A year of focus and preparation
2025 was a significant year for SportAccord, one that helped define our priorities and shape the path ahead. The work undertaken over the past months has strengthened our position and set clear direction for what comes next.
Baku confirmed as Host City for 2026
One of the year’s most important milestones was the confirmation of Baku, Azerbaijan as the Host City of the SportAccord Convention 2026. The city brings a compelling blend of cultural depth, modern infrastructure and a recognised ambition to position itself on the world stage of sport. Beyond major sporting events such as the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku has hosted high-level international gatherings, including ministerial meetings and global policy conferences, demonstrating its ability to deliver complex events with visibility and high-level participation.
Registration for the SportAccord Convention 2026 opened in November, signalling the start of the journey to Baku. The immediate interest from International Federations, cities and commercial partners demonstrates a strong appetite for what is shaping up to be a dynamic and globally connected event in a destination that blends cultural heritage with modern ambition.
IF Forum 2025
In October, we hosted the most attended IF Forum in SportAccord’s history, bringing more than 500 leaders from across the sport ecosystem to Lausanne. Built around the theme “The New Global Reality in Sport,” the event provided a timely platform for reflection on the forces reshaping the sector and the decisions facing its leaders.
It was also the first IF Forum attended by Kirsty Coventry in her role as IOC President, underscoring that the conversations held here resonate at the highest levels of international sport.
We would like to thank our IF Forum partners, Dawson Andrews, Explore Edmonton, Marsh, Signify and Sport Event Denmark, for their support and contribution to the 2025 edition.
The IF Forum concluded with an IOC Sustainability Workshop at the Olympic Museum.
Stakeholder engagement
We are grateful for the continued collaboration and guidance of our stakeholders throughout the year. SportAccord works closely with the umbrella organisations that represent the International Federations, namely ASOIF, WOF, ARISF and AIMS, whose representatives serve on our Executive Committee. Their collective insight and engagement strengthen SportAccord’s role as a platform for dialogue and alignment across the global sport ecosystem.
Throughout the year, SportAccord continued to maintain constructive engagement with the International Olympic Committee, a relationship that reinforces a shared commitment to supporting the international sport ecosystem.
New leadership for the next chapter
Following the IF Forum, Kelly Fairweather was appointed Managing Director of SportAccord, bringing experience, strategic insight and a track record recognised across international sport. His most recent role was Chief Executive Officer of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), following senior positions at the International Olympic Committee, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Hockey Federation. His arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for SportAccord, defined by leadership with global standing and the mandate to guide the organisation’s next phase.
“I am pleased to have taken on this role and to contribute to SportAccord’s next phase. It is already clear that the IF Forum offers strong value for the International Federations, the IOC and the wider Olympic movement. The work ahead is to bring a renewed focus to the SportAccord Convention so it reflects the needs of today’s sports landscape and continues to serve IFs, cities, event hosts, commercial partners and everyone involved in the business of sport.”
LOOKING AHEAD
2026 marks the start of a new chapter for SportAccord, one shaped by renewed leadership and a sharper strategic direction. It will be a year of connection, dialogue and delivery with two key gatherings anchoring the global sport calendar.
Key dates for 2026
The SportAccord Convention will take place in Baku from 24–28 May 2026, followed by the 20th edition of the IF Forum in Lausanne from 5–7 October 2026.
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REGISTER NOW
Early Bird registration for the SportAccord Convention 2026 in Baku is now open at a preferential rate of CHF 1,500 until 31 January 2026.
Thereafter, the registration fees will apply as follows:
- CHF 2,000 from 1 February to 30 April 2026
- CHF 2,500 from 1 May to 23 May 2026
- CHF 3,000 for on-site registrations.
Secure your place and benefit from the best available rate.
