Directors’ Club: iSportconnect adds UN Women’s Nuala Walsh and Sport England’s Jennie Price CBE to ‘Women in Sport’ panel

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that Nuala Walsh and Jennie Price CBE have been added to the speaker lineup for the Women in Sport Panel, which will take place at the upcoming Directors’ Club on March 7.

Through the panel we want to commemorate the International Women’s Day week which ​​celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Panel discussion topics are set to focus on the importance of gender equality, the root of bias and discrimination behaviour and why it touches all in sport.

Walsh is set to bring significant value to the content programme, courtesy of her role as Board member of UN Women (UK), the only global entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, and that as Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen.

Additionally, Walsh serves as a member of The Football Association’s Inclusion Advisory Board and works with the IAAF on achieving equality in athletics.

Price will offer delegates expert insight too, having served as Chief Executive Officer of Sport England since April 2007. Under her leadership, Sport England has seen the number of people regularly participating in sport grow by 1.6 million people since London won the bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012.

Price also led the team that commissioned the multi-award winning ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, which received substantial support and acclaim.

There will also be a one-on-one interview with Steve Brown, Chief Executive Officer at the Rugby Football Union, providing those in attendance with a unique insight into one of British sport’s biggest governing bodies.

A series of networking sessions will ensure there is ample opportunity to debate industry best practices, discuss business opportunities and forge new relationships. Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, promoting a free exchange of ideas within the room.

The venue and full speaker lineup for the event will be confirmed in due course.

What makes iSportconnect Directors’ Clubs so special?

  • Events are open exclusively to Director/C-Suite level executives at sports rights holders, sponsorship brands and broadcasters.
  • Capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
  • No agencies or press can attend and, as we follow Chatham House Rules, all discussions will remain confidential.

Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending

ITTF and Table Tennis England announce British Airways partnership

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Table Tennis England (TTE) have today announced a new partnership with British Airways (BA).

As part of the agreement, BA will serve as the official airline partner of the 2018 ITTF Team World Cup, which is set to be held in London later this year.

Thomas Weikert, President of the ITTF, said: “We are delighted to welcome an iconic, global brand such as British Airways to the ever growing table tennis partner family.

“Our sport has global reach and high levels of fan engagement, attributes that can help brands such as British Airways to connect to audiences around the world. We look forward to a fantastic event in February.”

With a global TV viewing audience of over 355 million during the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships, and some matches featuring in the top 10 watched sporting events in China for 2017, table tennis will help BA to promote its brand in key territories.

Noella Ferns, Executive Vice President Greater China and the Philippines for British Airways and Iberia, added: “We are very excited to be working with a sport like table tennis which is incredibly popular around the world and of course in Asia.

“We have very specific targets for partnership activities and have been impressed by the approach and opportunity that ITTF and Table Tennis England colleagues provided. We wish all teams the best of luck, and look forward to a great event.”

Cities, organising committees and international sport federations commit in record number to the SportAccord Convention 2018 exhibition

With twelve weeks until the SportAccord Convention takes place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018, 77% of exhibition floor space has already been snapped up for the upcoming event.

The only annual sports business convention where all the international sport federations (IFs) are guaranteed to attend. Exhibitors include international sport federations, organising committees, cities and regions and make up over seventy-five percent of total exhibitors providing organisations involved in the business of sport ample opportunity to connect with these industries.

Joining SportAccord Convention 2018 as an exhibitor for the seventh time, Andrew Gettig, VP of International – Connor Sport Court said, “It is important for us to continue the momentum gained in Aarhus and previous editions, and position our company at the heart of the SportAccord Convention. We truly believe in its value and see the Convention as a unique platform that allows us to connect with the leaders of Olympic and non-Olympic sport movement, organising committees and host cities in one easy to navigate place.”

International sport federations, cities, and businesses interested in attending can book an exhibition booth online or discuss their requirements and options with the sales team.

