The Australian state of Victoria has pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games due to financial considerations, leaving the Commonwealth Games Federation with just three years to find an alternative solution.

“This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organising Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement. 

The Victorian government cited escalating costs as the reason for backing out of its hosting agreement – but the CGF said that the rising costs were down to Victoria’s choice of delivery model.

“The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June,” the statement said. 

“These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure. 

“Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

“We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government. 

Up until this point, the Government had advised that sufficient funding was available to deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

“We are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026 that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”

The UK city of Birmingham, which stepped in to host the 2022 Games when Durban pulled out five years before the Games, has been mentioned as a possible contingency.

The immediate previous hosts were Gold Coast and Glasgow.

Host City 2023, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, takes place in Glasgow on 20-21 November.

[Source: EventScotland] VisitScotland Events Directorate has today announced the appointment of Rebecca Edser as Head of EventScotland.  

Edser, who will start in September, joins Scotland’s national event organisation from her current role as Senior Major Events Consultant at UK Sport, the national high-performance sport agency which supports Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and the staging of major sporting events.

With over 13 years’ experience at UK Sport, Edser brings with her a wealth of event experience both at national and international level, including bidding and supporting the staging of major events, as well as managing strategic partnerships across a range of organisations.  

Highlights across her career include the governments Event Research Programme in 2021.  As Head of Delivery, Edser was responsible for teams working with Wembley Stadium, the Brit Awards, Royal Ascot and the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, the programme not only provided scientific evidence on the transmission of Covid-19 but enabled testing of the covid certification to support the restart and recovery of the sector. 

More recently, Edser has fulfilled a secondment to the Greater London Authority, leading London’s major sports events team, including the management of existing commitments, and the identification and securing of new events and properties.  This has included key strategic work on the submission for UK and Ireland UEFA EURO 2028 bid, and UEFA Champions League Final 2024. 

Prior to her role at UK Sport, Rebecca held roles at London 2012, Scottish Rugby Union and EventScotland as an Event Manager working on a wide-ranging portfolio of sport and cultural events including Piping Live and Glasgow International.

In her new role as Head of EventScotland, Rebecca will be responsible for leading Scotland’s national major event organisation to attract and secure major sporting and cultural events, continue to raise Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage and support the recovery and growth of a flourishing and competitive events industry.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said:

“I would like to congratulate Rebecca Edser on her appointment as the new Head of EventScotland. Rebecca brings a passion for both sporting and cultural events, along with a wealth of experience across a range of areas including working with national governing bodies and international federations on the feasibility, bidding and staging of events to ensure they are delivered to a world leading level.

Having worked with Rebecca in the lead up to 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships, I know she will be a valuable addition not only to EventScotland, but to the wider events sector, and our key strategic relationships. Having started her career at EventScotland, we are excited to welcome Rebecca back to the fold in this senior role and I look forward to working with her as we continue to lead, shape and secure events for Scotland, as well as move forward with the refresh of Scotland’s National Events Strategy.”

Rebecca Edser said:

"I am thrilled to have been appointed as the Head of EventScotland. Scotland has an international reputation as an ambitious and innovative host of sporting and cultural events and while the last few years have been challenging for the sector, I believe that there is much to look forward to demonstrated by this summer’s exciting programme of events that includes, the Tall Ships in Lerwick and the inaugural staging of the UCI Cycling World Championships that will take place across Scotland. 

It is an exciting time to re-join the organisation as we look to review and refresh Scotland’s National Events Strategy ‘Scotland the Perfect Stage’, and I very much look forward to establishing partnerships and relationships across Scotland, not only to deliver the new strategy but to ensure that this is a sector that continues to thrive."

Rebecca succeeds current post holder Robbie Clyde who will take up a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Golf.

What are young people focused on and why does the sports industry need to attract them?

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “What we do in sport is sell the dream of the lifestyle of the athlete. What we fail to do, and what is most needed, is sell life purpose.

