Today, the Federation of Irish Sport launches the inaugural Irish Sport Industry Innovation Series. The virtual event will bring together thought leaders, subject matter experts and a wealth of experienced individuals for three evenings of discussion, reflection, and knowledge sharing. 

The series will cover three core areas: investment, international and innovation through a combination of keynote interviews and panel discussions including: -

1. ‘The importance of sustainable investment’
2. ‘Exploring the future of Ireland Inc.’ and
3. ‘Adapting, innovating, and advancing: the role of data driven insights for Sport and Physical Activity’.

Contributors will bring a variety of insight and experience from government departments, international projects, market leading multinational corporations, philanthropic investment organisations and sporting bodies. 

The event temporarily takes the place of the annual Irish Sport Industry Awards which were paused as a result of COVID-19 and the widespread impact of closures and cessation of activity on the sector. The awards, which will return in 2022, have always served to recognise the outstanding efforts of the bodies and businesses operating in the sport and physical activity sphere and showcase the value of sport and physical activity to the Irish economy. The Industry Series will seek to do likewise while also incorporating reflection and recognition on the exceptional innovative work of so many over the past 12 months. In the face of unprecedented challenges, the sector pivoted its efforts and energy to continue to deliver opportunities and engagement for those who needed it. The Federation will recognise and showcase that commitment across the series in a bid to share the lessons, learnings, and successes of many with the sector as a whole. 

Speaking about the launch of the series, Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said,

“The series is an important and exciting event for the Federation in 2021. As we all know, we are operating in a very different place this year as a result of the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. Throughout 2020 we were inspired by some of the fantastic innovative ideas of those within the sector. This series seeks to harness that innovation and pivot our own annual awards into a collaborative, thought provoking and informative series for our members, the sport industry sector and the public. We have a stellar line up of contributors to be announced and look forward to sharing this series with the sector, reflecting and recognising the challenges of the past year and looking to the future with inspiration, innovation and optimism.”

Speakers and contributors to be announced in full over the next two weeks. 

Tickets are on sale from 1pm Monday 15th March at www.irishsport.ie/tickets. Federation of Irish Sport members can avail of tickets free of charge by using the discount code FC934C. Please note the code can be used to purchase more than one ticket but must be used in separate transactions.

ENDS. 

For further information please contact sinead.conroy@irishsport.ie