The venue layout for SportAccord Convention 2018 has been designed to optimise networking opportunities for both exhibitors and delegates with access to the conference auditorium and official meeting rooms via the exhibition area which are all on one level. Exhibitors will also have access to the SAC networking mobile app to contact delegates, arrange meetings, and keep up-to-date with the latest news at the SportAccord Convention.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “The SportAccord Convention prides itself on providing an event that meets the needs of our partners, exhibitors, and delegates. This year’s exhibition promises to deliver that with dynamic feature area zones, a larger SAC Café including the Speakers Corner and an easy to access conference auditorium, only minutes away from the exhibition.”

The exhibition area will feature an all-new ‘Relaxing Zone’ for delegates which will incorporate a surprise element guaranteed to rejuvenate delegates. In addition, the exhibition area will also provide a touch of Thai culture with its special ‘Thai Pavilion’ which will include a variety of local Thai attractions.

Hatt went on to say: “Combine this opportunity to connect with sporting business leaders and the optimised exhibition layout, I am not surprised that our community has once again embraced the SportAccord Convention and that over 2/3’s of the exhibition floor space is already reserved.”

‘Enhanced’ booths remain the ‘go-to’ booth for SportAccord Convention with a variety of sizes and configurations still available. Entry-level booths will start at 6m² and include 4 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, chairs, table, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet).

Registration for SportAccord Convention 2018 is in full-swing and organisations are encouraged to secure their delegate passes at CHF 2,500. Many delegates and organisations have already committed to attend the SportAccord Convention 2018 and passes are selling out.

The SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit provides a unique platform for leaders from international federations, cities, and industry to meet and discuss the business of sport. The annual 6-day summit also includes an extensive Conference programme and is host to all the Stakeholder General Assemblies attended by their Members. The SportAccord Convention also offers many other social and networking opportunities as part of its Official Schedule.

FIVB announces Hamburg as host of 2019 Beach Volleyball World Championships

The FIVB has announced that Hamburg, Germany will host the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, as the federation continues to secure world-class cities to host its flagship events

Hamburg has been the home of the FIVB World Tour Finals for two consecutive seasons and will stage the tournament at the Am Rothenbaum Stadium.

Germany is also one of the countries within the FIVB’s Nucleus Project – a new strategy aimed at raising the professional standard of volleyball by focusing development on key individual markets.

FIVB President, Ary Graça, said: “Germany is a key market for the FIVB and we are delighted that Hamburg is committed to delivering major FIVB beach volleyball events and showcasing the great appeal and popularity of our sport.

“I have no doubt that the city will be an excellent host for the 2019 Beach Volleyball World Championships, and will build up on the success of the 2017 edition staged in Vienna. This event always demonstrates the FIVB’s core principles of skill, athleticism and teamwork, acting as one to achieve the ultimate success.”

Arsenal Football Club seals cryptocurrency partnership with CashBet Coin

Premier League club Arsenal has announced a new partnership with cryptocurrency CashBet Coin.

The deal, which makes CashBet Coin the Gunners’ exclusive and official blockchain partner, sees the north London club become the first major team in world football to officially partner with a cryptocurrency.

The agreement is set to give the cryptocurrency’s brand prominent placement courtesy of in-stadium advertising channels during Premier League fixtures at the Emirates Stadium.

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are pleased to welcome Cashbet Coin as our partner. We are looking forward to working with CashBet Coin as they launch their new cryptocurrency.”

Dr. Mike Reaves, CEO and Founder of CashBet, added: “With our ICO for CashBet Coin, we are actively targeting a global, multi-billion dollar marketplace of iGaming content providers, operators and players.

“We are delighted to do so in partnership with one of world football’s true giants in Arsenal, enabling us to build our brand and engage this audience in a meaningful way.

“Designed specifically for iGaming, CashBet Coin will improve the online experience for real money, casino, social, skill-based, eSports and sports betting players through increased trust and transparency, faster payouts, reduced fees and dedicated player protection.”

iSportconnect adds FEI and EBU to Broadcast Masterclass lineup

iSportconnect is pleased to announce that two additional guest speakers have been added to the lineup for the Broadcast Masterclass on February 28, 2018.

