Fans  

Traditional sport, it seems, is increasingly struggling to connect with younger generations.  

Only 23% of Gen Z describe themselves as passionate sports fans, compared with 42% of millennials, according to a survey assessing sport fandom in America; a significant fall and one that looks set to decline further in the next decade.  

An additional survey highlighted that 35% of US parents with children born from 2013-2017 said they lost interest in sports during the pandemic.  

In response, sports organisations are rapidly spinning-up digital platforms and personalised products aimed at attracting, retaining, and diversifying their fanbases.  

According to YPulse research, 70% of 13-37 year olds say that they don’t need to watch sports events to keep up with what’s going on. Many prefer to watch highlights or bitesize content rather than a full match. We’re also seeing growth in the type of content that audiences enjoy, with a greater variety to watch live or on streaming channels than ever before.  

Whilst younger generations’ appetite for watching a full match is declining, content consumption as a whole is increasing, with 30-60 minute streaming platform series and social media content growing in popularity. As a result, there is a rush amongst clubs, leagues and governing bodies to respond to fans’ insatiable demand for content by partnering with OTT platforms to produce docu-series.  

Traditional sports formats are also changing to appeal to a wider spectrum of generations and fans. The Hundred (cricket), super tiebreaks (tennis), RugbyX and 3x3 basketball are all examples of the shifts in fan preferences, resulting in new formats and rules being applied to traditional sports. Supplemented by slick digital content and social media engagement, format innovation is targeted at appealing to younger audiences’ preferences and habits.  

Stadium experiences are also transforming to meet fan expectations, with technological, sustainability and safety related enhancements at the core. Bringing the live stadium experience closer to those who can’t or won’t attend (with international and sustainable minded audiences) is also becoming an increasing focus for organisations looking to grow their fanbases. Digitally connected stadia and virtual/augmented reality in-home experiences will complement the fan experience, but these must be seamless and deliver real fan value to become truly mainstream and there is much work to be done here. 

Players  

Around half of Gen Z males in the US spend more time following non-traditional sports than traditional sports. This is challenging ‘traditional’ sports to evolve to attract younger audiences. The introduction of new Olympic sports in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, such as climbing, skateboarding, surfing and breaking, is a direct response to the growth of these sports and aiming to draw younger and more diverse audiences to engage with the Games.  

A common denominator of high-growth sports is their more compact and action-packed format when compared with traditional sports. For example, Padel – a form of tennis played in an enclosed space – is the fastest growing sport in the UK with younger players finding it more exciting, sociable and easier to play than tennis.  

With participation and player dynamics changing, sports organisations are having to go back to basics to develop core digital capabilities to increase recruitment and retention of grassroots players. Making it easy for people to sign-up, find and book facilities online will be paramount to increasing participation as users expect a frictionless experience.  

Workforce  

Younger generations are growing up in a ‘purpose-focused’ world, challenging brands to reflect their values such as a commitment to sustainability, equality and inclusion. The race for talent is likely to continue at pace and younger generations in particular will seek out roles in sports organisations that have an authentic purpose and an inclusive working environment.  

The race for talent is likely to be particularly competitive for digital experts as new entrants and new innovations enter into the market. Private equity investment is playing an increasingly active role in professional sport and this is likely to soon filter down to grassroots sport, too. 

As the commercialisation of sports organisations develops, particularly at a grassroots level, the profile of full-time employees and volunteers within a workforce will also change.  

Sports organisations must embrace the change and importantly put themselves in a position where they are agile to respond to the changing demands of the next generation. 

The next decade will be crucial in determining the future success and legacy of some sports. Whilst the future consists of many uncertainties and potential challenges, it also will provide great opportunities for the sports industry to take an active role in addressing the next generation’s most pressing concerns: climate change and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and societal issues. 

Alice John, head of economic growth and development advisory in Deloitte's Sports Business Group, spoke on the panel The Future Fan at Host City 2022

Host City, the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, made a triumphant return to Glasgow after two years online. With the theme of “Face to Face with New Realities”, the conference championed the value of major events against a challenging global landscape.

In his opening address, Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland touched on a range of themes including community engagement, the creation of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group, sustainability and the ongoing challenges being faced by the sector following the pandemic. 

On the subject of digitalisation he said: “Digitalisation in events continues to accelerate – it has changed the way we work, live and do business, and has reshaped the events industry.  We are regularly seeing events putting attendees in control of their own experience, with innovation and creativity driving new dynamics and consumer satisfaction.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said, “The future of events is extremely positive. Events of all kinds that bring people together have great benefits – but not at any cost.”

In his keynote address, Ivo Ferriani, IOC Member and President of GAISF, SportAccord, AOIWF and IBSF said: “In a cost-of-living crisis, a ticket is a luxury. We need to price events in a way that people can afford.

“We need to find a new balance between online and offline, and we need to do this quickly.

“Sport can be a driver of sustainable development.”

Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said “If you want sustainability to work, it has to be embedded in processes.” She highlighted how meals at the Games will have half the carbon weight of the average French meal. “Our suppliers are part of the solution.”

