The new global reality in sport: IFs in a world that refuses to stand still

In an era marked by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and evolving expectations, the IF Forum 2025 will provide a vital space for reflection, connection, and shared insight. Discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sport, with a programme designed to foster dialogue and practical takeaways.

Monday 27 October

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15:30 - 15:40

Introduction

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

Introduction
David Eades
Master of Ceremonies and Moderator
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15:40 - 16:10

Welcome and keynote address

Kirsty Coventry, IOC President, Double Olympic Champion – Swimming

Welcome and keynote address
Kirsty Coventry
IOC President, Double Olympic Champion - Swimming
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
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16:10 - 16:20

Welcome by Host

Emilie Moeschler, Conseillère Municipale, Ville de Lausanne

Welcome by Host
Émilie Moeschler
Conseillère Municipale
Ville de Lausanne
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16:20 - 16:30

Opening address

Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, President, SportAccord

Opening address
Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener
President
SportAccord
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16:30 - 17:00

‘View from the bridge’ – The challenges and opportunities facing IFs in this changing world

Ingmar De Vos, ASOIF President, FEI President, IOC Member

‘View from the bridge’ – The challenges and opportunities facing IFs in this changing world
Ingmar De Vos
ASOIF President, FEI President, IOC Member
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17:00 - 17:10

Prelude to Tuesday

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

David Eades
Master of Ceremonies and Moderator
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17:10 - 19:00

Drinks reception

Tuesday 28 October

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07:15 - 08:00

Morning activity – RowFit

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09:30 - 09:40

Welcome and opening remarks

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

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09:40 - 10:10

Keynote: Navigating global disruption: what sport can teach us (and must learn)

Professor Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasian Sport, Emlyon Business School

As global disruption reshapes every aspect of society, sport stands as both a mirror and a catalyst for change. The session explores the dual role sport plays in a shifting world: what it demonstrates about resilience, unity, and purpose, and what it must urgently learn to remain relevant, trusted, and future-ready.

Keynote: Navigating global disruption: what sport can teach us (and must learn)
Professor Simon Chadwick
Professor of AfroEurasian Sport
Emlyon Business School
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10:10 - 11:00

Panel discussion: Thanks to our sponsors: Commercialisation, monetisation and leadership in the age of fragmentation

Panel with:

  • Max Cobb, Secretary General, International Biathlon Union
  • Petra Sörling, President, ITTF
  • François Vergnol, Executive Director, Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Department, FEI
  • Rob Rauch, President, World Flying Disc Federation

Experienced and emerging leaders come together to explore how International Federations are adapting commercial and leadership strategies to stay relevant in a fragmented world. Includes insights into digital engagement, storytelling, and new approaches to monetisation.

Petra Sörling
President
ITTF
François Vergnol
Executive Director, Commercial, Marketing & Communications
FEI
Max Cobb
Secretary General
International Biathlon Union
Robert “Nob” Rauch
President
World Flying Disc Federation
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11:00 - 11:30

The near future: Milano-Cortina 2026

  • Andrea Francisi, Chief Games Operations Officer, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
  • Anna Riccardi, Sport Director, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
Andrea Francisi
Chief Games Operations Officer
Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
Anna Riccardi
Sport Director
Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
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11:30 - 12:00

Morning coffee break

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11:45 - 12:30

Visibility vs viability: Can women’s sport deliver on its promise?

Panel discussion with

  • Dr Lombe Mwambwa, CEO, Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport (GO)
  • Pernille Blume, Olympic Champion & Advocate for Female Empowerment
  • Fabio Azevedo, President, International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)
  • Midori Miyazaki, Executive Director, ISPS Handa
  • Filip Šuman, President, International Floorball Federation
  • Moderated by Ana Jelusic Black, Former ski race, Communications Specialist

The spotlight on women’s sport has never been brighter, but visibility isn’t the same as sustainability. Turning attention into long-term impact requires more than momentum: it demands investment, thoughtful governance, smart media strategy, and a willingness to rethink the model. Where do IFs fit in, what can they learn from big sport sponsors to help ensure women’s sport doesn’t just rise, but holds?

