SmartCities&Sport

summit 2025

Thank you for your participation!

we hope you enjoyed the experience – See you next year

in Lausanne, 16-18 november 2026

2025 summit

technology & sport: the e-volution

Focusing on technology in relation to sport and cities was a natural choice for this year’s conference in Seoul. The city, known for its creativity and “pali-pali” spirit, perfectly illustrated how innovation and citizen engagement can coexist in a smart urban environment.

The discussions explored how tech, AI, big data, IoT, and digitalisation are transforming sport and cities alike, highlighting both their potential and their limits. Particular attention was given to the rise of eSports and virtual sports, and the bridges they are building with traditional sport — creating new opportunities for participation, inclusion, and engagement. Smart venues and smart stadiums were also in focus, showcasing how technology can enhance fan experience, improve accessibility, and strengthen the connection between sport, communities, and the urban ecosystem.

The summit provided an invaluable opportunity to share insights, refresh perspectives, and exchange ideas on how technology can make cities smarter through sport.

programme
award
speakers
video & pictures

ioc president kirsty coventry

Message to the smartcities & sport summit

Kirsty Coventry, the IOC President, couldn’t be present, but she shared a welcome message with the smartcities and sport summit participants, inviting them to fruitful discussions and meaningful connections.

Click here to watch all summit sessions videos and relive the 2025 smartcities & sport summit!

visit our youtube chanel

summit programme

Technology is revolutionising the world of sports and cities – from AI and esports to smart venues and digital solutions – unlocking endless possibilities at every level. 

software reset

To ensure that we’re all on the same page, we resat our personal software! Gaining a clear understanding of the scientific and engineering concepts related to AI and big data analytics was a great starting point. Exploring the world of esports, how it functions, who is involved and what its boundaries and horizons are, was the second step. Finally, closing – or reducing – the generational gap between those who were born with connected tools and those who adopted it later in life, helped foster shared perspectives. Once this was been achieved, as participants, we are be able to speak the same language. We were connected to each other and begin to explore the infinite possibilities that tech can bring to cities and sport as well as the potential synergies from bringing cities and sport together. 

venue revolution

Venues are one emblematic sector where the tech revolution is underway. A visit to a stadium or a sports arena is no longer a single experience limited to watching a sport competition. For spectators and fans, the journey now includes digital tools, entertainment, virtual or augmented reality, interactive environments, immersive experiences, etc. For venue conceptors and managers, tech, AI, and data analytics are integrated into a building or renovation project to cover security, crowd management, accessibility, mobility, and many more aspects. In addition, esports creates its own arenas but also fills ‘traditional’ stadiums with thousands of fans. We explored how the venue revolution is setting new standards in the sport world!   

tech for all

New tech is synonymous with endless opportunities for all, from elite athletes to occasional practitioners, from cities to federations, clubs and associations, to optimise sport practice and adapt the sport offer to a targeted audience. Elite athletes’ environments and major events serve as labs to develop specific tools that can be adapted to all actors (top-down approach). On the other hand, local digital initiatives can also be developed on a larger scale (bottom-up approach). These initiatives can include safeguarding measures through dedicated Apps, accessibility and mobility, and climate data to select the best venues in relation to an event calendar, accessibility and mobility, carbon management, etc. We looked at the digitalisation of sport at all levels and for the benefit of all. 

e-solutions

Looking for concrete solutions? The 2025 summit offered a toolbox full of tech-related response to the challenges that cities face in their sports and physical activity related policies.

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monday, 20 october

19:00 – welcome dinner, signiel seoul, lotte world tower

tuesday, 21 october

seoul olympic parktel

master of ceremonies: kelly kim, ceo, je ja ri concepts

decoding the digital lexicon: what do AI, IoT, big data and digitalisation mean?

Let’s press the reset button and update our own personal software! Before exploring how tech & sport interact, this session aimed to bring us all to the same level of understanding of the concepts and tools, so that we could grasp their potential as well as their limitations. Understanding what we were talking about can only make our discussions more relevant!

  • lucy mills, founder & chief catalyst, ready sport global


the AI dialogue

An engaging exchange on how the IOC is taking the AI path, to the benefits of the athletes and events.

