summit 2024

Thank you for your participation!

We hope you enjoyed the experience. See you next year in seoul, 20-22 october, 2025!

2024 summit

ifs & cities: mix and match

In the year of the 30th anniversary celebration of the designation of Lausanne as the Olympic Capital, there was no better place than Lausanne, the home of international sport, and no better opportunity than the smartcities & sport summit to explore the dynamic synergies between ambitious host cities and visionary International sports Federations.

In the world of sports events, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, or one specific handbook to follow. Instead, success results from constant dialogue, beginning with defining the scale and scope of an event to align seamlessly with the unique possibilities cities can offer. Collaboration is the key. Through each stage of the process, cities and federations provide the impetus for change in one another’s realms.  

The institutional structures of cities and international federations are completely different. Their composition may vary in terms of local authorities or associations, and they differ in terms of operations, means, and expectations. But when it comes to working together towards a common goal – the success of a sporting event – they share a common ambition.

This is what “mix and match” means: the successful unification of different entities for the harmonious achievement of a greater shared aim.  

We hope you enjoyed the 2024 smartcities & sport summit held in Lausanne, the Olympic Capital!

ioc president thomas bach

Message to the  smartcities & sport summit

From Copenhagen to Paris, through Lausanne, President Thomas Bach has participated in your debates, demonstrating continuous support from the IOC. Unfortunately, this year he couldn’t be present, but he wanted to send a message to the smartcities and sport.

Click here to access videos from all summit sessions and relive the smartcities & sport summit 2024 in replay!

Youtube chanel of smartcities & sport

summit programme

events: at the heart of the if-city relationship 

In the long journey IFs and cities engage in, the execution of the event is only the tip of a vast iceberg. Sport events bring cities and federations together, creating partnerships that fuel excitement and opportunities. At the core of an event, all stakeholders converge to celebrate sport: federations, cities, the staff and leaders of an event organiser, athletes and audience. Lasting for a couple of hours to a few days, spectators attend a sporting experience which is limited in duration, experiencing brief moments of excitement. This is the very moment when sport is in the spotlight, the city shines, and the party is geared towards the public.   

a common goal to achieve a meaningful project 

Is the sport competition the only common objective? Behind the scenes, organising and hosting a sports event is a meticulous process that unfolds over months and years. This journey, when executed ideally, leaves a lasting and meaningful legacy for both the city and the federation. Success isn’t just about the event itself; it’s about cultivating a powerful partnership which creates shared vision and strategy that allows each partner to achieve their own objectives. Following the event, efforts are directed towards giving back to the communities (citizens, athletes, public services users, etc.) to ensure a relevant legacy. This can take the form of improvements on current venues for better future use and access, or by using temporary venues so as not to impact the events’ sites. Federations can spark innovation, enhance accessibility, improve mobility, and boost sports participation and fan engagement within the city. Simultaneously, cities can elevate sustainability standards and legacy requirements, providing a platform for organisers to scale up their impact. Together, with a shared vision and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, they can create a transformative experience that transcends the event, and in doing so, they become mutual change-makers.    

a science-based toolbox: strategic planning, decision-making, key performance indicators 

A process which is informed by science and technology offers solid support during the different phases of the sporting event, from design to evaluation. A successful “mix and match” is a clever assembly of knowledge, skills, expertise and opportunities. It is not a matter of chance or luck but the combination of many parameters that are essential for the successful hosting of a sports event. These include climate, events calendar, location, accessibility, financial constraints, etc., that must be evaluated and calculated. Certainly not all cities can host all sports events and not all sports events can fit in all cities. There is, however, nearly always an appropriate time and place for an event. Relevant instruments, including technology, science, artificial intelligence, are available to secure relevant partnerships and operate win-win combinations. 

Full programme in pdf here

2024 award smartcities & sport

2024 smartcities & sport award presented at fiba headquarters

This year, we introduced 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.

For the 2024 edition, the City of Paris was selected as the winner for its exceptional commitment and initiatives during the paris 2024 olympic and paralympic games. The award was presented during the first day of the summit at fiba headquarters, where pierre rabadan, vice-mayor of paris, accepted the accolade on behalf of the city.

