SPORTACCORD 2018 SEES RECORD LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT FROM KEY PLAYERS ACROSS ENTIRE SPORT BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord today confirmed record levels of engagement from key players with over sixty-five nationalities already registered for the World Sport and Business Summit set to take place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018.

With support from the highest levels, including the Host City and Nation Thailand, as well as from the sports community and industry, SportAccord is pleased to confirm all five Gold Partnerships for the 16th edition have been taken. This includes 2017 host Sport Event Denmark as well as Sports Bureau Macau SAR Government who have signed once more. SportAccord also sees three new Gold Partner entries this year including Chungcheongbuk-do, Federation Internationale de Teqball (FITEQ), and Malaysia Major Events - a Silver Partner in previous years.

Organisations looking for opportunities to increase their visibility at the World Sport & Business Summit can become a Partner or Exhibitor by contacting the sales team: sales@sportaccord.com or phone +41 21 601 27 64. 

Always a popular draw at SportAccord, record numbers of exhibitors have also signed up. For the first time, a collective delegation of ten cities from the USA have come together to continue to build momentum in the region. Al Kidd the CEO of National Association of Sports Commissions commented:

“Since I began working at the NASC we have methodically turned over every aspect of the organization to improve our offerings to fit our new operating mantra. The NEW NASC will be more inclusive to all organizations on the sports events and tourism value chain. To do so, we intend to revise all aspects of our business including governance, programming, membership resources, educational development and our new more inclusive organizational name - American Sports Events & Tourism Society. Kidd went on to say:

“To that end, we recognize the importance of our international friends and relationships and am proud to partner with SportAccord with our first unified marketing effort in support of our current and future relationships. Our delegation members see the opportunity created by the SportAccord team to bring a united US front to the international sports world.  Our goal is that this begins a more robust business exchange of marketing, competitions at the amateur and professional levels and operational partnerships to bring speculator International events to our communities.” 

Further opportunities for networking as well as relaxation have also been built into this year’s Exhibition space to enhance the delegate experience. These include ‘Meet and Greet’, a Media Zone, and a Relaxing Zone sponsored by Edmonton Events, where delegates will have the opportunity to experience a Thai massage.

Speakers’ Corner has also garnered considerable interest this year with sixteen organisations taking the stage in a bid to engage delegates with their latest offerings and opportunities.

SportAccord continues to attract an array of speakers and subject matter experts for its Conference Programme. New for 2018, HealthAccord joins the conference programme with strong representation from global health organisations and the world of Academia - at the highest levels. Also new to this year’s conference approach, LawAccord will connect the dots and host a city themed session for delegates, providing a 360º degree view when it comes to contract negotiation for event owners and host cities.

Organisations who wish to take part in SportAccord and experience all the opportunities it brings, should register as delegates ahead of the price rise on 19 March where the delegate rate will be CHF 3,000. 

In its pursuit to become the ‘Sports Dream Destination’, delegates will also have ample opportunity to experience the wonderful culture, hospitality and culinary delights Thailand has to offer, showcased in the Thai Pavilion. On top of this, SportAccord will also host a Sports Festival. Many of the national federations will take part in sports demonstrations - open to both citizens and delegates alike.

Thailand, the land of smiles and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has also attracted a record numbers of delegates bringing accompanying guests to the event. 

Further networking events are also planned including a stunning Opening Ceremony at the Royal Thai Navy Convention involving the prestigious Royal Barge Procession as well as a Thai banquet of ‘tasters’ to complement the Thai experience for delegates.

As part of the Official Schedule, SportAccord will host well over 20 networking events and a popular 3-day Exhibition, as well as a full conference programme including: the Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #sportaccord, as well as LinkedIn and on Facebook. 

For media enquiries, email the Media Relations Officer: jenny.edmondson@sportaccord.com