WELCOME TO
SPORTSINNOVATION
EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF SPORT | MEDIA | STADIUM
20 & 21 March 2024,
MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA, Dusseldorf
WELCOME TO
SPORTSINNOVATION 2024
EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF SPORT | MEDIA | STADIUM
WELCOME TO
SPORTSINNOVATION 2024
EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF SPORT | MEDIA | STADIUM
SPORTSINNOVATION 2026,
MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA,
DUSSELDORF
More to come, stay tuned!
The MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA in Dusseldorf will once again become the epicenter of the sports tech industry in 2026! Pioneers and visionaries will gather here to shape the future of sports. The absolute highlight? Our ‘Innovation Games’, where the latest technologies shine live on the field. Be there when the future of sports comes to life – It’s Tech Time!
20 and 21 March,
MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA, DUSSELDORF
International industry event focusing on Innovations in the sports ecosystem. The absolute highlight of SportsInnovation in 2024 will once again be the 'Innovation Games', where the latest technologies will be demonstrated live on the pitch.
THAT WAS SPORTSINNOVATION 2024
2000+
GUESTS
50+
EXHIBITORS
90+
SPEAKER
THEMATIC AREAS OF SPORTSINNOVATION
SportsInnovation is going to be the platform for innovation across the whole ecosystem. As co-organizers DFL & D.SPORTS offer exhibitors and participants an absolute premium environment on the topics:
BROADCAST
& CONTENT
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
& TECHNOLOGY
FAN EXPERIENCE
& STADIUM
The trade fair focuses on the latest developments, trends and ideas in the sports ecosystem. The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga is again host together with D.SPORTS - playing the appropriate double role in hosting the event with D.LIVE as venue operator of the MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA. At SportsInnovation, the international sports and media industry will be offered an attractive supporting programme with live games, showcases and panel discussions, creating an excellent opportunity to actively shape the future of sports. The event will be complemented by a top-class conference program.
SportsInnovation focuses on the latest developments, trends and ideas in the sports ecosystem. The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga is again host together with D.SPORTS - and D.SPORTS is once again playing the appropriate double role in hosting the event with D.LIVE as venue operator of the MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA. At SportsInnovation, the international sports and media industry will be offered an attractive supporting program with live games, showcases and panel discussions, creating an excellent opportunity to actively shape the future of sports. The event will be complemented by a top-class conference program.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SPORTSINNOVATION
INNOVATION GAMES
Experience multiple live football matches taking place during the fair, serving as a captivating backdrop to showcase the latest technological innovations.
INNOVATION LAB
For the first time, a dedicated space has been established to provide even more tangible showcases of the latest technologies and innovations. Dive deeper into the shown innovations in one of the master classes
EXHIBITION
Customized exhibition areas and inviting networking lounges provide an ideal setting to connect with potential clients and exchange ideas with business leaders & experts
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The high-caliber conference program convenes industry experts and leaders on the stage, where they engage in in-depth discussions about the top themes and emerging trends within the sports technology sector.
Programme 2024
DAY 1: 20 MARCH
MAIN STAGE
2ND STAGE
10am - 10.30am
Opening
Steffen Merkel (DFL) & Michael Brill (D.LIVE)
10.30am - 11am
INNOVATION GAME
Evolving Horizons: Visionary Perspectives Featuring the New Bundesliga Top Match Camera Concept and the Sportcast Remote Showcase
Tim Achberger (Sportcast)
11am - 11.10m
INNOVATION GAME - Halftime
Revolutionizing Sports Media with Generative AI
Aviv Arnon (WSC Sports)
11.10am - 11.40am
INNOVATION GAME
Redefining Viewing Experience: AI and Cinematic Exploration in Sports Broadcasting
Jan Mokallai (EVS), Thomas Stoschek (ARRI) & Sean Dooley (ARRI)
11.30am - 12pm
MASTERCLASS
Reimagining Fan Engagement
Luka Pataky (Sportradar) & Tom Ryan (NBA)
11.45am - 12.15pm
PANEL
Towards New Horizons: Innovating the Future of Sports Media & Broadcasting
Dominik Scholler (DFL), Alessandro Reitano (Sky), Michael Bracher (DAZN) & Barney Carleton (NBA)
12.05pm - 12.25pm
MASTERCLASS
Digital Revenue Potential Through First-Party Data
Uwe Fischer (adesso) & Sebastian Frank (adesso)
12.15pm - 12.45pm
PANEL
GenAI, Automatization, Localization - What's the Potential for Sports Content & Fan Experience?
Jonas Michaelis (qibb), Tobias Fröhlich (TeraVolt - a Qvest Company) & Dennis Galejski (DFL)
12.30pm - 1.15pm
MASTERCLASS
Using Science to Drive Innovation in Sports
Prof. Christina Chase (MIT Sports Lab), Johannes Holzmüller (FIFA), Prof. Dr. Daniel Link (TU München), Dr. Hendrik Weber (DFL)
12.45pm - 1.15pm
PANEL
Transformation: How Deloitte is Supporting the IOC to Digitally Transform the Olympic Movement of the Future.
