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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 2018 are as follows (registration will open approximately three weeks before the seminar):

  • February 13: Member Services
  • March 20: Communications & Marketing
  • May 16: Technologies & Innovation
  • June 12: Finance
  • July 3: Clean Sport
  • September 11: Development
  • October 31: Events
  • November 27: Legal


    • A description of the Seminars will be provided in due course below:

    • Member Services

      What is the role of Continental Associations in providing services to National Federations?

      International Federations are responsible for supporting their National Federations in several ways, whether it be providing tools for development programmes or safeguarding good governance practices. Traditionally, Continental Associations are viewed as an integral channel for IFs to ensure that National Federations are both supported and monitored effectively.

      But with any aspect of delegation or decentralisation, the role of continental Associations in providing services to National Federations is not without risk. It can, for instance, increase the possibility of miscommunication, with less efficient and effective services provided as a result. Similarly, IFs must trust that Continental Associations are fully-responsible and fully-committed to the achievement of the IF’s goals.

      With this in mind, what should be the role of Continental Associations in providing support to National Federations? How much autonomy should they have in establishing their own supportive tools? And how can IF’s ensure that their relationship with Continental Association is both efficient and effective?

      This Seminar will look at some of the different approaches that IFs can take regarding their relationship with their Continental Associations, hearing from an international organisation outside the world of sport, an IF itself, and a Continental Association who will offer their own perspective.

      Speakers at this Seminar:

      • Ray Saunders, Director of Knowledge Management, World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM)

      • Zoran Radovic, Development Director, & Andreas Zagklis, Legal Director, International Basketball Federation (FIBA)

      • Marko Vasic, Head of Member Federations Development, European Athletics

    • Communications/Marketing

      ‘Developing women’s sport: what are the marketing strategies IFs can use?’

      Gender equality is becoming increasingly prioritised and valued in the world of international sports. With the IOC’s Agenda 2020’s stating its vision of an Olympic Games with a completely equal gender split in competitions and athletes, the appetite for genuine, sustainable enhancements in women’s sport is perhaps stronger than ever before.

      In their role, International Federations must ensure that their support of women’s sport is spread and heard worldwide. To achieve this, the development of women’s sport should be about more than simply organising events, it should be part of your long-term vision and mission. In this sense, a strong marketing strategy is key to raise awareness and achieve sustainable improvements. But what does an effective marketing strategy for developing women’s sport look like? Should women’s sport be marketed separated to the men’s side of the sport, or together? Should IFs focus more on marketing the elite level of women’s sport or the grassroots? And how can IFs ensure that any strategies they oversee are also prioritised by the National Federations?

      This Seminar will look at different marketing strategies that IFs have used in developing women’s sport, hearing from IFs that have tried and tested distinctly different approaches, and marketing agencies with special experience in this area.

      Speakers at this Seminar:

      • Stéphane Missier, Global Strategy Director, Wieden & Kennedy

      • Kayleigh Grieve, Women’s Football Marketing Manager, UEFA

    • Technologies & Innovation

      Artificial intelligence: what are the implications for IFs?

      The world of sport is continually changing over the years, and the impact of technology on sport has perhaps never been so acute – both on and off the field of play. On the field, technology has greatly helped coaches and athletes to constantly improve performance. But technology’s impact has also completely changed the dynamics of fandom. Nowadays, fans use technology to enhance their sports consumption, gather more information about their sport, and improve interaction with other fans.

      In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a very important role on how sports are changing. International Federations (IFs) must be aware of the last trends of AI and the potential impact of its application. Artificial intelligence is transforming - and will continue to transform - the way sports are consumed and practiced.

      But, with many different definitions, what exactly is AI, and what are the implications for IFs? How can AI enable IFs to work more effectively? How can artificial intelligence enhance the spectator experience through technology? And what are the current and potential future applications of AI in sports?

      This Seminar will provide to participants with some key insights about the use of AI in sports. Experts from this field will help sport leaders to understand what AI is, and how it can be used to help IFs achieve their goals. Participants will also hear from an IF case study, helping to show how AI can practically be implemented to a federations’ benefit.

      Speakers at this Seminar:

      • Jean-Sebastien Merieux, Head of Products, Dartish

      • Johan Vounckx, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation, EVS Broadcast Equipment

      • Nicolas Chapart, Head of Digital, FIBA

    • Finance & Administration

      Good financial governance: what does this mean for IFs?

      The financial management of international sports federations (IFs) today remains one of the hot topics of the international sports world. In a world where sport is scrutinised more than ever, financial departments must ensure they are sufficiently transparent, efficient, and of course, effective.

      And with this ever-intensifying spotlight, and a myriad of procedural options, a challenge of financial departments is ensuring that they are keeping up with the latest trends in financial governance, upholding the reputation of their IF as a result.

      But what are the tools and mechanisms that International Federations should be aware of when improving their financial governance? To what extent should IFs be transparent with their financial information? And which accounting principles (IFRS/GAAP) should be applied, and when?

      This Seminar will provide participants with some key insights about the different techniques and philosophies that IFs should be considering, hearing from renowned experts with experience of working directly alongside sporting and non-sporting bodies in this field.

      Speakers at this Seminar:

      • Serge Clément, Audit Engagement Partner, EY

      • Bojan Radovanovic, Audit Manager, EY

    • Clean Sport

      Seminar topic to be confirmed.

    • Development

      Seminar topic to be confirmed.

    • Events

      Seminar topic to be confirmed.

    • Legal

      Seminar topic to be confirmed.