Home of International Sport

Welcome to Lausanne, the Olympic Capital. Here, we support international sport federations and organisations and help them grow by providing them with exclusive benefits.

IF Seminars

As a complimentary service to International Federations, The Olympic Capital organises a series of eight seminars directed at the different departments/activities within an International Federation.

These seminars are open exclusively to staff from International Federations based in the Canton de Vaud. They take place at the MSI from 9-12 and are followed by a light lunch.

The dates for the IF Seminars 2017 are as follows (registration will open approximately one month before the seminar):
  • May 2: Development
  • June 13: Legal
  • September 26: Events
  • October 31: Finance
  • November 14: Clean Sport
  • December 12: Technologies & Innovation
Past seminars:
  • February 7: Member Services
  • March 21: Communications/Marketing

  • Member Services

    07Feb2017

    Should IFs be supply or demand driven?

    International Federations are faced with the reality of having a huge number of members from all across the world. These members not only vary greatly in geography, but also in their size, capability and resources.

    This Seminar focused on whether IFs should provide assistance to their members in a supply-driven manner, proactively identifying the members most in need, or in a demand-driven manner, simply being reactive to the member requests.

    This seminar considered the varying approaches International Federations can take regarding the provision of support to the range of member federations they have. Having listened to the fascinating experiences of the Red Cross, the International Triathlon Union and the Fédération Équestre Internationale, the concluded with an open discussion amongst participants to establish some guiding principles that can be of practical assistance.

  • Communications/Marketing

    21Mar2017

    How to increase your influence on social media?

    Social media continues to change the way people engage with organisations and consume information. It has the ability to touch people across the world in a consistent yet tailored manner.

    The effective use of such social media represents a unique opportunity for International Federations to reach a broad audience with exciting content, increasing the popularity of both their organisation and the sport at large. In turn, organisations have found that developing a strong social media strategy can lead to stronger partnerships and other commercial benefits.

    This seminar considered how IFs can best use social media to ensure the long-term engagement of their audience rather than short-term viewership. Having heard from Matthias Lufkens, Managing Director of Digital at Burson-Marsteller EMEA, the seminar then viewed case studies presented by the International Skating Union, World Bowling, and European Athletics, with participants receiving practical tips to implement within their federations.

  • Development - In what ways can IFs work with cities to develop their sport?

    31Mar2017
    02May2017

    Developing the sport is one of the central responsibilities of any International Federation. Indeed, spreading their sport to new regions and strengthening it in existing regions is often one of the primary objectives for federations.

    However, to turn such objectives into reality often requires many resources, which are often limited for IFs. Furthermore, such development often requires the support of external parties, notably cities that play host to events and offer programmes and encourage sporting activity.

    The question that remains, however, is whether IFs can view these cities as partners for development, as opposed to targets? How can IFs work together with cities to ensure that they are part of the process for development, as opposed to the end goal?

    This seminar will explore the concept of IFs truly engaging in a sustainable partnership with different cities, that is mutually beneficial for both in the long-term. It will look at previous strategies adopted by IFs and cities alike in engaging with one another, and consider the key learning points, both positive and negative, from these experiences.

    Speakers will include Olivier Mutter from the University of Lausanne.