More ‘compact’ versions of major sports events? Reflections on Host City 2024’s sustainability panel
Host City is an annual conference where experts consider best practices in hosting major sports events. One key topic discussed at Host City 2024 was sustainability. On a panel entitled “Inspiring Action Through Major Events”, the panellists discussed the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - a landmark event that is attempting to redefine the way large-scale international events are delivered, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, social inclusion and the environment. This article considers the points made by the panel in light of recent literature to posit that more compact versions of mega sports events - with a focus on sustainability and engaging local communities - can be more financially viable and still deliver a lasting legacy:
- Towards a newer ‘compact’ version of the Commonwealth Games
- The importance of properly integrating with local communities
- How to strike a balance between local communities and global audience?
- Lessons learned and lessons shared: the importance of knowledge sharing
The panel comprised of:
- Katie Sadlier, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation
- George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026
- James McVeigh, Head of Innovation and Marketing, Festivals Edinburgh
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- Tags: Commonwealth Games | ESG | Governance | Host City 2024 | Investment | Olympics | Regulation | Sustainability
Written by
Dr Alexander Chrysanthou
Alexander is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Law at UFCB and GIS, where he has recently helped found a new MA in Sports Agency. He has also lectured on Cyberlaw, Human Rights, Mental Health Law, Research Ethics and Evidence. He also manages knowledge exchange and sharing of best practice for major event hosts with the International Association of Event Hosts. He has developed a number of industry-academia initiatives, including a range of country specific football business conferences, a sports law clinic and sports law exchange with Harvard University. He was previously Deputy Chairman of the Postgraduate Student Committee of the Institute of Medical Ethics, a Committee he co-founded.
Sebastian Poulson
Sebastian is currently a third-year university student at UCFB studying Law and Business in Sport. He has had the privilege of working internationally as a sports travel representative and has developed a trusted reputation in the field. Sebastian is passionate about promoting equality and inclusivity within the sports industry and looks to his professional future with excitement and enthusiasm.
