Media Organisations and Sports Bodies to Plot the Future at Top-level ISEMS '07 Session
The invitation-only session is embedded in the programme for the inaugural International Sports Event Management and Security event, which takes place at the showpiece stadium on October 31 and November 1.
Senior representatives of sports governing bodies will join television channels and specialist sports production companies, radio, newspapers, online news organisations and national and international news agencies for a debate which aims to kick-off a series of discussions, which may lead to new guidelines for the coverage of sports events.
The session will be chaired by Nigel Rushman, Managing Director of Rushmans, the company which has handled media services provision and media management at many of the world’s major sports events over the past two decades.
It will be held against a background of uncertainty and some tension between the sports rights holders, their rights holding broadcasters and other media sectors.
“In a fast changing media environment many of the issues spring from principles of free access or so called ‘news access’ to events which date back more than 50 years,” explained Nigel Rushman.
“Under the current system, broadcasters are required to pay huge rights fees to cover sports events. They also meet the cost of the facilities they require. On the other hand, print and online media are accustomed to receiving accreditation to cover events without payment. In addition, they expect the appropriate working facilities to be provided for them at venues. These are additional costs to the sports federation or event host.”
The session will cover issues including:
· Accreditation – a right or privilege?
· Increasing costs of providing media facilities
· Rights holders versus non rights holders – the balance and cost of access
· Press coverage restrictions
· Rate card issues
· News access deadlines
Mike Miller, CEO of the International Rugby Board said: “These are critical issues and this forum is long overdue. We are delighted to support the event and our delegation is looking forward to meeting up with other governing bodies as well as representatives of the media sector.”
The media session is part of a comprehensive two-day seminar programme at the International Sports Event Management and Security event which is the result of the amalgamation of two successful and enthusiastically received events – The International Sports Security Summit and the International Sports Event Management Conference.
The new event is the result of discussion with, and feedback from, high-level delegates and speakers to both events and meets their desire for a single, multi-stream event which covers a broad range of topics at the highest level and which provides a larger-scale exhibition and enhanced networking opportunities.
ISEMS will deliver a sector-leading exhibition, multiple networking opportunities – including the event industry’s first Awards Dinner - as well as its conference and seminar streams. These will focus on event planning and management, security, marketing and the media. Inspirational keynote addresses, stimulating panel sessions and debates and invaluable subject specific presentations will ensure that ISEMS delivers a unique learning and networking opportunity which offers truly significant value.
The ISEMS media session is by invitation only and significant interest has already been expressed by all sides of the industry. If you would like to attend you may request an invitation by e-mailing penny@rushmans.com by 31st July 2007.