UK Trade & Investment Partners with the International Sport Business Congress

UK Trade & Investment has partnered with the International Sport Business Congress to support the International Sport Business Congress (ISBC) taking place at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre on Thursday, look July 17, and at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, on Friday, July 18. 

A host of high-profile sports business experts from the UK and overseas, including Manchester City Council Chief Executive, Sir Howard Bernstein MBE, and Soccernomics author Professor Stefan Szymanski, will speak at the event. 

The Congress has recently confirmed that former Vice-Chair of London 2012, Sir Keith Mills, will join the panel for a discussion on how sport can positively impact urban communities. He will be joined by Rio De Janeiro Professor, Sandra Jovchelovitch, who teaches at the London School of Economics and is an expert on urban communities and social change; and Jene Elzie, Vice President of Marketing for the NBA.

Taking place as part of this year’s major International Festival of Business in Liverpool, the Congress focuses on the interplay between cities, brands and sport. The North West of England is the home of several of the world’s most iconic sports brands and events and the Congress will bring the two sport rival cities of Liverpool and Manchester together for a spectacular programme of sports business leaders. 

Speakers over the two days include

• – Sir Howard Bernstein – CEO, Manchester City Council 
• – Ian Ayre – Managing Director, Liverpool Football Club
• – Robert Elstone –  CEO, Everton Football Club
• – Ian Edmondson – Head of Major Events, London & Partners
• – Paul Samuel – Executive VP Europe, AEG Global Partnerships
• – Nick Varley – Founder, Seven46
• – Dr Tom Markham – Manager EMEA Football, Sport and Leisure, PwC
• – Maurice Watkins CBE – Senior Partner and Head of Sport, Brabners
• – Dr Geoff Pearson – Football Industry Group, University of Liverpool
• – Professor Stefan Szymanski – University of Michigan
• – Professor Greg Whyte OBE – Liverpool John Moores University
• – Professor Keith George – Head of RISES, Liverpool John Moores University 

Richard Morris, International Sport Business Congress Event Director, said:

“Linking up with UK Trade & Investment is fantastic in recognising the impact and opportunities sport presents for business and economic development.  Sport is huge and universally enjoyed and sport business is becoming a massive talking point, so we are delighted to be bringing international experts to the North West.” 

Andrew Bacchus, Head of the UK Trade & Investment Global Sports Projects team, commented: “I am delighted that the International Festival for Business has recognised the importance of the sport business sector and has included the International Sport Business Congress within its programme of events. I personally look forward to hearing presentations from an impressive and knowledgeable cast of speakers, as well as joining the extensive networking opportunities the event will provide.” 

The International Sport Business Congress is in partnership with Liverpool Vision, Marketing Manchester, and the University of Liverpool, creating a unique event in a region where sport has achieved global success and recognition and where the business of sport is one of the key drivers of the local economy. 

For tickets visit http://www.internationalsportbusinesscongress.com/registration. Use promo code ‘early bird’ to get 20% off. 

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