IOC president Jacques Rogge, Un Yong Kim, president of GAISF, ATP Tour CEO Mark Miles and Alan Pascoe of UK sports marketing group FastTrack are among the first speakers to confirm their participation in SportAccord, the biggest, widest ranging and most constructive conference and exhibition ever held for those involved in sports administration and commerce.
SportBusiness Group is a sponsor and media partner of the five-day event, which takes place in Madrid from May 12-16, 2003.
SportAccord is the result of an initiative by the GAISF (The General Association of International Sports Federations), The International Olympic Committee, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations) and other federation groups.
Each will hold its statutory meetings during SportAccord, ensuring the presence of key officers of the world’s most influential sports federations.
“The involvement of these hugely influential groups enables the creation of a positively focused and truly collaborative environment for the entire sports community,” said SportBusiness Group editorial director Kevin Roberts who is working with organisers Sports Conferences Ltd – a joint venture between Crispin Lowe, founder of SportBusiness Group, and Reed Exhibitions – to deliver a compelling, instructional and rewarding conference programme.
Each day of the conference will have a distinct theme, ranging from Sport In Society to Broadcast and Sponsorship to Sport and Technology and Hosting and Managing Sports Events. SportBusiness Group’s own annual conference will move from London to Madrid and be staged as an integral part of SportAccord on Friday May 16.
SportBusiness 2003 will focus on the key commercial issues and challenges facing professional sports and major international events.
“The programme will celebrate sport and facilitate discussion of the issues facing all those who will shape its future,” said Kevin Roberts.
“In addition to high profile keynote speakers and panel sessions, SportAccord will offer a wide-ranging menu of instructional sessions allowing delegates to tailor the event to best meet their particular interests and requirements.”
Dr. Un Yong Kim, president of GAISF and chairman of the IOC Radio and Television Commission, adds: “This international event represents a great opportunity for the world of sport to address key issues in this uncertain environment. This innovative approach will create a forum for formal discussion and informal networking where we will use our collective experience and knowledge to set the sports agenda for the first decade of the 21st century.”
RenC) Fasel, president of AIOWF was equally enthusiastic: “SportAccord is the occasion when the world of sport can convene on an international scale. The way we all do business in sport calls for a more cohesive approach and this convention meets this demand.”
