iSportconnect, in partnership with ASOIF, staged another insightful and hugely impressive Digital Media and Technology Masterclass in Lausanne on Monday, with one of the highlights a presentation from FIH TV Manager, Andy Oram, and Digital Coordinator Nikki Symmons.
Representatives from major IFs from the world of sport attended the event, which included: AIBA, ATOS,FIBA, FINA, FIVB, IAAF, FEI, FIH, IJF, FISA, ITTF, ITF, NOC*NSF, Rio 2016, Russian Olympic Association, SportAccord, World Archery, WTF and many more.
The focus was on current trends and developments within the industry, with first hand feedback from experts in the sector and discussions on the future of digital and technology within sports.
The programme featured a strong group of speakers, including Thomas van Schaik - Manager of Marketing and Commerce at the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF), Emanuele Perotti Nigra - Director of Technology and Information at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Andy Oram – TV Manager at the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Nikki Symmons - Digital Coordinator at FIH, Motasem El Bawab – Digital Marketing Manager at the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Alex Chamberlen - Managing Director of Omnigon UK and Mike Laflin – CEO of Sportcal.
As former global brand director at Adidas and now working with the Dutch Olympic Committee, Thomas van Schaik shared his experience of what it is like to switch from a big brand to a national organisation and if there is anything that can be transferred.
With over 20 years of global strategic marketing, social media and public relations expertise in sponsorship, media and business, Thomas von Schaik had a wealth of knowledge to share with the attending IF experts.
It also turned out that a number of IFs are currently exploiting new opportunities in the digital world and in technology. Emanuele Perotti Nigra shared his experience from the IAAF World Championships in August in Beijing and identified the lessons that can be applied to smaller events.
In addition, Andrew Oram and Nikki Symmons from the FIH explained how they are leveraging the Hockey Revolution that will transform the way the sport is shown on television, both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
How to work with CRM and data - an important and at times challenging day-to-day job for all IFs – was showcased by Motasem El Bawab from the FIVB.
For those IFs which rely rather on the support of agencies in digital and technology, Alex Chamberlen from Omnigon shared valuable inside knowledge on how to achieve remarkable things on small budgets whilst avoiding certain landmines when hiring an agency.
He also provided some good tips how to make an agency work harder. Omnigon is a digital consultancy with clients in the sports, media and entertainment industries.
Mike Laflin from Sportcal also made a presentation about their freshly released Global Sports Impact report 2015, focusing on the influence of different IFs in media, including social.
Commenting on the event, ASOIF Executive Director Andrew Ryan said: “This was a refreshing experience with excellent speakers sharing their insights and experience. The digital landscape is changing daily and innovative technologies enable unprecedented ways of presenting and experiencing sport. The dynamic in the room was great and I am sure everybody takes home some exciting new ideas.
Giving his thoughts on the event, iSportconnect Founder and CEO Sree Varma said: "It was a wonderful event which definitely lived up to our expectations. The speakers were amazing and really shared some interesting experiences and showcased their work. I'm sure our delegates learnt a lot from this event and found it beneficial, which is what our Masterclass events are all about."
Speaking after the event, Emanuele Perotti Nigra said: “The sessions were very enriching, with a lot of things to learn and a good share of knowledge amongst the participants.”
For more information about this year's event and next year's plan, visit the iSportconnect website by clicking here.
