Registration closes with one week to go until iSportconnect’s Dubai Summit

Today marks one week to go until iSportconnect’s Dubai Summit and registration for delegates has been closed due to popular demand.

The event will be held in the lavish surroundings of Address Boulevard – the newest lifestyle address located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai area – on November 29, 2017.

Attendees will have access to key decision makers in the sports industry via a series of panel discussions, interviews, keynote speeches and case studies.

In addition, ample break-out sessions will give the intimate capacity of executives an opportunity to build new relationships and – crucially – discover the local market.

Sree Varma, founder and CEO of iSportconnect, said: “I’m delighted to be bringing an iSportconnect Summit to Dubai for the first time.

“Our thought provoking content programme featuring household names from the sporting world such as LaLiga, World Rugby, NBA and Formula One will ensure delegates have intimate access to key decision makers in the industry.

“There is so much opportunity in the Middle East and I cannot wait for our wider network to build new relationships by sharing ideas, best practices and future plans with their high-ranking peers.”

Full speaker lineup:

Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook

Ben Morel, Managing Director and Senior VP – EMEA at NBA

Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby

Adolfo Bara, Managing Director Marketing & Sales at LaLiga

Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen

Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1

Sanjay Raina, General Manager & SVP, Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan – Fox Networks Group/National Geographic

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

Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK

Hussein Murad, CEO and co-founder of Inspiratus Group

Fernando Sanz, General Director, Middle East & North Africa and International Sports Projects at LaLiga

Jon Hall, Chief Growth Officer at Kodak

Ahmed Zaki, Senior Director of Live Communications at Du

Registration for this event is closed. Please email Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to confirm your interest in attending future events.

Click here to view a full event schedule, content programme and venue information.

IOC ‘confident’ PyeongChang 2018 will deliver memorable Olympic Winter Games experience

With less than 80 days to go until the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concluded its final Project Review in PyeongChang confident that a memorable experience awaits athletes and Olympic fans in the Republic of Korea.

“Venues are complete, the Olympic Villages are being kitted out, the Olympic Torch Relay is generating excitement for the Games across the Republic of Korea, and I can attest to the convenience of the new KTX high-speed railway. These are just a few of the many ways that preparations are continuing to be delivered ahead of what I am confident will be a memorable event for athletes and fans alike,” IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg said.

In addition to the convenient venue clusters set against a backdrop of both mountains and sea – where they will be able to watch the world’s best winter athletes compete on snow or ice – Olympic ticket holders will also be able to access the Olympic Park and Plaza, with their mix of cultural activities and exhibits.

The PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) is also working to ensure spectators have access to updated accommodation and transport information to help facilitate their journeys to the Games, which for ticket holders will include courtesy shuttle buses and exemption from highway toll gate fees en route to PyeongChang.

“The local culture is what makes each Olympic Games so unique,” Lindberg continued. “I have no doubt the entire world will appreciate PyeongChang as a destination for winter sport after seeing the beauty of the region and experiencing Korean hospitality. I encourage everyone to come to support their athletes, experience Korean culture, talk to people at the venues and make friends for life.”

In the last month, POCOG has focused heavily on building up enthusiasm for the Games with the launch of its official PyeongChang 2018 app, as well as a number of other events and initiatives to engage Korea and the world with these Games. The Olympic Torch Relay also continues to connect the country to the passion of the Games, having passed through more than 20 cities since touching down in Korea.

With facilities now complete, POCOG has turned its attention to testing operational readiness and fine-tuning details to ensure athletes compete on the best fields of play possible.

“We are now only 79 days away from the start of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, and we are ready to welcome the world,” said POCOG President Lee Hee-beom. “We have had another very positive and productive Project Review with the IOC this week, and the next few weeks will be a busy and exciting time as we put the finishing touches to our preparations.

“The snow is starting to fall here and we are doing all we can to increase the passion and excitement across the nation to encourage everyone to come and be part of this winter sports extravaganza. It will be the most wonderful showcase of sports and culture that Korea has ever seen, and we invite everyone to buy their tickets and join us in PyeongChang.”

The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 open on 9 February 2018.

Alibaba strikes deal to become presenting partner of FIFA Club World Cup

Alibaba has today agreed a deal with FIFA that will see Alibaba Cloud – the technology company’s cloud-computing arm – become a presenting partner of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The agreement starts at this year’s tournament, which kicks off on December 6 in the United Arab Emirates, and will run through until 2022.