“As for how we launch this into the future and are able to attract the hearts and minds of young people: my kids have taught me so much about identity, and their sense of what they want to belong to physically, mentally, spiritually and virtually. Their fluidity in terms of their knowledge, scale and skills and experiences at 17-18 years is much wider – and they are much more likely to offer sincerity and authenticity.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “One issue that is ringing out is public trust. This is influencing the way sponsorship is done. The human rights movement, women in sports and geopolitics are shaping sports like never before.

“By 2025, 50% of the world population will need upskilling, in terms of data and digital literacy. We need to bring sports organisations to that future.”

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “There is a ‘give first’ mentality of Gen Z. A lot of sport is totally underestimating the change in how people from 8-25 are going to consume sport. They might look at their favourite team for only 15 minutes. You need to give first and get their attention.”

What can athletes bring to the professional sphere?

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “The sports industry needs to think more about how they bring athletes back. Athletes are positive disruptors. They can bring a business mindset and creative thinking.”

Jeroen Straathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023: “We use the voice of athletes in the perspective of our event; we let athletes to tell their story. We advise all organisations to get the voice of athletes in their company. We need more athletes on boards.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “Now athletes have a much stronger voice through social media. It’s taken until now to put athletes first, or at least up there.”

What are the considerations for athletes planning a career in sports?

Jeroen Staathof, Tournament Director, European Para Championships 2023 and former athletes commission chair: “Athletes need to be aware that they are people who can do things really well – but out there are also guitar players who play really well, so you’re not special!”

Xu Lijia OLY, Olympic gold medallist: “When I was training in the 90s I didn’t know English. I was like a frog in a well! Learning English helped me a lot, to access the most advanced information and knowledge. And it helped my second career in sports media. By mastering both Chinese and English I could quickly switch between the two. A multinational experience really helped me to survive well in the western world – and perhaps people here can learn more about China.

“There are lots of courses, online and offline, from IOC other organisations, to help us to experience this difficult transition. As athletes we have many transferable skills – time management with a clear role.”

“But I did feel quite low when I realised I couldn’t compete any more, and I wouldn’t feel as high again.”

David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sports and Human Rights: “You need a trauma informed approach. It’s traumatic to reidentify our life purpose.”

Why is it important to have a diverse workforce?

Bill Powell, MD, Black Lab Sports: “Some of the most culturally diverse teams are the ones grabbing onto exponentially growing technology.”

Mayi Cruz Blanco, MD, Sports Practice & Partnerships, Adecco Group: “Diversity is not just about numbers. It’s about making a huge difference in the world. Candidates are declining organisations that are not inclusive enough. You need to bring different groups into the sports industry.”

Rowena Samarasinhe, Founder, GENsport: “We are a global industry, but if you look at federations it’s very much a western ideology. We need to represent the entire world. Its 60 years since Martin Luther King gave his ‘I have a dream’ speech, but we’re in the same situation now, still talking about diversity.

“We have also had a spate of female leaders getting vilified. We’ve got to ride that wave, but get through it. A big part is supporting that next generation and helping them to be our future leaders.”

This announcement builds on the initial overview of road routes revealed last September during the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. It includes new details and full routes for the road races (Men Elite, Women Elite and Men Under 23), Individual Time Trials (all categories) and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.

Today’s announcement also unveils the first details of the route for the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships that will take place in Dumfries and Galloway, including the Road Race, Individual Time Trial and Team Relay.

Road races and Team Time Trial Mixed Relay

Throughout these events, the world’s best cyclists will savour some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, with racing taking place across the country. The Men Elite road race takes in Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat from its start in the capital on Sunday 6 August, before heading north across the Firth of Forth via the iconic Queensferry Crossing, then heading west through Fife towards Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, passing near world-renowned landmarks including  the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, Carron Valley and the Crow Road, before turning towards Glasgow and the specially designed finishing circuit, looping through the west end to the city centre for a spectacular finish alongside George Square.

The Women Elite and Men Under 23 road races will also finish on the Glasgow city circuit, though starting on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond at Balloch, weaving through West and East Dunbartonshire en route via the Crow Road to the finish line in George Square. The Men Under 23 road race takes place on Saturday 12 August with the Women Elite road race, which includes the Women Under 23 category, closing this inaugural and history making competition on Sunday 13 August.