Energy supplier Aggreko has made a commitment to reduce its fossil fuel use by 50% by 2030. David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events said “We are doing a lot of good things providing green energy, but it has a financial impact.”

Another challenge is the decline in the young fans identifying as being passionate about sport. “Traditional sports need to connect with Gen Z fans,” said Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

The drive to create a new fan base is behind the new initiative to replace riding with obstacle in modern pentathlon, said Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager at ESA and Communications Manager at UIPM.

Teqball is one of the fastest growing sports, among fans who are increasingly concerned with purpose and values. “The high number of social followers is not something we want to show off,” said Gergely Murányi, Head of Diplomatic Relations at governing body FITEQ. “It means we have a huge responsibility around what we communicate.”

“The number of viewers and audiences for women's sport events has significantly increased over time,” said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Vice President, Badminton World Federation and IOC Member. "A greater number of audiences in turn attracts more media coverage, resulting in more financial support for women's sport.”

“The Olympics is the most challenging event of all,” said Yiannis Exarchos, CEO, Olympic Broadcasting Services and Executive Director, Olympic Channel Services. “With the IOC digital strategy, the vision is to use the Olympic platform to aggregate all information. Our vision is to bring together disparate activities on one Olympic journey.”

The metaverse is already in use in event planning and delivery, Exarchos said. “But the metaverse with live interaction could take five, ten or 15 years. The technology is not there.”

According to John Tweardy, Managing Partner - Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice at Deloitte, this technology is developing rapidly. “LA2028 will have a fully functioning metaverse.”

“The world needs sport more than ever now,” he said. “We're putting the power and passion of Deloitte into sports, from the digital ambition to the field of play.”

“A lot has been achieved in making online events meaningful, said Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member at the Global Esports Federation. “The challenge is now combining those things – integrating the physical and digital is critical.”

For major events to thrive, they need to demonstrate impact. “You have to ask yourself what the event will do for the community,” said Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation.”

“For the 2026 World Cup, all 16 host cities are working with FIFA to create a lasting legacy for their communities,” said Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami. “In Miami, we have proposed working with our local communities’ leaders and the US Soccer Foundation to celebrate the 23^rd edition of the World Cup and either create, renovate or reimagine up to 23 spaces throughout the South Florida community that would be accessible to all.”

Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said, “I know that hosting the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games is just the start for Birmingham” and that the event has ushered in a “golden decade of opportunity for the people, communities and businesses of Birmingham and the wider region.”

Nine years on from hosting the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow and Scotland are hosting the first Cycling World Championships. Presenting the project with Paul Bush, David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and IOC Member said “Cycling is unique in that you can showcase the country. That’s key for us, that we showcase not only the race but the country.”

Lappartient applauded Copenhagen’s hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart. “We had the same number of people watching the time trial on the streets that live in the city,” said Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen.

“How do you unite people? Through music and sport,” said Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. “By working together when you have an event you bring value to the community, we will continue to do that in the Indian subcontinent.”

“Events play a really important role in defining a city,” said Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers. “We are really focused on promoting the green city. Plants have a functional role to play in tackling climate change, and events provide an opportunity to think differently.”

David Stubbs, who was head of sustainability at London 2012, said “Alongside the climate crisis we are seeing a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Every event can do something to support biodiversity.

“If you don’t get it right, you can lose sponsors.”

Other conference highlights included a presentation on solving the complex transports challenges of the next Winter Olympics from Stefano Manelli, Director of Citec Italy and Transportation Supervisor, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 , and a case study on the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) from Antony Warren of Supersize Live.

The diverse conference programme also included notable contributions from: Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and VP, FINA; Sir Craig Reedie GBE, Honorary Member, IOC; Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, IFSC; Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO; Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, FIH; Jason Ferguson, Chairman, WPBSA; Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, CGF; Jennifer Arnold, VP, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Claire Nelson, CEO, Netball Scotland; Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh; Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke; Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics; Sarah Lewis OBE OLY; Gayle Shepherd, Director of People, Projects and Technology, SEC; Bailee Leòdhas Massie, Glasgow City Council; Liese Abili, VP of Sports Development, Florida Sports Foundation; Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau; Jack Nixon, Strategy Director, Nielsen Sports; Mate Bor, Chief of Staff, FITEQ; Jonny Gray, Senior MD, Ankura; Perttu Pesä, Director, Major Events, City of Tampere and Chair, IAEH; Sandra Wall, Creative industries, Event and Meetings, Norrköping Municipality; Richard Bate, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer, EBK Grand Prix, Cube International; Jonny Murch, CEO / Founder, Redtorch; Martin Ross, Global News Editor, SportBusiness; Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place; Duncan Mackay, Founding Editor, insidethegames.biz; Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH; Chris Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas; Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland; Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers; Mike Laflin, CEO & Founder, Global Sustainable Sport; Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services; Jack McGill, CEO, QTV and David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights.