  • sarah walker, ioc member, chair of the AI working group 

esports: going beyond stereotypes

Esports is no longer on the sidelines—it’s reshaping sports’ definitions, competition, and performance in the digital age, but, what’s the scope of esports?  Does it embrace virtual sport and simulated sports games? Is esports sport? Does esports mean the end of sport? Are gamers athletes? Rather than seeking definitive answers, our goal was to grasp the complexity of the subject, the opportunities it presents and the challenges it poses, beyond usual stereotypes. 

  • hee jung hong, associate professor in sport, university of stirling

mind the gap & bridge the gap: understanding the youth

The youngest were born in the digital age, with a screen in front of their eyes and a smartphone in their hands. How does this digital era represent a major change in the way sport is conceived and practiced, from the amateur to the athlete, from the small club to the international federation? How has esports deeply changed the youth sports landscape, in terms of accessibility, community creation, as well as career paths and education programmes? How does esports challenge traditional notions of what it means to be an athlete? Technology is a game-changer, and mastering its ‘codes’ is the key to success. How much has technology changed the digital natives? To meet the expectations, desires and practices of the new generation, understanding how they ‘consume’ sport is a prerequisite for action. We learned from the youth, youth experts, and youth-related actors!

  • yaewon jin, assistant professor, researcher, ewha womans university 
  • minseok lee, senior researcher, t1 esports academy 
  • marieke klösters, director of sports, education & culture, city of rotterdam
  • junwon choi, judoka and esports casual player 
  • hee jung hong, associate professor in sport, university of stirling (moderator) 

from theory to practice: the city of espoo’s esports and gamification strategy

It’s a short leap from esports to Espoo. The Finish City of Espoo has decided to explore esports, gaming, gamification, and exercise gaming as opportunities to encourage sport and reduce alarming physical inactivity. Youth and adults alike seem to be attracted by such activities. Espoo could demonstrate that, far from being opposed, sports and e–sports complement each other and share common goals. 

  • kimmo leinonen, esports planning officer, city of espoo
  • oona koivula, project planning officer, city of espoo

 

sports in the esports era: the twilight zone (at the frontiers of reality)

When sport and virtual sport meet, when stadiums are filled with screens and technology, when athletes compete against each other but not face to face, and without contact, we enter a zone of exploration of the complementarity between these two universes. What is the audience at such events? How are fans mobilised? What is the leverage to go from e-sports and virtual sports to sport practice “in real life”? How are international federations progressively integrating new disciplines, leagues, and championships within their traditional core activities? How are these new categories of athletes defined? A panorama of surprising initiatives helped us to take the pulse of this fast-growing industry. 

  • filip ljubicic, council member, chair of indoor rowing commission, world rowing
  • juliette duchemin, indoor rowing manager, world rowing
  • lars vallentin christensen, senior specialist, wonderful copenhagen
  • matthew smithson, director of esports and game operations, mywhoosh
  • jaerim choi, co-founder and cto, kimcaddie
  • cedric vanden bogaerde, executive director, international academy of sport science and technology (moderator)

 

techtalk series: data & sport

Our world is overrun with data. What do we do with data once collected? How is data compiled, analysed, and treated, so that it can be turned into concrete action? From city data to health or climate data, we explored how data analysis can help us understand the complexity of ecosystems and can become effective decision-making tools. 

  • hemachandran kannan, vice dean & director, ai research center, woxsen university
  • walker ross, academic & director, sport ecology group, university of edinburgh
  • chung-sik yun, director, data strategy division, seoul metropolitan government
  • lucy mills, founder & chief catalyst, ready sport global (moderator)

 

19:00 – gala dinner, sebit floating island convention

    wednesday, 22 october

    sky 31 convention

    master of ceremonies: kelly kim, ceo, je ja ri concepts

     

    the venue revolution: blueprinting the smart stadium experience

    Going to the stadium is no longer just about going to see a match or a competition, it’s about living a global and immersive experience. Today’s sport venues compete in technological creativity to offer a journey for spectators and athletes alike. We took a look at a number of venues which, at different levels and to meet different objectives, are integrating technology into their operations. The connection between a stadium and its city is essential. We explored different governance models for smart venues, whether they are directly managed by cities or operated by sports leagues or private entities. How does the upgrade to smart stadiums change the game for cities? 