In addition, the Men and Women Junior road races and the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay will start and finish on the Glasgow city circuit on Saturday 5 August and Tuesday 8 August respectively.

Individual Time Trials

Stirling and its surrounding area will host the Individual Time Trials for all categories, with competition beginning on Wednesday 9 August and continuing across three days until Friday 11 August. Riders will set off from the King and Queens Knot in the shadow of Stirling Castle on a fast course that will take them, through the flats of the River Forth to the west across the countryside, before heading back towards Stirling city centre, and finishing on Stirling Castle esplanade.

Para-cycling road

Dumfries and Galloway will welcome the world’s best para-cyclists for four days as they host the para-cycling road competition at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

The region, which lays claim to introducing the first pedal-driven bicycle to the world in 1839, will see athletes competing on single bikes, tandems, tricycles and hand-cycles for the UCI World Championship titles across the varied para-cycling sport classes and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.

Competition will start with Individual Time Trials on Wednesday 9 August and will finish with road races on Saturday 12 August. The routes, which take advantage of Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning cycling terrain, have been designed in conjunction with local partners to showcase the region and present a fitting challenge to the athletes.

Teams will then travel to Glasgow for the Team Relay, which will take place on Sunday 13 August.

Full details for each event, including routes and technical information can be found in the Notes to Editors alongside links to course maps on the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website. Please note the full course details for the Gran Fondo will be announced in due course.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will bring together 13 existing UCI World Championships into a new mega event in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 – 13 August.

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chair Paul Bush OBE said: “The announcement of further details for road races and the unveiling of the para-cycling road routes for the first time is another exciting milestone as we continue the final countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this August.

“The routes will take in some of the country’s most iconic cities and countryside, providing a spectacular backdrop to the action taking place on road and showcasing why Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale said: “Today’s announcement detailing the road and para-cycling road routes confirms that the competitions will be spectacular. Challenging from a sporting point of view, the routes will also highlight Scotland’s wonderful scenery and rich history. We have all the ingredients for intense and sensational racing, and I cannot wait to witness the action unfold as the athletes battle for glory at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “It’s fantastic to see just how many communities across Scotland will play their part by hosting the road races for this year’s UCI Cycling World Championships. The routes showcase the best of Scotland to both visitors and those watching from home. Scotland’s breath-taking views and iconic landmarks will provide a great backdrop for the drama of the races. I would encourage all those who can do so to get out and see this world-class sporting action right on your doorstep.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “We are excited to see the full road race routes now announced for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Glasgow’s iconic George Square, in the heart of the city centre, will provide the exciting, fast finishing straight for most of the Elite races, and before that the athletes will take in laps of the city centre circuit designed to be technically challenging, while showcasing the city to the global tv audience.”

“These races will be a real highlight of our sporting calendar with stars from across the world competing, and of course including these events as part of the competition schedule gives local, national and international sports fans and visitors a fantastic opportunity to see elite riders race past their doorsteps, this summer - for free.”

With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland (a full list of the UCI World Championships is included in the Notes to Editors).

Tickets are on sale now from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the Championships.

[Source: ESA] Sponsorship across Europe continued its post-pandemic recovery in 2022 as the sport sector achieved a record high, according to research from the European Sponsorship Association [ESA] and Nielsen Sports. 

The 2023 ESA Sponsorship Market Overview found that the total value of Europe’s sponsorship market increased by 4.3% over the past year from €27.85bn to €29.05bn. The total volume remained more than €1bn lower than 2018 and 2019 levels, with a record high of €30.69bn measured in 2019. 

The Sponsorship Market Overview covers sport and non-sport, and both sectors enjoyed an increase in 2022 but sport went from surviving to thriving with a record high volume of €20.69bn compared with €19.80bn in 2021 and €20.26bn in 2019. The recovery of the non-sport sector was modest in comparison but still significant with a 3.85% gain from €8.05bn to €8.36bn. 

Nielsen Sports, which has been delivering this annual report since 2008, concluded that the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions was the main contributor to the market growth across sport events, festivals and concerts. Sport also benefited from the staging of major events such as UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and the Commonwealth Games, as well as spill-over from the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup.  

