Submissions Wanted for SPORTEL Awards -- Conferences and Conventions

(ATR)The "Golden Podium Awards" will honor the year’s best sports videos and books at SPORTELMonaco on October 23.

Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will host the 29th edition of the awards. To submit an entry, click here.

SPORTELMonaco is one of the leading sports business conventions, with more than 3,045 attendees and 1,000 companies participating last year. Europe makes up more than two-thirds of the event, while North America and Asia largely fill out the rest.

Media and broadcast companies provide the bulk of contributors, while leagues, federations, and marketing firms also attend. The convention goes from October 22 to 24.

Soccerex USA 2018 Highlights Concacaf Involvement

Soccer business professionals set their sights on Marlins Park for Soccerex USA 2018 on November 15-16.

The conference has an American focus, as US Soccer, Concacaf, and MLS senior members lead the advisory board. Growth of American soccer and connections between the Mexican and United States markets will be discussed.

The next few years prove pivotal for soccer in the continent after securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a joint bid.

More than 80 exhibitors and 40 expert speakers will discuss other topics including youth development, performance technology, fan engagement, esports, and stadium design.

Networking opportunities will be plentiful, with more than 1400 delegates from 40 countries planning to attend. Top leagues, franchises, tech companies, and governing bodies attended past Soccerex events, including FIFA, YouTube, and La Liga.

Beyond Sport United

The major United States sports leagues will come together in New York on Sept. 12-13 to discuss how sport impacts and empowers young leaders.

Topics will look at how sports leagues are impacting the youngest generation. They want to support those making a positive impact on their communities.

The 10th Beyond Sport Global Awards will grant over $35,000 in prizes during the event. Awards support those who create sustainable innovations in the sport industry, ranging from improving equality in sport to advances in how sport affects the environment.

The early bird rate for Beyond Sport United is still available, but expires on Monday. You can buy your ticket here.

RESPONSIBALL Forum

World Refugee Day may be over but the RESPONSIBALL Forum, dedicated to showcasing effective practices that utilize football to integrate refugees into local communities, is on the horizon.

The forum will be in Lausanne on Nov. 8 and will focus on the immigration crisis currently affecting European refugees.

Case studies and examples run most discussions, which examine the programs many clubs and federations have already created. Participants will have the opportunity to meet refugees, during a "speed dating / living library" session, in which stories and experiences can be shared between both parties.

The eighth edition of the RESPONSIBALL Ranking will be revealed, grading the sustainable practices present in professional football leagues around the world. Last year’s ranking can be found here.

Olympism in Action Forum

The IOC will debut the Olympism in Action Forum in Buenos Aires on October 5-6 prior to the Youth Olympic Games.

Speakers, businesses, athletes, and more will address topics on how to use sport to improve society. This includes removing negative aspects of competition, such as corruption and doping, while enhancing positive impacts, such as environmental sustainability and encouraging young athletes.

Topics on the first day will address current human rights issues, such as gender equality and sexual harassment. Workshops spotlight the recent strain on Olympic host cities, combating rising costs, which has hurt entire countries due to an overuse of resources. The forum wants future hosts to more positively influence their local communities.

On day two speakers, such as members of the Rio 2016 refugee Olympic team, will encourage an increased commitment to inclusion in sport. Workshops look ahead to the future, with esports and ultimate frisbee highlighting future competitions, while entrepreneurship and fan engagement continue to adjust technology advances.

All forum participants also receive an invitation to the Opening Ceremony for the Youth Olympic Games, as the focus on the next generation of athletes is a top priority for both events. YOG feature workshops and education for athletes about Olympic values and how to act as a sports ambassador.

Other Conferences

ISHPES Congress: July 18-21

Stadia and Arena Japan: Aug. 30-31

SportsPro The Brand Conference: Sept. 26-27

Esports Business Summit: Oct. 1-3

Why Sports: Oct. 2

FIBA World Basketball Summit: Oct. 3-4

Smart Cities and Sport Summit: Oct. 29-31

Investing in Facilities and Infrastructure: Nov. 27

Learfield Intercollegiate Athletics Forum: Dec. 5-6

FINA World Aquatics Convention: Dec. 8-10

Written by Jeffrey Farek