Other supporting participants included Recast, DB Schenker, Explore Edmonton and and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

Host City 2022 took place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow with the support of Hosts and Global Presenting Partners EventScotland and Glasgow Life. For further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com.

Host City 2022 takes place on 15-16 November, returning to Glasgow, Scotland with an illustrious line-up of international speakers joining in person.

Register here now to be part of the greatest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.

The conference opens with Keynote Addresses on the conference theme of Face to Face with the New Realities from Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland and Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF, who are joined on the opening panel by Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life, Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and Vice President, FINA and David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko.

The panel New Event Concepts – Disruption and Synergy stars Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation, Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen, Prof. Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member, Global Esports Federation and Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA and Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland.

A panel of experts including Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory, Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, Commonwealth Games Federation and Mate Bor, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President, FITEQ Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager, ESA (European Sponsorship Association) and Communications Manager, UIPM and Mike Laflin, Director, Total Analysis explore the mindset of The Future Fan, following a Case Study from Antony Warren, Head of Business Development, World Supercross Championship (WSX).

Ian Ward, Leader, Birmingham City Council joins for a speech and Q&A on the delivery and legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A panel on Partnership Paradigms of Event Hosting and Delivery stars Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, International Hockey Federation (FIH); Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh, Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke and Jonny Gray, Senior Managing Director, Ankura.

Stefano Manelli, Director, Citec Italy and Transportation Supervisor of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 gives an update on preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Yiannis Exarchos, Director, Olympic Channel Services, International Olympic Committee, John Tweardy, Managing Partner - Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice, Deloitte, Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company and Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast and Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services join forces to Unlock the Power of Technology to Deliver Events to Fans.

A Case Study on the Tour de France Grand Départ Copenhagen Denmark 2022 follows, from Iben Rønholt, Deputy Head of Office, and Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen.

How Events Make a “World Sports Capital” is the topic tackled by Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing, Liese Abili, Vice President of Sports Development at the Florida Sports Foundation, Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami, Jennifer Arnold, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation and David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Offi cer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights.

Day One closes with Keynote Addresses in the City Chambers from Sir Craig Reedie GBE, Honorary Member, International Olympic Committee and Bailee Leòdhas Massie, Glasgow City Council.

Day Two kicks off with a panel on Cities of the Future starring Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers; Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka; Carine Saloffe-Coste, Head of Green Spaces and Environment, City of Paris and Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place.

David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) joins Paul Bush OBE for a Q&A with Martin Ross, Global News Editor, SportBusiness on Showcasing the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Aggreko sponsor the panel Sustainability Solutions in Action, starring Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Arlette Anderson, Director of Sustainable Golf, The R&A, David Stubbs, Independent Sustainability Expert and Daniel Cordey, Chairman, Association of Global Event Suppliers.

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Vice President, Badminton World Federation and IOC Member, Jennifer Arnold, Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Global Sports Leader and Claire Nelson, CEO, Netball Scotland join Duncan Mackay, Founding Editor of insidethegames.biz for the panel on The Rise of Women's Sport and Entertainment.

Justifying the Impact and Benefit of Events is the topic for Toni Jorba, Head of Event Operations, World Athletics, Jack Nixon, Strategy Director, Nielsen Sports, Perttu Pesä, Director, Major Events, City of Tampere and Iain Edmondson, Honorary Member, IAEH.

The conference closes on a positive note, with Martin Boyle, CEO, The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Gayle Shepherd, Director of People, Projects and Technology, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and Chris Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas setting out how to Design a Better Events Industry.

Host City 2022 takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts, EventScotland and Glasgow Life. To register visit https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2022/register and for further information contact ben.avison@hostcity.com.

Notes to Editors

Host City 2022 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

Press can register for free here https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-2022/register using the code MEDIAFREE

The opening panel, looking at the forces shaping today’s events industry, features Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF, Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and Vice President, FINA, Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life and David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko. 

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland and David Lappartient, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) share their exclusive top-level insights into plans for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the mega event hosted by Glasgow and across Scotland. 

The question of how to actively implement sustainability solutions is high on the agenda, with Arlette Anderson, Director of Sustainable Golf, The R&A and Carine Saloffe-Coste, Head of Green Spaces and Environment, City of Paris joined by Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence, Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Yiannis Exarchos, Director, Olympic Channel Services, International Olympic Committee, Kelly Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer, International Tennis Federation and Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast set out how to unlock the power of technology to deliver events to fans. 

Fanta Diallo, Director of Youth Engagement, Organising Committee of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) give insights into the mindset of the future fan. 

Beng Choo Low, Secretary General, World Baseball-Softball Confederation, Tine Eriksen Green, Head of Project Tour de France, City of Copenhagen and Prof. Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member, Global Esports Federation explore new event concepts. 

The rise of women's sport and entertainment is addressed by Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, IOC Member and Deputy President, Badminton World Federation, Jennifer Arnold, Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation and Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Managing Director, Global Sports Leader.

Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh and Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke join with Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, International Hockey Federation (FIH) to share partnership paradigms of event hosting and delivery. 

