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

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

Kirsty Coventry, IOC President, Double Olympic Champion – Swimming

Emilie Moeschler, Conseillère Municipale, Ville de Lausanne

Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, President, SportAccord

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

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

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.

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.

• Andrea Francisi, Chief Games Operations Officer, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
• Anna Riccardi, Sport Director, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

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?

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

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?

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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.

David Eades, Master of Ceremonies and Moderator

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

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.

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.

Michael Payne, Chairman CEO, Payne Sports Media Strategies

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.

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.