Host City

In this keynote interview from Host City 2025, Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the visionary promoter behind Live Aid, reflects on The Enduring Inspiration of Major Events. In conversation with Rhona McLeod, Harvey shares behind-the-scenes stories from Live Aid, explores how major events are conceived and delivered against the odds, and discusses why great events continue to inspire societies long after the lights go down.

In this interview from Host City 2025, Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, joins Sarah Lewis OBE OLY to reflect on a landmark tournament that redefined what women’s sport can achieve. From record-breaking attendances and global broadcast reach to inclusive fan experiences, bold leadership and lasting social impact, Sarah shares the vision, decisions and values behind delivering a truly generational moment for women’s rugby - and the lessons it offers for major events worldwide.

This panel, Empowering Host Cities and Event Organisers Through Exceptional Visitor Experience, explores how cities and organisers can design seamless, inclusive and memorable journeys for attendees. Helen Helliwell (Invictus Games Birmingham 2027), John David (SportsETA) and Dr. Igor Lanzoni (JJIF and multiple international federations) join moderator Chris Thompson (You.Smart.Thing) to discuss visitor-centric planning, mobility and accessibility, technology-enabled experiences and how great visitor experience can drive reputation, repeat visitation and long-term legacy for host cities.      

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life. Drawing on Glasgow’s experience as a globally recognised host city, Kay reflects on the power of partnership, long-term legacy and collaboration in delivering world-class events. She sets the tone for the conference by welcoming delegates to Glasgow and framing this year’s theme: getting on with the business of events—turning ambition and ideas into lasting economic, social and cultural impact.

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland. Rob highlights the central role of events in driving tourism, economic growth and global connection, reflecting on Scotland’s recent successes across sport, culture and business. He sets out VisitScotland’s Team Scotland approach and looks ahead to a strong pipeline of major events, positioning Scotland as a welcoming, responsible and world-class destination for hosting events that deliver lasting impact.

This Host City 2025 panel, Driving Growth in Major Events, brings together leaders from live entertainment, festivals and multi-sport events to explore how major events can scale sustainably while protecting quality, culture and community value. Jim King (AEG Presents UK & European Festivals), Lori Anderson (Festivals Edinburgh) and Darren Hall (Commonwealth Sport) join moderator Billy Garrett (Glasgow Life) to discuss audience growth, programming and place-making, balancing commercial ambition with public value, and the strategies required to future-proof major events in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

This keynote address from Host City 2025 is delivered by Uğur Erdener, President of SportAccord, Honorary President of World Archery, and Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee. Speaking from the perspective of international federations and SportAccord, Uğur reflects on the evolving role of host cities, the importance of sustainable, values-led partnerships, and how cities and rights holders can work together to deliver world-class events with long-term legacy for communities and the global sporting movement.

This panel from Host City 2025, The Business of Events and Sport in the Middle East, explores how major international events are reshaping perceptions, investment and opportunity across the region. Basim K. Ibrahim (Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Fatema Hayat (Islamic Sports Solidarity Association) and Treve Evans (AIPH) join moderator Matt Wilson (The Sports Consultancy) to discuss why Middle Eastern countries are bidding for—and winning—global events, how financing and sponsorship models are evolving, and the wider social and economic impact of sport and events across the Middle East.

This panel from Host City 2025, New Content for New Audiences, explores how sports and events are evolving to engage younger, more diverse audiences. Rob Stull (UIPM), Pierre Trochet (IFAF), Cherrelle Redley Murrain (Glasgow 2026) and Federico Müller Teran (International Olympic Committee) join moderator Jack McGill (QTV) to discuss emerging sports, urban and flexible event formats, broadcast innovation, digital storytelling and the strategies reshaping audience growth in a rapidly changing media landscape.

This Host City 2025 panel, The Business Case for Investment in Major Events, brings together senior leaders from across sport, destinations and event delivery to examine how major events can be funded, delivered and justified in an increasingly cost-conscious environment. Phil Batty OBE (Glasgow 2026), Dominic McKay (SEC & EPCR), Joanne Deponio (UK & Ireland 2028), James Bulley OBE (Trivandi) and Kevin MacCuish (UCI) join moderator Rob Dickson (VisitScotland) to explore sustainable funding models, public-private investment, cost control, community legacy and long-term return on investment - sharing practical lessons from some of the world’s largest and most complex events.