Vlad Marinescu, Director General, International Judo Federation and Martin Boyle, CEO, The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) share their views on how to design a better events industry.  

Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing, Liese Abili, Vice President of Sports Development at the Florida Sports Foundation and Mathew Ratner, Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Miami look at how major events can benefit host cities.

Other speakers coming to Glasgow include Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark, Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers, Maxwell de Silva, Secretary General, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place, Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, James Latham, Producer, The Iceberg (JMIC), senior representation from the World Curling Federation and many more to be announced.  

Host City 2022 takes place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Host, EventScotland and Glasgow Life.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: "EventScotland is delighted to continue its strong headline partnership with Host City, having been a supporter of the conference since its inception in 2014.

“The economic and social benefits of sporting, cultural and business events are widely recognised. Events help support jobs, both directly within the industry as well as in wider sectors including tourism and hospitality, and make a valuable contribution towards our health and wellbeing. This year’s conference theme of ‘Face to Face with the New Realities’ will ensure as an industry we can continue to deliver these key benefits as part of the dynamic and ever-changing world we operate in. 

“I look forward to see you all in November and hearing from the esteemed line up of speakers the Host City team has assembled.” 

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “As one of the world’s leading host cities for major cultural, sports and business events, Glasgow has a strong, long-standing partnership with the Host City Conference and Exhibition, and we’re delighted to be welcoming it back to our city for the eighth consecutive year. 

“This year’s conference will provide an invaluable opportunity for destination representatives, rightsholders, organising committees and suppliers from all over the world to reconnect and share their expertise, experience, and best practice. 

“And as cities everywhere continue to focus on post-pandemic recovery, there has never been a more important time to discuss the future of our events landscape; from creating genuine legacies and ensuring the positive impact of events benefits local communities, to designing and adapting events with sustainability in mind, and looking at new models for engaging and attracting more diverse audiences, as well as the role events can play in supporting a wider health and wellbeing agenda, and the regeneration of the visitor economy.”    

For sponsorship and participation enquiries contact adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk or ben.avison@hostcity.com
For more information visit www.hostcity.com
 
Host City 2022 is supported by EventScotland, Glasgow Life and Glasgow Convention Bureau.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has unveiled the official schedule of the inaugural multi-discipline cycling event, giving cycling fans around the world a first sight of the full scale of the historic festival of cycling coming to Glasgow and across Scotland for 11 days (August 3-13, 2023).

From the Highlands to the Borders and across the central belt, the carefully created schedule boasts a world class line-up of elite cycling competitions, designed to unite Scotland while sharing an inspirational cycling message with the world.

The schedule was designed by the UCI, the Organising Committee of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, host cities and key stakeholders to give an unrivalled live spectator and TV viewing experience, packed full of daily elite finals and nonstop action with at least three disciplines on display each day of the UCI Cycling Worlds.

Thousands of the world’s top cycling athletes will compete across the 13 UCI World Championships, with only a select few earning the title of UCI World Champion and the prestige of the rainbow jersey. With inclusivity at its core, the event will also feature para-cycling and junior competitions.

In a first for a UCI World Championships, the Women Elite road race will bring the curtain down on the competitions, on Sunday, August 13. In addition to championing female cyclists, the decision to stage the Men Elite road race on the opening weekend and the Women Elite road race on the closing day was taken to ensure the best possible alignment with the UCI Road International Calendar, in particular with respect to their respective Tours de France.

The opening weekend of the Championships (5-6 August) will include exhilarating action in Glasgow, Fort William and across Scotland. The Men Elite road race will take place in the stunning scenery of central Scotland while the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will host Track finals each day. Fans will be able to witness the fast and exhilarating Mountain Bike Downhill competitions against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Nevis Range.

At the other end of the country, Glentress Forest in the Tweed Valley will host tough endurance racing with the Mountain Bike Cross-country Marathon.

The full schedule of events across all 11-days, including BMX Racing, BMX Freestyle, Gran Fondo, Indoor Cycling and Trials can be found at the website for the cyclingworldchamps.com/schedule  

This is the first time all 13 UCI World Championships will be combined into one mega-event, making it a cycling event unmatched in size and scale. The anticipated global TV audience will place the Cycling World Championships in the top-10 most watched sporting events in the world, rivalling the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and placing Scotland on the world stage as a destination for

elite cycling and cycle tourism.

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale said: “Glasgow and the whole of Scotland are creating sporting history by hosting this multi-discipline cycling event for the first time. The UCI Cycling World Championships were one of my visions when I was first elected President of the UCI in 2017. That vision is now becoming a reality and the inaugural edition is really taking shape. The unveiling of the schedule enables us to visualise what awaits during these 11 days of non-stop cycling action. The entire cycling community can definitely expect great things!”   

