The event is expected to draw over 300 attendees working in sport business, including representatives from governments, major brands, sports federations, clubs, rights holders, event organisers, and venue operators.
Inspirational Speakers and Agenda
The two-day forum will feature a series of compelling speeches and interviews with key industry figures, including:
- H.E. Ghanin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General, UAE Ministry of Sports
- HE Mohamed Al Baloshi: Executive Director, Community Engagement Sports, Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi
- Melissa Moncada: Founder and CEO of Aurora Rise Group
- Jonathan Emery, CEO, Aldar Development
- Rich Gotham: Team President, Boston Celtics
- Kevin Demoff: President of Team & Media Operations, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (incl, Denver Nuggets), President, Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- Jayne Reader: Chair, Wasserman Live: Middle East
- Fouad Darwish: CEO & MD, Palms Sports
- Tom Foley: CEO, Go Sport
- Seth Amoafo: Founder & CEO, PASS Abu Dhabi
- Juan Carlos Perez: Former VP Partnerships at Shell, Senior Consultant Partnerships, DP World
These leaders will explore a wide range of pertinent topics shaping the sports industry today.
The NBA and the NBA Abu Dhabi Games
The forum takes place alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and senior execs from the NBA will join the forum.
Attendees will have the chance to hear two exclusive interviews with Rich Gotham (Team President, Boston Celtics) and Kevin Demoff (President of Team & Media Operations, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, incl Denver Nuggets). The NBA Presidents will take us behind the scenes with the NBA teams, revealing how they are engaging new fan bases in new markets PLUS they’ll be talking about their incredible career journeys.
The Sport Industry Forum is proudly supported by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
Registration and Passes
To reserve your place, visit www.sportindustryseries.com. Registration is open until Friday, September 27, 2024.
A Platform for Change
Sally Corander, Founder of INTERACT and Founder of the Sport Industry Forum, emphasised the forum’s role in uniting global leaders to address the challenges and opportunities in sport in the region.
“The 2024 edition continues our commitment to being a catalyst for change,” Sally Corander said. “We are creating a bigger, more dynamic experience for attendees this year, hosted at the fantastic NYU Abu Dhabi campus. The content creates open and honest discussion to advance the industry. Key topics include the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031 – one year on, stories of Middle Eastern companies in sport going global, the latest on the rise of Saudi sport, sustainability in major sport events, and brand investment; justifying sport sponsorship.. to name a few.”
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a cornerstone of the Sport Industry Forum, and the 2024 edition offers a variety of opportunities for attendees to connect and do business.
“We’ve expanded the engagement opportunities this year,” added Sally. “In addition to the NBA Abu Dhabi Games—where the Denver Nuggets will face off against the Boston Celtics on October 4 at Etihad Arena—we’re offering attendees the chance to join a networking day before the conference kicks off.
:This includes a Golf day, a brands-only breakfast, and a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Mosque.
Featured Topics for 2024
The 2024 agenda will focus on several key topics that reflect the most pressing trends in the sports industry today, including:
- Investment in Sport: International Expansion by Middle Eastern Companies
- Healthy Cities: Building a Healthy and Physically Active Population
- The Growth and Investment in Women’s Sports in the Region
- Saudi Sport: Latest Opportunities
Event Partners
Sport Industry Forum 2024 is supported by leading industry partners, including Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, Thorn Lighting, Twelftman, Bylder, Wasserman Live, Qantara Sports, Johan Cruyff Institute, Sport360x and The Mettleset.
