iSportconnect, Author at iSportConnect

Antonio Espinos reelected as World Karate Federation president

World Karate Federation (WKF) announced that Antonio Espinos has been reelected as president until 2022 at the 2016 WKF Congress in Linz, look Austria.

Espinos, ambulance who was first elected in 1998, stood unopposed for re-election after receiving unanimous support for his candidacy from all segments of the sport.

Under his tenure, karate has grown as a sport globally as well as being set to be included in the 2020 Olympic Gmaes in Tokyo.

“It is an hounour for me to have received such a full support to keep on contributing to take Karate to even greater heights. Our ancient discipline is undoubtedly experiencing unforgettable moments; we are ready to see our life-long dream of Karate into the Olympics coming true, and our core values of tradition, universality and progress are stronger than ever. We will work together so Karate can continue inspiring millions all around the world,” said Espinos.

“We are living historic moments in Karate. This is the first Congress after our inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and I would like to thank all of you who worked hard and contributed to this success,” he added.

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Holland & Barrett chief joins Leicester Tigers board

The chief executive of Holland & Barrett International, has been appointed to the board of Leicester Tigers.

Holland & Barrett is the leading health food retailer with stores in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and Sweden as well as the new main sponsor of the Tigers from the start of the 2016/17 season.

Peter has spent his 34-year career in retailing and held management roles at Currys and ASDA before joining Holland & Barrett in 1990.

He has held several positions at the company, including in retail operations, acquisitions, property, marketing and buying. He became commercial director in 1998 and managing director in 2003, assuming the position of CEO in October 2008.

Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “Holland & Barrett has been a prominent partner of the Tigers since 2010 and in 2016 has become the club’s main sponsor. Peter Aldis has been central to the relationship with the club and we welcome him to the board of directors.

“Peter has lengthy and diverse experience in retailing with several major brands and, as chief executive of Holland & Barrett, he is a prominent name in business. He is a Leicester Tigers fan and we look forward to his contribution as a member of the Tigers board.”

Peter Aldis said: “At Holland & Barrett we are delighted to be involved with Leicester Tigers, not only as an avid supporter of the team but as a business that specialises in sports nutrition, health and well-being. I am confident that this will be a winning partnership for many years to come.”

Special Report: Discovering clubs’ anonymous fans

In the old days of sport, fans were easy to spot.They were the people who sat in grounds and bought your merchandise.

But now in the modern era, a ‘fan’ is more difficult to quantify. While the hard core fans will always be easy to engage with, there are thousands of other people who may have an affinity to the club,but have never engaged with them on a meaningful basis. These are ‘anonymous fans’ – a group of people marketing brand Epsilon help find. European CreativeDirector, Mark Fiddes, explains how clubs can start to tap into that fanbase:

“It’s very hard to describe what an anonymous fan is, because they may not have even self-identified as a fan yet. On the one hand a very obvious fan would be an Arsenal aficionado, who grew up around the ground, who is now living in Paris,who wants to stay in touch with the club any way they can, and will seek out any online content you have available. To go to another extreme, you may have a soccer mom in the mid-west. She has no affiliation with a club yet she wants the opportunity after school to get her kid into an academy, run by a known brand like Arsenal. She starts to develop a preference for Arsenal through taking her kid through basic soccer coaching. Fans could come from anywhere.The other thing about them is it could be an emotional bond that brings the fan in, or it could be a very rational, functional one, like our soccer mom who wants to train up her kids. Likewise it may be emotional: ‘my grandfather supported Fulham, so I will too.’ Fans can come from either base.”

