iSportconnect Announces 2018 Brands Masterclass For London

iSportconnect,  the world’s largest global private network of sports business executives, is pleased to announce that its 2018 Brands Masterclass will be held on Tuesday 18th September at Pinsent Masons, London, United Kingdom.

More than ever, brands are at the heart of the business of sport. iSportconnect is delighted to present the 2018 Brands Masterclass, an exclusive event to engage with thought leaders in a challenging and ever-changing global industry. iSportconnect Masterclasses offer unparalleled networking opportunities with all discussions remaining confidential under the Chatham House Rule.

Danielle Atkins, Vice President of Brand and Creative at Kodak, said: “The iSportconnect Brands Masterclass was an excellent event. Great line up of speakers, extremely well-moderated Panel sessions. Excellent balance between Sports Rights Holders and Brands.”

The exclusive gathering will bring together executives from top rights-holders and brands to share insight on key issues of today and get ahead of the challenges of tomorrow. Delegates will be able to exchange ideas and network in a private, relaxed atmosphere in the centre of London.

Fiona Taag, Head of Global Sponsorship & Europe Marketing Communications at DHL, said: “As always, the iSportconnect Brands Masterclass event was a great opportunity to meet with sponsorship peers and exchange ideas, plus also a great reminder that we are all facing the same challenges… and the same opportunities!”

The programme for discussion will feature topics such as Embracing Transformational Tech, Brands & the eSports Phenomenon and Making New Deals & Making Them Work. A full lineup of speakers will be confirmed in coming weeks.

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

To register your interest in attending the 2018 Brands Masterclass, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: The Data & Digital Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers are allowed.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

 

Mercedes F1 Partners With Hewlett Packard

The Mercedes Formula One team has joined forces with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to boost their operational efficiency, car performance and overall technology capability.

The partnership involves a multi-year technology roadmap, with product and process implementation across the UK-based motorsport outfit’s factory and trackside operations.

HPE has already installed its Apollo high-performance computing system at Mercedes’ Brackley base, which will be used to run complex race simulations, giving the team’s engineers additional information and insights to make better-informed decisions before, during and after on-track sessions.

“Data is becoming increasingly important – not just in the world of Formula One, but the world in general,” said Mercedes Team Principal and Chief Executive, Toto Wolff. “In Formula One, we use data on our relentless search for performance, across all functions of the team – both at the track and at the factory.

“With the support of HPE we can better process and analyse that data, enabling our team members to do what they do best – from the early stages of conceiving a competitive car to the final moment of the car setup on a race weekend. Formula One has always been on the forefront of technological development and with partners like HPE we are able to accelerate our development rate to an even faster pace.”

BeIN To Broadcast World Cup Games For Free Across MENA

BeIN Sports are to broadcast 22 World Cup matches for free across the Middle East and North Africa after millions of football fans faced being unable to watch the tournament.

The Doha-based sports channel made the sudden announcement just before the competition opened following consultation with FIFA.

The move took place after a £25million ($33.3m) deal with Saudi Arabia collapsed leaving millions of fans facing the prospect of being unable to watch their country play in today’s tournament opener against hosts Russia.

Commenting on the decision to broadcast the games, Chairman and CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP, Nasser Al Khelaifi, said: “It is our honour and pleasure to offer free-to-air access to 22 FIFA World Cup matches, offering the most memorable moments of the World Cup in Russia to millions of football fans across the Middle East and North Africa.    “Our region has some of the most passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable football fans in the world, and we are delighted to be able to open up access to the tournament to the multitude of fans who will tune in across the region over the coming weeks.  This is the first time we have made our content so widely available as we realize how significant and unifying this tournament is for our region.”

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Data & Digital Masterclass, 19th June, The Courthouse Hotel (Shoreditch), London

We are delighted to announce that Yahoo Sports and Sky Sports have joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass, taking place on June 19, 2018. Raj Mannick, the Head of Sports for Yahoo Sports and Robert Hodges, Head of Audience Development and Commercial at Sky Sports, are the new names added to the programme.

Raj recently joined Yahoo Sports as Head of Sports. An editorial and commercial leader with a background in digital and broadcast programming, Raj worked as a journalist for the BBC before spending six years at ITN Productions, where he created innovative content and drove digital engagement for companies such as The Premier League, The Times, SNTV and IAAF.

