The IF Forum 2024, held from 21 to 23 October at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, concluded successfully after three days of vibrant discussions and strategic networking. The event set new attendance records with over 425 delegates. This year’s theme, “Ensuring Your IF is Match Fit and Future-Ready,” resonated across the diverse sessions, providing actionable insights and fostering dynamic collaborations.
The forum showcased a diverse lineup of over 40 speakers from the sports industry, who engaged in discussions on a variety of critical topics such as tackling physical inactivity, enhancing anti-doping measures, promoting mental health, and integrating AI and technology solutions. Speakers included Fiona Bull (WHO), Alain Zobrist (Swiss Timing), Kit McConnell (IOC), Abhinav Bindra (IOC Athletes’ Commission) and Emma Zwiebler (WFSGI) amongst others.
The event was inaugurated by IOC Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz, who delivered a speech on behalf of IOC President Thomas Bach. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the significance of the gathering: “This IF Forum is a timely moment for the entire IF community to chart the course of the future of sport. As the theme of the IF Forum highlights, it is indeed an important moment to look ahead at what innovation and change are needed to be “future-ready” – because the times, they are a-changing.”
The IF Forum not only highlighted key issues through a variety of panel discussions and presentations but also provided delegates the opportunity to network in an informal setting at the Olympic Museum, adjacent to the forum’s program.
Jim scherr, CEO at World Lacrosse, noted the benefits of the Forum’s collaborative environment: “My favourite aspect of IF Forum is the opportunity to connect with all your colleagues and peers in the industry, renew friendships, and learn from those who are at the cutting edge of international sport”.
Beau Welling, President, World Curling and SportAccord Executive Committee member, captured the essence of the IF Forum, stating: “The benefit for us coming to IF Forum is really the engagement with other sport professionals and federations, learning what people are doing, what they’re facing and the togetherness in learning. It’s always super exciting coming here.”
Isabella Burczak, Cycling for All & Sustainability Manager at UCI echoed this sentiment: “My favourite thing is actually the exchanges between people, exchanges with other federations and other colleagues who are facing the same difficulties, and being able to learn from federations when it comes to a diverse number of topics. “
Martin Gibbs, Managing Director at SportAccord, reflected on the Forum, saying, “We are delighted to have hosted another successful IF Forum. It was inspiring to witness so many sports leaders come together to collaborate, share ideas, and network. We were particularly fortunate to hear from a diverse range of experts within the sports ecosystem and beyond, including speakers from the Organising Committees of Paris 2024 and LA 2028. Additionally, among the IOC speakers, Kirsty Burrows, Head of the Safe Sport Unit, specifically provided valuable insights into the enormous challenges that high-profile events like the Olympic Games face in tackling online abuse.”
The IF Forum is set to return to the Olympic Museum from 27-29 October 2025 for another edition.
For more details about the IF Forum, visit sportaccord.sport. Photographs from this year’s edition are available here. To receive updates from SportAccord, subscribe to our newsletter here.
About the IF Forum
The International Federation Forum (IF Forum) takes place annually and addresses the specific needs of Olympic and non-Olympic International Federations. The Forum is focused on sharing best practice and knowledge on critical topics. The three-day event is organised by SportAccord and open to International Federations including members of ASOIF, WOF, ARISF and AIMS. The IF Forum 2024 gathered more than 400 leaders from the IOC, IFs, sports business leaders, and exclusive IF Forum partners.
The IF Forum 2024 is supported by select partners, including Marsh, Explore Edmonton, Sport Event Denmark, ISTAA, Dawson Andrews, and Quality. The city of Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud are hosts of the forum. The IF Forum also benefits from the support of the International Olympic Committee.
