iSportconnect Announces 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne

iSportconnect, the world’s largest private network for sports business executives, is to host a special 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne on September 24th 2018, at the digital innovation hub, Gotham. This exclusive event will focus on Content and Data & Innovation for Federations & Rights Owners.

 Among the first names confirmed for the speaker line-up at the 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne are:

  • Rudiger Muller: Head of Digital Communications, FIFA
  • Ian Holmes: Director of Media Rights, Formula 1

Rudiger took over as Head of Digital Communications at FIFA in March 2015, having previously been in charge of World Cup content for the governing body’s digital platforms. With 20 years of experience in the digital field, Rudiger’s former employers include UEFA.com, Sky TV in Germany and Sport1.

Ian is a veteran of over two decades in the sports media business. Since 2001, he has worked primarily within media rights at Formula 1. Currently Director of Media Rights, Ian manages the licensing of the Group’s rights worldwide. Prior to Formula 1, Ian was employed by Kirch Sport, Prisma and ISL Television during which time he covered several key sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, IAAF Athletics World Championships and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

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 the 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne, please contact Abigail Kalikwani – abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne 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 are allowed to attend.

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


iSportconnect Announces Hookit As Their Official Sponsorship Analytics And Valuation Partner

iSportconnect, the world’s largest global private network of sport business executives, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Hookit, the pioneer in sponsorship valuation.

As the world’s leading single-source platform for quantifying sports sponsorship value across all forms of media, Hookit works with brands and rights holders to expand their sponsorship intelligence, allowing them to buy and sell sponsorships more effectively.

McLaren, Sony, Audi, Bose, European Golf Tour, LAFC, and the Oakland Raiders are among an impressive list of high-profile clients and partners of the San Diego-based company.

Hookit will become the exclusive Sponsorship Analytics & Valuation Partner of iSportconnect.

Sree Varma, iSportconnect’s CEO and Founder, said of the collaboration: “I’m excited and honoured that Hookit has decided to partner with iSportconnect as our official data and valuation platform. Hookit is an outstanding business and a genuine global leader in the sponsorship technology or “spontech” space. I look forward to working with the Hookit team and starting what I know will be a successful partnership and help our respective organizations to new heights.”

“We are excited to join the iSportconnect community. They have built a truly global group of sports executives who are forward thinking and can help expand our reach as we keep evolving and leading the market in sponsorship innovation,” said Kim Cook, Chief Revenue Officer at Hookit.

To learn more about the partnership, send inquiries to press@hookit.com.

iSportconnect Sign Two-Year Partnership Deal With Sodexo

iSportconnect, the world’s largest global private network of sport business executives, is delighted to announce a new two-year partnership with Sodexo Sports & Leisure.

Sodexo Sports & Leisure has a global portfolio of stadia and major events, providing catering, hospitality, non-matchday conference and events as well as facilities management services for diverse clients including Ascot Racecourse, Newcastle United FC, Paris Saint-Germain FC, Miami Dolphins, Atletico Madrid, The Open and Le Tour de France.

Last year Sodexo Sports & Leisure acquired event venue catering & hospitality specialist Centerplate to become one of the largest such providers in the US and supporting the UK strategy to grow its stadia and cultural destinations portfolio.

iSportconnect will support Sodexo Sports & Leisure with its business objectives across UK, Spain and China, and Sodexo’s joint venture with the Mike Burton Group Sports, Travel & Hospitality (STH).

STH designs, promotes and operates ticket inclusive travel and sports hospitality programmes for major sporting events across the globe. Clients include the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and Cricket World Cup 2019 in England.

STH is also official travel programme operator for all ICC Cricket and is the official travel and hospitality provider for the British Olympic Association (Team GB).

Sree Varma, iSportconnect’s CEO and Founder, said of the partnership: “It is always an immense pleasure to welcome onboard a new partner, but few are as big or as impressive as Sodexo. The company’s track record and turnover speak for itself, and I’m confident both iSportconnect and Sodexo will reap the rewards from this collaboration over the next two years.”

Chris John, CEO, Sodexo Global Events, added: “We’re pleased to be partnering with iSportconnect to support our strategy of growing our portfolio of sports venues in the UK, Spain and China, and our global event hospitality joint venture Sports, Travel & Hospitality. Our mission is to provide a world-class service to our clients and customers and with iSportconnect, we can share our thought leadership and expertise in contributing to fan experience and maximising revenue for venues.”