This recognition highlights paris’ efforts in leveraging the games as a catalyst for positive urban transformation, showcasing a model for cities worldwide looking to integrate sport into their development strategies.

summit speakers

Pierre Rabadan

Deputy Mayor, City of Paris - in charge of sports, olympic and paralympic games and the seine

Pierre Rabadan is a former professional rugby player and has been the successful captain of Stade Français, an iconic Parisian club. In 2015, he retired from his sporting career and joined Anne Hidalgo’s office as sports advisor to participate in Paris‘ bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to promote the organisation of major international sporting events in Paris. In 2020, he has been elected Paris councillor and appointed Deputy Mayor in charge of Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jacqueline Barrett

Director, Future Olympic Games Hosts, IOC

Jacqueline Barrett joined the IOC in 1983. With over 40 years’ experience in the Olympic Movement, her roles have included responsibility for relations with IFs and NOCs, press and media operations, and the IOC Athletes’ Commission. She has led the Olympic host election process since 1992, and was instrumental in the historic simultaneous election of Paris 2024 and LA28. Under Olympic Agenda 2020, she played a key role in reshaping the IOC’s approach to electing Olympic hosts. She is responsible for the election process for the Olympic Winter Games, Games of the Olympiad and Youth Olympic Games (Summer and Winter), and supports the work of the Future Host Commissions.

Adrian Schrinner

Lord Mayor of Brisbane

Adrian Schrinner represents 1.27 million people as the elected leader of Australia’s largest Council. As the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian oversees an annual budget of $4 billion. Adrian’s focus is on building critical transport infrastructure and investing in the parkland and green space needed for a rapidly growing population. Adrian is also the Chair of Australia’s largest regional local government advocacy organisation, the south east Queensland Council of Mayors, which was the first group to investigate the opportunity for a regional Olympic and Paralympic Games, to accelerate the funding and delivery of major infrastructure in Australia’s fastest-growing region. As both a father of four young children and as Lord Mayor, he is determined to ensure Brisbane keeps getting even better.

Jorge Garbajosa

Vice President, FIBA

Jorge Garbajosa was elected as FIBA Europe President in May 2023. In his previous role, he served as the President of the Spanish Basketball Federation from 2016 to 2023. Since 2019, he has also been a member of the FIBA Europe Executive Committee, a co-opted member of the FIBA Central Board and chair of the FIBA Competitions Commission. As a player, Garbajosa had an impressive international career with the Spanish national team, winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2006 and lifting the FIBA EuroBasket trophy in 2009. During his illustrious professional career, Garbajosa represented a number of top European clubs, winning the Spanish and Italian League Cup titles, and also played in the NBA. He will serve as FIBA Vice President for the 2023-2027 term.

Suzanne Marie Ramos-Liwanag

Events Head, New Clark City

Suzanne is the Events Head in New Clark City, on of the flagship projects of the Philippine Government with proven track record in strategy development that focused on enhancing client relationships, promoting brand loyalty, driving business growth and increasing revenue generation through conduct of various events. She also worked for the Philippine Organizing Committee for the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019 as Workforce Head and for the Asian Age Group Championships this year as Venues Head.

Joe De Sena

Founder and CEO, Spartan

Joe De Sena – Founder and CEO of Spartan, the world’s leading endurance sports and wellness brand – has demonstrated his entrepreneurial drive since his pre-teens. Setting his sights on transforming 100 million people through the Spartan lifestyle, De Sena has grown Spartan into a global sport and wellness brand encompassing all things “tough fitness.” With its 10 million+ strong community, Spartan creates transformational experiences, products, and content to help people, companies and teams tear down boundaries and expand what they believe possible. Throughout his lifetime, Joe has competed in any extreme sports adventure he could find, testing his mental and physical endurance against nature.

Rogério Valério

Committee President, FIG GfA

Rogério Valério has shaped Portuguese and global gymnastics for over 20 years. He was President of Portugal's Olympic Committee Sport for All Commission (2011-2016) and Technical Director of the Portugal Gymnastics Federation for 16 years, promoting Gymnastics for All. Valério has served on the FIG Gymnastics for All Committee since 2005 and is its current President. He also contributed to FIG Academy’s educational programs and co-authored training materials for gymnastics education worldwide

Marie-Louise Hinterauer

City Councillor, Dornbirn

Marie-Louise Hinterauer played a central role in organizing the 2019 World Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, Austria, as President of the Local Organizing Committee. Her leadership ensured the event’s success, bringing together thousands of participants from over 60 countries. She focused on safety, accessibility, and inclusivity, supporting a global exchange within the gymnastics community and highlighting her commitment to Gymnastics for All.

Grégoire Junod

Mayor - City of Lausanne President of the World Union of Olympic Cities

Mayor of the City of Lausanne since July 1st, 2016, Grégoire Junod is also in charge of the Culture and Urban Development Department. At the head of the Olympic capital’s major urban projects, he focuses his mandate on developing the city’s housing, sport facilities, transport, culture and the prestige of its universities and educational programmes. His vision for Lausanne is one of a cosmopolitan city open to international trade.