Robert has eleven years of digital and social experience working at the UK’s biggest sports broadcaster, Sky Sports. In his current role as Head of Audience Development and Commercial, he leads the social strategy for the subscription television sports brand, as well as supporting the branded content business and creating additional revenue opportunities around Sky’s portfolio of content.

The Data & Digital Masterclass will bring a new focus to examining the digital market by zooming in on what makes digital so special and exciting – data. Leading rights owners and brands will share insights on how they currently harness the power of data and their plans for the future, separating the real digital opportunities from the hype.

Other confirmed speakers for the Data & Digital Masterclass include:

  • An Dang Duy, Chief Information Officer, IAAF
  • David Gibbs, Digital Director Sport & News, Sky
  • Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer, European Tour
  • Moe Hamdhaidari, Head of Digital Platforms, Chelsea Football Club
  • Jonathan Levene, Managing Director, Intel Sports
  • Daniel Marion, Chief of Information & Communication Technology, UEFA
  • Ali Russell, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Formula E
  • Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, Fédération Equestre Internationale
  • Rael Enteen, Director of Digital/Social Media, New York Jets
  • Tommy O’Hare, Head of Digital Strategy, Olympic Channel
  • César Chaparro, Head of Data-Driven Transformation, LaLiga
  • Nicola Rosa, XR Strategy Lead, Accenture
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content & Digital, All England Lawn Tennis Club

The Data & Digital Masterclass will explore topics such as:

  • How to access, acquire, activate and analyse customer data to increase engagement, revenue and loyalty
  • Identifying the best new approaches and tools to help rights owners to compete successfully in the online entertainment market
  • Using data insights in customer retention and acquisition strategy
  • Creating high-value content and using data to measure effectiveness
Confirmed Speakers

iSportconnect events operate under the Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment where attendees can forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending this event, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: The Data & Digital Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member – If you are not currently a member but would still like to attend the event, please register your interest. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers allowed.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Data & Digital Masterclass, 19th June, The Courthouse Hotel (Shoreditch), London

We are delighted to announce that Yahoo Sports and Sky Sports have joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass, taking place on June 19, 2018. Raj Mannick, the Head of Sports for Yahoo Sports and Robert Hodges, Head of Audience Development and Commercial at Sky Sports, are the new names added to the programme.

Raj recently joined Yahoo Sports as Head of Sports. An editorial and commercial leader with a background in digital and broadcast programming, Raj worked as a journalist for the BBC before spending six years at ITN Productions, where he created innovative content and drove digital engagement for companies such as The Premier League, The Times, SNTV and IAAF.

Robert has eleven years of digital and social experience working at the UK’s biggest sports broadcaster, Sky Sports. In his current role as Head of Audience Development and Commercial, he leads the social strategy for the subscription television sports brand, as well as supporting the branded content business and creating additional revenue opportunities around Sky’s portfolio of content.

The Data & Digital Masterclass will bring a new focus to examining the digital market by zooming in on what makes digital so special and exciting – data. Leading rights owners and brands will share insights on how they currently harness the power of data and their plans for the future, separating the real digital opportunities from the hype.

Other confirmed speakers for the Data & Digital Masterclass include:

  • An Dang Duy, Chief Information Officer, IAAF
  • David Gibbs, Digital Director Sport & News, Sky
  • Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer, European Tour
  • Moe Hamdhaidari, Head of Digital Platforms, Chelsea Football Club
  • Jonathan Levene, Managing Director, Intel Sports
  • Daniel Marion, Chief of Information & Communication Technology, UEFA
  • Ali Russell, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Formula E
  • Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, Fédération Equestre Internationale
  • Rael Enteen, Director of Digital/Social Media, New York Jets
  • Tommy O’Hare, Head of Digital Strategy, Olympic Channel
  • César Chaparro, Head of Data-Driven Transformation, LaLiga
  • Nicola Rosa, XR Strategy Lead, Accenture
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content & Digital, All England Lawn Tennis Club

The Data & Digital Masterclass will explore topics such as:

  • How to access, acquire, activate and analyse customer data to increase engagement, revenue and loyalty
  • Identifying the best new approaches and tools to help rights owners to compete successfully in the online entertainment market
  • Using data insights in customer retention and acquisition strategy
  • Creating high-value content and using data to measure effectiveness
Confirmed Speakers

iSportconnect events operate under the Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment where attendees can forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending this event, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: The Data & Digital Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member – If you are not currently a member but would still like to attend the event, please register your interest. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers allowed.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

World Cup Countdown – Sports Travel For The Sporting Elite

Are you playing Russian Roulette with your company’s travel plans?

