TheStadiumBusiness Summit 2020 concluded in an upbeat fashion on Thursday afternoon as speakers and attendees shared their optimism for the coming year.
The virtual event finished with big names from the North American market, including Jamey Rootes, the president of the Houston Texans, who said the resolve shown by the NFL team’s staff members is a sign of positive times ahead.
“I’ve just been so proud of the resilience that our staff have shown,” he said. “They’ve never backed down, and we are going to be in a very strong position heading into 2021 because of that.”
Brian Kabatznick, EVP of international facilities at Oak View Group, outlined the group’s plans for the coming year as it continues numerous major projects in North America and Europe. The much-anticipated Co-op Live arena in Manchester was a particular point of discussion, not least with the investment of pop superstar Harry Styles and the high-profile naming rights deal with Co-op, who, Kabatznick revealed, prevailed following overwhelming interest from blue-chip organisations.
San Francisco 49ers’ chief strategy officer Moon Javaid looked at the importance of the NFL organisation’s business strategy division in a focus on technology at Levi’s Stadium. The emphasis on real-time data has proved key in increasing levels of fan satisfaction.
Attendees also heard from representatives from major venues, teams and organisations such as The O2, Feyenoord, Lord’s, Como 1907 and the Rugby Football League on a busy final day.
Sponsors Ramboll outlined the benefits of a focus on sustainability and community in construction projects, suggesting owners and operators are increasingly embracing such concerns.
Mikko Mattila was just one of the attendees to offer a positive outlook at the end of the Summit, saying: “Thank you for all organisers, speakers, participants – really great three days. Vaccine out, Xmas and then we are all back in business.”
Attendees are able to watch sessions from all three days of TheStadiumBusiness Summit 2020 for the next 30 days through the event platform.
The Summit returns to Manchester – in person, in the real world – on June 22-23, 2021.