Alibaba Cloud will design and present the Most Valuable Player award as part of the new partnership, which replaces a previous deal formed two years ago with Alibaba E-Auto.

Alibaba Cloud President, Simon Hu, said: “By becoming a major partner of the FIFA Club World Cup, we hope to show how our technology can bring new aspects of fun and enjoyment to fans of sports, including those people who might have had barriers to access or participate before.

Iain Downie, FIFA’s director of marketing sales and strategy, added: “We are aware of the substantial value that Alibaba Cloud provides to business in terms of technical support and global reaching services.

“We can only see great potential in this fresh collaboration related to the FIFA Club World Cup.”

Manchester United announce partnership with coffee brand Melitta

Premier League club Manchester United has announced a multi-year partnership with Melitta.

The coffee brand will become the club’s first-ever official coffee partner, with the agreement covering the UK, Ireland and Germany.

200 fully automatic Melitta coffee machines and makers are set to be installed within Executive Club boxes and hospitality areas around Old Trafford. In addition, Melitta played a major role in the refurbishment of the club’s Red Café at its famous Old Trafford stadium. The new offering includes a sleek coffee bar, as well as a new dining area within the main restaurant.

Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold said: “Like Manchester United, Melitta is steeped in history. Established over 100 years ago, the family-run business was built on its founders’ invention of the coffee filter, a traditional way of making coffee that is still used in homes, restaurants and offices all over the world today.

“We are very proud to be partnering with this household name and look forward to working with Melitta to further enhance the experience of the hundreds of thousands of visitors we welcome to Old Trafford each season.”

Volker Stühmeier, Member of the Chief Corporate Management at Melitta, added: “It is a great honour to work with one of the most successful football teams in the world in such a close and trustworthy way. For over 360 days of the year, our products will be used in one of the most traditional and iconic stadiums in the world.

“We have the ability to not only serve premium quality coffee using our state-of-the-art equipment, we will also be providing a substantial amount of porcelain, accessories, multipurpose and disposable materials. Old Trafford is an extraordinary showcase for Melitta.”

Coca-Cola unveiled as official sponsor of Kentucky Derby

Coca-Cola has today been unveiled as an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.

The soft drinks manufacturer will serve as the official and exclusive soft drinks partner of the event, which takes place at Churchill Downs, for five years.

Heather Hucks, Senior Director, Brand Marketing at Coca-Cola Consolidated, said: “Churchill Downs is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.

“We are delighted to bring racing fans a variety of leading beverage choices throughout the year and at the Kentucky Derby. As the local bottler, we are committed to the Louisville community and are excited to grow this partnership – both on the track and off.”

Kristin Warfield, vice president of partnerships at Churchill Downs racetrack, added: “The hundreds of thousands of racing fans who come from all over the world to experience Churchill Downs’ world class horseracing and the Kentucky Derby will now be able to enjoy a broad range of Coca-Cola products and experiences.”

AS Roma announces partnership with Peroni 3.5

Italian Serie A football club AS Roma has announced a new partnership with Peroni.

Peroni 3.5 will becomes the club’s official beer and main sponsor of ‘Magica Land’ – the new innovative, interactive village dedicated to the club’s fans.

The new Fan Zone will be designed for supporters of all ages, with various entertainment activities on offer.

Luca Danovaro, CMO of AS Roma, said: “The village we are designing will be a test of the marketing strategies and the will of the club to involve more and more fans. We want it to become a true and our point of reference and meeting for our fans on the day of the game.

“Peroni 3.5, among our partners, represents a prestige agreement with a company that, in sports and in the Foro Italico Park, has already built great successes.”

Cristiano Marroni Darena, Peroni Family Marketing Manager, added: “We are very pleased with the closure of this partnership between AS Roma and Peroni 3.5. For our consumers, Rome is a key city we are investing in for the launch of this new beer.”

BT Sport announced as latest Formula E broadcaster

BT Sport has been announced as Formula E’s latest broadcaster ahead of season four.

BT Sport will air an extended highlights programme from every round of the championship alongside Formula E’s official magazine show – Street Racers – starting with December’s season opener double-header in Hong Kong.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport: “It’s great news for motorsport fans that BT Sport will continue to show even more Formula E action as we head into Season Four.”

Subscribers in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland will be able to view the action from season four and follow the first all-British driver line-up in Formula E with DS Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird and Alex Lynn.