Without question, making reliable, large-scale corporate travel arrangements can be a confusing, time-consuming and complicated task.

With this summer’s football World Cup in Russia starting this week, iSportconnect spoke with leading corporate travel management & events company, ATPI, to get a better understanding of the overall process and potential pitfalls.

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Data & Digital Masterclass, 19th June, The Courthouse Hotel (Shoreditch), London

We are delighted to announce that the LaLiga has joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass taking place on June 19, 2018. César Chaparro, the Head of Data-Driven Transformation within the BI & Analytics Department for LaLiga is the new name added to the line-up.

Before joining LaLiga in early 2018, César worked for 11 years at the World Bank in Washington DC as the Head of Data and Methodology for the Doing Business and Enabling the Business of Agriculture projects. Among other responsibilities, his role involved policy advice to Government counterparts to achieve data-based policy reforms. Prior to the World Bank, he worked on EU and competition matters in the private sector. 

The Masterclass will bring a new focus to examining the digital market by zooming in on what makes digital so special and exciting – data. Leading rights owners and brands will share insights on how they harness the power of data now and their plans for the future, separating the real digital opportunities from the hype.

Other confirmed speakers for the Data & Digital Masterclass include:

  • An Dang Duy, Chief Information Officer, IAAF
  • David Gibbs, Digital Director Sport & News, Sky
  • Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer, European Tour
  • Moe Hamdhaidari, Head of Digital Platforms, Chelsea Football Club
  • Jonathan Levene, Managing Director, Intel Sports
  • Daniel Marion, Chief of Information & Communication Technology, UEFA
  • Ali Russell, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Formula E
  • Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, Fédération Equestre Internationale
  • Rael Enteen, Director of Digital/Social Media, New York Jets
  • Tommy O’Hare, Head of Digital Strategy, Olympic Channel
  • Nicola Rosa, XR Strategy Lead, Accenture
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content & Digital, All England Lawn Tennis Club

The Data & Digital Masterclass will explore topics such as:

  • How to access, acquire, activate and analyse customer data to increase engagement, revenue and loyalty
  • Identifying the best new approaches and tools to help rights owners to compete successfully in the online entertainment market
  • Using data insights in customer retention and acquisition strategy
  • Creating high-value content and using data to measure effectiveness
Confirmed Speakers

iSportconnect events operate under Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment where attendees can forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending the event, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com.

Invitation Policy: The Data & Digital Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member – If you are not currently a member but would still like to attend the event, please register your interest. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers allowed.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com.

‘Building The EuroLeague Of Tomorrow’ – Jordi Bertomeu, CEO, EuroLeague Basketball

by Jordi Bertomeu, President & CEO, EuroLeague Basketball

It was only a few days ago when we were all flying back from Belgrade after four tremendously exciting and exhausting days. The Final Four has been, yet again, the annual can’t-miss date for all basketball fans, stakeholders and partners, an event that has found a spot on the calendar of the most prestigious sports events in the world.

This has been the sporting close to a special season that has brought probably the highest-quality basketball ever seen in Europe. It has also been the second season of the newly designed true round-robin league, which finally did justice to the competition’s name, the EuroLeague, and which is being followed closely by other sports properties across the continent and beyond.

But despite the on-court season having finished, there is no such pause behind the scenes. The work never stops at either our league headquarters or those of the clubs. These are shaky days in professional sports, as in almost every entertainment business. What you know today may no longer be valid tomorrow. The technology you call new today will probably be old tomorrow. These are times of constant adaptation to new trends. Those who are able to anticipate innovations and be prepared for when they happen will be the most successful.

