Lessons from Smart Cities & Sport Summit in Copenhagen B Y A L K I D D , P R E S I D E N T & C E O , S P O R T S E TA
Before the holidays, I was invited to join a keynote panel discussion at the eighth edition of the Smart Cities & Sport Summit in Copenhagen Denmark. I was joined by international colleagues: Mark Hurst, Competition Bidding Manager, World Athletics; Morten Sandaes, Secretary General, Norwegian Wrestling Federation; Ariane Croteau, Account Executive Québec City Business Destination; and Birgitte Nestande, Project Manager Events, Innovation Norway.
Longer relationship development is a part of winning strategy.
The panel discussed the shifting process for sports acquisitions through bidding for host events. The valuable discussion covered global differences in the process and features that affect the outcome in the United States and Europe. The event bidding and acquisition process is moving toward inclusion of more purposeful relationships between the bidding parties than just price and RFP. Additionally, there are currently significant differences between both continents in deciding outcomes of the bid process. New considerations should include: Infrastructure development, leaving a legacy to the destination, zero carbon footprint event, positive community impact and growing the sports from the event after it is completed, to name a few.
New considerations should include: Infrastructure Development ... Leaving a Legacy to the Destination ... Zero Carbon Footprint Event ... Positive Community Impact ... Growing the Sports from the Event After it is Completed 9
All in all, prospecting and securing events from winning bids has begun to include a longer courtship that will consider a much wider definition and outcomes for mutual success. As a result, discussions among interested parties will take place over a longer period of time and tend to be more mutually beneficial. Event owners have determined that long-term market value is proving to aid in creating a more positive view of the events and the meaning to the hosting communities.
Watch Panel Discussion
