Event Preview: Technology focus at Soccerex - September 2007  

Technology and new media now play a pivotal role in the soccer industry. The phenomenal growth in this dynamic sector and the high level of demand for new products and services that will enable businesses to maximise new opportunities has resulted in a record number of technological-based firms registering for Soccerex 2007 which will be held in November in South Africa, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (countdown clock pictured right courtesy of Getty Images Sport/Gallo Images).

The companies include:
Adeunis RF, Alcatel South Africa, Camera 13, Demosphere International, Eurosport, Eurovision, Global Sportnet, Globecast, Green 4 Solutions, Infostrada Sports, Inmotio Object Tracking, Input Media, Markettiers 4DC, MTN, Mundo Entrenador, NetResult, Ole Ole, Pitch International, Polar Finland, Premiere Fernsehen, Premium TV, Red Bee Media Limited, Sky Italia, SNG Broadcast Services, Sound Decisions, Sport Universal Process, STATS, Supportershop, T-Systems International, Ungerboeck Systems International and Wige Media.

Why attend?

(1) £180m will be spent on ICT by South Africa, in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, signifying how essential state-of-the-art equipment has become to the beautiful game. Making Soccerex 2007 an essential and direct point of contact with the key decision makers in South Africa ahead of 2010.
(2) The Conference Programme for Soccerex 2007 will purposely include panels that will address the most relevant issues affecting the New Media and Technology industry. Including the exploitation of Intellectual Property rights, the ‘You Tube’ effect, the value of online streaming and the growth of club-owned media channels.
(3) Representatives from the organising committees of upcoming global events will be in attendance, including UEFA Euro 2008 Austria-Switzerland, FIFA World Cup 2010 and the London 2012 Olympics. Among the topics being discussed by these delegates will be the logistics of hosting or co-hosting major sporting events and how technological advances can assist such prestigious projects.
(4) Soccer Federations from around the world will be in record attendance, as hundreds of representatives will be arriving at Soccerex following the FIFA World Cup Durban Draw that will take place on the eve of Soccerex 2007.
(5) Enhanced Networking Tool. This innovative networking facility provides you with an online global directory of all delegates in the run-up to Soccerex 2007. Allowing you to maximise your time at the event by arranging meetings with your key clients before, during and after the event.
(6) Sector Specific Breakfasts, Lunches and Social Events. Providing a time-slot in the event’s busy schedule to catch-up and do business with your peers at the venues various Networking Cafés or seminar rooms.

David Dein joins line-up

One of the long-term supporters of Soccerex, David Dein, formerly Vice Chairman of Arsenal FC, has confirmed he will be speaking at Soccerex 2007 this November.
The 'One-on-One' format has proved to be a great success at past Soccerex events, providing a rare opportunity to hear at length the thoughts of the key 'players' within the football industry. The recent 'One-On-One' session at this year's London Forum made international headlines when Richard Scudamore addressed the contentious issues surrounding the game; including the latest Premier League TV deal and the Sheffield United & West Ham United dispute.
The panel David Dein spoke on at last year's event was one of the highlights of Soccerex 2006. His views on the football industry and specifically the Premier League will once-again provide a fascinating insight for all delegates attending.

For further details about Soccerex call +44 (0)208 742 7100, e-mail enquiry@soccerex.com or visit www.soccerex.com

With the FIFA 2010 World Cup draw taking place in Durban on the eve of the event, a record number of delegates have already confirmed. To be there for the special rate of £595 (saving £300), delegate tickets must be booked by Friday 28 September.

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