Paul Bush OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said “Unveiling the full schedule for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is an incredibly exciting milestone in the build-up to the largest cycling event in history. Fans from around the world can start planning their trips to Scotland to celebrate the power of the bike across 13 exhilarating UCI World Championships. The first-of-its-kind event further strengthens our position as a world leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in 2023.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming people to Scotland for a packed 11 days of competition next August. The strength and breadth of competition and viewing experiences really does have something for everyone. What’s more, along with a host of diverse and wholly inclusive events, it feels fitting to close these UCI World Championships with the Women’s Elite road race.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “Glasgow is proud to be hosting 8 of the 13 UCI World Championships and we are delighted with the breadth of action taking place in the city throughout the 11 days, showcasing our amazing venues and giving citizens and visitors alike the chance to experience first-hand, elite sporting competitions. I am particularly excited to see the Women’s Elite road race scheduled as the final event, finishing in George Square, the civic heart of Glasgow.

“As a UCI Bike City and European Capital City of Sport for 2023, we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our wonderful city, not only to enjoy the event, but to embrace all that Glasgow has to offer in terms of art, culture and entertainment.”

The event is being delivered in collaboration between the UCI, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council, UK Sport and British Cycling as principal funders. The partnership aims to create a blueprint for future editions by ensuring the inaugural event is authentic, innovative, and distinctive whilst bringing all cycling disciplines together every four years, one year ahead of the Olympics.

For further information on the UCI Cycling World Championships, visit www.cyclingworldchamps.com

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale and Paul Bush OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are speaking at Host City 2022 on 15-16 November. Register for Host City 2022 here

[Source: GAISF] GAISF President Ivo Ferriani marked this year’s United Nations (UN) International Youth Day by calling on the global sports community to ensure the world’s youth have a voice in the development and future of sport.

Observed globally, International Youth Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise young people’s voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement.

This year’s theme is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”. As part of strengthening intergenerational solidarity, ensuring that young people have a voice in decision-making mechanisms is vital in bridging generational gaps.

President Ferriani said: “Sport has a key role to play in the physical, mental and social development of young people, so it is key that the global sports community listens to their voice when guiding sport’s global development. By working collaboratively, we can help draw more young people to sport and increase participation to secure sport’s future.

“As an integral part of society, sport can also be a powerful intergenerational activity. At all levels older generations pass on their knowledge to young people, ensuring that younger generations can experience the joy of sport and benefit from an active lifestyle. In a time where solidarity and collaboration are more important than ever, it is vital that we harness sport’s role as a vehicle for promoting social cohesion among all ages.”

[Source: Paris 2024] Following initial validation by the Executive Board on 23 June, Paris 2024 is continuing its efforts to optimise the Olympic and Paralympic venues master plan, which ensures enhanced competition conditions, helps keep control of the budget, and preserves the legacy of the Games for local residents and regional authorities. The Board of Directors of Paris 2024 has approved the potential solutions identified, and granted a mandate to the organisation to continue working with the stakeholders involved, before the propositions are  officially presented to the IOC and IPC for final validation.

Châteauroux identified as a venue for shooting and shooting Para sport

The Board of Directors of Paris 2024 has confirmed that the shooting and shooting Para sport events are to be moved and the venue in Châteauroux as the favoured option offering the best conditions for the organisation of the competitions in 2024. Drawing upon the positive exchanges with the Fédération Nationale de Tir (National Shooting Federation), and the enthusiasm of the elected regional authorities, Paris 2024 is continuing discussions with the actors involved to finalise the technical and financial matters relating to this new host territory.

The “Terrain des Essences”, in La Courneuve, which was initially identified to host the shooting and shooting Para sport, will remain a competition venue. It will serve as the starting point for the Para marathon and the Mass Event Road cycling; there is less temporary infrastructure required for these two events. The large-scale decontamination and renaturing work will continue on the 13-hectare site, meaning the Games leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the area and its residents.

With Villepinte, new competitions will be hosted in Seine-Saint-Denis

The Board of Directors has approved the site of Villepinte, in Seine-Saint-Denis, to host the boxing preliminaries, the fencing ranking round of modern pentathlon and sitting volleyball during the Paralympic Games. The venue is subject to validation by the relevant international federations. The final stages of the boxing events will be held in Roland Garros, on the Philippe-Chatrier court, after the Tennis competition.

With Villepinte, and with the para cycling events being held at Clichy-Sous-Bois, in addition to all the sites that are already on the venues master plan, Seine-Saint-Denis is, even more than before, at the very heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille has been selected to host the basketball preliminary rounds

Following discussions with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the IOC, the Board of Directors has mandated Paris 2024 to propose the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille for the organisation of the preliminary phase of the basketball events.

Stade Pierre Mauroy has a history of hosting major international competitions. The record attendance for a basketball match in Europe was broken at Stade Pierre-Mauroy at the EuroBasket final in 2015 (27,372 spectators).

This new arrangement has the benefit of providing greater coherence between different team sports. With the basketball preliminaries being held in Lille, the handball preliminaries can be staged in Paris, in Hall 6 of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles. Thus, handball players will have the possibility of competing in Paris. From the quarterfinals onwards, the basketball competition will take place at Arena Bercy in the heart of Paris. This option also helps optimise the use of existing competition venues and keeps the budget under control thanks to the exceptional capacity of the competition site in Lille.

