Host City

Antony Warren, Head of Business Development, World Supercross Championship (WSX) & Founder, Supersize Live

Will new event concepts like the Commonwealth Esports Games, festivals in the metaverse and hybrid conferences continue to emerge, or are we seeing a post-covid return to traditionalism?  Where are the synergies between rights holders and event hosts, and how can they support each other’s development? Speakers:  Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation Tine Eriksen G...

What forces are driving the world of major events today? Where will the events industry be in five years’ time? What have we learned from the pandemic and COP? Do in-person major events have perennial value, or do we need to find a different model? How can we respond to inflation and cost constraints? Where will the balance lie between global and local audiences? And what role can events play in p...

Matthew Astill, Chief Executive Officer, Cavendish Group Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF Ben Avison, Conference Director, Cavendish Group

The art of being yourself to attract visitors Case studies of how destinations have used events to create a destination brand What can cities learn from other sectors about building a marketable brand? Placemaking: how to integrate the design and management of public spaces into major event strategy Speakers: Chloe Targett-Adams, Global Director of Promoters and Business Relations, Formula 1 Georg...

Destination Showcase of Oman by David Graham, CEO, Oman Sail

Is it possible to create a common language for measuring the impact of events? What kind of effects should be measured and how? Which of impacts are the most challenging to measure and how can this be overcome? Can local benefits be considered alongside more global concerns? Can hosting events create happier, healthier citizens? Speakers: Frank Leenders, Director General, FIBA Media and Marketing...

Presentation by Erich Wolf, Managing Director, Red Bull Air Race

Can broadcasters sustain their reach or will they be further disrupted by technology companies? Immersive media and its role in event experience, both at the event and for fans at home Enhancing live event reach in the digital, catch-up world How can eSports contribute to the values and development of sports? Speakers: Stefan Kuerten, Executive Director of Sport, European Broadcasting Union Andy E...

How major events can drive transport innovation What will urban transport look like in 10 years and what role will major events play in these changes? How technology is transforming the event transport and logistics sector Speakers: Panos Protopsaltis, CEO, Global Event Mobility & Management Solutions (GEMMS) Rutger Alferink, President, Saan Trucking Stefano Manelli, Director, CITEC Moderator:...

Presentation by Michal Buchel, CEO, FIAS - International SAMBO Federation

How to design venues that stand the test of time Successful venue operators share experiences of how they maximise footfall and impact How innovations in venues can drive revenue Achieving economic and environmental sustainability With a keynote introduction by: Peter van der Veer, CEO, Rotterdam Ahoy and President, European Arenas Association Speakers: Barry Fleeting, Head of Centre, National Spo...

Jean-Francois Martins, Deputy Mayor in charge of Tourism, Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, City of Paris tells the story of Paris Olympic journey Diogo Taddei, Head of Sports and Events, Egis contributes Paris case study

Shared experiences of major event security strategies The future of access control At what stage should a host city develop a security strategy? Speakers: Patrick Vajda, Senior Consultant, SIACI ST HONORE - S2H Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate at Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Billy Garrett, Director of Sports and Events, Glasgow Life Moderator: Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Globa...

Aside from sport, what kind of event content holds the greatest appeal for cities to host and why? What do hosts need to bear in mind when designing venues for multiple potential future uses? What does the future hold for the live music and festivals sector and how can cities maximise opportunities? How can cultural development be integrated into civic regeneration strategies? SPEAKERS: Marcel Rid...

Presentation by Andy Edwards, President, Nitro Circus

Why do some hosts deliver better events than others and how can the sharing of knowledge between past and future hosts be increased? How far up the supply chain can outsourcing go? Is a turnkey, “pop-up” organising committee a viable solution for mega event hosts? Which functional areas require the most specialist expertise from international experts? What might major event delivery look like in 2...

Chloe Targett-Adams, Global Director of Promoters and Business Relations, Formula 1

Which events are more appealing to host cities and why – sports, business or entertainment events? Mega, major or small? How are geopolitical trends and concerns over event governance impacting the distribution of future major events? Where in the world will future investment be strongest? What impact might Brexit have? Why are some populations cynical while others are supportive of major events,...

Dr. Ugur Erdener, Vice President, International Olympic Committee; President, World Archery; President, National Olympic Committee of Turkey

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland

What are the biggest issues the major events sector faces right now and how will these impact its future? How are major sports, business and entertainment events evolving through the fourth industrial revolution? What are current trends telling us about the kind of content and formats that will be in demand in the future? What can event owners, organisers and hosts do to ensure major events become...

Hosting Opportunities: How to Make Your City and Event Stand Out Delivery and Legacy: How to Maximise Sustainability, Security and Revenues Moderators: Robert Datnow, Managing Director, The Sports Consultancy and Rick Traer, CEO, Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance

How to build a reputation as a leading event destination Which events have the biggest impact? Integrating conventions into wider events strategy Developing urban economy through science and business events Panel: Opening Remarks: Adriaan Visser, Vice Mayor of Rotterdam and Alderman for Sports Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO, Messe Munich Michael Nagy, Commercial Director, Rio Convention and Vis...

New, existing or temporary venues – how to decide Architectural transformations for sustainable mega events Powering the temporary infrastructure revolution How to work with organisers and destinations to enable sustainable events Sooad Islam, Associate, Populous Mark Breitenmoser, Head of Strategy, Nüssli David de Behr, Head of Global Events, Aggreko Moderator: Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Associatio...