LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The next edition of SportAccord Convention in Saint-Petersburg will coincide with a busy year in Russia’s sports calendar as the country continues to enjoy huge growth in the business of sport. The 11th annual SportAccord Convention will be held at the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex from May 26-31, 2013.

Russia has the fastest growing sports sector of any of the BRIC countries according to figures announced by the Russian International Olympic University this summer. The Russian sports economy is growing at a rate 8.2 faster than the national GDP, compared with 1.7 times faster in Brazil, 2.1 times faster in India and 1.6 times faster in China.

“The Convention in Saint-Petersburg will give delegates a unique opportunity to get to know the booming Russian sports market and interact with key organisations and people,” said SportAccord Convention Managing Director, Nis Hatt. “Our event is above all a networking occasion and we are working to ensure that they will be able to make the most of our first visit to Russia.”

Major events next year in Russia will include the Rugby World Cup Sevens from June 28-30 in Moscow, the 27th Summer Universiade from July 6-17 in Kazan, the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships from August 10-18 in Moscow, and the 2nd SportAccord World Combat Games from October 18-26 in Saint-Petersburg.

In 2014, Russia will host the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, followed by the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Kazan in 2015, the IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg in 2016, and the FIFA Confederations Cup in Kazan, Moscow, Sochi and Saint-Petersburg in 2017. The FIFA World Cup takes place in Russia in 2018.

Held in a different city every year, SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for international sporting leaders to engage with business, featuring a dynamic exhibition as well as the annual general meetings of governing bodies of world sport.

Contact jonny.murch@sportaccordconvention.com to learn about promotional opportunities at SportAccord Convention 2013 or for more information, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com.

About SportAccord Convention

SportAccord Convention annually brings representatives from more than 100 international sports federations and organisations affiliated to SportAccord (General Association of International Sports Federations), ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) and AIOWF (Association of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), as well as the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, together with sponsors, bidding and host cities, architects, sports lawyers, broadcasters, games organising committees, rights holders and other specialists to discuss the key issues facing the sports industry.

Owned by SportAccord, ASOIF and AIOWF, SportAccord Convention encompasses the annual Congress and General Assembly of each association, while offering the sports community a powerful opportunity to come together in an exclusive and authoritative networking environment to build relationships, exchange knowledge and develop ideas.

Media contact
Jay Stuart
Head of Media Relations
SportAccord Convention
Mobile : +44 7747 805 075
E-mail: jay.stuart@sportaccordconvention.com