Next step

The IOC will  provide a final approval of these venues after full completion of the technical assessments as to the Pierre Mauroy Stadium's compliance with FIBA’s requirements.

Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games planned to take place in the very heart of the city

The Board of Directors has officially mandated Paris 2024 to present to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) the alternative concept of a Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in the heart of the host city, Paris. Organised on the iconic Place De La Concorde, the Ceremony would be offering Paralympic athletes a unique experience.

Discussions will be held in the coming weeks with the IPC to agree on areas such as spectator capacity, accessibility, athletes' experience and budget, to define the most appropriate scenario for the Paralympics Games Opening Ceremony.

The two closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place at the Stade De France, in Saint-Denis.

On the opening panel, Innovation, Technology and Sustainability in Major Events, the consensus was that technology is undoubtedly creating amazing opportunities – but humanity must come first.

Al Kidd, CEO & President, Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) said : “You have a huge shift that tech has been able to impart. You’ve got chips in bats and balls. I’m amazed at how many dozens of tech companies are being formed every day. This shift is transformational at all levels.”

Abe Stein, Head of Innovation, Sports Innovation Lab said: "We need to think of AI and big data as a way to modernise our venues through infrastructure. But tech should be in service of our humanity. If it's not helping us, why do we have it in the first place? All data, starting at collecting, has perspective and position. We can get so excited about tech and data that we lose sight of ourselves.”

Cecilia J. Folz, Founder and CEO, CFC Collective said: “Sometimes you need to just do what you think is right – tech and data is important, but don’t lose sight of that gut instinct.”

The second panel discussion, also moderated by Katie Traxton, Board Director, European Sponsorship Association, explored Media Tech to Meet the Demands of Fans.

Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO, Recast said: “We need to think about the way in which we are able to give fans access to content. The ad model is lucrative for a few tech giants, but the subscription model limits reach.

“We are addressing the issue that many people cannot legally access content because they can’t afford to do that. We need to be able to give fans what they want when they want.”

Debra Gawrych, Secretary General, International Federation of Sport Climbing said: “There’s more to the sport than just the event. People are eager to know what’s going on behind the scenes. They want athlete profiles and interviews. They are hungry for detail – not just surface soundbites.”

Marcus Luer, CEO, Total Sports Asia challenged the topic of the panel, saying “I’m not sure media tech should be designed to meet the demands of fans, but the other way round. No one needed TikTok – we lived our lives without it, but someone designed it and it’s been hugely successful.”

In the panel on The Convergence of Sports and Esports, Gabriel Q. Chan, Director of Communications, Global Esports Federation highlighted the Commonwealth Esports Championships that will run concurrently with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in less than 40 days’ time.

“Players will have the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage; this opens up new opportunities,” he said.

Beng Choo Low, Secretary General of the World Baseball Softball Confederation said that Esports and traditional sports will not totally converge. “You will reach a stage where esports is another discipline, like softball or baseball, as part of all the other so-called traditional sports. Yes, you’re online, but there’s also a physical element to it. Athletes like to meet not just online; there must be some physical interaction.”

Yao Williams‎, VP, Global Brand Partnerships, ESL Gaming said the future is mobile. “At ESL we are very bullish on mobile. There are more people with smartphones than PCs or consoles. When with think about global growth we think about Indonesia, India and Africa.”

Ian Verchere, Co-founder and CEO, Session Games highlighted how esports can learn about commercial partnerships from the experience of sports events. “The presence of brands in sport is authentic in the way it might not be in Dota or one of those fantasy-based games. Working with a governing body gives you that legitimacy to go in and open doors that wouldn’t necessarily be open if you just went in as a gamer.”

“We are always innovating,” said Chan. “The key is to keep engaging with our community – publishers, gamers, fans and young people. There are so many opportunities – the metaverse is a new frontier; how can we tap into that to grow esports to a whole new level?”

The panel was moderated by Matt Traub, Managing Editor, SportsTravel.

World record-breaking gamer and content creator Callum Knight, also known as @seapeekay, said in a Q&A: “We are seeing a massive increase in people getting opportunities in the mainstream. Content creators have their own TV shows, or they are getting chosen for Strictly. We are seeing YouTubers turning into million-record selling artists. We are raw and unpolished, but if you want to take opportunities there’s a lot you can do."

Sustainability

The Association of Global Event Suppliers’ Board Member Dave Crump co-produced a panel, Can Innovations in Physical Technology Balance Sustainability with Cost? with Host City’s Official Sustainability Partner Aggreko.

The panel, featuring Karlan Jessen, Head of Sustainability, Lake Placid 2023 World University Games, David de Behr, Director of Sales Event Services, Aggreko, Steve Stum, VP Operations and Technical Production, NASCAR Productions and Greg Louw, Senior Technical Producer, ConCom revealed that new technology is far less power hungry, but there's also a lot more of it.