Fiddes in particular looked to football clubs to engage with their local community by thinking outside the box. Traditional marketing and revenue streams have always come from the match day experience,but Fiddes thinks fans can be picked up from tapping into what is going on around the club:

“You have to go beyond the game.” says Fiddes. “Fandom, whatever temperature it is, burning hot or just vaguely interested, will be developed by different ways of becoming involved in that club. As an example, every year Fulham FC take advantage of its fantastic stadium. Interestingly, with Fulham a lot of emotional connection there is with the ground, Craven Cottage. (There uproar around the rumours of a move.) But the thing about that ground is that it offers a fantastic view of the river.What a fantastic place to see the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race every year! So what Fulham have done is open up Craven Cottage to be a premier venue to watch the boat race, then hosting the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity football match afterwards. Thinking imaginatively and thinking on your feet about how you can involve more people is important, in that case based on your real estate.

“I’m also interested in areas where clubs can reach out and take their mission beyond the game.Barcelona is ‘Més que un club’ – more than a club. The training system at LaMasia is world famous. There’s a brand in that. How they take that product into the wider world is fascinating. It will make football better. But it will also be great business for Barcelona. These are the areas we have to step into:getting beyond the obvious, seeing what else clubs can do. I see our role as being the trusted advisor,to try help enlighten and enliven those club. Clubs are realising that the assets they are sitting on is more than just shirts and players, it’s not just 30,000 seats on a Saturday, there are a lot more opportunities to go out and connect and to explore what fandom is.”

At the heart of Epsilon achieving this, is their data. It helps them discover who clubs could be talking to, but aren’t. But also it identifies which of their fans they are talking to are listening, and why. Data, for Epsilon and Fiddes, is key.

“There is so much which is untested. Every day we are finding new ways of connecting, and new combinations of connecting. One of the interesting learnings we had from recently moving Wasps Rugby Club from Adams Park up to the Ricoh arena, was the combination of different media that enabled the whole thing to happen. The gates went up from 5,000 to 19,000, that’s because they weren’t just using digital media, banners and emails, but they were also relying on traditional local media like posters, press ads and radio – all together in an integrated package to create a dynamic engagement. We’re learning all the time.”

“The other thing that our colleagues in the US have been discovering is that tendency to get involved will depend massively on factors like the time of day, and the device you are on. For example, we have noted an 87% difference in engagement rates between different devices at different times of the day. There will be an optimum time if you want to hit someone on an app, on a tablet, compared to hitting someone on a mobile. These are all learnings that we are feeding back into the database, that allows the targeting to be more effective, the messaging to be relevant, and to prompt real engagement.”

The message from across the industry is clear:data drives everything. Without it, the internet is a very big place, and the odds of getting noticed diminish rapidly, when data analysis isn’t focusing your marketing. One area in particular that stood out for Fiddes, was the lack of understanding on what makes a video go viral:

“A lot of marketing is just yelling to people who aren’t necessarily engaged. That’s where you are going to have very limited appeal. The internet is littering with failed viral ads. The first thing a new client will often say to you ‘I want a successful viral commercial!’. But they don’t happen to order. They catch fire. There are things you can learn about how you can make a smart viral, but you can’t make clear predictions. If it’s relevant and timely, and this where the data comes in and if it’s on the right platform, it has a much better chance of being engaging.Without that data it’s hard to make confident judgments.”

Fiddes and Epsilon are playing a leading role in how the next generation of marketing is operating. Searching even deeper than before for new fans, and speaking to them in a more precise way than ever before.

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IAAF appoints new Chief Executive

The IAAF have announced the appointment of new CEO, medic Olivier Gers, following a six-month search which attracted more than 200 potential candidates from around the globe.

46-year-old Gers has more than 20 years of commercial, marketing and media experience, leading large global teams in creating revenue driven products, networks and brands.

Commenting on the appointment, IAAF President, Sebastian Coe said: “The IAAF is on a mission to change. We looked for a CEO with the energy, passion and experience to lead the organisation and, together with the Council and the Congress, drive the sport to be the best that it can be. Olivier’s experience in leading global teams, working with world-class brands and businesses and developing and creating digital products and platforms is exactly what we need.”

