Welcome to Host Cities

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Host Cities 2012 is a two day exclusive summit bringing together current and future host cities from emerging nations with heads of leading sporting associations. In an exciting case-study and panel-led format, the summit will provide decision makers with an opportunity to meet and network, and prospective host cities with the opportunity to learn from those who have successfully hosted major events.

Hosting major sporting events is no longer the preserve of a handful of rich and established host sporting nations and cities. Major sporting organisations have realised the financial and social benefits of taking their showpiece events to fast developing economies and other non-traditional sporting centres. ‘Emerging Nations’ have in turn realised the wide ranging benefits associated with hosting sporting events; including their ability to drive tourism, regenerate deprived areas, strengthen the economy and generate high visibility media coverage. But of course there are risks associated with moving away from experienced venues. Host Cities will provide the knowledge needed to overcome the challenges associated with hosting large scale sporting events.

The Host Cities summit will include:		How you will benefit from participation:
Keynote speeches from the leaders of sporting federations and host cities Topical debates Workshops giving you hands on practical advice Seminars helping you to understand and overcome the key challenges in bidding and delivering sporting events Field trips to sporting events and venues Business direct matchmaking to make sure you meet the decision makers key to your business Social programme for informal networking around the summit		Networking Knowledge Understand emerging market trends: Gain insight into your market and learn how to maximse profit Introductions to potential partners Build relationships: Meet with potential partners and reaffirm existing relationships during Host Cities Promotion of your business or organisation Meetings with industry leaders

Sessions will examine how cities of the future can successfully bid, plan and host sporting events that maximise benefits and avoid pitfalls and problems. This included with the full programme of activities make the Host Cities summit a must attend event. Host Cities will be held in Dubai, a key emerging sporting nation ideally positioned for the growing Middle Eastern, African and Asian markets.

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Event News

We are pleased to announce that Richard Hills, Director of the Ryder Cup, is confirmed to speak at the summit about The Race to Dubai and the Ryder Cup bid processes. Richard said of the Conference: “Dubai and the Gulf region have been key in the global growth and development of The European Tour from the inaugural Dubai Desert Classic in 1989 up to the present day with Dubai hosting the climax of the season-long Race to Dubai with the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the fourth consecutive season in November.

“We look forward to outlining The Ryder Cup 2018 bidding process and sharing our experiences with other sporting bodies. We are delighted to be involved in and wish to thank Emirates for the opportunity to participate in this excellent forum.”

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Event Background

There is increasing competition to host international sporting events due to the wide range of associated benefits for host cities including their ability to drive tourism and investment revenue and to generate high visibility media coverage. Host cities can be dynamically transformed through sporting events that improve the image of the city or country and create a positive economic impact. Additionally building venues and facilities will provide a boost to the local economy and can lead to the development of local sporting stars.

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Maurice Flanagan
Executive Vice Chairman
Emirates Airline and Group

“Emirates has been a major supporter of global sports for many years, the breadth of our sports sponsorships spans many disciplines and covers numerous continents. We have long recognised the benefit of investing in sponsorship and have witnessed firsthand the staggering changes that holding a worldwide sporting event can imbue on the host country. In our role as official airline for many worldwide sporting events we have gained an innate understanding of the commitment that it takes to win the rights to host an internationally recognised event and we look forward to imparting this knowledge during Host Cities later this year.”

Dr. Ahmed Saad Al Sharif
Secretary General
Dubai Sports Council

“Dubai is always looking at various ways and means to position itself as a global destination for a variety of sporting events.

This event will further strengthen the pulling power of Dubai, the UAE and the Gulf region. Dubai has fast become a destination of choice for some of the biggest and most important sporting and tourism events in the world and this summit will further consolidate its position as a sporting capital of the Middle East.”

Campbell Jamieson
Head of Commercial Operations
International Cricket Council

“The short and long term benefits for cities in hosting major sporting events are well recognised. The successful staging of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in 13 cities across Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka clearly demonstrates that delivering world class sporting events is no longer the preserve of countries in North America or Europe. However, just as each sport has unique qualities and attributes, staging each major sports event requires a unique approach and cannot be undertaken without risks. This conference will enable officials from international sporting federations and cities from emerging markets to meet and exchange ideas that will help to identify and reduce those risks.”

Lew Sherr
Chief Revenue Officer
US Tennis Association

“Few properties can rival major sporting events in galvanizing entire communities and impacting local economies.”

“The US Open annually breaks through New York’s hyper-competitive marketplace and energizes sports fans, the business elite and members of the media. The Host Cities Summit is the perfect place to learn how to leverage sporting events to benefit your community.”

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