[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention, the biggest global gathering for the sporting community, is delighted to announce the unveiling of the new conference programme ‘CityAccord’, aimed at cities, regions, sponsors, international sport federations and organising committees, as well as industry. A unique opportunity for everyone with a stake in sport, CityAccord, formerly known as City Forum, will take encompassing themes way beyond the confines of sport and the field of play, and examine how cities are ‘Making Relationships a Priority’ – this year’s conference programme focus for CityAccord.
Always a popular day for delegates, and with the 2024 Olympic bid cities in attendance at #SAC2017, speakers presented to a packed conference hall. #SAC2018 ‘CityAccord’ is set to take place on Tuesday, 17 April 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Commenting on the benefits for delegates of CityAccord within the SportAccord Convention programme, Nis Hatt, Managing Director said, “Everyone with a vested interest in sport attends SportAccord Convention. It provides the business community with a vital networking opportunity. The Convention in Aarhus, Denmark saw a big rise in attendance for the cities community with 135 cities and regions present. CityAccord provides delegates with the platform to share ideas, challenge the status quo, as well as discover the benefits of staging sports events.”
Conference sessions will examine why establishing successful relationships from the outset is key to successful event hosting, and what it takes to build on-going relationships between events for grass roots sport and people within the community, sharing examples of local programmes that are successfully motivating people of all ages and abilities. Sessions will also focus on long-term partnerships between international sport federations and cities, where IFs support and rewards cities and regions who not only host major sporting events but also invest in legacy through developing community participation and related infrastructure.
CityAccord will also look at novel ways cities and international federations have pooled technological resources as a result of changing behaviour and expectations of athletes, fans and sponsors. The session ‘Upside Down/Inside Out’ will explore unique ways cities are repurposing facilities post-event, enabling sports to find new audiences in non-traditional markets and locations.
The interactive panel discussion will examine the bidding process and how it affects the City/IF relationship. It will address what key changes need to take place to ensure cities are not put in a position where they have to drop-out of a bidding race. Event Watch will look at the keys to a successful ‘City and Organising Committee relationship’ and the final session, City Update, will focus on successful strategies being implemented between IFs and host cities for upcoming events.
CityAccord will be preceded by City-to-City. This event is for cities and regions only and will focus on two topics, each with short presentations, followed by discussion: (1) Creating an event that inspires children to participate in sport through dedicated local youth sports programmes (2) Don’t wait for your legacy, activate it before your event. The full #SAC2018 conference programme will include a ‘city focus’ within each conference stream.
"The Smart Cities & Sport Network is thrilled to support the SportAccord Convention in developing inspiring and interactive topics for the City-to-City session and the CityAccord. We look forward to enhancing the relationships between cities from around the globe and the international sport world.” said Co-ordinator Melanie Duparc, Official Supporter of SportAccord Convention who helped to shape the upcoming CityAccord conference programme.
Further information can be found on the webpage CityAccord. Watch highlights from last year’s successful #SAC2017 City Day including comments from Melanie Duparc of Smart Cities & Sport, Ben Avison of Host City, as well as the #SAC2017 Convention City Co-Host, Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark, and Damien de Bohun, General Manager of Major Events, Visit Victoria. Registration for #SAC2018 opens on Wednesday, 28 June 2017, revealing more news on the Plenary Conference as well as new delegate opportunities.