    • eric neuburger, general manager, lucas oil stadium
    • xinghua liu, head of international relations department, beijing olympic city development association  
    • masami takahashi, general partner & coo, scrum ventures 
    • amy crosland, chief operating officer, australian sports technologies network (moderator)

     

    the venue revolution: from designer to consumer

    Venues can be screened from different perspectives, from conceptors to consumers, highlighting diverse expectations or motivations. To complement the overview of smart stadium experiences presented in the first session, architects, venue operators, sports team operators as well as fans and consumers, engaged in a panel discussion on smart venues. From security and flow management to on-site consumption, from live analysis of live performances to the provision of ancillary activities, from the integration of sustainability to fan engagement and sponsoring opportunities, smart venues are designed to make the experience unforgettable.   

    • katherine rowe, vp, client strategy & insights, crowdiq
    • tania salarvand, evp of hospitality, sports & entertainment, globant
    • peter choi, design principal, architect, hok
    • sungmin kim, sports fan & team leader, international education cooperation centre
    • peggy tng, regional lead, apac region, global sports innovation centre powered by microsoft (moderator)

     

    digital toolbox: using smart technology to deliver a high-tech experience 

    Proof by example is often the most effective. The toolbox session is an interactive showcase where innovators, researchers, and practitioners present  cutting-edge digital tools, apps, and technologies designed to enhance the world of sport. From performance-tracking platforms and event management systems to community engagement apps and inclusive sport solutions, each presentation highlights how technology is transforming the way we train, compete, or connect through sport. This session offered participants the opportunity to discover practical, ready-to-use innovations and gain insights into their development. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, organizer, or policymaker, the toolbox session was your gateway to the latest digital solutions driving efficiency, inclusion, and excellence in sport and physical activity.

     

    • Seoul’s Fun stations, presented by Kelly Kim, Master of Ceremonies 
    • KESCAB platform, presented by Stacey Kim, TAFISA
    • Vapor P and Papor P, presented on video by Jeongheon Kim, EXPERS Inc. 
    • Senior health data and prescription system, presented by Hyebin Kim, Vivalabs 
    • AI-automative live sports production, presented on video by Pixelscope 

            2025 award smartcities & sport

            The smartcities & sport award, designed to celebrate an innovative project that has already been successfully implemented and has made a tangible impact through sport in an urban environment.

            We are pleased to announce that the City of Gold Coast received the 2025 smartcities & sport award for its Active Inclusion Program –  a powerful initiative breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, through mentoring, workshops, and strong community partnerships all year round: a true model of accessibility and community empowerment through sport. More broadly, this type of programme – which aims to make physical activity a way of life for everyone, without exception – fully reflects the spirit of Gold Coast’s Council Plan and Sport and Physical Activity Strategy 2022–2032. Increasing inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities is a city objective that also aligns with the preparation of the Brisbane 2032 permanent legacy for Gold Coast.

            Congratulations to the Gold Coast team for their inspiring programme, a true model of accessibility and community empowerment through sport!  Click here to learn more.

             

            Check out the two other standout cities in this year’s competition:

            Wonderful Copenhagen, through the “Try an Adapted Bike” initiative, invited residents and visitors to experience inclusive mobility firsthand during the Copenhagen Sprint 2025. By pairing participants with disabilities and adapted bike suppliers, the city turned a public event into a platform for accessibility – literally pedalling towards a more inclusive urban future. Discover the legacy case study.

            With the City of Wrocław, sport and movement bring people together. From “Let’s Play Together”, fostering integration between Polish and Ukrainian youth, to “Education on the Move”, which turns classrooms into spaces of active learning, Wrocław proves that sport can be shared, taught, and lived every day.

