SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SPORT

Since its inception in Madrid in 2003, the SportAccord Convention has been the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It enables global business leaders and host cities to connect with all the International Federations, their stakeholders and the International Olympic Committee in one location. Over its 18 editions, held in 17 different cities across 14 countries, SportAccord has consistently provided a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

The SportAccord Convention 2026 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24-28 May 2026. The Baku Convention Center will serve as the hub for cutting-edge panel debates, meetings, exhibitions and networking, while the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid will host the Opening Ceremony, blending Baku’s modern architecture with its rich cultural heritage.

Baku is a city which lives and breathes sport, and its renowned expertise in hosting international gatherings provides a perfect setting for the latest chapter in SportAccord’s illustrious history. Its role as Host City is further underlined by its designation as World Capital of Sport 2026 by ACES Europe, recognising its achievements in staging international competitions and investing in modern infrastructure.

The vibrant capital of Azerbaijan is situated on the Caspian Sea, and enjoys a rich history fused with striking modern architecture which comprises its impressive cityscape. Baku proudly hosted the inaugural European Games in 2015, and has staged World Championships and European Championships across multiple sports, along with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Formula One since 2017.

For enquiries about partnership or exhibition opportunities, please contact: [email protected].

SportAccord is unique in being the only truly global event that brings sport together. At SportAccord, decisions are made which shape the future of sport.

WHY HOST 

Hosting the SportAccord Convention presents a myriad of advantages for the host city or region, especially considering the impressive attendance of over 1,700 delegates from more than 65 countries. With representatives from over 120 International Sports Federations at the President and CEO level, as well as senior executives from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Organising Committees of upcoming Olympic Games, cities and regions, event rights holders, service providers, press, media, and various other key players in the global sports industry, the benefits are substantial.

• Hosting SportAccord enhances the host city’s reputation as a hub for the global sports industry, demonstrating its capability to organise and facilitate international events.
• The event leaves a lasting legacy for the host city, including increased international visibility, and enhanced expertise in organising large-scale events. It is often part of the city’s overall event hosting and sports tourism strategy.
• Hosting SportAccord provides local stakeholders with unparalleled networking opportunities, enabling them to connect with industry leaders, decision-makers, and leading figures of the business of sport from around the world.
• The event serves as a promotional platform for the host city, showcasing its infrastructure, facilities, and amenities to a global audience of sports professionals.
• SportAccord can attract investment to the host city, both in terms of infrastructure development and business opportunities within the sports industry, including hosting major sports events.
• The event generates significant economic benefits for the host city, including revenue from tourism, hospitality, and local businesses.

IN NUMBERS

At previous events:

• Over 1,700 delegates
• More than 65 countries represented
• Over 120 International Sports Federations
• 2-day set-up, 5-day event, 1-day breakdown = a total of 8 days
• More than 50, and up to 100, exhibitors
• Over 100 media in attendance

ELEMENTS OF THE CONVENTION

The SportAccord Convention is comprised of several elements:

Official meetings

• Executive Committee meetings for SportAccord’s stakeholders, ASOIF, WOF, ARISF and AIMS
• General Assemblies for each stakeholder, ASOIF, WOF, ARISF and AIMS
• SportAccord Executive Committee meeting
• Joint IOC meetings with ASOIF, WOF, ARISF and AIMS
• Meeting rooms for the IOC
• Hybrid Meeting facilities to be available, at no cost, in all conference, meeting rooms and offices. Such facilities to include all necessary AV, fixtures, video conferencing equipment, internet, telecom and appropriate monitoring, support and staff.

Official events

• Opening ceremony
• Official dinner
• Closing ceremony

Exhibition hall

The SportAccord exhibition hall serves as a vibrant and dynamic space where industry leaders, sports federations, organisations, and other attendees gather to showcase their products, services, and innovations related to the world of sports. This hall is often designed to accommodate a wide range of exhibitors, including cities and regions, sports equipment manufacturers, technology providers, media outlets, and governing bodies of new sports.

Conference programme

• SportAccord Plenary
• CityAccord
• HealthAccord
• LawAccord
• MediaAccord

Workshops

• Media partner workshops on technology, sustainability, or any other relevant topic
• Other workshops organised by sports organisations, such as WADA, IPACS, etc.

For any queries about future hosting of SportAccord, please email us at [email protected]