Finding solutions. That was the name of the game for 2020, and is likely to be our default mode for a reasonable proportion of 2021 as well. With best-laid plans out of the window, we searched for alternatives – and in many cases, we found better ways of doing things.

Of course, once the worst of the pandemic is over major sporting events will, by and large, revert to their traditional form. People are yearning to see their heroes compete and enjoy the spectacle with fellow revellers.

On the business side of sport, many of those behind the scenes will be itching to get back to the conference circuit to meet new people, generate new business, and make lasting connections.

But during our first podcast of 2021, three thought leaders from the sports events sector – Lucien Boyer (Global Sports Week), Lucie Lapierre (EGG Events) and Paul Moore (Atos) – explain what we’ve learnt over the course of the last 12 months to help us optimise the experience in the future.

Podcast guests:

• Lucien Boyer, co-founder, Global Sports Week
• Lucie Lapierre, sports project manager, EGG Events
• Paul Moore, head of innovation, media market, Atos

Key talking points:

• How the sports event industry has pivoted its business model in light of the Covid-19 pandemic
• Why sustainability will become a big revenue driver for sports properties
• AI, and how it is being accelerated to boost fan engagement and operational efficiency
• The growing importance of employee wellbeing in the sports events industry