HASSAN AL-THAWADI TO DISCUSS QATAR 2022 PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES IN ISEM 2012 INTERVIEW

LONDON - Hassan al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, the body responsible for overseeing the coordination and preparation of the FIFA World Cup when it is hosted in the Middle East for the first time, will deliver his unique insight into the strategies being developed to stage one of the most challenging and complex sporting events in history in a rare public interview at the International Sports Event Management (ISEM) conference in London on Wednesday November 7.

Al-Thawadi, who also held the position of CEO during the bid campaign which saw the Gulf state overturn the odds to be selected as hosts, is among the headline speakers at the seventh edition of the conference which takes place at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch.

An outstanding, passionate and persuasive speaker, Al-Thawadi’s appearance is certain to be among the highlights of ISEM 2012. It is one of only a handful of opportunities which events professionals will have to hear him during 2012.

The FIFA World Cup is far and away the largest single sports event in the world and Qatar’s plans involve breathtaking stadium construction and infrastructure projects with a carefully planned legacy for Qatar and other Nations.

During the interview with SportBusiness Group Editorial Director, Kevin Roberts, he will be asked not only to provide a progress report on the project but to discuss some of the current and future challenges in staging a mega event in a country with a small population.

Hassan Al-Thawadi plays a critical role as Secretary General of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, which functions as a central body, uniting public and private stakeholders in Qatari society to ensure a united and focused approach to the gigantic project.

He was named among the leading innovators in world sport during 2011 by readers of SportBusiness International and, as one of the top 30 international lawyers under 40 by Legal Business magazine.

ISEM 2012 will reflect on the key management issues and lessons from a packed year of international sport which has included not only the Olympic Games but UEFA Euro 2012 and the IRB Rugby World Cup.

International Olympic Committee Vice President, Sir Crag Reedie CBE, will reflect on the success of London 2012 and its lessons for future Olympic Games during his session on Thursday November 8.

Sir Craig, a former Chairman of the British Olympic Association, played a key role in both the bidding and organising phases of London 2012, will share his unique insight into the triumphs and challenges of one of the most successful Olympic Games with an audience of industry leaders drawn from governing bodies, organising committees and event service providers around the world.

As a member of the IOC’s Executive Committee and the commission set up to evaluate Games Bids, Reedie has unparalleled expertise in the issues facing cities to develop rationales for hosting major sports events and the hurdles they face in delivering them.

He will deliver the ultimate insider’s guide to what it takes to win a bid and deliver a successful event drawing on the wealth of knowledge and practical experience developed by the Organising Committees of previous Games and the IOC.

As well as reflecting on the learnings from this year’s events, the conference will look to the future through a series of presentations, discussions and interviews with the people responsible for delivering the next wave of sports mega events.

Other speakers include Kit McConnell, Head of Rugby World Cup 2011 and David Grevemberg, CEO of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, each of whom will ensure that ISEM 2012 delivers the best ever insight into, and analysis of, the planning and staging of major sports events.

The International Sports Event Management conference attracts the crème de la crème of the international events business as well as senior representatives of governing bodies and local organising committees. The result is an event which provides priceless networking opportunities as well as fascinating, practical and hugely valuable conference sessions.

Over the years ISEM has earned a reputation as the ultimate meeting place for sports event professionals, who gather to share information and insight into the trends and issues shaping the sector.

Many of the leaders of world sport have been speakers at previous editions of ISEM and the 2012 edition is set to continue this trend.

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