            Find more information on their respective websites: Let’s Play Together / Education on the Move

            summit speakers

            Hee Jung Hong

            Associate Professor in Sport, University of Stirling

            Dr. Hong is a leading researcher on career transitions and dual career development for athletes and esports players. Her expertise bridges traditional sports and competitive gaming, offering unique insights into both worlds. A Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, she has published extensively on sport management, player performance, and post-career transitions in both domains.

            Hemachandran Kannan

            Vice Dean & Director, AI Research Centre, Woxsen University

            As the director of the AI Research Centre and Vice Dean of the School of Business, and Area Chair of analytics at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India, Dr. Kannan is a global expert in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and robotics. He is a passionate academician and innovator who has led groundbreaking projects in healthcare, agriculture, education, and smart infrastructure, like a Quantum AI-Driven Smart Airport Management System, for example.

            Eric Neuburger

            General Manager, Lucas Oil Stadium

            Eric Neuburger is the General Manager of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, USA, which is a state-of-the-art multipurpose venue and home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Eric has overseen world-class events including the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Fours, and U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming. As a licensed attorney, he also advises clients with the firm Kroger Gardis & Regas, LLP.

            Peter Choi

            design principal & architect, hok

            Peter Choi serves at HOK’s San Francisco studio, bringing over 35 years of international experience and a portfolio of 12 million square feet of completed projects across nine countries. Peter’s award-winning work and thought leadership in architecture are complemented by his active community involvement and academic contributions in New York, Seoul –where he lived for 17 years– and San Francisco.

            Peggy Tng

            Regional Lead (APAC region), GLOBAL SPORTS INNOVATION CENTRE powered by Microsoft

            Peggy Tng has over 10 years of experience in the sports industry, spanning both public and private sectors, with expertise in sports management, event organisation, and sports technology. She was part of the pioneering team that founded the Singapore Sports School and contributed to transforming the sports industry with Sport Singapore. As Regional Lead (APAC) at the Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) powered by Microsoft, she drives strategy, partnerships, and business development, connecting a huge global network.

            Oona Koivula

            Project Planning Officer, City of Espoo

            Oona Koivula is the Project lead for Exercise Through Games in the City of Espoo, she combines digital exergaming with everyday activity to encourage movement among children and youth. The project is piloted in dozens of educational units across Espoo and has already generated thousands of additional hours of physical activity. She holds an MSc in Social Sciences of Sports and brings EU-level experience in digital sport innovation through the Modernizing Sport to Foster a New Active Generation project.

            Walker J. Ross

            Academic & Director, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, SPORT ECOLOGY GROUP

            Dr. Walker J. Ross is a lecturer in sport management and digital marketing at the University of Edinburgh and the Director of the Sport Ecology Group. His research on sport ecology, governance, and event management has been published in leading journals, presented at major conferences, and cited in industry reports, while his expertise has been sought by organizations such as UEFA, FIFPRO, and the FIA.

            Kimmo Leinonen

            Esports Planning Officer, City of Espoo

            Kimmo Leinonen is a specialist in the digitalization of sports, exercise and gaming culture. He has been heading Espoo’s esports activities since 2019. His work ranges from advocating for gaming and coordinating esports events to promoting digital tools that enhance physical activity, such as boosting swimming skills in children, for example. With a background in sales and international business, he connects innovation, sport and urban development.

            Yaewon Jin

            Assistant Professor & researcher, EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY

            Yaewon Jin (Ph.D.) is an Assistant Professor at Ewha Womans University, a Media Cultural Studies scholar, and an experienced industry expert. From an interdisciplinary perspective, her work explores games, esports, and convergence contents, focusing on how play and entertainment technologies shape sociocultural change and inspire future imaginaries. She is a founding member of DiGRA Korea and serves on the board of the Esports Research Network (ERN). At Ewha, she leads the Play, Culture, and Technology Lab.

            Katherine Rowe

            VP, Client Strategy & Insights, CROWDIQ

            Katherine Rowe is a U.S. Army veteran with a University of Texas MBA and a Master’s in Legal Studies in Sports Law from Arizona State. She leads client strategy at CrowdIQ, partnering with major professional and collegiate sports organizations worldwide, and previously worked at Salesforce Sports Marketing and KAGR. A three-time U.S. Australian Rules Football national champion and former NCAA field hockey captain, she is committed to opening doors for veterans and underrepresented talent in sport.

