SFS24 REPORT: LET’S TALK NUMBERS!
Once again, SFS has established itself as an unmissable event for the football industry, attracting an ever-expanding B2B audience.
2024 has been a year of remarkable growth for the event, both in terms of participation and impact, cementing its position as one of the most authoritative platforms for networking and innovation in the sports industry. An incredible milestone, made possible by the 70+ partners who believed in this project!
The Stadio Olimpico in Rome welcomed over 4,000 attendees, including professionals, managers, and businesses, alongside 150 clubs, leagues, and federations, offering a program packed with insights, discussions, and business opportunities. The event featured around 150 national and international speakers, who shared their perspectives on the growth and future of one of the world’s largest industries. The main topics discussed included:
–Tech & Innovation: AI, metaverse, OTT, data analytics, and content production
–Business & Governance: investments, revenue models, growth strategies
–Fan Engagement & Media: new platforms, creator economy, digital engagement
–Sustainability & Social Responsibility: ESG, inclusion, and high-impact projects
–Health & Tourism: sporting events, wellness
A standout moment of the Summit was the SFS Awards, which honored 13 outstanding clubs, organizations, or individuals in the football industry, including Palermo FC for “Campaign of the Year” and Atlético Madrid for the Best Digital & Social Media team. The event also embraced emerging innovation, as SFS ExtraTime brought together over 200 startups competing to revolutionize the future of the football industry.
The Networking & Business area, with over 700 meetings, reaffirmed itself as the beating heart of the Summit, offering collaboration opportunities among clubs, investors, and tech companies. A one-of-a-kind networking experience, allowing stakeholders to mix moments of professional growth with more informal exchanges.
Another key highlight was the media and social coverage, which, in just two days, generated over 2.5 million views across major digital platforms and nearly 80,000 impressions.
SFS also reinforced its commitment to sustainability, achieving the EcoEvents certification (94% overall score) and reducing its environmental footprint through sustainable mobility initiatives and smart resource management. Additionally, the SFS Snack format further expanded the event’s international reach, with stages already held in Riyadh and scheduled for Brussels and other cities worldwide throughout 2025.
The 2024 edition of SFS closes with record-breaking figures – which you can check out here – and a growing impact on the global football industry. The success of the event reaffirms its role as a key platform for exchange and innovation, with eyes already set on the next edition. See you in 2025!
