LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – SportAccord has unveiled the latest wave of renowned speakers set to address some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in global sport during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit’s Plenary Conference.

Under the theme “The Power of Sport”, sport’s most influential industry gathering will take place from 7 to 11 April in Birmingham – West Midlands, bringing together more than 1,500 delegates, including leaders and key decision makers from over 120 International Federations (IFs), the International Olympic Committee, host cities and organisations involved in the business of sport.

Special two-day Plenary

The two-day Summit Plenary on 10-11 April will cover a lot of topical ground, including latest evolutions in gaming and esports, tackling online abuse and the role of AI in sport, with global sports leaders connecting with highly respected industry experts.

Mark Rein, Vice President of Epic Games, creator of Fortnite and Unreal Engine will address the impact of new gaming:

“Very happy to be speaking at SportAccord and to reconnect with friends in the Olympic movement and beyond to discuss how interactive entertainment is changing our media, our world and our sports.”

Mark Rein, Vice President of Epic Games, creator of Fortnite and Unreal Engine

In another session, Sulabh Soral, Chief AI Officer at Deloitte and Advisory Board Member of the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence will share his insights on how to make the most of the opportunities AI offers to sport:

“I am looking forward to attending SportAccord and sharing my views on Generative AI, which stands at the forefront of a new era – not just as a tool, but as a transformative force reshaping our understanding of possibilities. I believe Generative AI and successive developments in AI will challenge us to rethink not just what we do, but how we do it, for a more equitable and sustainable world.”

Sulabh Soral, Chief AI Officer at Deloitte and Advisory Board Member of the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence

In addition, the Plenary Conference will look into the contrast between the stability of the North American leagues and their European counterparts which will be examined against the backdrop of increasing competition for fans’ attention and institutional investors’ growing interest in sports rights. New and potentially revolutionary data-led approaches to reduce sport injuries which are applicable to all sports will be presented as well.

The biggest hurdles facing global sport will also be addressed, from geo-political instability and financial obstacles to new business models and changing fan behaviour, and the breathtaking speed and scope of technological advances in sport.

Roger Mitchell, Chairman of Albachiara International, author of ‘Sport’s Perfect Storm’ and founding CEO of the Scottish Professional Football League promises thought-provoking discussions:

“We will be talking about my book which is an analysis of where the sports industry is today and the challenges that it faces, from a changing media model, a different younger taste and new ways of consuming content to the change in the capital markets and the money that is coming into sport. How to navigate that storm to get back to shore?”

Roger Mitchell, Chairman of Albachiara International, author of ‘Sport’s Perfect Storm’ and founding CEO of the Scottish Professional Football League

Other newly unveiled speakers sharing their insights on these topics and more, include:

• Dame Katherine Grainger DBE – One of Britain’s most successful female Olympic athletes, Chair of UK Sport and Chancellor of the University of Glasgow
• Zena Wooldridge OBE – President, World Squash Federation
• Mohammed Ben Sulayem – President, FIA
• Jonathan Hirshler – Co-founder and CEO, Signify
• Sarah Gregorius – Director of Global Policy & Strategic Relations, Women’s Football, FIFPRO
• Professor Constantin Coussios OBE FREng – Director, The Podium Institute for Sports Medicine and Technology, The University of Oxford
• Chris Jenkins – President, Commonwealth Games Federation

Access the full Plenary Conference programme featuring many more amazing speakers here.

Discover all the SportAccord 2024 speakers.

Join the world’s leading sports industry experts

The delegate pass for SportAccord 2024 is available at the rate of CHF 2,000 until 29 February 2024, and will increase to CHF 2,500 from 1 March. Click here to register now.

Birmingham and West Midlands – outstanding host and location

Birmingham’s award-winning International Convention Centre (ICC) is located in the centre of the city, less than half an hour away from Birmingham Airport, which has direct flight connections with more than 150 destinations worldwide. SportAccord’s high-quality official hotels and various dining, leisure and entertainment facilities are also within easy walking distance of the venue.

Read more on: https://www.sportaccord.sport/meet-the-world-class-speakers-on-sportaccords-plenary-sessions/