BT Sport has broadcast Formula E since it began in 2014, with the addition of the electric racing series helping to bolster the channel’s busy broadcast repertoire, which also includes Premier League football, Rugby Union, the Ashes cricket, MotoGP, Boxing and UFC.

Broadcasting is dead – and more alive and dynamic than ever before in the digital world, but staying ahead of the curve has never been more difficult.

Click here to register your interest in iSportconnect’s Broadcast Masterclass.

FIBA launches Basketball World Cup app as Road to China 2019 tips off

With the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers tipping off this week, the free FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 app – presented by Global FIBA Partner Tissot – has been launched.

The app is the most versatile platform to follow all of the action worldwide on the Road to China 2019 – complementing all of FIBA’s digital properties – by providing a unique personalisation experience for every fan.

During both the Qualifiers and World Cup, users can select and follow up to three favourite teams and 10 favourite players. In doing so, their experience is fully customised and gives them complete control of what they want to access instantly.

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, said: “We are excited to launch the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 app to offer the most complete experience of the Road to China 2019.

“We know how important national team pride is to fans all around the world and are convinced that millions of them will follow their respective country as they look to qualify for our sport’s biggest competition.

“This state-of-the-art digital tool is the perfect platform for them to experience the World Cup, from the opening Qualifier on November 23 and all the way to the Final on September 15, 2019.”

Italian Rugby Federation partners with Wattbike to improve players’ fitness

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and Wattbike have today announced a new partnership, with the aim of optimising the Italian Rugby Team, Benetton Rugby and Zebre Rugby Club fitness.

Together they are aiming to develop individual protocols for those players who need to improve or maintain their fitness standards whilst reducing their training on the field.

Wattbike, a leader in developing high level indoor cycling trainers, has supplied FIR with four of its Wattbike Pro bikes and will develop the partnership by working closely with FIR and franchise staff.

Pete Atkinson, Lead of Human Performance at FIR, said: “Working with a technology partner such as Wattbike allows us the opportunity to boost the National Team and PRO14 franchise’s physical preparation.

“It helps us be efficient with players who need to offload following a matchday, or those with a background of injury, in order to maintain the highest possible level of fitness.

“The intention is to develop the partnership and use Wattbike’s bespoke knowledge to help us prescribe specific sessions to our athletes. As we develop the partnership, they will send their staff to share information with our staff on cycling and cycling fitness. It represents a great option to be smart, and more and more precise in our training.”

Richard Baker, Managing Director at Wattbike, added: “Wattbike was founded on being the world’s most accurate, reliable and measurable bike ergometer. This, combined with our unique resistance system, offers the complete off feet training tool.

“Over the past five years we have worked with top rugby players and teams from around the world to understand the best ways the Wattbike can be used to enhance player performance.

“Having the opportunity to work with the FIR and be part of their journey to develop the competitiveness of their national team is something we are very proud to be part of. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and training expertise as they seek to take the national team to the next level.”

iSportconnect announces Nielsen Sports as Dubai Summit event partner

iSportconnect is delighted to announce Nielsen Sports as an official event partner for the Dubai Summit.

Sree Varma, founder and CEO of iSportconnect, said: “I am delighted to have Nielsen’s expertise on board for such an important event on iSportconnect’s global calendar.

“I look forward to working with Jon and his team as our wider network of members and partners get their first official glimpse of the Middle East market and learn more about the abundance of opportunities available in the region.”

Jon Long, Nielsen Sports’ Managing Director in the Middle East, added: “Nielsen has a strong network of offices throughout the region through which we provide sports measurement and insight to a growing network of local and global clients.

“We are delighted to be an official partner of the Dubai Summit and look forward to the combination of learning and networking for our experienced Middle East-based team and many of our valued clients.”

The event will be held in the lavish surroundings of Address Boulevard – the newest lifestyle address located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai area – on November 29, 2017.

Ample break-out sessions on the day will give an intimate capacity of 150 top-tier executives an opportunity to take part in captivating conversations, build new relationships and – crucially – discover the local market.

About Nielsen Sports

Our Dubai-based team of sports and entertainment specialists analyse TV, social media and consumer data on all of the major sports in the region – including football, Formula 1, golf, cricket, cycling, horse racing and martial arts – and many of the leading events and entertainment properties.

We are proud to bring our global best practice to the growing sports and entertainment industry in the region. Nielsen has a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa and our integration is enabling us to provide deeper and more actionable local insights than ever before.

There is limited space for this exclusive event so please email Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to confirm your interest in attending.