Ralph Straus, Commercial Director at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and Stefan Kürten, Executive Director of EBU Sport, will bring extensive insight to the day’s content programme, which will focus on new ways for media companies, rights owners and technology partners to prosper, thrive and grow as the digital revolution continues to disrupt the sports broadcasting market.

Straus joined the FEI in 2015, having previously held positions at FIFA and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in the United Arab Emirates. Straus also boasts significant experience in the private sector courtesy of roles at Swisscom and Royal Dutch Shell.

Kürten is responsible for the EBU’s business strategy and activities and he has helped to broaden the organisation’s sports rights activities.

Under his responsibility, the EBU has secured major sports rights for its members – including the football World Cup until 2022, Euro 2016, IAAF, IBU, ISU and the newly created European Championships 2018 – and currently holds more than 35 contracts with over 30 international sports federations.

The event offers a unique opportunity for leading executives to learn more about a crucial sector of the sports industry. Debates are set to include a number of crunch topics, including the rise of OTT and the future of the broadcast rights landscape, while a series of networking sessions will ensure those in attendance are able to share experiences and best practises.

Confirmed speaker lineup:

Peter Hutton, CEO of Eurosport

Jonathan Licht, Director of Strategy at Sky Sports

Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at the International Cricket Council

Shane Warden, Director of Broadcast & Technology at ATP Media

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights at Formula 1

Ralph Straus, Commercial Director at the International Equestrian Federation

Stefan Kürten, Executive Director of EBU Sport

Proceedings will take place at K&L Gates’ London office, which is located in the modern iconic premises of One New Change in the heart of the city.

No agencies or press will be in attendance and, as Chatham House Rules will be adhered to, all discussions will remain confidential. A series of networking sessions will also allow delegates to forge new relationships and discuss potential partnerships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Want to attend? See our invitation policy below:

  • There is no fee to attend this event. However, the Broadcast Masterclass is open exclusively to senior sports business executives from broadcasters, rights holders and sponsorship brands only.
  • No agencies or press can attend and, as we follow Chatham House Rules, all discussions will remain confidential.
  • Capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending.

The Jockey Club announces three-year partnership with National Express

UK coach operator National Express has today signed a three-year agreement to become ‘official coach and bus partner’ of The Jockey Club.

The partnership will provide dedicated National Express services from across the UK direct to all major events in The Jockey Club’s racing calendar.

The new services will provide customers with drop off and pick up from locations closer to and more convenient for the racecourses than any other coach operator.

Both The Jockey Club and National Express will be offering travel tickets and combined travel & racing packages to major events across web, mobile and all other sales channels.

John Boughton, Commercial Director for National Express Coach, said: “Alongside our UK coach network, we have a strong track record of providing coach travel to festivals and events across the UK.

“In 2017, we carried hundreds of thousands of passengers to iconic sporting and music events including Glastonbury Festival, The FA Cup Final at Wembley, 6 Nations at Twickenham and the Champions League Final in Cardiff.

“We’re thrilled to be working with The Jockey Club to bring great value, comfortable and convenient services from destinations across the UK to the biggest events in the race going calendar.”

Paul Fisher, Chief Executive of Jockey Club Racecourses, added: “We’re delighted to be working with National Express as our Official Coach and Bus partner from 2018. This is the first arrangement of its kind for The Jockey Club and it’s fantastic to welcome another new partner into our sport.

“We know from their existing partnerships in sport and entertainment that they will offer excellent value and travel for the millions of people who attend our racing and leisure events throughout the year.”

SNACK Media voted in for Football Blogging Awards strategic partnership

Snack Media has been brought in by the Football Blogging Awards [FBAs] as their strategic partner to develop and monetise the awards honouring the very best football websites, social influencers and bloggers around the world.