            Amy Crosland

            Chief Operating Officer, AUSTRALIAN SPORTS TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK

            Amy Crosland has built a diverse career across government, international development, NGOs, and technology, with over a decade dedicated to sports technology. She has worked with leading organisations to deliver innovative solutions in integrity, governance, and operations, and now as COO of ASTN, she drives innovation and collaboration across the global sports tech ecosystem. Passionate about the transformative power of technology, she has a proven track record of digital transformation and delivering change in complex organisations.

            Chung-sik Yun

            Director, Data Strategy Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government

            Chung-sik Yun, Ph.D., is a senior data and IT leader with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, big data, and smart city innovation. Since 2017, he has served as a public official and is currently Director of Data Strategy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, leading AI-driven governance, open data initiatives, and urban analytics projects. He has also represented Seoul in international forums worldwide and continues academic research on big data applications for public services and policymaking.

            Lars Vallentin Christensen

            Senior Specialist, Wonderful Copenhagen

            Lars Vallentin Christensen has devoted his career to promoting Denmark and Copenhagen as global hubs for business and event tourism. Since joining Wonderful Copenhagen in 2000, he has played a key role in attracting major congresses and international events to the city. He also serves on the board of Copenhagen Gaming Week and the Local Organizing Committee for the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026.

            Marieke Klösters

            Director of Sports, Education & Culture, City of Rotterdam

            Marieke Klösters is Director of Sports, Education and Culture for the City of Rotterdam, where she drives equal opportunities for all residents through an inclusive sports policy. With a career beginning at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, she brings extensive public-sector experience to her leadership. Passionate about innovation and esports, she champions collaborative initiatives that deliver lasting impact for youth and communities across the city.

            Tania Salarvand

            EVP of Hospitality, Sports & Entertainment, Globant

            Tania Salarvand is a global business leader with over 20 years of experience across marketing, customer experience, sales, and technology. As EVP of Hospitality, Sports & Entertainment at Globant, she helps clients design seamless digital experiences that drive innovation, growth, and new business models. Previously Managing Director at Globant and Thoughtworks, she holds degrees in Economics and Finance from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Management Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University.

            Kelly Kim

            CEO, JE JA RI CONCEPTS

            Kelly Kim is a Seoul-based fitness and wellness entrepreneur, Founder of Je Ja Ri Concepts [JE JA RI STAY / BELLY TIGHT WELLNESS COMMUNITY] and Seoul City Tourism Ambassador. With global experience as an MC and content creator, she inspires communities through fitness, lifestyle, and city experiences, while actively promoting Seoul as a hub for wellness tourism. Through her innovative programs, she connects visitors with local culture through movement and mindfulness, empowering individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and stronger community ties.

            Matthew Smithson

            Director of Esports and Game Operations, My Whoosh

            Matthew Smithson is a lifelong cyclist whose passion for the sport now drives innovation in the virtual arena. As Director of Esports and Game Operations at MyWhoosh, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the platform from a focused startup into a global force in indoor cycling and esports. Matthew also has been instrumental in designing and delivering a world-class product that includes events such as the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and the groundbreaking MyWhoosh Championships.

            Filip Ljubicic

            Council Member & Chair of Indoor Rowing Commission, World Rowing

            Filip Ljubicic is a member of the World Rowing Council and Chair of the Indoor Rowing Commission, leading the global growth and strategy of indoor rowing. A former Great Britain rower, he also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Thames Regional Rowing Council and has built a career as an entrepreneur across sport, education, and health. He recently co-led “The Connected Future for Rowing” at the 2025 Virtual Sports Forum in Tokyo and is passionate about expanding accessibility to the sport worldwide.

            Juliette Duchemin

            Indoor Rowing Manager, World Rowing

            After a career in Indoor Rowing Development and Innovation projects at the French Rowing Federation and 2 years organising the Rowing and Para-rowing events at the Paris 2024 OCOG, Juliette Duchemin joined the world governing body of the discipline, World Rowing. Aiming at defining WR's roles and responsibilities in the environment of digital/e-sport while ensuring the organisation of high-quality worldwide events, the objective is to ally the benefits of both tradition and innovation thanks to this highly valuable asset: the rowing machine.