Stefan Ludwig (Deloitte), Jochen Färber (Olympic Channel Services)
1.15pm - 2.15pm
Lunch Break
2.15pm - 2.40pm
PANEL
Connecting Globally: How the DFL is Bridging International and Digital Growth
Peer Naubert (Bundesliga International) & Bastian Zuber (DFL Digital Sports)
2.15pm - 2.45pm
MASTERCLASS
The Impact of Technical and Scientific Innovation on Athlete Performance
Stefan Ludwig (Deloitte) & Oliver Zeidler (German Single Sculler & Consultant at Deloitte)
2.40pm - 3.20pm
INNOVATION GAME
Into the Age of Truly Immersed Fan Engagement: Elevating Experiences On and Off the Field with Mixed Reality
Erik Beaumont (The Famous Group), Emmanuelle Roger (Immersiv.io), Luccas Roznowicz (DFL) + Ben Ladkin (MLB Europe) & Aaron Amendolia (NFL)
3.20pm - 3.30pm
INNOVATION GAME - Halftime
Revolutionizing Sponsorship Measurement: AI-powered Brand Recognition
Tarik Amhamdi (Shikenso Analytics)
3.30pm - 4pm
INNOVATION GAME
Leveraging Live Cloud Production and AI Commentary to Engage Global Fans - Powered by AWS
Julie Souza (AWS), Shane Warden (AWS), Mahmoud Abid (AWS) & Mirko Janetzke (STS)
4pm - 4.30pm
Coffee Break presented by Tipico
4.25pm - 4.40pm
MASTERCLASS
How to Capture and Monetize Match and Performance Data in Handball - the Data Value Chain in HBL
Maximilian Schmidt (Kinexon) & Frank Leibmann (HBL)
4.30pm - 5pm
CASE STUDIES
Connect and Innovate: Vodafone's Approach to Sustainable Fan Travel & AI-Driven Sponsorship Insights
Erik Schrödter (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Marin Curkovic (AEOS), Michael Reinartz (Vodafone) & Marika Bernhard (DFL)
4.40pm - 5.10pm
MASTERCLASS
Building the Future of Football: Collaborative Innovation with UEFA, FIFA, and KNVB
Charles Frémont (UEFA), Giel Kirkels (KNVB) & Tom Parkinson (FIFA)
5pm - 5.45pm
PANEL
The Future of Fan Engagement: Unveiling Key Stadium Innovation Trends
Harry Hynekamp (AMB Sports + Entertainment), Sander van Stiphout (Johan Cruijff ArenaA), Declan Sharkey (Populous) & Michael Brill (D.LIVE)
5.10pm - 5.40pm
MASTERCLASS
Reimagine Football: Innovations Tested in Dutch Football
Stéphane Martin (Footbar), Vincent van Renesse van Duivenbode (SciSports), Marvin Pupping (Slinger), Luc Mureau (Johan Cruijff ArenA), Giel Kirkels (KNVB) & Kelly Ruigrok (GSES & Data for Good)
5.45pm - 5.55pm
Closing
6pm - 1am
Aftershowparty
DAY 2: 21 March
10am - 10.15am
Opening
Dr. Hendrik Weber (DFL)
10.15am -10.45am
INNOVATION GAME
A New Generation of Data to Enhance Sports Performance
Dr. Hendrik Weber (DFL), Christian Holzer (STS), Alexander Feuerherdt (DFB), Jean-Baptiste Alliot (LaSource), Carlo De Marchis (A Guy With a Scarf), Manuel Baum (RB Leipzig)
10.45am -11.05am
MASTERCLASS
Learning From Wickets to Goals: The Evolution of Cricket Broadcast and Innovations that are Shaping the Global Game
Rahat Kulshrestha (Quidich Innovation Labs)
10.55am - 11.10am
INNOVATION GAME
An AI Understanding of Football: Automated, Real-Time Data Capture
Mike D’Auria (Second Spectrum) & Paul Hunt (Genius Sports)
11.10am - 11.25am
INNOVATION GAME
Beyond the Whistle: Redefining Sports Officiating & Insight
Tony Page (Hawk-Eye Innovations), Ben Crossing (Hawk-Eye Innovations) & Tom Ryan (NBA)
11.25am - 11.45am
MASTERCLASS
Expanding Monetization Through Digitalization and Generative AI for Clubs and Leagues
Tobias Fröhlich (TeraVolt a Qvest Company) & Frederic Komp (Trade4Sports)
11.30am - 11.50pm
KEYNOTE
Navigate the AI Revolution: Strategies for Leadership and Innovation
Shelly Palmer (The Palmer Group)
11.50am -12.15am
PANEL
Revolutionizing Hockey: The NHL's Fan-First Innovation Strategy
Shelly Palmer (The Palmer Group) & David Lehanski (NHL)
11.50am - 12.20pm
MASTERCLASS
Sustainability and Broadcasting: Challenges and Opportunities in Live Sports Production
Alexander Günther (Sportcast), Emili Planas Quintana (GRUP MEDIAPRO) & Moritz Ladwig (Sportcast)
12.15pm - 12.45pm
PANEL
Data as a Playmaker - Statements on a Future-Proof Data- and IT-Setup
Volker Gruhn (adesso), Pascal Bauer (DFB) & Dominic Habenstein
12.25pm - 12.55pm
MASTERCLASS
In Car- Entertainment and Tailored Premium Content
Prof. Dr. Stefan Bratzel (Center of Automotive Management) & Dr. Roman Schade (DFL)
12.45pm - 1.25pm