Lombe Mwambwa
CEO
Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (GO)
Pernille Blume
Olympic Champion & Advocate for Female Empowerment
Fabio Azevedo
President
International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)
Filip Šuman
President
International Floorball Federation
Midori Miyazaki
International Executive Director
ISPS Handa (International Sports Promotion Society)
Ana Jelušić Black
Moderator
Former ski race, Communications Specialist
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12:45 - 13:00

IF Forum Partner presentation

Marsh Sport provides innovative risk management solutions that empower sports organisations worldwide to thrive and build resilience in an ever-changing environment.

IF Forum Partner presentation
Richard Tolley
Deputy Leader of Marsh’s Global Sports and Events Industry Practice
Marsh
Thomas Guesde
Senior Vice-President Global Sports and Events
Marsh
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13:00 - 14:15

Lunch break

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14:15 - 15:00

Who decides: Science, sovereignty and sport

Panel with:

  • Dr Payoshni Mitra, Executive Director, Humans of Sport
  • Dr Madeleine Pape, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lausanne
  • Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, Professor, Hong Kong Baptist University, Chair, FIMS Scientific Commission; IOC Medical & Scientific Commission
  • Jürgen Steinacker, Head of the Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine center of internal medicine, University of Ulm
  • Boris van der Vorst, President, World Boxing

The gender conundrum… who makes the rules, who needs the rules, who wants the rules?

Yannis P. Pitsiladis
Professor
Hong Kong Baptist University
Dr. Payoshni Mitra
Executive Director
Humans of Sport
Boris van der Vorst
President
World Boxing
Dr Madeleine Pape
Senior Lecturer, Institute of Social Sciences
University of Lausanne
Prof. Dr. Juergen Steinacker
Head of the Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine center of internal medicine
University of Ulm
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15:00 - 15:15

IF Forum Partner presentation

As the Destination Management and Marketing Organization for Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Explore Edmonton’s mission is to share their city’s vibrant story with the world, enhance the visitor experience, and drive tourism to our remarkable destination.

IF Forum Partner presentation
Cindy Medynski
Director, Sport and Culture Events
Explore Edmonton
Tim Kasper
Manager, Event Attraction
Explore Edmonton
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15:15 - 15:45

Afternoon coffee break

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15:45 - 16:15

The horizon ahead: LA28

  • Niccolo Campriani, Vice-President of Sport, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee
  • Shana Ferguson, Chief of Sport and Games Delivery, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
  • Jack Smith, Sport Group Senior Manager, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee

With less than three years to go, the LA28 Organising Committee is shaping a new model for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, one defined by innovation, sustainability, and community legacy. This update will share how LA28 is building the foundations for an event designed for the future of sport.

Niccolo Campriani
Vice President, Sport
LA28
Shana Ferguson
Chief of Sport and Games Delivery
LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
Jack Smith
Sport Group Senior Manager
LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
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16:15 - 17:00

On the record: athletes’ expectations for tomorrow’s IF

Panel with:

  • Niccolo Campriani, Vice President, Sport, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee
  • Cody Almond, Olympian and former professional ice hockey player; Co-Founder & Director of Player Development, ATHOS Agency
  • Ana Jelusic Black, Former ski racer, Communications Specialist
  • Moderated by Kaveh Mehrabi, Director, Athletes’ Department, IOC

Athlete leaders share what they expect from the institutions shaping their sport, now and in the future. This session explores how IFs can move beyond consultation to create systems that are genuinely athlete-informed, trusted, and fit for purpose.

