A GLOBAL events POWERHOUSE

Scotland is a world-leading destination for business, sporting and cultural events. With partners, we help drive forward Scotland’s National Events Strategy, contribute to the growth and development of the sector and strengthen Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage for events.

Day One • Tuesday 3rd December 2024

08:00 Registration, Coffee & Networking

07:45-08:15 Speed meetings (Rights Holders & Cities only)

09:00 Organisers Welcome

09:05 Welcome & Keynote Addresses

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

09:30

Panel 1: Global Trends: Inspiring Action Through Major Events

This panel explores how global trends shape event strategies, and how major events can inspire action globally. From embracing new trends and ensuring safety and resilience to adapting to shifting audience preferences, experts discuss strategies to drive positive change and innovation in event hosting.

Speakers include:

Marisol Casado, IOC Member and President, World Triathlon

Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Games Federation

George Black, Chair, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company

James McVeigh, Head of Innovation and Marketing, Festivals Edinburgh

Moderator: Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

10:15

Panel 2: Activating Major Events with Technology

Technology is revolutionising the way events can be organised, marketed, and experienced. This panel explores how cutting-edge innovations such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI can drive efficiency, enhance engagement and leave a lasting impact.

Speakers include:

François Ribeiro, CEO, iR Enterprise Solutions, Infinite Reality (iR)

Steve Watmough, Board Member, Triathlon England and Digital & Technology Commission Member, International Olympic Committee

Maria Teresa Squillaci, Head of Web & Social Content, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

Paul Foster, CEO, OnePlan

Moderator: Name TBC

11:00–11:30 Refreshments & Speed Networking (sponsored by Florida)

11:30 Case Study: Birmingham 2022 Travel Demand Management

Chris Thompson, CEO, You. Smart. Thing

11:40 Panel 3: Sustainability Strategies: Making Events the Solution, not the Problem

Inspiring action towards sustainability is essential for the future of events. This panel examines strategies for reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and engaging stakeholders in sustainable event management practices to catalyse action towards a greener future. And how can we maximise the benefits of events, to make them even more worthwhile?

Speakers include:

Jimena Saldaña, Vice President, PanamSports Organization

Billy McFadyen, Managing Director, Corporate Operations and Compliance, Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

Selina Donald, Director of Sustainability, Trivandi

12:15 Presentation

Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company

12:30 Host City Awards Shortlist Announcement

Katie Traxton, Founder, Good Vibes Only Talent

12:35 Lunch & Networking

13:50 Panel 4: Social Impact: Harnessing Events for Positive Community Change

Major events and conferences offer platforms to address social issues and drive positive change. This panel showcases examples of events that have successfully leveraged their platforms to advocate for social causes, promote diversity, create employment opportunities and empower communities

Speakers include:

Allegra Roccato, Head of Events, World Physiotherapy

Prem Singh, CEO, British Kabaddi League

Richard Smith CBE, Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Games

Moderator: Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland

14:35

Presentation : Beyond Beaches and Theme Parks: Florida’s Best-Kept Secrets in Sports Tourism

Consuelo Sanchez, Tourism Deputy Director, Florida’s Sports Coast

Joseph Piotrowski, Vice President of Sports Development, Florida Sports Foundation

14:50 Panel 5: The Power, and Changing Nature, of Sponsorship

How is the relationship between rightsholder and sponsor changing, and why? Where do the interests of rightsholders and sponsors align, and how can they work together to address them? What is the real value of sponsorship in major events and how can the impact of purpose-based partnerships be measured and communicated?

Nuno Moura, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, F.P.F. Portuguese Football Federation

Susan Russell, Head of Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

Moderator: Jonathan Coates, Marketing, Communications and Events Manager, ESA (European Sponsorship Association)

15:25 Refreshments & Networking (sponsored by Explore Edmonton)

15:50 Panel 6: Working Together for Better Event Planning and Delivery

From transport and logistics to operations and security, planning and delivering major events involve an incredibly diverse range of stakeholders. How can rights holders, organisers, suppliers and communities be more joined up in their approach to staging the greatest shows on earth?

Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General, FEI and President, APSO

Joanne Deponio, Host Relations Lead, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland

Ian Nolan, Senior Projects Manager, LS Events

Name TBC, Kuehne+Nagel

Name TBC, Evolv Technology

Moderator: Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, Honorary Secretary, GB Olympians

16:45

Panel 7: The Changing Connection between Audiences and Action

How audiences connect with content is changing, both online and in the real world. This panel explores strategies for leveraging traditional and digital media platforms to engage global audiences and maximize exposure, and how technology is revolutionising ticketing processes, improving user experience and combating fraud.