Arriving in Brazil for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Olivier Gers said: “Sport is the purest expression of human possibility and all sport is anchored in the disciplines of athletics. The IAAF is at a challenging and exciting junction. It is a multi-million dollar business that needs to stay relevant, build its fan base and re-establish trust. Sitting at the heart of the sport are the athletes and their remarkable achievements. Bringing the global athletes and their fans closer together through technology is the ultimate goal to driving the business of athletics forward and I believe my commercial, marketing and digital experience will help to achieve this.”

Gers will be at the Rio Games until 21 August, attending the IAAF Council Meeting on 20 August. He will start his new role as CEO of the IAAF on 1 October 2016.

Coe added: “My thanks go to Jean Gracia, who stepped in as General Secretary on a temporary basis at the beginning of the year. He has been instrumental in stabilising and restructuring the organisation and keeping the focus on delivering four world championships this year in Portland, Cardiff, Rome and Bydgoszcz. Olivier and I are delighted that he has agreed to remain with us to help with the transition and support Olivier in his new role.”

Currently Global President of LiquidThread, a division of Publicis Media Group, in the UK, Gers spent 15 years in the United States in leadership roles with FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide and as Global Head of IMG Digital Media in New York before heading to the UK in 2010 as CEO of Endemol Worldwide Brands. A native Frenchman, Gers has a track record of revenue growth and harnessing the power of digital platforms to drive marketing innovation and profitability.

Silver medalist among those sentioned after Olympic test reanalysis

The IOC has confirmed they have santioned four more athletes from Bejing 2008 and London 2012, following test reanalysis.

Among those sanctioned is Oleksandr P’Yatnytsya, of Ukraine, who competed in London. P’Yatnytsya has been ordered to return the silver medal from the javelin throw event.

Nurcan Taylan of Turkey, competing in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event, has been disqualified from the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, in which she did not finish.

Hripsime Khurshudyan, of Armenia, competing in the women’s 75kg weightlifting event, has been disqualified from the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 in which she ranked 11th.

Pavel Kryvitski, of Belarus competing in athletics (hammer throw event), has been disqualified from the Olympic Games London 2012 in which he ranked 28th.

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iSportconnect announces Madrid Directors’ Club in partnership with the World Football Summit

iSportconnect, the world’s largest global private network of sports business executives, is delighted to announce our inaugural ever Madrid Directors’ Club,

The Directors’ Club will take place on 27^th October, held in partnership with the World Football Summit.

The event continues to see iSportconnect Directors’ Club events taking place across the globe with the Paris Directors’ Club taking place on 7^th July with a London Directors’ Club – Olympic Special taking place on 11^th July.

World Football Summit will be the first large-scale convention on football to be held in Spain.

It will bring together all the major actors and agents involved in the sector and help foster international relationships between institutions and countries through the sport of football.

This year’s event will look at the economic axes of football, the social implications of the sport as well as the technological impact.

iSportconnect Chairman Michael Cunnah: “We’re pleased to announce our first ever Madrid Directors’ Club as we continue to bring our flagship event around the world. The World Football Summit will be an extremely interesting networking opportunity.”

Directors’ Club Invitation Policy: iSportconnect Directors’ Club are an exclusive invite-only event to senior industry executives and other similar positions at governing bodies, federations, teams/clubs and brands only.

The discussions will be held without the press and under Chatham House Rule, allowing for an open and free flowing debate.

To register your interest in attending the Directors’ Club, please contact Calum@isportconnect.com

Event Partner:

Global Partners:

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The Rise of Milton Keynes – Populous

By Populous’ Richard Breslin & Mike Trice

“Let’s Play Darts!”

The perennial cry of the darts competition announcer rang out across arenamk in Milton Keynes, as Dutchman Michael Van Gerwen defended his 2016 Unibet Masters title in front of an exuberant crowd.

With thousands of fans watching some of the best darts players from around the world in such a self-contained location, they could be forgiven for overlooking the fact that they were sitting in an arena which is also part of a 30,000-seat football stadium, cinema complex, hotel and retail centre, in a city which didn’t exist 50 years ago.

