Federal Sport Minister Peter Dutton to make first industry address at 2014 Business of Sport Summit

In addition to attracting speakers from leading global sports brands including the NFL, PepsiCo and FC Barcelona, the 2014 Business of Sport Summit is to feature Federal Sport Minister Peter Dutton's first industry address since being appointed to Cabinet in September last year.

Minister Dutton, will join an unprecedented line-up of domestic and international speakers for an intelligent and informed discussion of the issues affecting the sport industry.

The Business of Sport Summit, the largest and most significant annual meeting for sports executives in Australia, takes place on the 1st and 2nd April 2014 at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, Sydney.

Growth and innovation are at the heart of the summit's agenda with ideas and imperatives for the commercial management of sport, making this event the most important knowledge exchange and networking platform for sports executives in Australia.

Speaker highlights include:

• Jennifer Storms, SVP Global Sports Marketing, PepsiCo (USA)

• Craig Phillips, Secretary General, Australian Olympic Committee

• The Hon. Peter Dutton, Federal Minister for Sport

• Didac Lee, Director of New Technology, FC Barcelona (Spain)

• Craig Phillips, Secretary General, Australian Olympic Committee

• David Gallop, Chief Executive, Football Federation Australia

• Patrick Delany, Chief Executive, Fox Sports

• Mark Buckman, Chief Marketing Officer, Telstra

• Marc Reeves, International Director, NFL (USA)

• Raelene Castle, Chief Executive, Canterbury Bulldogs

• Alison Lee, Executive Vice President, International Group, ATP

The BOSS address by Australia's Sport Minister is significant given that Minister Dutton has adopted a low profile since taking up the role in September last year.

With the current Federal Government expected to cut budgets across many portfolios, Minister Dutton may well use his address to give an idea of future strategic and funding priorities for sport.

In the aftermath of the Sochi Winter Olympics, will the Federal Government continue with its funding of sport?

During 2012/13, sport received $307 million from the Federal Government. Will that funding continue?

In addition, with Peter Dutton also being the Federal Health Minister and having predicted an overhaul of Medicare, will the role of activity, recreation and sport be better recognised in potential health reforms?

For more information and to register for the Business of Sport Summit contact Connect Events Pty Ltd on 02 8004 8590, E: team@connectevents.com.au, www.sportsleaders.com.au