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

20 and 21 March,
MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA,
DUSSELDORF

The MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA in Dusseldorf will once again become the epicenter of the sports tech industry! 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!

DUESSELDORF, GERMANY - MAY 11: Camera systems are seen during the Sportsinnovation 2022 at Merkur Spiel-Arena on May 11, 2022 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)

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

Element 2@4x_3

2000+
GUESTS

Element 2@4x

50+
EXHIBITORS

Element 2@4x_2

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 and Spielmacher offer exhibitors and participants an absolute premium environment on the topics:

Sports_Performance

SPORTS PERFORMANCE
& TECHNOLOGY

Fan-Experience

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 for the 3rd edition together with the sports business conference organizer Spielmacher as well as 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 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 for the 3rd edition together with the sports business conference organizer Spielmacher as well as 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.The broadcast production of these innovation matches is comparable to an "UEFA Champions League ++" format (more than 25 cameras, UHD/HDR, 8k, remote control of single cameras, etc.).

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

Element 4@4x

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.“

Element 3@4x

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

Christina Chase

Co-founder & Managing Director

MIT Sports Lab

Stefan Mennerich

Stefan Mennerich

Director Media & Communication

FC Bayern München

CL Finale Berlin Bewerbung für 2015

ALESSANDRO REITANO

Senior Vice President

Sky Deutschland Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG

Emmanuelle Roger

Emmanuelle Roger

CEO

immersiv.io

Prof. Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt

Prof. Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt

Chairholder Center for Sports and Management

Production Operations

Julie Souza

Julie Souza

Head of Sports

Global Professional Services

Manuel Baum_Bild 2_1 zu 1

Manuel Baum

Head of Youth Sports

RB Leipzig

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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.

Grafik Ignition NEU

"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.