What’s more, at the very same time the Masters was underway, the home football team was playing one of their biggest ever games, hosting Chelsea in the FA Cup Fifth Round. Here Mike Trice explains that to understand what’s happened at Milton Keynes, we have to go back to 1967……..

The lively community of Milton Keynes, just an hour’s drive north of London, was first designated as a town in 1967. In the last 49 years it has become a key part of the fabric of the region, with a range of leisure and recreation offerings for its residents. A large part of the civic energy is down to the success and community spirit engendered by the town’s football club, the Milton Keynes Dons, and their unique home ground.

I often find that the most interesting parts of the design process are within the untold, behind-the-scenes stories of a stadium, and in the ‘empty’ time between matches and events – although anyone who has visited between events will know that these days venues are generally far from “empty” any time.

Never-the-less fans stream through the doors on match day, but how many will know what has actually happened in the 24 hours prior? In the case of stadiummk and the adjoined arenamk, it is nonstop and could be anything from football to rugby, from concerts to conferences, and the inner workings of a thriving hotel, right through the week.

The ability to switch between uses and audiences in just a matter of hours was integral to the initial design brief given to Populous by the club in the early 2000’s. Milton Keynes Dons’ owner, music mogul Pete Winkelman had ambitions for a Premiership-level stadium, while playing in League 2 of English football.

The state-of-the-art proposal for stadiummk was conceived so that the ground could grow in parallel with the club’s ambitions, whilst also providing the chance to grow further business opportunities. The striking and unique DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes Hotel, which now surrounds the stadium, is a key part of the success of the design.

The project provided a unique set of challenges to the Populous team; making the design, construction process and future use as economically sustainable as possible. This led to some really interesting space-saving solutions.

For instance, the west stand pitch-facing bedrooms can be switched between hotel and football mode, allowing them to become corporate boxes during games and maximising the use of space.

Now, back to the football and darts!

Both sports require venues which intensify the atmosphere and provide instant, easy access to hospitality options and amenities.

Creating a stadium and arena within the same masterplan allowed us to make the best use of the space available on the site. The threshold between the stadium and the arena has been designed to efficiently cater for audiences in both buildings; the WCs and bars are located to serve each, with home-team football fans also entering the stadium through the arena on match day, helping to create a hub for local supporters.

In line with its growing reputation, the stadium was able to secure three matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, during which the stadium’s attendance record was beaten three successive times, and the stadium itself was broadcast around the world.

It is incredibly satisfying when a project fulfils its original brief, and is adopted and used to its full potential by a client. The design approach of stadiummk is one of planned, sustainable development, but also of creating spaces and places that can be used and enjoyed by the local community and visitors throughout the year.

Mike is a Senior Principal and a Director of the London office of Populous. In a 25-year career, he has worked on a diverse portfolio of designs, including the Circuit of Wales motor racing track, the

Handball Arena for the London 2012 Olympic Games, stadiummk in Milton Keynes, and the Etihad Stadium South Stand Expansion for Manchester City FC.

Mike and his team have developed relationships with a number of football clubs across all leagues in both the UK and Europe.Changing rules relating to football financial affairs has involved Mike’s

team in advising a number of Premier League clubs on adaptations and additions to their existing facilities, with a view to improving the spectator experience and increasing match day revenue.

Mike is a Senior Principal and a Director of the London office of Populous.

In a 25-year career, he has worked on a diverse portfolio of designs, including the Circuit of Wales motor racing track, the Handball Arena for the London 2012 Olympic Games, stadiummk in Milton Keynes, and the Etihad Stadium South Stand Expansion for Manchester City FC.

Mike and his team have developed relationships with a number of football clubs across all leagues, in both the UK and Europe. Changing rules relating to football financial affairs has involved Mike’s team in advising a number of Premier League clubs on adaptations and additions to their existing facilities, with a view to improving the spectator experience and increasing match day revenue.

Mike’s

Richard Breslin is a Senior Principal at Populous and a Director of the Asian/Pacific office headquartered in Brisbane. Richard also sits on the worldwide strategic Board of Populous and is responsible for all of the firm’s projects in New Zealand and Australia.