So here we are, shaping the EuroLeague of tomorrow through a collective project of the clubs that now is 18 years old. And that is a crucial word: collective. We are lucky to have a group of clubs that truly understand that individual success depends most of all on collective success, on building a powerful brand that stays relevant for the fans and for partners over time, one that has strong links to an ever-changing and evolving culture. By putting aside the many differences that separate them and focusing on what brings them together, this common project aims to enable fans to engage with the very best of basketball in Europe.

We are also lucky to have on this journey our partner IMG, a giant in the entertainment business who from day one has pushed all of us to get better and works hand in hand with us to constantly re-invent the league.

This common understanding allows the league, the clubs, the players, the coaches and everyone involved to work as one, in one direction, and to continuously build the EuroLeague of tomorrow. It is our collective duty to make sure that as many fans as possible are able to enjoy what is a great product.

The EuroLeague has understood since its origins that staying relevant implies constant evolution of the product, which in turn reflects the evolution of the environment in which that product exists. That evolution sometimes comes only by doing things differently, by adapting to new trends in the behaviour of the fans and their culture. It requires forgetting about “how we do things” and taking a blank piece of paper to define “how we could do things.” Being bold, being disruptive, staying fresh. Today, technology offers you endless possibilities, and for us and for our clubs this is key when thinking about how to create a new and fresh product for the fans of today and for those of tomorrow.

These days, in the EuroLeague, we see players and coaches being measured with sensors or being equipped with POV cameras to take fans to the centre of the action. We see the league and the clubs connecting with tech start-ups ready to bring new solutions to enhance the EuroLeague experience.  And behind the scenes, we are going through a deep digital transformation aimed at knowing our fans better so we can be ready to meet their expectations and deliver to them the best basketball – exactly how they want it and exactly when they want it.

EuroLeague Basketball, as managers of premium club competitions, has a responsibility towards the fans. It’s a responsibility to deliver a great experience to them, to let them truly connect with the clubs and players that they admire. It’s a responsibility to preserve the history of the game while we ensure that we keep making it better. And it’s a responsibility, shared with renowned clubs and iconic players, to work in their communities to do things that actually make the lives of people better.

And, collectively, we are ready to deliver.

UAE To Host New T20 Cricket League

The UAE is to host its very own Twenty20 cricket league.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed plans to become the next organisation to form its own competition, which would take place in December and January.

The league, which the ECB claims will be the ‘most innovative and inclusive in the world’, has been granted a 10-year sanctioning agreement by the International Cricket Council (ICC).  It’s due to be formally announced later this month.

David East, Chief Executive of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “Our firm aim is for this event to take the sport to all corners of the UAE and to develop cricket at a grassroots level initially in – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. This will not be just another T20 tournament, it will be a true international festival of sport and the hottest cricket ticket in the UAE.”

Nasim Ashraf, Chairman of the league’s Board of Directors, added: “Our intention is to build a new event that is here to stay, and one that occupies a niche position in the international cricket calendar. We are not looking to compete with other T20 leagues, we are looking to develop an international festival of cricket that exists first and foremost for the benefit of the players, and with a very specific goal of helping to develop new talent from around the world and grow the game in keeping with global best practices.”

UEFA Chief Fails To Rule Out Champions League Switch

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has refused to rule out the Champions League final being hosted outside of Europe.

With the ongoing debate regarding the suitability of host cities staging the showpiece reaching new levels – this season’s venue of Kiev a case in point – Ceferin has said there is a possibility of playing the final in locations such as New York.

If the governing body is to seriously consider the move, it’s likely use the Super Cup as an experiment, a fixture played between the Champions League and Europa League winners.

Mr. Ceferin said: “We have to know that the Champions League is a global competition, watched by I think more people outside of Europe than in Europe altogether. So, let’s see. I can’t give you a final answer.”

The Ukrainian capital has proven to be a logistical and financial nightmare for Liverpool supporters ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday) final with Real Madrid. Ticketing issues for Reds fans have also been widely reported.

“It is a big problem that we know about,” added Ceferin. “It is everywhere and it has happened before. We cancelled the tickets that are found on the black market, but the thing is that I am not sure if it is possible to completely prevent that thing to happen.”

Meanwhile the 2020 final has been awarded to the city of Istanbul, the location of Liverpool’s last Champions League success in 2005.