TEAMS Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on every aspect of life, and the world of sporting events is no different. In fact, sport has helped lead the world out of the depths of the pandemic, both in setting an early example of how and when to shut down and how and when to return. In this session, a panel of industry experts explores the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on the sport-event industry, what events are looking like now and what opportunities may be on the horizon based on how the industry has had to adjust.

Charlie Dundas, Managing Director — YouGov Sport
John Eades, Managing Director — UK DAIMANI
Vicky Gosling, CEO — GB Snowsport
Antony Warren, Founder — Supersize Live

It has been 10 years since the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London set a new standard for the production of the world’s largest sporting events. In the decade since, the city and the region have attracted hundreds of events based on the successful organization during the summer of 2012. In this session, Lord Sebastian Coe, who led the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games and currently serves as president of World Athletics, will share lessons learned from London’s Olympic bid and the successful staging of the event as well as his perspective on the long-term legacy of the Games for its host city.

Sebastian Coe, President — World Athletics

Esports are here to stay and recent years have seen considerable growth in live events and esports-specific venue development. Esports fans have also proved that they are able and willing to travel to in-person competitions in addition to flocking online in enormous numbers. In this session, hear from esports experts on what’s next in this emerging field, how traditional sports organizations are adding esports and virtual components to their events, and how destinations and venues can position themselves to be a leader in the years to come. 

Johanna Byrane, Head of Business Development — Twickenham Stadium
Michael D'hulst, Co-Founder and CEO — Super League Triathlon
Jorge Schnura, Vice President, Strategy — OverActive Media
James Woollard, Head of Commercial Solutions — BLAST

If you’re involved in international sport, you might very well find yourself in Birmingham this July — in England or the United States. Birmingham in the UK will host the Commonwealth Games and Birmingham in Alabama will host the World Games, two significant international competitions that both destinations expect will set the stage for more events in the years to come. In this session, hear from leaders in both Birminghams on the significance of their international events for future economic development, the legacy each hopes to leave behind and the similarities each region has in their approach to using sport to increase the international profiles of their destinations.

Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events — West Midlands Growth Company
David Galbaugh, Vice President of Sports Sales and Marketing — Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
Mike Laflin, Founder and CEO — Global Sustainable Sport

One area of the sports industry that has faced some of the biggest challenges during the pandemic has been mass-participation events. Marathons, triathlons, cycling tours—events that by their nature attract large numbers of participants—have faced unique challenges. But event organizers in this space have forged a path that has seen the return of those events, in many cases with new approaches and revised protocols. In this session, learn what is working, where the pain points remain and what your organization and destination should be considering as mass-participation events return to the event calendar in destinations around the world.

Fiona Berwick, Head of Global Marketing Communications — ASICS
Matthew Brooke, Managing Director–Europe — Spartan Race/Tough Mudder
Stefan Petschnig, Chief Business Development Officer — The IRONMAN Group

Welcome the launch of TEAMS Europe by boarding the HMS Belfast to enjoy exclusive use of the Royal Navy warship’s Quarterdeck and Boat decks while sipping ship-themed cocktails or mocktails and eating dishes selected from three themed food stations to a backdrop of live 1940s jazz music. 

You'll also be able to explore the ship's onboard museum.

TEAMS Europe attendees will be welcomed to London by Jason Gewirtz, vice president of Northstar’s Sports Division.