Niccolo Campriani
Vice President, Sport
LA28
Cody Almond
Co-Founder & Director of Player Development
ATHOS Agency
Ana Jelušić Black
Moderator
Former ski race, Communications Specialist
Kaveh Mehrabi
Director, Athletes’ Department
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
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17:00 - 17:20

Host of the SportAccord Convention 2026

Leyla Amirsultanova, Lead Media Relations & CSR Specialist, Baku City Circuit

Host of the SportAccord Convention 2026
Leyla Amirsultanova
Lead Media Relations and CSR Specialist
Baku City Circuit
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17:20 - 17:35

IF Forum Partner Presentation

Dawson Andrews (DA) designs, builds, and supports mission-critical software for International and National Federations, Leagues, and Governing Bodies. Our solutions serve as the operating system of their sport—helping federations and their subsidiary or regional bodies manage membership, competitions, governance, vetting, safeguarding, finance, and data with integrity and scale.

IF Forum Partner Presentation
Andrew Fulton
CEO
Dawson Andrews
Shaun Murphy
CTO
Dawson Andrews
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17:35 - 17:40

Prelude to Wednesday

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

David Eades
Master of Ceremonies and Moderator
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17:40 - 19:30

Evening reception

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20:00 - 23:00

Explore Edmonton Late Night Social

Join Explore Edmonton for a relaxed evening featuring light refreshments, beverages, and great conversation.

Wednesday 29 October

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09:30 - 09:40

Opening remarks

David Eades
Master of Ceremonies and Moderator
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09:40 - 10:20

‘Mind the Gap’: how IFs can stay relevant year-round

Panel discussion with:

  • Kit McConnell, Chief Sports Officer, Brisbane 2032
  • Jonny Murch, CEO, RedTorch
  • Richard Pettit, Secretary General, International Canoe Federation
  • Colin Smith, Director General, International Skating Union

In a world where audiences have endless choices, International Federations cannot rely solely on event spikes to drive growth. This session will reveal how marketing effectiveness and cultural connection can help IFs compete for attention year-round, build meaningful brand relevance and unlock stronger commercial partnerships.

Jonny Murch
CEO
RedTorch
Kit McConnell
Chief Sport Officer
Brisbane 2032
Richard Pettit
Secretary General
International Canoe Federation
Colin Smith
Director General
International Skating Union (ISU)
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10:20 - 10:35

IF Forum Partner Presentation

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. Our advanced products, systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces.

IF Forum Partner Presentation
Niels Geven
Director of Sports & Arenas
Signify
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10:35 - 11:05

Morning Coffee Break

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11:05 - 11:20

Back to the Future

Michael Payne, Chairman CEO, Payne Sports Media Strategies

Michael Payne
Chairman CEO
Payne Sports Media Strategies
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11:20 - 12:05

Seeing round the corner: Innovation and foresight for IFs

Panel with:

  • Zeynep Dechelotte, Esports Associate Director, IOC
  • Pierre Ducrey, Sports Director, IOC
  • Beau Welling, President, World Curling

Sport is operating in an increasingly volatile environment. Pandemics, political unrest, economic shifts and rapid technological change have all tested the resilience of International Federations. This session will explore how IFs can look round the corner and prepare for what comes next. From winter sports facing the realities of climate and near-term Games delivery, to digital and esports opening new frontiers, and strategic foresight frameworks that help identify early warning signals, panellists will share how sport can adapt, anticipate disruption and thrive in a shifting global reality.

Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte
Esports Associate Director
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Pierre Ducrey
Sports Director
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Beau Welling
President
World Curling
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12:05 - 12:10

Closing Remarks

David Eades
Master of Ceremonies and Moderator
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12:10 - 13:30

Lunch Break

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13:30 - 17:30

IOC sustainability sessions

Whether your IF is already making progress in implementing social and environmental strategies or taking those all-important first steps on its own journey, join us for an afternoon programme dedicated to Sustainability. In collaboration with the IOC, hear from and engage with a range of experts and practitioners on topics including climate action, nature, circularity, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, tournament planning and delivery, athlete advocacy and more.