The seventh edition of the World Stadium Congress—in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy—returns to Doha this month.
Serving as a comprehensive sports and stadia summit, the event will lay the groundwork for 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and other future FIFA World Cups, distinguish among the latest in stadium technologies, outline the best venue and event security systems and protocols, share best-practice legacy programmes, and make transparent the social and economic growth that sporting excellence and tournaments can bring to society.
“As 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar gradually approaches, it’s important for Qatar to have access to unparalleled knowledge, expertise, and topical case studies from the most proven and renowned sports and stadia industry leaders across the globe,” said David Zabinsky, Conference Director.
“With presentations from government, federation, club, and stadium directors from Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, and more, the event will allow Qatar to prepare for a successful delivery of sports and stadia projects bound to spur socioeconomic growth in the region for all.
“I’m confident that this year’s summit will act as the most diverse and comprehensive summit of its kind. Not only will you hear from the stadium architect, consultant, or operator on venue enhancement, but you will also gain the perspective from the player himself, as famous retired footballer Louis Saha and high jump athlete Mutaz Barshim will speak on the importance of stadia perfection, ranging from the locker room to the white on-field lines to the pitch.
“ESSMA will also host a pre-conference workshop dedicated to venue and event security, while FIFA and UEFA representatives will deliver keynotes on tournament and league requirements, respectively.”
While the event boasts global and international intrigue, with case studies from Bilbao Arena (Spain), Camp Nou (Spain), DFL Bundesliga (Germany), Estádio Plácido (Brazil), Emirates Stadium (UK), the summit will also dedicate much of the agenda to 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and other Qatari themes.
Partners of the event, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), is tasked with delivering proposed tournament venues and projects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—the first to be held in the Middle East—while ensuring that its preparations align with Qatar’s other development imperatives.
“The SC is proud to be partners for this year’s summit, which will bring together experts from around the world on innovative discussions and solutions to stadium planning, operation and management. The impact of our plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the legacy it will leave behind will benefit Qatar and the region for future generations to come,” said Othman Zarzour, Competition Venues Deputy Executive Director at the SC.
With such a potential to impact and catalyse sports and stadia projects in Qatar, the Middle East and beyond, the World Stadium Congress—in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy—is slated to serve as a precursor to successful tournament and project delivery around the world.
Speakers confirmed to showcase their expertise and discuss respective projects include: HE Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, Chief New Line of Business Officer, Ooredoo Qatar; Jürgen Müller, Head of Planning & Infrastructure and Head of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar; Othman Zarzour, Competition Venues Deputy Executive Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Keith Dalton, Senior Match Operations Manager, UEFA; Birger Nass, Head of Stadium & Security Department, DFL Bundesliga; John Beattie, Stadium and Facilities Director, Arsenal Football Club; Dimitri Huygen, Managing Director and EURO Brussels 2020 Project Director, ESSMA; Prof. Dr Ashraf Sobhi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Egypt; Bill Mannarelli, Director, Àrea Patrimonial, Espai Barça; Chris Dite, Associate Director, Sport Venue Design and Major Events, Arup.
World Stadium Congress will be held from May 16-19 at Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. For more information, visit: www.worldstadiumcongress.com/bljpr