The authors also noted that the rapid increase in crypto sponsorship had both a positive and negative impact on the industry, bringing a cash injection alongside a degree of volatility due to the instability of the sector. They also acknowledged the negative impact on all markets caused by Russia’s military occupation of Ukraine. 

The Sponsorship Market Overview measures the top 10 markets in Europe, and it found that Spain (14%) and the United Kingdom (10%) were this year’s fastest growers. The report found that Spain had benefited from market stabilisation after the ban on betting sponsorship in 2021, with renewed commercial growth driven by FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, along with the emergence of female athletes as ambassadors. The continued growth of the Premier League was a major contributor to increases in UK sponsorship. 

Samantha Lamberti, Managing Director International, Nielsen Sports, commented: “A look at the figures confirms 2021’s trend: the sponsorship market in Europe is growing for the second year in a row. Lifted restrictions and the increased adaptation of Web 3.0 technologies served as drivers of growth.” 

Andy Westlake, ESA Chairman, added: “The continued recovery of the sponsorship industry is highlighted by Nielsen Sports’ latest Sponsorship Market Overview, which paints a picture of a dynamic and resilient sector. 

“It’s remarkable how well sponsorship has bounced back after the devastating effects of the pandemic, and we all enjoyed the full resumption of in-person sporting and cultural events that contributed to the regrowth of the sector in 2022.  

“To see the volume of the 2022 industry come close to matching pre-pandemic levels underlines the importance of sponsorship to companies across Europe that need to achieve tangible connection with their customers. Sport sponsorship reached record levels last year and I am sure 2023 will see a continued regrowth in non-sport sponsorship. 

“This good news comes in spite of some very profound challenges affecting business stability, not least Russia’s continued military occupation of Ukraine. The 2023 Sponsorship Market Overview also highlights the positive and negative impact of crypto sponsorship on our industry. It’s more important than ever that companies use reliable data to inform their sponsorship decision-making – and this vital annual analysis by Nielsen Sports leads the way in that category.” 

ESA members can click here to see the full report. This report was produced using Nielsen Sports Market Intelligence and is available exclusively to ESA members. The ESA Sponsorship Market Overview has been conducted annually since 2008. 

ESA is a Strategic Partner of Host City.

[Source: Aggreko] Aggreko, the world’s leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy solutions, has announced that they will be providing their industry-leading temporary power modules to Cirque du Soleil for several of the entertainment company’s North American Big Top shows in 2023. The agreement continues Aggreko’s long-standing partnership with Cirque du Soleil, which began in 2012.

For Cirque du Soleil's 2023 season, Aggreko is providing power generators North American runs of Kooza in Houston and Toronto.

Aggreko will coordinate 2,500 kW of reliable, temporary power for each of the 134 performances across the two North American markets. The seamless mobility of Aggreko’s energy solutions guarantees that Cirque du Soleil can tour the continent without experiencing power outages while astonishing audiences with their world-renowned theatrics.

Aggreko’s temporary power solutions ensure that audiences at Cirque du Soleil shows will have uninterrupted experiences, even if power to the grid is cut. The short-term nature of touring shows, and the unique experience of sitting under the “Big Top”, also means that area grids may be stressed by demand from performances, making generators powered by Aggreko’s decades of experience a benefit for the communities hosting the shows as well.

“We’re thrilled to partner again with Cirque du Soleil to manage their temporary power needs, marking the eleventh year of our relationship,“ said Don Gray of Aggreko. “We understand that the immersive experiences of Cirque du Soleil’s shows require no interruptions, which is why we’re happy to lend our expertise in temporary power solutions to guarantee the greatest enjoyment by audiences across North America. Aggreko looks forward to another exciting year of working with Cirque du Soleil to bring the magic of modern circus arts to over 130 audiences in the United States and Canada.”

“Aggreko has successfully provided energy supply for our international touring shows for over a decade, and we’re happy to partner with them for another year ensuring a positive experience for both our performers and the audience,” said Philippe Rochette, Specialist – Electric & HVAC of Cirque du Soleil. “Our North American runs of KOOZA are cornerstones of our international touring plan and thanks to Aggreko’s reliable energy service, we’re confident that we will continue to perform knowing that our energy supply is in good hands.”