It was fascinating to hear from three very different events: a major one-off event; a fixed and recurrent event; and a major production company regularly touring with massive equipment, on the tension between the value of achieving sustainability goals versus the cost of the goal.

Audiences expect complex, large-scale productions instead of simple, spectator events and balancing sustainability goals with demand for bigger shows is difficult. Perfect solutions may not yet exist to all the challenges, but commitment to sustainability and energy transition means starting with something – exploring solutions, technologies and pilot schemes and sharing the results with other event organisers.

Speaking on the panel Fostering Impact, Legacy and DEI through Major Events, Cindy Medynski, Director of Edmonton Events said they are looking for event partners that have similar values and that align with their community goals. “It’s important that our stakeholders are buying local. It has to be a win-win for both sides of the coin.”

She also highlighted that Edmonton has the second highest indigenous population in Canada. ”It’s important for them to be at the table from the beginning and for us to be educated on how to incorporate them.”

Sarah Lewis OBE OLY said: “Sustainability, inclusion and DEI are part of the DNA of the event – that’s a win win win for everyone involved: for the value of the event, for the local community and the global community. We’ve got to be a diverse society, to respect and do things in a sustainable way - or the planet unfortunately won’t have the capacity to handle things anymore.”

Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Sport & Entertainment Commission also highlighted the growing importance of community events for host cities. “If we’re not engaging our local community, our local businesses and our non-profits, and creating opportunities for our kids then we have failed.” She also stressed that these values are just as important for private and philanthropic funders of major events.

“Legacy is more than a buzzword, said Tania Braga, Head of Olympic Games Impact and Legacy, International Olympic Committee. “It’s part of why hosts have the Olympic Games; it’s about creating lasting benefits for the people of the host territory and the sports movement.

“Legacy is a living thing – it keeps evolving. We can still find educational programmes that exist many decades after the Games.”

She also highlighted the “very clear challenge” of climate change, and the Olympic movement’s “firm commitment” to be climate positive by 2030.

The panel was moderated by John Siner, Founder and Owner, Why Sport Matters.

On the panel The Role of Events in Promoting People and Places, Anita DeFrantz, Member, International Olympic Committee and Board Member, LA 28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Jimena Saldaña, Vice President, Panam Sports Organization, Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH – International Association of Horticultural Producers, Steven Mifsud MBE, CEO, Direct Access and Grant MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer, Sport Tourism Canada held up engagement, community, inclusivity and accessibility as areas particularly affected by the hosting of major events.

There are so many layers to event hosting and part of that is about learning how to live and work together and understanding different cultures and communities.

Event hosting can also offer tangible benefits. Tim Briercliffe of AIPH, the International Association of Horticultural Producers highlighted the benefits of hosting a horticultural expo, including the lasting legacy of a beautiful city park.

The final panel, Summing Up: Prove Your Value, explored how right holders are structuring their financial models, monetising their rights and using technology to demonstrate the value of their brands and the importance of data analytics and DEI criteria for hosts and events to show their impact with credibility.

Matt Pound, Managing Director, World Table Tennis stressed the importance of staying relevant for traditional sports. “We need to offer people a product that’s worth their hard-earned cash, as the cost of living is going up. Table tennis is now competing with Netflix, with Candy Crush, with a Taylor Swift concert, with so many things. Do we need dancers, singers, light shows and entertainment to entice people to watch your sport? We’ve shortened our sessions so people can be entertained in a short, sharp experience.”

Gauging the impact of events is of growing importance for all stakeholders. “We are seeing more scrutiny of engagement of audiences rather than just volume,” said Mihir Warty, Chief Strategy Officer, World Rugby. “The world has moved on, looking at value and not just number of tweets and Facebook likes. That’s something we’ve got better at interpreting”. One barrier to change is the number of federations all trying to do similar things in terms of the explosion of digital and data opportunities. “Accessing skills is a real challenge”.

Babacar Djileh Dieng, Member of the IOC’s Digital & Technology Commission, joined the conference from Senegal, where the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be hosted. “People say the YOG are the laboratory of the Olympic brand, but with every event you are trying to improve it. Every Games is the laboratory for the next one!”

The panel was moderated by Robert Livingstone, founder of GamesBids.com.

Keynotes: LA 28, FIFA, Santiago 2023 and Aser

John Harper, Chief Operating Officer, LA 28 Olympic & Paralympic Games gave an excellent presentation followed by a fireside chat, which gave a great sense of the excitement around the LA 28 programme. They set out to create an unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic experience for athletes, fans, partners, and the community. Harper outlined plans to celebrate the multi-faceted city of LA, a determination to fit the games around Los Angeles and a focus on creating a human legacy.

Host City’s Ben Avison also interviewed Colin Smith, Chief Tournaments & Events Officer, FIFA about the preparations for 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place later in the year in Qatar. He highlighted how the first World Cup taking place in the football-mad Arab world is important for the development of football, expanding its horizon and sharing the sport with the wider world.