About Sodexo

Sodexo Sports & Leisure is part of Sodexo. Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 80 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Through its more than 100 services, Sodexo provides clients an integrated offering developed over 50 years of experience: from food services, reception, maintenance and cleaning, to facilities and equipment management; from services and programs fostering employees’ engagement to solutions that simplify and optimize their mobility and expenses management, to in-home assistance, child care centres and concierge services. Sodexo’s success and performance are founded on its independence, its sustainable business model and its ability to continuously develop and engage its 427,000 employees throughout.

SAP, Aston Martin & Häagen-Dazs To Speak At 2018 Brands Masterclass in London

We are delighted to announce that SAP, Aston Martin and Häagen-Dazs & Nature Valley have joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s 2018 Brands Masterclass, taking place in London on September 18, 2018. Contributing top-level insights to the highly interactive sessions will be Lars Lamadé, the Head of Sponsorship, Europe & Asia for SAP, Gerhard Fourie, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Aston Martin and Arjoon Bose, Marketing Head UK & Northern Europe at Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley and Fibre at General Mills.

Lars Lamadé is responsible for all SAP sponsorships partners in Europe and Asia. His main duties include managing sponsoring activities and partner relationships, as well as organizing and conducting a variety of events and projects, mainly in the Sports and Entertainment area. Lars’ team supports the SAP sponsorships partners in the regions with international and local events, co-innovation projects and strategic technology collaborations.

Gerhard Fourie is responsible for global marketing, launch planning and the definition and evolution of the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. Before joining Aston Martin in 2017, he was the general manager for global brand strategy for Nissan Motor Corporation, a position he held for six years. During this time, Gerhard also led global sponsorships and the creation of a global portfolio that included partnerships with the UEFA Champions League, the 2016 Rio Olympics, the International Cricket Council and the City Football Group.

Arjoon Bose manages the Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley and Fibre One team of highly talented marketers and cross-functional brand finance, customer/trade marketing, net revenue management and category management teams. Across several countries, they deliver the P&L, share growth and brand equity via a breakthrough innovation pipeline and a ‘modern luxury’ communications strategy through the line. With over 13 years of consummate experience in consumer goods across personal care products such as L’Oréal Paris and food and beverage products, Arjoon hopes to leverage in helping establish or grow the market for brands and create stakeholder viability.

More than ever, brands are at the heart of the business of sport. This exclusive event will engage thought leaders in a challenging and ever-changing global industry.

The programme for discussion will feature topics such as Embracing Transformational Tech, Brands & the eSports Phenomenon and Making New Deals & Making Them Work.

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

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

Invitation Policy: The 2018 Brands 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 to attend.

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

 

Seven Directors Quit British Basketball Over Funding Dispute

The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has been thrown into chaos after the resignation of seven directors.

It follows an ongoing funding dispute that has seen the governing body clash with three member Home Country Associations (HCAs) – Basketball England, Scotland and Wales – reportedly leaving the organisation on the brink of collapse.

Last Thursday, HCAs called a meeting at short notice to push through large budget cuts and strip the BBF of its regulatory powers. Earlier this year, the BBF was forced to seek emergency government funding in order to avoid suspension by the International Basketball Federation for failing to honour its fixtures.

Speaking on Friday, outgoing BBF Chair, Ed Warner, said: “I cannot in all conscience lead an organisation whose three members are so unwilling to work collectively, so devoid of ambition for the game, so full of disdain for Great Britain players and, as evidenced by their actions yesterday, so apparently lacking in professional integrity.

“It is now for the many members of Basketball England, Scotland and Wales to ask themselves whether the leaders of the organisations they belong to are fit for purpose to lead this great game.”

iSportconnect Announces 2018 Lausanne Summit Powered By PwC

iSportconnect, the world’s largest global private network of sports business executives, is pleased to announce the 2018 Lausanne Summit, powered by PwC, the world-leading professional services firm. The Olympic Museum will host the annual summit on Tuesday, 25 September 2018.

In partnership with PwC and in association with ThinkSport, the 2018 Lausanne Summit has assembled an exciting programme. We will bring together some of the key leaders from the sports world to debate the developments that are transforming the industry and hear an array of views on how to best navigate these changes.


The 2018 Lausanne Summit will be a unique opportunity for top-tier executives to experience and enjoy the learning and networking benefits of this exclusive invitation-only event. All discussions will remain confidential under the Chatham House Rule.

To register your interest in attending the 2018 Lausanne Summit, please contact Abigail Kalikwani – abigail@isportconnect.com

 

Invitation Policy: The Lausanne summit is an invitation-only event. Complimentary invitations will be overseen by PwC at its own discretion. If available, iSportconnect may issue a limited amount of tickets for purchase on a first come first serve basis. Invitations are personal and cannot be transferred.

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

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