Catie Friend

Presenter & Sports Commentator

Catie's career as a presenter, sports commentator, radio presenter and MC is combined with coaching presentation and communication skills. She is the live streaming commentator for the ISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation). She has been the English-speaking voice of the Africa Eco Race (formerly the Paris Dakar rally) since 2018. She hosts a podcast, Chatting to a Friend, where she interviews incredible women about their lives, careers and achievements. She is a keen sportswoman and has completed the Half Marathon des Sables, the full Patrouille des Glaciers and swum across the Dardanelle Straits.

Aurélia Ruetsch

Global Esports Federation Board Member

Aurelia Ruetsch is a major events professional with 20 years of experience in project design, planning and delivery, from Games to Games across the world. Specialized in international relations, protocol and operations she has an extensive track record in a wide range of sporting events. She has coauthored a book on managing major sports events. Aurelia branched out beyond the sporting sphere bringing her Games experience to WorldSkills, and has just delivered the 2024 competition. Aurelia is also Board Member of the Global Esports Federation and contributes to bringing credibility, legitimacy and prestige to Esports especially as it gets closer to Sports.

Frank Leenders

FIBA Media & Marketing Services Director General, FIBA

Frank Leenders, born in the Netherlands in 1968, is an accomplished leader in international sports marketing with over 25 years of experience. Beginning his career with ISL Marketing at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, he then joined TEAM Marketing in 1992, contributing to the UEFA Champions League from its launch. He later led sports rights acquisitions for Sky Italia and returned to TEAM, where he became Managing Director. In 2012, he co-founded Value-Experience and helped establish FIBA's media unit, where he now serves as Director General. Frank holds an Economics degree from the University of St. Gallen and an MBA from SDA Bocconi in Milan.

Eva Thurnher

Office management and international contacts, World Gymnaestrada 2007 & 2019

Eva Thurnher joined the LOC for the 2007 and 2019 World Gymaestrada in Dornbirn/AUT. This event brought together thousands from over 60 countries, celebrating Gymnastics for All and fostering cultural exchange through inclusive, non-competitive gymnastics across age groups. With her language skills und outstanding talent for organization and administration she was member of the top-leading team. Together with the FIG she invented the 1. Gym for life challenge which took place in Dornbirn 2009.

Claudine Breton

General Director, Thinksport

Claudine is a dynamic executive with over 25 years of experience in international alliances, project funding, sponsorship, event management, and innovation. She has developed a robust expertise across both the private and public sectors, as well as with international organizations in the sport and aviation industries. Canadian native, worked around the globe, Claudine thrives in multicultural environments, effectively serving a global clientele.

Riikka Rakic

Head of Strategy, Sustainability and Governance, International Biathlon Union

Riikka Rakic is currently the Head of Strategy, Sustainability and Governance at the International Biathlon Union, where she also manages the implementation of the IBU’s strategic plan. Prior to joining the IBU, she led the communications function at the International Ski Federation from 2005-2013. She then went on to implement an ISO 20121 certified sustainability program at the 2019 FIS Alpine Worlds and advised candidates for the 2022 and 2024 Games on topics related to sustainability and legacy. From 2017- 2020, Riikka led an FIS project known as “Get into Snow Sports” designed to promote snow sports in China while serving as Director of IF Relations at the World Academy of Sports.

Giovanni Battista Derchi

Associate Professor of Management Control, EHL Hospitality Business School

Giovanni Battista Derchi is an Associate Professor of Management Control at EHL Hospitality Business School. He is also an Adjunct Professor at SDA Bocconi and a Scientific Advisor to the International Academy of Sport Science and Technology (AISTS). His research and teaching activities focus on performance measurement and sustainability and impact evaluation. He has a PhD in Management from HEC Lausanne, publishes in top academic journals, and advices sports and hospitality organisations.

Mark Hurst

Head of Competition Bidding, World Athletics

Mark is Head of Bidding at the international federation World Athletics. He is also a member of its Sustainability Management Review Steering Group. He is a qualified solicitor, holds Master degrees in both Law and Sports Administration, and wrote a chapter for Global Sports Regulation in 2021.

Michael Reilly

CEO, Track Town Events

Michael Reilly is the CEO of Track Town Events, a USA company based in Eugene, Oregon. The company was responsible for organizing the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships and the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships. In partnership with USA Track & Field, the company brought the 2022 World Athletics Championships to the USA. In 2026, the company will host the World Athletics U20 Championships.

Cedric Vanden Bogaerde

Executive Director, AISTS

Cedric VdB 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.

Saurabh Mishra

Sport Director, International School Sport Federation

Saurabh Mishra is an experienced sports director currently serving at the International School Sport Federation in Lausanne. With a strong background in volunteer coordination and event operations, he has contributed to high-profile events, including the Special Olympics World Games and FIFA U-17 World Cup. Saurabh’s international experience reflects his commitment to enhancing sports events through effective operations and team leadership.

summit venues

International Basketball Federation  

“The Patrick Baumann House of Basketball” is the headquarters of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). 