Those interested in learning more about the Aggreko power solutions used in the Cirque du Soleil shows can visit https://www.aggreko.com/, and the full Cirque du Soleil calendar for 2023 can be viewed at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/.

About Aggreko

Aggreko is a world-leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy services. Operating in a rapidly changing energy market, our priority is to support our customers through the energy transition by providing cost-effective and flexible answers to the simple or complex challenges our customers face.

Founded in Scotland in 1962, Aggreko has grown from a small local business to a global energy pioneer, employing more than 6,000 people. Headquartered in Glasgow, we’ve remained true to our roots, and have operations in over 204 locations, ready to deliver energy solutions to every corner of the globe.

Aggreko creates bespoke solutions to provide all electricity, heating and cooling needs using the latest fuels and storage solutions. This is powered by our trademark passion, unrivaled international experience, and local knowledge.

We recognize our position as partners in the energy transition and are constantly evolving our products to provide better solutions no matter the sector.

[Source: IOC] Today, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced details of the Olympic Esports Series 2023, a global virtual and simulated sports competition created by the IOC and in collaboration with International Federations (IFs) and game publishers.

The initially confirmed featured games across nine sports are:

- Archery (World Archery Federation, Tic Tac Bow),

- Baseball (World Baseball Softball Confederation, WBSC eBASEBALL™: POWER PROS),

- Chess (International Chess Federation, Chess.com),

- Cycling (UCI, Zwift),

- Dance (World DanceSport Federation, JustDance)

- Motor sport (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, Gran Turismo).

- Sailing (World Sailing, Virtual Regatta),

- Taekwondo (World Taekwondo, Virtual Taekwondo)

- Tennis (International Tennis Federation, Tennis Clash),

The Olympic Esports Series 2023 begins today, when both professional and amateur players from around the world are invited to take part in qualification rounds across a host of the featured games.

The Olympic Esports Series 2023 will culminate in live, in-person finals for the first time, with players having the opportunity to progress to the Olympic Esports Finals 2023. Taking place at Singapore’s Suntec Centre from 22 to 25 June, the finals action will be a highlight of the recently announced Olympic Esports Week 2023.

Coming together in Singapore for this unique competition, the players will compete in front of fans for the prestigious title of Olympic Esports Series winner. The thrilling finals action will be streamed globally across Olympics.com and Olympic social channels.

This evolved format of the IOC’s virtual competition builds on the successes of the Olympic Virtual Series. The 2021 series, which took place ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, attracted over 250,000 participants from across 100 countries to take part in competitions. The Olympic Esports Series 2023 marks another step in supporting the development of virtual sports within the Olympic Movement, as laid out in Olympic Agenda 2020+5, and continues its collaboration with the gaming and esports communities to create new opportunities for players and fans alike.

Speaking at the announcement, David Lappartient, Chair of the IOC Esports Liaison Group, said: “The Olympic Movement brings people together in peaceful competition. The Olympic Esports Series 2023 is a continuation of that, with the ambition of creating more spaces to play for both players and fans of elite competition. We look forward to witnessing some of the world’s best compete on the global stage, as well as exploring together shared opportunities and lessons - across health and wellbeing, training and innovation.”

This follows the recent announcement that Singapore will host the first Olympic Esports Week 2023. Created in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore and the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), the four-day festival will showcase the very best of virtual sports – including technology exhibitions, show matches, expert panel discussions, and the first live finals of the Olympic Esports Series. The full programme and ticket details for the Olympic Esports Week 2023 will be revealed in April.

[Source: AIPH] Expo organisers from future AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos will travel to the Portuguese Iberostar Selection Lisboa hotel in Lisbon to present their progress reports at the International Horticultural Expo Conference on 13 March.

AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Expos are beautiful events that showcase the power of flowers and plants. The Expo parks are enjoyed by millions of visitors and leave environmentally positive legacies for the host city’s residents.

What is an AIPH Approved International Horticultural Expo?

