iSportconnect adds NFL to Dubai Summit speaker lineup as agenda is finalised
October 31, 2017
iSportconnect is delighted to confirm that Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK, has been added to the lineup for the Dubai Summit on November 29.
Kirkwood has been with the NFL for over 15 years in various capacities and took up his current position in 2006, having also previously served as the Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development and the Director of Business at NFL International.
Kirkwood’s inclusion bolsters a stellar lineup of speakers and he will take part in a series of discussions as part of the Summit’s fourth and final panel, which is set to offer delegates a unique insight into the sports industry.
The American Football specialist will be joined by the likes of Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, NBA’s Ben Morel – and others – to assess the importance for rights owners to be active on the ground with live events within the globalised digital market.
Other panel topics set to be dissected include broadcasting and the digital audience, a debate on what brands want from sport in regards to sponsorship and partnerships, plus detailed insight from Adolfo Bara into LaLiga’s Brand Partnerships.
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.
The event will be held in the lavish surroundings of Address Boulevard; the newest lifestyle address located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai area.
The hotel will also host a networking reception on November 28, allowing delegates and speakers to relax and engage with their high-ranking peers.
Confirmed speaker lineup:
Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1
Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook
Ben Morel, Managing Director and Senior VP – EMEA at NBA
Sanjay Raina, General Manager & SVP, Fox Networks Group/National Geographic – Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan
Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at International Cricket Council
Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby
Adolfo Bara, Marketing Director at LaLiga
Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen
Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK
Further speakers will be announced in due course.
Content Programme:
28th November
6pm onwards: Networking Reception
29th November
09:30 – Delegate Arrival
10:30 – Welcome
10:45 – Opening Keynote: Adolfo Bara, LaLiga – Building a Global Strategy
11:15 – Panel 1: Inside LaLiga’s Brand Partnerships
Spain’s globally popular football league is delivering more value than ever before for its partners. This special opening panel will bring together key decision-makers from the inside LaLiga’s brand relationships to explore how the league and brands work together to engage fans, innovate and optimise ROI for partners.
Adolfo Bara, LaLiga
Moderator: James Pearce, BBC
12:00 – Case study by Engage & Sport 360
12:20 – Panel 2: From Sponsorship to Partnership: What do brands want from sport?
With over 50% of marketing budget being invested in digital in many markets, are sports bodies offering a relevant and effective mix of engagement opportunities? Is there still too much reliance on classic sponsorship models? How much flexibility and trust is required between sports and brands to create authentic content? How can they collaborate most effectively in using data? How can they work together to protect the credibility and image of sports properties?
Felicien Dillard, PwC
Nuala Walsh, Standard Life
Moderator: Casey Harwood, Engage
13:00 – Lunch
13:45 – Case Study: Wildmoka
14:10 – Panel 3: Broadcasting & the Digital Audience
How is the strategy of sports broadcasters in the Middle East and elsewhere changing with the growth of the digital market? How can sports and broadcasters use multiple platforms, digital tools and social media to extend reach and engagement? What are the commercial opportunities and challenges? What is the outlook for new digital sports channels?
Jerry Newman, Facebook
Cristian Livadiotti, Wildmoka
Sanjay Raina, FOX Sports
Aarti Dabas, ICC
Moderator: Ben Barker, Monterosa
14:50 – Networking Break
15:10 – PwC Survey Results by David Dellea
15:30 – Panel 4: Global Sports, Local Fans, Local Events
In the globalised digital market, fans around the world can follow the same international sports attractions no matter where they live. How important is it for the rights owners to be active on the ground with live events and other programmes? What are the challenges to becoming truly global? What are the prospects for the Middle East?
Brett Gosper, World Rugby
Ben Morel, NBA
Alistair Kirkwood, NFL
Murray Barnett, F1
Moderator: David Dellea, PwC
16:15 – Wrap-up by James Pearce
16:30 – Close & After Event Drinks
There is limited space for this exclusive event so please email Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to confirm your interest in attending.
What makes the iSportconnect Summit so special?
- The Summit is open exclusively to Director/C-Suite level executives at sports rights holders, sponsorship brands and broadcasters.
- Event capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
- No agencies or press in attendance and as we follow Chatham House Rules, all panel discussions will remain confidential.