PANEL
From Stats to Strategy: How Data Shapes Sporting Success
Daniela Bleymehl (Professional Triathlete), Jens Leutenecker (FC Bayern Basketball & Deutscher Basketball Bund), Monisha Kaltenborn (Entrepreneur) & Jamilon Mülders (Deutscher Hockey-Bund)
1pm - 1.15pm
MASTERCLASS
Substitutions Thanks to AI - How Wisehockey Helps the PENNY DEL Clubs to Play Better Hockey
Gernot Tripcke (PENNY DEL) & Miska Kuusisto (Wisehockey)
1.15pm -2.10pm
Lunch Break
2.10pm - 2.35pm
KEYNOTE
The Winning Formula: The Transformation of Sports Through Data and AI
Ari Kaplan (Databricks)
2.35pm - 3.15pm
INNOVATION GAME
Tech Touchdown: How the NFL Enhances Gameplay Through Innovation and Technology
Josh Helmrich (NFL), Aaron Amendolia (NFL), Thomas Riedel (RIEDEL Communications) & Tony Page (Hawk-Eye Innovations)
3.15pm - 3.25pm
INNOVATION GAME - Halftime
3D Aerial Camera System for Scanning and Analyizing of the Pitch
Ira Dvir (Agrowing), Philip von Senden (Birds Cam) & Florian Männer (Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD)
3.25pm - 3.55pm
PANEL
Driving Innovation with Data Across Global Sports
Alexander Altenhofen (DFL), David Lehanski (NHL), Dave Mace (AWS) & Josh Helmrich (NFL)
3.55pm - 4.10pm
Closing
Joshua Helmrich
Director Business Development, NFL
“It’s been an honor to be here, and it’s been educational for me as well. I’ve seen a collection of a lot of people that we’ve tested with or worked with or heard of and it’s great to connect with them and to know more about other companies who are doing similar things.“
Steve Helmuth
Executive Vice President
Operations & Technology, NBA
“It’s a conference in the stadium. Thank God! Why can’t it always be at the stadium? It feels so comfortable, and it feels so much like being at home. The on-field demonstration was wonderful. It’s just so great to see the technology in action. I think the format is wonderful and I am surprised and happy to see the number of exhibitors here.”
Advisory Board
SportsInnovation creates a platform for visionaries, innovators and trailblazers in sports and technology. The Advisory Board brings together industry leaders to guide strategic direction and strengthen the Trade Fair. We thank our members for their support
Christina Chase
Co-founder & Managing Director
MIT Sports Lab
read more
Stefan Mennerich
Director Media & Communication
FC Bayern München
read more
ALESSANDRO REITANO
Senior Vice President
Sky Deutschland Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG
read more
Emmanuelle Roger
CEO
immersiv.io
read more
Prof. Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt
Chairholder Center for Sports and Management
Production Operations
read more
Julie Souza
Head of Sports
Global Professional Services
read more
Manuel Baum
Head of Youth Sports
RB Leipzig
read more
Ignition
Ignition, powered by SportsInnovation, is an annual event hosted by SportsPro Media that serves as a showcase for innovative and technology-enabled solutions from startups that are driving the future of sports. The main themes here are "In venue", "Media & Consumption", "Data & Analytics", "Fan Engagement" and "Commerce".
The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga was already an Ignition partner at the last edition and has launched the SportsInnovation Award as the centerpiece of the "Ignition Innovation Competition" in 2022. Here, a global jury of experts awards the winners of the innovation competition. Starting this year, SportsInnovation is the official Presenting Partner of Ignition.
"We are excited to partner with SportsPro once again as we share a common passion for combining technology and sports to transform business. SportsInnovation is the perfect platform to showcase this year's Ignition program and we look forward to seeing breakthrough showcases in broadcasting, fan experience and sports performance in the coming months and welcoming the brightest ideas to Düsseldorf in March 2024," said Luccas Roznowicz, Head of Digital Innovation at the DFL.
As part of the Ignition Innovation Competition, the selected companies will receive exclusive access to SportsInnovation 2024.
To learn more about Ignition and the competition, visit the website.