The venues are available and ready well ahead of time and already in use for test matches, which allows for valuable early planning time. He also stressed the importance of the condensed match schedule, taking place over 28 days – and the celebrations that will happen in Qatar’s compact location.

Gianna Cunazza, CEO and Juan Carlos Chamy, CMO & CCO of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Organizing Committee gave a valuable update on preparations for the Games. The event is ready to gather more than 9,000 athletes in the biggest sports event of the Americas in the next year. "We believe in the social role of sports, so we are working hard to leave a sporting and social legacy for the whole country," they said.

Massimo Marinelli, Board Director of sports, media and tech investment company Aser Ventures also gave a fascinating interview. He said sports is a great industry to be in because it continues to be an industry of wins and performances, and that the sports industry will be more sustainable if it continues to create opportunities for investment. He also highlighted the importance of Leeds United’s partnership with San Francisco 49ers, and revealed that the expansion their Elland Road ground is back under discussion.

In his closing remarks with Adam Soroka, Avison highlighted the importance of diversity and diversification for major events in the years to come, which are likely to be characterized by financial, social and environmental considerations.

[Source: FIFA] A significant milestone on the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was reached tonight as the 16 Host Cities that are due to stage matches at the first edition of football’s showpiece to feature 48 teams were unveiled by FIFA. The highly anticipated announcement was made on a TV show produced in cooperation with FOX and Telemundo from New York and broadcast live to host countries Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as the whole world via FIFA+.

Today’s announcement follows the most transparent and comprehensive bidding process in football history, with FIFA’s decision having been made in the best interests of the game, taking into consideration the needs of all stakeholders involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“We congratulate the 16 FIFA World Cup Host Cities on their outstanding commitment and passion. Today is a historic day – for everyone in those cities and states, for FIFA, for Canada, the USA and Mexico who will put on the greatest show on Earth. We look forward to working together with them to deliver what will be an unprecedented FIFA World Cup and a game-changer as we strive to make football truly global,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“We were delighted by the unparalleled competitiveness of this selection process. We are extremely grateful not only to the 16 cities that have been selected, but also to the other six – with whom we look forward to continuing to engage and explore additional opportunities to welcome fans and participating teams. This has always been a FIFA World Cup of three countries, and that undoubtedly will have a tremendous impact on the whole region and the wider football community,” added FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Ciites:

Atlanta

Boston

Dallas

Guadalajara

Houston

Kansas City

Los Angeles

Mexico City

Miami

Monterrey

New York / New Jersey

Philadelphia

San Francisco Bay Area

Seattle

Toronto

Vancouver

[Source: Explore Edmonton] The City of Edmonton has today confirmed its full support for ambitions to host matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The news comes with the formal signing of an agreement with FIFA, the final step in the process of FIFA’s Official Host City selection. The agreement includes investment guarantees irrespective of FIFA’s allocation of matches, and a shortlist of firms to assist with the advancement of facilities at the stadium and training facilities.

An announcement by FIFA on the host cities is set to be made on 16 June in New York, completing a thorough two-year process. For Edmonton, this included a visit by FIFA delegates in November 2021, during which the city hosted Canada’s FIFA World Cup 2022™ qualification match against Mexico, selling over 51,000 tickets despite winter temperatures of -9˚ Celsius.

Edmonton is one of three Canadian cities awaiting confirmation as a host city, alongside Toronto and Vancouver. Should FIFA decide to allocate host cities according to the United 2026 bid, all three would become host cities, along with three in Mexico and ten in the United States.

The City’s ambition to become a 2026 host city also enjoys vast local support, with public surveys showing a 93% favourability for the event. Community and business leaders have also been an active part of the process, including via the FIFA Champions Committee, which advises and promotes the work of the candidature. The Committee is chaired by Chief Billy Morin, chief of the Enoch Cree Nation, which forms an especially key part of Edmonton’s candidature given the city’s location on Treaty Six territory.

Edmonton has successfully hosted a range of FIFA tournaments in the past, including the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship 2002, the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2007, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2014 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015. With such experience, the city has shown unwavering commitment throughout the 2026 process.

Upon signature of the final documents, Traci Bednard, CEO of Explore Edmonton, said: “We are more excited than ever by the partnership between FIFA and the City of Edmonton. We have had tremendous experiences in hosting FIFA tournaments in the past, not only in delivering great matches and events, but also in inspiring future generations of soccer players and fans. In 2026, Edmonton will be ready to deliver once again.”

In a recent interview with Inside World Football, Canadian soccer player Alphonso Davies, who grew up in Edmonton, said: “Whenever an international soccer event has come to Edmonton, people have supported the events very well. Edmonton is a beautiful, diverse place, and I have no doubt they will accept the rest of the world exactly how they accepted me and my family when we moved here. Edmonton has some great facilities and there are a lot of things happening in the city, especially in the summer seasons.”

More information of the vision of Edmonton’s plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ can be seen via their website here.

Register for Host City Americas, online on 29th June, for free here: https://www.hostcity.com/events/host-city-americas/register