The FBA’s is the most significant event in the calendar for all those within the football content creation industry. It is an opportunity for publishers, writers, bloggers and vloggers to be recognised by their peers and win one of the many prestigious honours that are on offer on the night.

Founded in 2014, the Awards continue to grow year-on-year, with over 700 attending the previous event at Old Trafford. However, to ensure the continued expansion of this much esteemed ceremony the organisers have sought the strategic guidance of SN&CK Media to take it to the next level.

Snack Media – who is also the Professional Footballers Association’s [PFA] new digital media partner – will fulfil its role as strategic partner by developing and monetising the FBA’s using their innovative digital fan engagement tools and social media. They also plan to reward past and future award winners by helping them with growth and commercial opportunities.

Niall Coen, SN&CK Media CEO & Co-Founder said, “This is another exciting opportunity for SN&CK Media, following a fantastic year of growth in 2017, where we acquired four businesses [Snack Gaming, DigitalSport, DigitalSport Recruitment and a major publishing network to be announced soon].

“The FBA’s are considered the major awards event within our industry of sports publishing, so when we were approached to partner with them and, specifically, to bring our expertise, then we agreed almost without hesitation. We’re looking forward to a really exciting ceremony this year, especially as we know the level of competition is so high at the moment. Expect some big Awards to be presented.”

FBAs founder, Anthony Cooper said, “Having known SN&CK for a few years now, I was confident they were the right organisation to become a strategic partner and take the Awards to the next level.

“Football writers, bloggers and influencers are some of, if not the, loudest voices in football – we are so passionate about our clubs and the game, and we think about football 365 days of the year, even in the off-season.

“We have decided to move the Awards from its previous spot in November to the end of the 2017/2018 season to capitalise on the natural interest and excitement surrounding the 2018 World Cup.

“It’s only right that those who create content for the industry are recognised for their efforts and SN&CK and I have already begun discussing how to make the next incarnation of the event the best ever.”

Qatar Airways expands Formula E sponsorship agreement

Formula E has today announced that Qatar Airways has extending its partnership with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways will become the race title partner for the Qatar Airways Paris E-Prix for a second year running and will also put its name to New York’s season finale event.

Qatar Airways is also set to serve as the official airline partner for the inaugural Rome E-Prix.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “After another enthralling season last year, we’re delighted that Qatar Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to Formula E by extending its partnership and becoming race title partner of not only the Paris E-Prix, but for this season, the New York City E-Prix as well.

“Our shared passion to strive for excellence and innovation will once again see the series make history in some of the world’s most recognisable cities – thanks to the support of Qatar Airways to help us in going places together.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, added: “As an airline which is always ahead of the curve and driven to innovate, it makes perfect sense for us to extend our partnership for flagship events this season as the official airline partner of the future of motor racing, through Formula E.

“With its ability to deliver thrilling racing events using the very latest environmentally-friendly technology, Formula E has demonstrated that this incredible sport is continuing to set the pace and win more new fans wherever their races take place.”

Faroe Islands appoints VERO Communications to support Olympic recognition campaign

Ítróttasamband Føroya, the Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee (FCSOC), has appointed London-based sports communications consultancy VERO as advisors to its campaign to gain recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

VERO will work with FCSOC to help build and highlight the Faroe Islands’ case for Olympic recognition and participation in the Games, its passion and commitment to sport as well as its self-governing political status.

Commenting on VERO’s appointment, John Zerafa, VERO Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee and look forward to supporting their campaign for Olympic recognition.

“The Faroe Islands has been seeking recognition for over 40 years, is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee and is already recognised in its own right by a further eight International Federations, so it has a strong case to build from.”

Jon Hestoy, Vice President of the Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee, added: “The Faroe Islands has competed in every Paralympic Summer Games since 1984 and we want to have the same opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.

“The appointment of VERO reflects how seriously we take our Olympic ambition and we are looking forward to working with them and outlining our case to the IOC and wider Olympic family.”