SportAccord Convention unveils plenary conference programme 'Innovation in Action' for anniversary edition

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord Convention today announced first details of the Plenary Conference programme ‘Innovation in Action’ taking place in this year’s European Capital of Culture, Aarhus, Denmark from 2 – 7 April 2017. 

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.

“We have a great event lined up for delegates at this special 15th anniversary edition of the SportAccord Convention and we’ll see a number of speakers make their debut at the Plenary Conference,” said Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention. “Innovation is at the hub of any successful organisation and this year’s conference programme will enable delegates to explore and experience the innovative ways business leaders are making decisive decisions to keep their organisations ahead of the game and in the hearts and minds of fans.”

Day 1 will kick-off with a keynote to address why organisations must innovate to remain relevant. This will follow with a conference session examining whether innovation is a permanent change revolution or an opportunity for organisations to reset their sport. Other sessions will focus on the business of sport and includes how one English Premier League football club opened the door to innovation, to build loyalty and grow support, as well as commercial success. A panel will consider the risks of moving too fast for fans, balanced against the dangers of getting caught in the wake of other, faster moving clubs, sports and competitions. Delegates will also hear how some International Sports Federations have used innovation to great effect in their sport discipline.

Day 2 will begin with a presentation from Tokyo 2020 on their plans for hosting the next Games and why it will be the most futuristic sporting event to date. Panel sessions will examine whether technology is a friend or foe when it comes to dictating the direction of sport and how organisations can embrace beneficial technological change and meet generational expectations without losing the very essence of sport. A technology health-check for the sports movement will also provide updates on key developments in the areas of digital and social media, wearable devices, 3-D and VR content, drones, and more, with experts who can share the latest technology, best practice and answer questions.

The Convention provides organisations involved in the development and business of sport with a unique opportunity to meet and network on a global scale with over ninety percent (90%) of the delegation being key decision-makers and in a position to take action. The majority of delegates, partners and exhibitors return each year, ensuring the Convention is part of their business strategy. With over seventy percent (70%) of exhibitor space sold, and just under two weeks to go until the delegate pass is due to rise to CHF 2,500 on 6 February, organisations can become involved at SportAccord Convention as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor and register at www.sportaccordconvention.com, email the commercial team at sales@sportaccordconvention.com or discuss opportunities and phone +41 21 612 3070.

Follow developments and updates on SportAccord Convention including the Plenary Conference on Twitter @saconvention using #SAC2017 or on our LinkedIn company page https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportaccord-convention or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sportaccordconvention. 

For media enquiries, please email Jenny Edmondson, Media Relations Officer: jenny.edmondson@sportaccordconvention.com

EDITORS NOTES

SportAccord Convention

The SportAccord Convention is a not-for-profit organisation which annually brings together representatives from more than 100 International Sports Federations affiliated with the following umbrella organisations that host their Annual General Assemblies at the SportAccord Convention.

SportAccord, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and Associate Members.

In addition, the SportAccord Convention receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.

Organisations involved in this year’s Convention include:

Gold Partners: Dubai Sports Council, Macau Sport Development Board as well as Sport Event Denmark who are also a Host Partner for #SAC2017. Silver Partners: EventScotland, Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, Edmonton Events, EventScotland, Malaysia Major Events. Bronze Partners include FIBA, Glasgow City Council.

SportAccord Convention Exhibitors include:

AISTS (International Academy of Sports Science and Technology), CIES (Centre International d’Etude du Sport), City of Berlin, City of Lausanne, Dream Together, Dubai Sports Council (DSC)/MBR Awards, Edmonton Events, EventScotland, Fáilte Ireland, Federal Swiss, FIAS (International Sambo Federation), FIBA (International Basketball Federation), FICS (Fédération Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport), FOSPO (Swiss Federal Office of Sport), Gracenote Sports, IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness), IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur), IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation), IOF (International Orienteering Federation), IRBF (International Roll Ball Federation), Japan Sport Council, Macau Sport Development Board, Malaysia Major Events, MARSH, New Zealand Major Events, Nüssli Group Support AG, Rider Levett Bucknall, Russian International Olympic University, Sarasota County Sports Commission, SmartScoring, Sport Event Denmark, Trivandi, UK Sport, Visit Victoria, Welsh Government, Wales.

For more information about the Plenary Conference Programme and SportAccord Convention visit: www.sportaccordconvention.com