For more than 60 years, AIPH has had a mandate agreed upon by the 1928 Paris Convention and subsequent protocols to approve and regulate these major horticultural events.

Millions are spent developing these international spectacles that can stimulate the development of entire cities and transform the international reputation of hosting regions. Each Expo attracts many international participants and millions of visitors and lasts up to six months, with sites ranging from the smallest of 25 hectares to the largest of 500 hectares or more. Every Expo is carefully regulated, steered, and monitored by AIPH.

AIPH Guide to Master Planning an Expo

Mr John Boon, Director of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at ARCADIS – a global design, engineering, and management consulting company – will talk about his collaboration with AIPH and present a new master planning guide for World and International Horticultural Expos.

The guide focuses on the key elements to be considered when starting an Expo project. It provides several methodologies and best practices beneficial for the master planning of both the Expo site and its legacy.

Backed by previous Expo case studies, examples of Masterplans and their pros and cons, and consideration of broader urban integration, this work will be of interest to every urbanist, landscape architect, city planner or developer.

Mr Boon has more than 25 years of experience as a landscape architect. He was appointed chief designer of the World Horticultural Expo Floriade 2012 in Venlo, Netherlands.

He is also at the forefront of sustainable and healthy outdoor space design. In the Netherlands, he introduced the Healthy City Index.

Learn from other prominent major event experts

For all major special events, efficient and effective transportation will be the first and last impact on every visitor. Mr David McCrae, Vice-President and Managing Director of TMS – Transportation Management Services – will discuss planning a capable transportation system.

That will set the tone for the visitor experience’s totality and shape every visitor’s lasting memory.
Also presenting to Expo Conference delegates will be a multi-tasking event manager, Biblo Event. This organisation has been enthusiastically planning innovative, creative, and perfect events since 2013. At the Expo Conference, they will share their experience creating spectacular events.

World Green City Awards 2024

AIPH is keen to engage and put nature in the heart and the centre of urban living; through our Green City Programme, we held the first World Green City Awards 2022. Two AIPH-Approved Expos host cities were among the finalists. At the Expo Conference, entry for the World Green City Awards 2024 will officially open. For more information or to register an interest, visit this link.

Learn how to host, participate, or support an AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Expo

The Expo Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn about future International Horticultural Expos, how to host or participate in future World and International Horticultural Expos, and plenty of opportunities to network with Expo organisers, city representatives, urban developers, landscape designers, NGOs, international city and environmental organisations, and suppliers to major events.

Audiences will also listen to updates from our host cities in Türkiye affected by the devastating earthquakes on 6 February. The Expo organisers will report about the next steps, particularly Kahramanmaraş, which was due to open at the end of April.

Major event suppliers on hand to support Expo organisers

Expo organisers can benefit from the many networking opportunities at this Expo Conference. Representatives from the AIPH Preferred Partner programme will be in attendance. And we welcome Mosimann’s, our newest quality event service provider for catering. Find out more on the AIPH website.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit the Event Page.

Until 2028, AIPH has approved International Horticultural Expos in China, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Türkiye.

Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, will be opening in October.

FORTHCOMING AIPH-APPROVED EXPOS:

A1 World Horticultural Expos

■ Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar

2 October 2023–28 March 2024

Theme: Green Desert, Better Environment

■ World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama, Japan

March–September 2027

Theme: Scenery of the Future for Happiness

B International Horticultural Exhibitions

■ Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye

23 April–31 October 2023

Theme: Nature-Friendly City and Sensitivity

■ Suncheonman International Garden Expo 2023, South Korea

1 April–22 October 2023

Theme: The Garden of the Earth

■ International Horticultural Exhibition Chengdu 2024, China

26 April-28 October 2024

Theme: City in parks and life in poetries

■ Expo İzmir 2026, Türkiye

1 May-31 October 2026

Theme: Living in Harmony

■ Udon-Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, Thailand

1 November 2026 to 14 March 2027

Theme: Diversity of Life: People, Water and Plants

■ Malatya International Horticultural Expo 2028, Türkiye

23 April to 29 October 2028

AIPH thanks Spring Meeting Headline Sponsor Biblo and Expo Conference Headline Sponsor TMS – Transportation Management Services.

