Host City 2024 Agenda | Host City: The largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events

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Tue 3 Dec Wed 4 Dec 

 * Subject to change

Monday 2 December 2024
18:30-20:00 Pre-event social
Corinthians Club, 191 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1DA

Day 1: Tuesday 3 December 2024
Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow
08:00 Registration, Coffee & Networking
09:00 Organisers Welcome & Keynote Addresses
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive Officer, VisitScotland
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive, Glasgow Life
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.
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.
11:00-11:30 Refreshments & Speed Networking
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?
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.
14:35 Presentation: Beyond Beaches and Theme Parks: Florida’s Best-Kept Secrets in Sports Tourism
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?
15:25 Refreshments & networking break
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?
16:45 PANEL 7: The Changing Connection between Audiences and Action
How audiences connect with action 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.
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.
18:05 Day One conference close
18:15-20:45 Civic Reception, Host City Dinner and Awards
Glasgow City Chambers

   

Day Two: Wednesday 4 December 2024
08:00 Registration, coffee & networking
09:00 Keynote Address
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business, Scotland
09:20

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.
10:05 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.
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.
11:15 Morning refreshments & networking break
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?
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.
13:05 Key Takeaways
Adam Soroka, CEO, Cavendish Ltd
Ben Avison, Editorial & Conference Director, Cavendish Group
14:00-16:00 Engagement Workshop

 

Host City is committed to advancing the Fair Work First criteria, including the real Living Wage and effective voice conditions.