All Episodes

Events are generating ever more sophisticated data about their audiences, but how can they capitalise on this knowledge? How do we convert data to growth? And how should we give fans access to content? What opportunities and challenges do digital twins, the metaverse, VR and AR present for major events and host cities? 
Yiannis Exarchos, CEO, Olympic Broadcasting Services and Executive Director, Olympic Channel Services
John Tweardy, Managing Partner - Olympic, Paralympic & Major Events Practice, Deloitte
Catherine Chapman, Senior Programme Manager, Wiz-Team
Jack McGill, CEO, QTV
Moderator: Martin Fitchie, Director, Motion Technology Services

Stefano Manelli, Director, Citec Italy; Transportation Supervisor, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

Good relationships between rights holders, hosts, organisers, suppliers and sponsors are essential to deliver positive events. How are these relationships being fostered and nurtured?
Speakers include: 
Hilary Atkinson, Director, FIH Pro League & Olympic Games, International Hockey Federation (FIH)
Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh
Helen Marriage, Director, Artichoke
Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau; West Midlands Growth Company
Moderator: Jonny Gray, Senior Managing Director, Ankura

Who is the future fan? What do they want? Are they online, ethical, busier, younger or older? What can we learn from other industries who have embraced the customer journey? 
Speakers: 
Brendan Williams, Chair of the Athletes Advisory Commission, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
Alice John, Head of Economic Growth and Development Advisory, Deloitte’s Sports Business Group
Mate Bor, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President, FITEQ and Gergely Murányi, Head of Diplomatic Relations, FITEQ
Jonny Murch, CEO / Founder, Redtorch
Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager, ESA (European Sponsorship Association) and Communications Manager, UIPM
Moderator: Mike Laflin, CEO & Founder, Global Sustainable Sport

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games review 
Ian Ward, Leader, Birmingham City Council
with questions from Ben Avison, Conference Director, 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 Green, Head of Major Events, City of Copenhagen
Prof. Andy Miah, Metaverse Council & Commission Member, Global Esports Federation
Moderator: Robbie Clyde, Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland 

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 progressing diversity, equity and inclusion?
Speakers: 
Ivo Ferriani, President, GAISF, SportAccord, AWOIF and IBSF
Sam Ramsamy, Honorary Member, IOC and Vice President, FINA
David De Behr, Head of Sales, Major Events, Aggreko
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
Chair: Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland

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
Georgina Warren, Head of City Events and Experience, London & Partners
Susan Sawbridge, Manager, New Zealand Major Events
Andrew Dixon, Director, Culture, Creativity, Place
Moderator: James Paterson, Principal, MI Associates

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 Services
Rebecca Edser, Senior Major Events Consultant, UK Sport
Georg Spazier, CEO, innsbruck-tirol sports
Asahi Takano, Partner, Portas Consulting
Moderator: Iain Edmondson, Director: Legacy Delivery Ltd; International Association of Event Hosts

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 Edwards, President, Nitro Circus
Erich Wolf, Managing Director, Red Bull Air Race
Moderator: Fiona Green, Director, Winners FDD Ltd

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: Ben Avison, Conference Director, Host City