October 13 – Football business execs who want to experience the eye of the FIFA storm first hand should book a trip to the International Football Arena (IFA) conference in Zurich which will take place at FIFA House, November 19.
This will be the 17th edition of the IFA which has established itself as a leading talk shop and networking event for the football business. Last month the IFA held its very successful digital breakout conference in Berlin.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter was scheduled to head the bill at the Zurich meeting, though his participation is now unlikely as his suspension prevents him from engaging in any football-related activity.
His absence in many ways will make the discussion more pointed with panels addressing the issues of governance as they affect the business of football, with discussion on the appropriate paths for the future.
Topping the bill will be Alexey Sorokin, CEO of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Local Organising Committee, and Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of global ad agency WPP.
Sorrell will provide the opportunity for delegates to learn first hand the prevailing wind of opinion from sponsors towards football. Crucial insights for federations, leagues and clubs who need to protect their income streams.
Also speaking is Jens Hilgers, founder of Turtle Entertainment, who will bring an alternative and challenging viewpoint to the more traditional football debate and thinking. Hilgers will talk about the rapidly growing Electronic Sports League (ESL) that is challenging traditional events already, and more generally about “competitive, networked multi-player videogames” where several individuals networked and playing against or with each other.
Hilgers says that e-sports game are “more exciting than the real thing because they are changing – not many things have changed in soccer over the last decade. Games have a significantly higher strategic depth and thereby storyline. Videogames are highly accessible making it a very participatory sport. You can engage on your own at any time.”
Hilgers spoke at the Berlin conference and if he repeats that performance in Zurich he could potentially bring the walls of FIFA down on his own.
Other speakers at the event include Dr René Fasel, IOC Executive Board, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation; Douglas B. Arnot, Senior Advisor to CEO Sochi 2014, Baku 2015, Rio 2016; and Alexander Jobst, Member of the Board, Schalke 04.
The IFA Conference is by invitation only with the number of places limited. To register your interest go to http://www.internationalfootball.com/
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