Richard is currently leading the Populous team on the Darling Harbour Live project in Sydney in a HASSELL+ Populous joint venture. The $1B project includes the design of a convention centre, exhibition centre and theatre. He was Director in charge of the redevelopment of Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.

In 1997, Richard began work with the team on the design of Stadium Australia (now ANZ Stadium), the main venue for the Sydney 2000 Olympics before moving to London where he worked on Wembley Stadium, and the design of the Soccer City Stadium in South Africa, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was also project leader for Populous’ successful master plan for the London 2012 Olympic Park.

In 2007, Richard headed home and led the teams on Eden Park redevelopment in Auckland and Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Richard’s

AFC and Sportradar Seal Two-Year Partnership Extension

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has signed a new, asthma extended two-year partnership agreement with Sportradar.

The new agreement will cover over 4, cure 500 matches across Asia each year through the specifically developed AFC Monitoring System (AMS). This coverage will include all AFC competitions and the top professional leagues in each of the AFC’s Member Associations.

Crystal Palace Appoint Barry Webber as New Commercial Director

English Premier League club Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointed of Barry Webber as its new Commercial Director.

Webber joins the club from Stevenage FC, where he spent two years as a CEO.

This will be Webber’s third stint in the Premier League, after previous roles as the commercial director of West Ham United and Newcastle United.

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish saiad: “We are delighted to have Barry on board as we continue to drive and maximise all commercial opportunities right across the business.

“Barry has experience of the Premier League at both Newcastle and West Ham and we will look to draw on that as we invest in the stadium and work to grow the clubs local and global appeal,”

Barry Webber, speaking to the club’s official website, added: “I am very grateful to Steve and the Board for giving me the chance to be part of what is an extremely exciting time for Crystal Palace, on and off the pitch.

“Having watched the progress of the club over the last couple of years and seen the promise of what is to come, there is much to look forward to.”

IAAF Bans Four Officials Over Russian Doping Bribery Scandal

The International Association of Athletics Federation’s (IAAF) Ethics Committee has banned four senior officials who were charged with breaching anti-doping rules in relation to Russian athlete Liliya Shobukhova.

Among the men banned is former IAAF president Lamine Diack’s son, Papa Massata Diack, who has received a lifetime ban from the sport along with Russian officials Valentin Balakhnichev and Alexei Melnikov.

Th other official in question, Ex-IAAF anti-doping director Gabriel Dolle, has been given a five-year ban.

The investigation began in April 2014 after a referral of a complaint to the Ethics Board by a member of the IAAF staff.

In the the IAAF’s ethics commission’s findings it states: “The head of a national federation, the senior coach of a major national team and a marketing consultant for the IAAF conspired together (and, it may yet be proven with others too) to conceal for more than three years anti-doping violations by an athlete at what appeared to be the highest pinnacle of her sport.

“All three compounded the vice of what they did by conspiring to extort what were in substance bribes from Liliya Shobukhova by acts of blackmail.

“They acted dishonestly and corruptly and did unprecedented damage to the sport of track and field which, by their actions, they have brought into serious disrepute.”

A statement released by the IAAF said: “The IAAF is angered to see that individuals have in the panel’s finding “conspired to extort what were in substance bribes from the athlete by acts of blackmail.”

“Ultimately, the Department was able to ensure that the athlete concerned received a lengthy ban, but the four individuals’ activities delayed that outcome. The IAAF has already introduced corrective measures to make sure this sort of interference can’t happen again.”

IAAF president Seb Coe added: “The life bans announced today could not send a stronger message that those who attempt to corrupt or subvert the sport of athletics will be brought to justice. We continue to work with the French authorities’ investigation and the WADA’s Independent Commission.”

The IAAF has banned Russia from international athletics competitions after a report by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) independent found “state-sponsored” doping violations in Russia.

Dick Pound, who has been heading up the investigation, is scheduled to reveal the second part of his findings on 14 January.

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