            Jaerim Choi

            Co-Founder and CTO, KimCaddie

            JaeRim Choi is the Co-Founder and CTO of KimCaddie, an app used by over 2 million golfers that is transforming the golf industry through technology. A Yonsei University graduate in Industrial Engineering, he started his career at Hyundai Motor Company’s IT Strategy Division before founding KimCaddie with a vision of how AI could expand leisure and accessibility. Today, he leads the development of AI-driven indoor golf solutions that redefine how people learn, play, and experience the sport.

            Lucy Mills

            Founder and Chief Catalyst, Ready Sport Global

            Lucy Mills is the Founder and Chief Catalyst at Ready Sport Global, a digital innovation consultancy that gets sport ready for the future. Their AI division helps sports organizations unlock the value of artificial intelligence. She previously led football programs in 30+ countries, including with FC Barcelona and the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy. Lucy is a Professor of Sport & Innovation at Emlyon Business School and was recognized with the 2023 Everything in Sport Award for her work on emerging tech education in women’s sport.

            Xinghua Liu

            Head of International Relations Department, BEIJING OLYMPIC CITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

            Xinghua (Tony) Liu has over 15 years of experience in the Olympic and sports industry, with expertise in international relations, legacy development, and sports promotion. As Head of International Relations at the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA) and former Legacy lead for Beijing 2022, he continues to advance Olympic culture and leverage legacies to inspire communities worldwide. His work reflects a deep commitment to using sport as a driver for cultural exchange and social impact.

            Minseok Lee

            Senior Researcher, T1 ESPORTS ACADEMY

            Minseok Lee (Ph.D.) is a Senior Researcher at T1 Esports Academy and also Research Professor at Yonsei University’s Department of Sport Industry Studies. He has been deeply involved in the esports industry both as a researcher and practitioner, building bridges between professional teams, publishers, government stakeholders, and academia. His research covers esports business models, fan engagement, sustainable league ecosystems, and the role of esports in education and tourism.

            Sungmin Kim

            sports fan & Team leader, International Education Cooperation Center

            Sungmin Kim is a team leader at the International Student Support Center in Seoul, where he supports international residents with visa consulting and translation services. A passionate sports fan who often goes to the stadium. At Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, he co-founded the International Sports Academic Group (ISAG) and was active in the Sports Student Council, promoting collaboration and engagement through sport.

            Sarah Walker

            IOC Member, Chair of AI Working Group

            Sarah Walker is a professional BMX athlete, a Member of the IOC, Chair of AI Working Group and a Board, Member of New Zealand’s National Olympic Committee. Sarah competed in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, where she placed 4th and won a silver medal, respectively. She is a 12-time medallist at the BMX World Championships. Sarah holds certificates in Artificial Intelligence; Unsupervised Machine Learning; Organisational Effectiveness; Blockchain Strategy and Women’s Leadership Development. Outside BMX, Sarah enjoys designing houses, playing Call of Duty and Fortnite, and trying other sports.

            Masami Takahashi

            General Partner & COO, Scrum Ventures

            Masami Takahashi joined Scrum Ventures Group in 2021 as President of its Studio business and became Group COO in 2023. Previously, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at WeWork Japan, leading its launch and expansion with over 30 locations in six cities. Before that, he led Uber’s business in Japan and launched Uber Eats in Tokyo. He began his career at Sony in Tokyo and Paris and later worked in the San Francisco Bay Area on investment opportunities. Masami holds a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA from INSEAD.

            Hyebin Kim

            COO, Vivalabs

            With over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 15 years at multinational companies, Hyebin Kim is a seasoned commercial professional with expertise across Rx, OTC, and biopharmaceuticals. She has led product launches, managed strategic partnerships, and driven market growth through innovative initiatives and stakeholder collaboration. Passionate about patient engagement, she has built new markets through impactful consumer and educational campaigns.