Colin Grahamslaw, Secretary General, World Curling

Kerry Halliday, Head of Group Ticketing & Customer Engagement, Scottish Rugby

Moderator: Jack McGill, CEO, QTV

17:20 Panel 8: Major Cultural and Entertainment Events: Local Meets Global

This panel explores the impact of major cultural and entertainment events on city identity formation and cross-cultural understanding. From film festivals to music concerts and art exhibitions, experts discuss how these events contribute to the enrichment of societies and the promotion of cultural exchange on a global scale.

Speakers:

Harvey Goldsmith CBE, Promoter, Earth Aid Live

Faye Woodbridge, Head of Marketing and Ticketing, 13 Artists

Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture, Liverpool City Council and Vice Chair, UK City of Culture

Tim Kasper, Account Manager, Sport & Culture, Explore Edmonton

Moderator: Paul Bush, Chair, British Curling

18:05 Day One conference close

18:15-20:45 Civic Reception, Host City Dinner and Awards

Glasgow City Chambers

Day Two • Wednesday 4th December 2024

08:00 Registration, coffee & networking

08:00-08:30 Speed meetings (Rights Holders & Cities only)

09:00 Keynote Address

09:20

10:05

Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business, Scotland

Panel 9: City Development and Event Legacy: Action for Sustainable Growth

Inspiring action towards sustainable city development and event legacies is vital for host cities. This panel discusses strategies for balancing economic benefits with community needs, inspiring action for long-term sustainable growth.

Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, Member, International Olympic Committee and Vice-President, ANOCA

Céline Payelle, Vice-President and General Manager, Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil

Billy Garrett, Strategic Lead for Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life

Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events, West Midlands Growth Company

Moderator: Duncan Mackay, Award-winning Journalist and Author

Panel 10: International Events and the Americas: Inspiring Global Collaboration

Bringing international events to the Americas requires proactive action and collaboration. This panel explores how American hosts can position themselves as desirable destinations for global events, inspiring action for international collaboration and partnerships with rightsholders and suppliers.

Mihir Warty, Chief Strategy Officer, World Rugby

Tom Kiley, Senior Director, Global Market Development, National Football League (NFL)

Jennifer Arnold Vice President U.S. Soccer Foundation

Moderator: Kirsten Sibbit-Johnston, Director, Strategy, Transformation & Growth, The Sports Consultancy

10:40

Panel 11: Data and Metrics for Actionable Insights

This panel explores the challenges and opportunities of data and metrics for improving and evaluating the impact of major events. Experts delve into the specific challenges faced by major event organisers, such as limited historical data and compressed timelines, and discuss innovative approaches to leverage available data effectively.

Patrick Nally, President, IFMP (International Federation of Match Poker)

Paul Bristow, Director, European Championships Management

Niclas Bruns, Project Manager UEFA EURO 2024, Senate Department for the Interior and Sport, Berlin*

Moderator: Iain Edmondson, Founder, Legacy Delivery and Honorary Member, IAEH

11:15 Refreshments & Networking

11:45

Panel 12: DEI in Event Governance: Inspiring Action for Inclusivity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly recognised as essential principles in event management. This panel assesses the progress made in promoting DEI within the industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Which events and hosts are driving best practice in accessibility and neurodiversity?

Shiny Fang, Secretary General, UIPM

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnership Officer, Centre for Sport and Human Rights

Professor Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy, University of West of Scotland

Moderator: Billy Garrett, Strategic Lead for Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life

12:20 Panel 13: Readiness and Learning: Preparing for Success and Leveraging Past Experience

This panel delves into the dual aspects of readiness and learning crucial for event professionals. Experts discuss strategies for preparedness in hosting events, including risk assessment, contingency planning, and infrastructure readiness. Additionally, the panel explores the importance of knowledge transfer from previous event hosts, sharing insights, and lessons learned to enhance future event planning and execution.

Speakers include:

Jason Ferguson, Chairman, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association

Davi Kaur, CEO, European Society for Emergency Medicine

Sven Bossu, CEO, International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC)

Paulo Ferreira, Director General, FISU

Moderator: Katie Traxton, Founder, Good Vibes Only Talent*

13:05 Key Takeaways

Adam Soroka, CEO, Cavendish Ltd

Ben Avison, Editorial & Conference Director, Cavendish Group

14:00-16:00 Glasgow 2026 Supplier Engagement Workshop