Sports facilities are gradually evolving from their traditional role as mere venues for matches to embrace a comprehensive, multifunctional approach. This, along with much more, will be discussed at the upcoming Social Football Summit, scheduled for November 19-20 at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.
Among the featured speakers on one of the main stages will be Paolo Monguzzi and Jordi Penas—Stadium & Consumer Business Directors for Juventus and Barcelona, respectively—Populous’ Global Director, Declan Sharkey, and representatives from VivaTicket. This topic invites multiple perspectives, particularly when considering the impact of digitalization on the football industry.
New machine learning systems are increasingly being deployed to enhance the fan experience, as well as to streamline the logistical management of events. More immersive solutions are being introduced, aiming for future scenarios that could leverage advanced immersive technologies. Additionally, modern sports facilities are increasingly aligned with values such as environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. In this regard, the goal is to create energy-efficient structures that cater to diverse audience needs, while also addressing issues related to local economic impact and the broader phenomenon of sports tourism. Often, large sporting events—or facilities—have contributed to the redevelopment of peripheral urban areas.
The Allianz Stadium in Turin, for example, helped elevate the city’s international profile by featuring commercial areas and entertainment spaces around the stadium, appealing to broad public audiences. Similarly, Barcelona is undertaking an ambitious project called Espai Barça, aimed at renovating the stadium and developing a multifunctional sports complex with a total investment plan of €1.5 billion. This presents a significant business opportunity, especially given the potential benefits and partnerships that could be established with key industry players like VivaTicket.
Venue vision: the future o sports facilities
Sports facilities are gradually evolving from their traditional role as mere venues for matches to embrace a comprehensive, multifunctional approach. This, along with much more, will be discussed at the upcoming Social Football Summit, scheduled for November 19-20 at Rome's Olympic Stadium. Among the featured speakers on one of the main stages will be Paolo Monguzzi and Jordi Penas—Stadium & Consumer Business Directors for Juventus and Barcelona, respectively—Populous' Global Director, Declan Sharkey, and representatives from VivaTicket. This topic invites multiple perspectives,
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in football
The technological development of recent years, and the increasingly prominent role of artificial intelligence, have gradually impacted the football industry as well. This will be one of the main topics at the Social Football Summit 2024, scheduled for November 19 and 20 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The panel will feature Infront (a partner in past editions as well) and Reply, an Italian consulting firm specializing in digital services applications. Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily gaining ground in the football landscape,
Sport & Technology: the digital tools for a new era of Tele-rehabilitation
INAIL, AlmavivA, and the Villa Beretta Foundation to speak at the Social Football Summit on the critical intersection of Sports and Digital Evolution, focusing on Telemedicine and its practical implications Post-operative physical rehabilitation is one of the primary challenges athletes face following a physical injury or trauma. For athletes, injuries often lead to a crossroads filled with fears and concerns about their career prospects: Is this the end? Will I ever be the same? Unfortunately, many professional athletes have seen their careers
Sporting Events: Impact and Effects on the Tourism Industry
At the upcoming Social Football Summit, which will take place on November 19 and 20 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, sports tourism will be discussed in a round table attended by Andrea Onorato (Councilor for "Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion" for the Municipality of Rome) and Gianluca Caramanna (National Head of Tourism for Fratelli d'Italia and advisor to Minister Daniela Santanchè), along with representatives from Sport e Salute S.p.A. and the Lazio region. The debate will be moderated
Announcement of Partnership with Adobe for the SFS24!
We are excited to announce that Adobe has become an official partner of the SFS! SFS24 will take place on 19 and 20 November at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome and will be attended by global leaders in sports and technology. The partnership with Adobe, a leader in creative and digital solutions, will bring added value to the event, helping us to elevate the experience for all participants. Together, we will explore innovative ideas that lie at the intersection of sport and technology, promoting digital creativity and innovation in the world
Football and Business: The New Frontier for Corporate Networking and Branding
In recent years, the business-to-business (B2B) events sector has decisively shifted towards the world of sports, with a special emphasis on football. This sport, with its large following and deep emotional connection, represents a unique opportunity for networking and corporate marketing. It is no coincidence that the number of B2B events linked to football is on the rise, as companies realize the enormous potential for building relationships, increasing visibility, and generating value. Football as a Networking Platform Football has the unique ability
Private Equity’s expanding footprint in football: Risks, rewards and the future
Brief Overview Private equity’s role in football has grown significantly, with investments spanning clubs, leagues and sports institutions worldwide. Driven by football’s global appeal and potential for sustained revenue, private equity firms are reshaping the industry, from financial recovery efforts post-COVID to strategic modernization initiatives. While they offer stability and growth, these investments also raise questions about the balance between commercial gains and the sport's cultural roots. Key insights: Football’s global appeal fuels investment: Football's unmatched global reach and loyal fan base
The Future of Soccer in the United States: Opportunities and Challenges for International Athletes and Clubs
With soccer rapidly expanding in the United States and increasing demand for international players and coaches, the opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations are more abundant than ever. However, the U.S. immigration system, regulated by complex and specific rules for sports professionals, presents several challenges, ranging from selecting the appropriate visa to complying with the requirements of U.S. sports federations. Giorgio Polacco, partner at Arce Immigration Law, shares his expertise in helping players, coaches, and clubs navigate this intricate
Interview with Nicola Dimatteo, Senior Sales Executive at YouGov
As part of the seventh edition of the Social Football Summit (SFS), scheduled for November 19-20 at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, YouGov reaffirms its role as a key partner for this event dedicated to innovation and new trends in the world of football. On our blog, we share an interview with Nicola Dimatteo, Senior Sales Executive at YouGov, who provides insights into how data and market research are transforming the sports landscape and how YouGov is driving change, responding to the
Women and Football: The Rise of Women’s Football and Opportunities for Growth at SFS24
The Social Football Summit 2024, scheduled for November 19-20 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, is set to explore one of the most current and dynamic themes in the sports landscape: women and football. In a period where women’s football is experiencing a significant boom, this panel will provide an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities the sector faces. In recent years, women's football has gained unprecedented visibility and recognition. Thanks to events such as the FIFA Women’s