Host City: In the current climate, what kind of events do you think cities and sponsors are most interested in investing in?
Nenad Lalovic: The current climate demands an event that can deliver in a variety of areas that match with a cities or regions current agenda. Promotion of sport as means to a healthy lifestyle, sustainable which is not a burden to a city in the years following an event and a legacy that provides more options and programmes for youth development.
Host City: How does UWW maximise the impact of its own events for stakeholders – the IOC, host cities, sponsors and fans?
Nenad Lalovic: With our new Host City Bidding process, we included a more direct dialogue with host cities while maintaining the existing relationships we have with our National Federations. In doing so it allows us to have the city’s commitment right from the beginning, which creates synergies in finding more sponsors, engaging with fans as well as an event with a legacy.
Host City: Which regions around the world do you see as having the greatest potential for growing wrestling and how can you reach new fans there?
Nenad Lalovic: Asia has a tremendous growth potential for wrestling. Especially, China and India are two markets where we see strong viewership through our livestream and rights holders, and strong future athletes coming up. In addition, Africa and Eastern Europe are also in regions where we have seen steady increase in participation and viewership.
Nenad Lalovic is speaking at Host City 2017 on 28 and 29 November in Glasgow. For more information visit https://unitedworldwrestling.org and www.hostcity.com