The House of Basketball is home to FIBA’s administrative staff, as well as a FIBA Conference Centre, the FIBA Hall of Fame, the Exhibition Hall, and the Pedro Ferrandiz Library. 

Seen from above, the building resembles a hand, one of the important elements of FIBA’s visual identity. It also includes a steel structure which references the weave of a basketball net. 

The conferences on 12 November will take place at the House of Basketball. 

Official website

Maison du Sport International 

The Maison du Sport International (MSI) is a unique complex that brings together several of the leading players in international sports administration under one roof.

It is notably the headquarters of around thirty international sports federations and organisations and some twenty companies active in the field of sport.  

Strategically positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, the MSI officially opened in June 2006 and has created a remarkable opportunity for international sports federations, sports organisations and companies working in the field of sport, allowing them to work together, cultivate contacts, share experiences, and take advantage of synergies. 

The conferences on 13 November will take place at the Maison du Sport International. 

Official website

World Archery Excellence Centre

The World Archery Excellence Centre is a training, competition, and learning facility dedicated to archery in Lausanne. 

Opened in 2016, the building has hosted many international sporting and non-sporting events.  

Located 15 minutes from downtown Lausanne, the World Archery Excellence Centre will host the welcome dinner on 11 November 2024.

Official website 

Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace

The Beau-Rivage Palace is a famous ambassador of the highest Swiss hotel tradition since 1861. Ideally located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Beau-Rivage Palace is nestled in a natural setting, a stone’s throw from the centre of Lausanne. Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, Nelson Mandela, and Tina Turner are just a few of the many famous guests who have enjoyed the Palace hospitality.  

The Beau-Rivage Palace will host the smartcities & sport gala dinner on 12 November 2024.

Official website

feedback from participants 

{
Overall audience: 2,467,588

(incl. 252,325 digital streaming attendances)

+ 750,000 visited the 9 free festival sites during the Commonwealth Games

+ 500,000 viewed artwork displayed in public spaces

+ 500,000 digital engagements with artwork

+ 730,000 have attended events, exhibitions and performances across the six-months of the festival

162,581 people visited 104 Creative City Grants projects

267,173 people streamed and viewed projects online

{
{

26 “PARIS FÊTE LES JEUX” FREE SITES, INCLUDING

– 1 emblematic site, the “Terrasse des Jeux”, on the City Hall Square

– 3 iconic Paris Plages sites along the water

– 16 festive sites in almost every district of Paris

– 6 totemic sites, strong markers of Parisian life

L’Academie du Climat – The Climate Academy

La Fabrique de la Solidarité – The Solidarity Factory

La Maison des Canaux – The House of the Canals (dedicated to social, solidarity and circular economy)

La Cité Audacieuse – The Daring City (dedicated to gender equality)

La Pride House – The Pride House

{
{

THE SPORT EVENT: COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Duration: 11 days of competitions

25 sports including parasports for 5 of them

4,822 athletes, including 311 para-athletes

72 Commonwealth Games Associations

{
{

DURATION OF THE FESTIVAL

6 months

from April to September 2022

{
{

ALL SITES

From 14.07 to 08.09

1,770,552 total visitors across all sites (including the Terrasse des Jeux)

+100,00 people/day at the sites during high-intensity Games moments

{
{

“TERASSE DES JEUX”

From 14.07 to 08.09

836,765 visitors

+35 nationalities represented

+110 different actors providing on site entertainment (local associations and arts companies, sports clubs and federations)

100 media members present on site

{
{

SPECIFIC PLACES

Quartier Jeunes: 45,000 visitors during the Olympic Games

Pride House: 40,000 visitors during the Olympic Games

Paris Plages: 150,000 visitors took part in the sports activities offered between 06.07 and 08.08

{
{

Thanks to the summit we have the opportunity to meet new cities and potential clients for the solutions developed by the members of our association. We particularly appreciate the emphasis on the quality of the programme in order to best promote our activities.

{
daniel cordey
chairman, association of global event suppliers
{

Every year we look forward to coming to the summit as it is an engaging platform for meeting our peers from around the world and to get inspired with new ideas to bring sport to our city. It’s also a great place to meet international sports federations and share our ambitions.

{
ariane croteau
account executive, québec city business destination
{

smartcities & sport is an engaging and inspiring partner that we are very happy to work with. The richness of the network lies in its ability to connect two worlds: cities and sport – to strategically shape the future of cities through sport

{
lars lundov
chief executive, sport event denmark

thank you for joining us in Lausanne, the olympic capital!

See you next year in Seoul, Korea, 20-22 October, 2025!

SUMMIT 2024 SPONSORS

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