STA Summit - Anaheim '24: An incredible week in California
We recently marked a significant milestone for the Sports Technology Alliance, as our first-ever event on US soil took place in Anaheim, California. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including 20 National Governing Bodies (NGBs), eight Sports Technology Alliance members, several key industry bodies, incredible guest speakers, and other influential figures, all gathering to discuss the future of sports tech.
The event took place across three jam-packed days full of insightful discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities. The event explored how technology can be leveraged at all levels of sport, with a particular focus on big data and its applications, and how the industry can better connect grassroots and elite pathways for growth.
Key themes and insights
The underlying theme for the event was the effective use of big data in sport, specifically how it can support areas including safeguarding, education, membership growth, and overall revenue generation. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, NGBs and sports organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of data-driven decision-making. Whether it involves understanding participation trends or enhancing member experiences, data remains a fundamental tool for driving sustainable progress.
Three major takeaways emerged throughout the event:
Revenue growth is paramount: Growth, in this context, isn’t just about acquiring new members. It relates to the creation of new opportunities to generate value and revenue at all levels of the organisation. Multiple sessions led by industry experts underscored the importance of diversifying revenue streams and aligning business strategies to support long-term stability and growth.
Connecting grassroots to elite pathways: The relationship between grassroots participation and elite sport emerged as a central topic throughout the event. Speakers and participants alike discussed the importance of bridging the gap between community-level participation and the development of future athletes. Engaging new participants, nurturing their growth, and maintaining strong development pathways were identified as essential components for overall organisational success. By strengthening these connections, organisations can create a consistent and dynamic pipeline of talent while ensuring the growth of their membership base.
The role of technology in streamlining processes: The need for enhanced operational efficiencies was discussed in multiple sessions, with a focus on how technology can be used to reduce administrative burden and simplify complex processes, ultimately delivering a better experience for members. Digital platforms that provide integrated solutions, like membership management, data analytics, and communication tools, were highlighted as enablers of these efficiencies, allowing organisations to spend more time focusing on strategy and member engagement.
A collaborative effort
The event was attended by several prominent figures from across the sports industry. Key speakers shared valuable insights into different facets of the sports industry - ranging from the application of data in athlete safety to effective community engagement.
Marcellus Wiley, former NFL player and Project Transition USA CEO, was an integral part of an impactful panel discussion, inspiring attendees to think critically about the role that NGBs play in building community, integrity, and opportunities for youth.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the efforts of numerous partners and contributors. Sports Technology Alliance members Sport:80, etrainu, Coordinate Sport, ActiveXchange, Cherry Hub, Joymo, InjureFree, and Globocol Limited, extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event, and all the individuals who dedicated their time and expertise to making it a reality.
The contributions from industry experts were pivotal in facilitating open and solution-focused discussions on key topics such as safeguarding, education, and innovative revenue models. The energy, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate demonstrated by all attendees served as a testament to the vibrant and forward-thinking nature of the sports technology sector.
Forging ahead and moving forward
Reflecting on the success of our inaugural US event, it is clear that there is a growing appetite for dialogue and collaboration across the sports industry, particularly concerning the role of technology in shaping the future of sport.
The Sports Technology Alliance Summit provided an invaluable platform for sharing ideas, exploring collaborative opportunities, and discussing how technology can help achieve shared objectives. In a time where growth, inclusivity, and sustainability are critical to success, events like these are crucial for setting the tone for the future.
The conversations and relationships forged in Anaheim are only the beginning. We are extremely excited about what the future holds and greatly look forward to continuing these discussions, fostering further partnerships, and leveraging technology to create meaningful impacts across the world of sport. The future is bright for sports technology, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us next.
If you were unable to attend the event but wish to learn more or become involved, please don't hesitate to get in touch.