Sponsorship is the heartbeat of Swiss sport, emphasized Hans-Willy Brockes, Managing Director of the ESB Marketing Network, at the 30th anniversary of the Sport Forum Switzerland. For three decades, the forum has been bringing together experts from the worlds of sport, sponsorship and marketing to promote the future development of Swiss sport. This year's event focused on how sponsors, as central pillars of sport, can ensure financial stability and promote young talent. At the same time, sponsorship needs to evolve and drive market development through data-based, conversion-oriented strategies.
Studies such as the Experience Marketing Barometer by ESB and StrategyOne show that emotional brand communication in sport is no longer enough. Sponsors are under increasing pressure to achieve concrete sales results, according to study director Patrick Seitter. New approaches such as the sponsorship dashboard presented by Media Focus or the use of artificial intelligence, presented by the DFL, illustrate the trend towards data-driven strategies. These technologies allow sponsors to evaluate fan interactions in detail and design more targeted engagements.
Another highlight of the forum was the presentation of the RED.Sport Network, whose streaming media offering opens up new sources of revenue for Swiss leagues and clubs. Together with Reto Wolf from Mastercard, the participants discussed how storytelling and creative partnerships can strengthen Swiss sport at a local level. The Sport Forum Switzerland impressively underlined the importance of sponsors for sport and showed innovative ways in which they can contribute to success.
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For 30 years, the Sport Forum Switzerland has been shaping the discussion about the future of sport. The anniversary edition in Lucerne offers a comprehensive overview of the current trends and challenges in the industry with panels, presentations and discussions. Whether top-class sport, popular sport, sponsorship or new technologies - the congress brings the key topics to the stage.
One of the highlights will be the presentation of the three candidates for the Swiss Olympic presidency, who will outline their visions for the future of Swiss sport. The focus will also be on the possible Olympic bid for 2038 and the question of how major events can be organized sustainably.
Data-driven decisions, innovative technologies and best-practice examples are the focus when experts shed light on the latest developments in sponsorship and performance marketing. With exciting insights into how the Media Focus digital dashboard helps to measure success, the forum will show how data-based approaches support sponsors and brands in their decision-making.
Women's sport is experiencing an upswing worldwide, and Switzerland is at the center of this development. In the context of the upcoming Women's EURO 2025 and other major sporting events, the experts shed light on the impact on women's football, sponsorship and the sustainable promotion of women's sport.
Tourism is also benefiting from new technologies: from personalized route suggestions for cycling fans to AI-supported offers that increase the attractiveness of destinations. Experts such as Nathalie Schneitter provide exclusive insights into sustainable tourism projects that combine sport and the environment.
In addition to presentations, the ESB Sports Night offers the opportunity to network and exchange ideas in an exclusive atmosphere. A high-caliber line-up, including prominent athletes, former top athletes and industry representatives, make the Sport Forum Switzerland a must for all decision-makers and sports enthusiasts. Click here for the program.
