Digital Sports Business Summit looks to redefine the future of sport and technology

February 7, 2025

In an era where technology is revolutionising every aspect of sport, the new NSC Digital Sports Business Summit is looking to equip attendees with the insights and connections needed to navigate this evolving landscape.

Taking place at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on 29th April, the event will explore how cutting-edge innovations are reshaping business strategies, fan interactions and athlete performance.

With artificial intelligence (AI) already making headlines for its impact on everything from content creation to predictive game analytics, the Summit aims to provide essential knowledge for those looking to integrate these technologies into their organisations.

AI
Artificial intelligence will be a focal point of discussion, as industry experts Roger Perry, Chief Executive of Bevington Group and Wesley Romeijnders, AI Lead at Techonomy delve into AI’s expanding role in sports operations.

Their insights will illustrate how AI-powered analytics are revolutionising coaching decisions, enhancing athlete performance, and transforming fan experiences through hyper-personalisation. As seen in recent moves by global leagues like the NBA and Premier League, AI-driven insights are reshaping competition and engagement, making this session a must-attend for sports executives and strategists.

Eports and Gaming
Esports and gaming continue to surge in popularity, with major sporting organisations investing heavily in the sector. At the summit, Chris Smith, Chief Executive of BIGR AI and Jon Satterley, Chief Executive and co-founder of Fortress Australia will dissect how AI-driven innovations are redefining engagement in competitive gaming. With AI now influencing gameplay design, audience interactivity, and business models, attendees will gain crucial insights into how this booming industry presents new revenue opportunities for traditional sports brands and investors alike.

Fan Engagement
Beyond AI and gaming, the Summit will explore the evolution of fan engagement.

With leagues and clubs globally embracing digital innovation, industry leaders such as Craig Tiley, fan engagement of Tennis Australia, and Marne Fechner, fan engagement of AusCycling, will share their expertise on harnessing data and technology to create deeper, more meaningful connections with fans, providing a glimpse into the strategies that are driving audience growth in an increasingly digital-first world.

Understanding how to build and sustain long-term fan loyalty is critical for sports organisations. Sion de Jong, Founder of Sports Cloud Australia and Joel MacKenzie, Division Manager, Digital at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation will provide insights into gamification and AI-powered personalisation, showing how technology is shaping the next generation of fan experiences. With recent global shifts towards interactive and personalised content, these discussions will offer practical takeaways for organisations looking to future-proof their engagement strategies.

Athletes and Innovation
Athletes are no longer just competitors; they are brands, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs.

At the Summit, Beau Busch, Co-Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia and Thomas van Schaik, Chief Executive of The Athlete Brand will discuss how digital platforms have empowered athletes to connect directly with fans, build their personal brands, and develop new revenue streams. As seen in recent moves by high-profile athletes monetising their online presence, this trend is set to redefine the industry’s commercial landscape.

Sports Betting
The digital evolution of sports betting will also be under the spotlight, as Jason Whybrow, Director of Sports Wagering and Competitor Manipulation at Sport Integrity Australia and Paul Bonacci, Head of Digital at Victoria Racing Club address the challenges and opportunities within digital wagering. With regulatory scrutiny and integrity concerns making headlines worldwide, this discussion will provide essential insights into the future of responsible sports betting and the innovations shaping this high-stakes industry.

NSC Digital Sports Business Summit as a catalyst
More than just a conference, the NSC Digital Sports Business Summit will be a catalyst for real-world change. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, invaluable industry connections, and a deep understanding of the technologies shaping the future of sport.

Summit Organiser. Anthony Reed from Smart Connection Consultancy, explains “the Digital Sports Business Summit is designed to help sports industry professionals navigate and capitalise on digital transformation. The insights shared here will help attendees future-proof their strategies and create meaningful impact.”

Program Chair, Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, VU Business School, reinforced this vision, adding “the sports industry is at a crucial turning point, and this summit will provide the tools and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and progress. The future of sport belongs to those who embrace technology, and this event will be a game-changer for industry professionals.”

Early Bird Tickets are now available for $855, providing full access to this transformative event.

Click here for more information at the NSC Digital Sports Business Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

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