New Global Sport Conference to focus on impact of fandom

The New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 24th to 25th August will host a global delegation of over 1,200 industry thought-leaders, including over 200 Chief Executives from leading industries including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment.

The Conference attendees will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre to explore the theme of ‘The Future of Fandom’ with over 60 confirmed speakers.

The event will discuss fandom’s impact on business planning, content, IP and media rights, marketing, and community-building. This year, NGSC focuses on how fandom influences society, builds brand equity, and generates revenue through media rights, sponsorships, and merchandise.

NGSC’s group of confirmed speakers will showcase their innovation and expertise across a variety of first-mover, fan-first industries. Speakers include:

• HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation

• Ralf Reichert, CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation

• Magnus Carlsen, Norwegian Chess Grandmaster

• Toshimoto Mitomo, Executive Deputy President and CSO, Sony Group Corporation

• Lisa Cosmas Hanson, CEO, Niko Partners

• Andrew Chen, General Partner & Co-Founder, Andreessen Horowitz

• Joe Marsh, CEO, T1 Entertainment & Sports

NGSC attendees will enjoy conversations that contextualise fan engagement in sports and esports, while hearing stories of passion, dedication, and triumph that frame fan culture's transformative impact.

Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive of the Esports World Cup Foundation advised "The New Global Sport Conference is set to assemble an unprecedented group of industry leaders at what promises to be the pinnacle gathering of gaming, esport and sport executives. This year's focus, 'Future of Fandom,' addresses crucial topics at the intersection of those industries. We're thrilled to offer a stage for the top minds in the field to exchange ideas that will drive the future of this intersection. The timing couldn't be better, as the inaugural Esports World Cup reaches its climax with the crowning of the first Esports World Cup Club Champion."

This weekend marks the second edition of the NSGC, with its inaugural event last year highlighted by the unveiling of the first Esports World Cup. The Esports World Cup is currently taking place in Riyadh, and its closing ceremony is also slated for 25th August. Saudi Arabia aspires to become the world's go-to destination for gaming and esports by 2030 and the NGSC 2024 sits as another backdrop as it actively strengthens ties with industry leaders.

For more information on the event and to stay updated on further announcements, visit New Global Sport Conference Website.

Image. HRH Prince Faisal bin Sultan, (Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation) and Ralf Reichert (CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation), with the Korean League of Legends Team T1, the winners of the League of Legends competition at the Esports World Cup 2024