Host City

Innovation in Major Events

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 venues, fan and athlete engagement, sustainability, catering, social impact and legacy. Drawing on real-world case studies, from urban biathlon in Munich to the UK-hosted Tour de France, the conversation highlights how vision, collaboration and bold thinking are reshaping the future of major events.

The Americas’ Decade of Sport

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 moderator Martin Ross (SportBusiness) to examine opportunities for international federations and suppliers, evolving fan engagement strategies, infrastructure and technology readiness, and how cities can maximise long-term legacy from this defining decade of sport.

How Can International Events Maximise Local Impact?

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 evidence-led legacy planning, community engagement, cultural and social outcomes, and how impact can be measured, sustained and scaled beyond the event itself.

Sustaining the Future with Major Events

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, fan travel and behaviour change, host-city collaboration and why sustainability is fast becoming the new measure of success for major events.

S2023 Ep22: Closing Remarks

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

S2023 Ep21: Panel 10: Transforming sports and entertainment experiences

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 Barrett, Editor, Access All Areas

S2023 Ep20: Presentation and Q&A: Overlay infrastructure for Milano Cortina 2026

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

S2022 Ep19: Panel 9: Quantifying the less tangible impacts of events

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)

S2023 Ep18: Panel 8: Strategic development of destinations through sport and events

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, Tourism & Events, Glasgow Life

S2023 Ep17: Keynote Address

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