            Stacey Kim

            Advisor for Event Management and International Affairs, TAFISA

            Stacey Kim is an international event and project management professional working with TAFISA to advance global Sport for All initiatives. She oversees flagship events such as the TAFISA World Congress and World Walking Day, and plays a central role in regional outreach and capacity building initiatives. Her work bridges strategic planning, event coordination, and program delivery, ensuring that every initiative, from international events to community programs, reflects excellence, inclusivity, and impact in and through Sport for All.

            Junwon Choi

            Professional Judo Athlete

            Junwon Choi is a judo athlete and a casual esports gamer. He has participated in the KSOC International Sports Leadership Program 2024 in Lausanne and the 36th KSOC Olympic Academy. He also completed the 110th Career Development Program Course, developing strong skills in sports leadership and athlete growth.

            Elena

            virtual ambassador and knowledge companion, ready sport global

            Elena is READY's pioneering digital avatar, serving as a virtual ambassador and knowledge companion. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence, she represents the company's commitment to transforming how sports organizations engage, operate, and grow in the digital era. Trained on the brain of founder Lucy Mills and the collective expertise of READY, her role is to inspire, educate, and guide conversations about digital innovation in sport, while helping audiences explore READY's methodologies, values, and vision for the future of sport.

            Cedric Vanden Bogaerde

            Executive Director, AISTS

            Cedric Vanden Bogaerde is the Executive Director of the International Academy of Sport Management (AISTS), located in Lausanne, the Olympic Capital. AISTS contributes to making sport better by delivering executive training programmes for managers and leaders of international sport organisations, as well as conducting applied research. Prior to joining AISTS in 2021, Cedric worked for over a decade at the IOC. Cedric holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Management and Technology from AISTS, as well as a MSc in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from UCLouvain.

            summit venues

            Seoul Olympic Park

            The Olympic Park is a vibrant space where sports, culture, and leisure come together, preserving the legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Managed by KSPO, the park features Olympic monuments and sculptures reflecting the event’s message of harmony and progress. Surrounding the historic Mongchon Fortress, it blends history and nature with green spaces, an artificial moat, and World Peace Square. The park is a prime venue for global sports events and concerts, with world-class facilities like KSPO DOME and Olympic Hall. Spanning 1.42 km², it offers a mix of natural beauty and modern infrastructure, easily accessible from downtown Seoul. The Park also hosts the Seoul Olympic Parktel, which has been the venue for the first day of the summit.

            Official website

            Sebit Floating Island Convention

            Sebitseom, a cultural complex located on the Han River, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy events with stunning views of the river, where the 1988 Seoul Olympics opening ceremony took place and where regatta events were held. Known for hosting numerous global events, Sebitseom is a key landmark in Seoul, symbolizing the city’s dynamic spirit and innovation. The complex consists of three shining islands, each representing different phases of the day, and includes Yevit, a media art gallery showcasing cutting-edge digital art. As a hub for cultural exchange and global gatherings, Sebitseom provided an ideal setting for events like the smartcities & sport summit, offering a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for attendees to explore the future of sport.

            Official website

            Lotte world tower

            Rising 555 meters with 123 floors, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea and the fifth tallest globally. Its upper levels, home to the unique hotel Signiel Seoul, offer unparalleled panoramic views of Seoul.

            We will have the chance to discover the Grand Ballroom situated at the 76th floor of this astonishing building, as it will host this year’s welcome dinner.

            Located on the 31st floor of Lotte World Tower, SKY31 Convention is a top‑level, multi‑use conference center offering world-class facilities, panoramic skyline views, and seamless access to Seoul’s premier business complex. It comprises an auditorium, multiple conference rooms, and spacious lounges– ideal for international conferences, banquets, and executive gatherings. Moreover, the second day of the summit was held at this prestigious venue.

            Official website

            Lotte Hotel World

            The Lotte Hotel World is the official hotel of the smartcities & sport summit 2025. The hotel is located in Jamsil in Gangnam, Seoul with convenient and easy access to downtown.

            The hotel is next to Lotte World Adventure, one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, Lotte World Mall, Asia’s largest multiplex, and close to the magnificent Lake Seokchon. All these locations come together to create an exquisite view from each hotel room. 

            Official website

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