christina McKelvie MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Scotland

Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company

Jeremiah Yolkut, Vice-President, Global Events, Major League Baseball Stuart Snowden, Founder and Managing Director, IPSEM Squared Trudy Lindblade, CEO, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Moderator: Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers (AGES)

Liese Abili, Vice President of Sports Development, Florida Sports Foundation Mathew Ratner, Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Consuelo Sanchez, Tourism Assistant Director, Pasco County

Speakers: Jimena Saldaña, CEO / Secretary General, PanamSports Organization David de Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships, Centre for Sports and Human Rights Annamarie Phelps CBE, Vice-Chair, British Olympic Association and Executive Committee Member, European Olympic Committees Moderator: Sarah Lewis, Global Sports Leader, Sustainable...

Simone Hawkins, International Relations Manager, Air Race X Desmond Barry, Project Manager, Air Race X