The IF Forum 2024, held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne from October 21-23, concluded successfully after three days of intense discussions and networking opportunities. With more than 425 attendees, the event set a new record for participation, reflecting a growing interest in the future of sports federations. Under the theme “Ensuring your FI is fit and ready for the future,” organizers offered sessions that encouraged collaboration and provided practical information for international federations to adapt to the challenges ahead.
The forum included more than 40 prominent speakers from the sports industry, including Fiona Bull of WHO, Alain Zobrist of Swiss Timing, Kit McConnell of the IOC, Abhinav Bindra of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and Emma Zwiebler of the WFSGI. These leaders discussed critical issues such as combating physical inactivity, improving anti-doping measures, promoting mental health and integrating advanced technological solutions into sport.
A STAGE FOR THE FUTURE OF SPORT
The opening was led by Nicole Hoevertsz, IOC Vice-President, who represented IOC President Thomas Bach. In her opening speech, Hoevertsz stressed the importance of the forum for the future of sport: “This IF Forum is an opportune moment for the entire community of international federations to chart the course for the future of sport. As the theme of the forum highlights, it is really an important time to look ahead and analyze what innovations and changes are needed to be ready for the future, because times are changing.”
In addition to presentations and panel discussions, the IF Forum provided a space for delegates to share ideas and strengthen ties in an informal setting inside the Olympic Museum. This focus on collaboration was celebrated by many attendees, who valued the opportunity to learn from others and foster cooperation in the international sports community.
IF FORUM TESTIMONIALS
Jim Scherr, CEO of World Lacrosse, expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative atmosphere of the forum: “My favorite aspect of the IF Forum is the opportunity to connect with all of your colleagues and peers in the industry, renew friendships and learn from those at the forefront of international sport.” For Scherr, this event is crucial in building relationships and mutual learning between federations.
Beau Welling, president of World Curling and member of the SportAccord Executive Committee, highlighted the value of sharing experiences. “The benefit of coming to the IF Forum is really the engagement with other sport professionals and federations, learning what they are doing, the challenges they face and the unity in learning. It’s always very exciting to be here,” Welling noted.
A FORUM THAT PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY
Isabella Burczak, manager of Sustainability and Cycling for All at the UCI, stressed the importance of exchanges between federations and colleagues from different disciplines. “What I like most is actually the exchanges between people, exchanges with other federations and colleagues facing the same difficulties, and being able to learn from other federations on a diversity of topics,” commented Burczak, reflecting the value of the connections generated at the IF Forum.
Martin Gibbs, CEO of SportAccord, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event. “We are delighted to have organized another successful IF Forum. It was inspiring to see so many sports leaders come together to collaborate, share ideas and network. We were particularly fortunate to hear from a wide range of experts from both inside and outside the sports ecosystem,” Gibbs concluded.
IF FORUM RETURNS IN 2025
The IF Forum 2025 will be held again at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne from October 27-29, promising another edition that will continue to strengthen ties in the global sport community.