[Source: US Sailing] US Sailing and Miami Yacht Club have agreed to co-host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials –Sailing. The 49er, Mixed 470, Men and Women’s IQ Foil, and Men’s and Women’s Formula Kite racing will be held Jan 6-13, 2024, while the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 classes will race Feb. 17-24, 2024. The racing will be held primarily on the Atlantic Ocean with course options on Biscayne Bay.

Tom Duggan, Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, will serve as PRO for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Sailing. The Notices of Race for these events will be issued by Aug. 1, 2023.

“We are honored to have the Miami sailing community and, in particular, Miami Yacht Club’s patriotism and enthusiasm for supporting America’s top sailing athletes and their journey to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” said Paul Cayard, executive director of the US Sailing Team. “The U.S. Olympic Team Trials are a competition which will test boat speed, focus, mental strength, the ability to win races, and the ability to sail consistently over a series of races, all of which are required to succeed at the Olympic Games.”

The athlete selection procedures for the 2024 Olympic Games were drafted by US Sailing’s International Selection Committee, which includes nine U.S. Olympians and is chaired by Olympic silver and bronze medalist, JJ Fetter. The selection procedures were approved by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and initially published in July 2022, with subsequent amendments to reflect this 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials announcement.

For the Women’s Skiff (49er FX), late selection will be the combined results of the 2024 FX World Championships in Lanzarote, Spain from February 27 – March 3^rd and the 2024 Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma, Spain from April 1 – 6^th.

For the Mixed Multihull (Nacra 17), late selection will be the combined results of the 2024 Princess Sofia Regatta and the 2024 Nacra 17 Europeans in La Grande-Motte, France from May 7 – 12^th.

It should be noted that if an athlete/team both wins the qualification series for selection to the Olympic Test Event in Marseille in July 2023 and achieves a podium finish at that event, that athlete/team will qualify for Early Selection and be nominated as the representative(s) for Paris 2024, precluding a late selection regatta or regattas for that class.

Full Selection Procedures for the Paris 2024 Olympics can be found here

[Source: US Sailing] US Sailing and Miami Yacht Club have agreed to co-host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials –Sailing. The 49er, Mixed 470, Men and Women’s IQ Foil, and Men’s and Women’s Formula Kite racing will be held Jan 6-13, 2024, while the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 classes will race Feb. 17-24, 2024. The racing will be held primarily on the Atlantic Ocean with course options on Biscayne Bay.

Tom Duggan, Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, will serve as PRO for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Sailing. The Notices of Race for these events will be issued by Aug. 1, 2023.

“We are honored to have the Miami sailing community and, in particular, Miami Yacht Club’s patriotism and enthusiasm for supporting America’s top sailing athletes and their journey to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” said Paul Cayard, executive director of the US Sailing Team. “The U.S. Olympic Team Trials are a competition which will test boat speed, focus, mental strength, the ability to win races, and the ability to sail consistently over a series of races, all of which are required to succeed at the Olympic Games.”

The athlete selection procedures for the 2024 Olympic Games were drafted by US Sailing’s International Selection Committee, which includes nine U.S. Olympians and is chaired by Olympic silver and bronze medalist, JJ Fetter. The selection procedures were approved by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and initially published in July 2022, with subsequent amendments to reflect this 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials announcement.

For the Women’s Skiff (49er FX), late selection will be the combined results of the 2024 FX World Championships in Lanzarote, Spain from February 27 – March 3^rd and the 2024 Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma, Spain from April 1 – 6^th.

For the Mixed Multihull (Nacra 17), late selection will be the combined results of the 2024 Princess Sofia Regatta and the 2024 Nacra 17 Europeans in La Grande-Motte, France from May 7 – 12^th.

It should be noted that if an athlete/team both wins the qualification series for selection to the Olympic Test Event in Marseille in July 2023 and achieves a podium finish at that event, that athlete/team will qualify for Early Selection and be nominated as the representative(s) for Paris 2024, precluding a late selection regatta or regattas for that class.

Full Selection Procedures for the Paris 2024 Olympics can be found here