The ISPO Digitize Summit is the digital conference for the sports industry that takes place annually at the ICM – International Congress Center. © ISPO

After its successful premiere in June 2018, the ISPO Digitize Summit will take place in Munich for the second time from 3-4 July 2019. The digital conference for the sports industry will focus on four major areas of activity: Data Analytics & CRM, Digital Talents & Recruiting, Change Management & Digital Culture and Digital Infrastructure. In addition, the potential of eSports for brands and retailers will be a general topic.

Digitalisation opens a wide range of potential and new opportunities for sports retailers and the sporting goods industry. This means, digital competencies will be an increasingly crucial factor for remaining competitive in the future. “Understanding digitalization, recognizing opportunities and finding solutions—we are giving participants all of this in a consolidated two-day event to get them ready for the digital transformation,” said Christoph Rapp, Project Manager of the ISPO Digitize Summit.

Visions and trends

The agenda offers various formats to meet the different requirements of visitors: Spokespersons and pioneers of the digital industry will present their views of visions and trends, experts will use case studies to show how digitalization can be put into practice. Participants will also be able to gather valuable practical experience in workshops. Providers will explain today’s digital services and solutions in the Experience Area.

Among other things, the main four topics will address the issue of how brands and sports retailers can gain a better understanding and a full picture of their digital customers. This knowledge will give companies a critical competitive advantage. Another question is how to improve the analysis of customer data so it can be used for an optimal customer journey. This work often requires specialised employees.

But what’s the best way to attract these digital talents for your own company? In addition, the digital transformation represents a cultural shift for many companies. Exploring how employees can be supported, processes changed and ultimately a competitive digital infrastructure established—at the ISPO Digitize Summit, experts will provide answers to these questions.

Initial programme highlights

One of the highlights is the top-level conference programme. In 2019, speakers will include representatives from Accenture Strategy, tradebyte Software and Wirecard, among other companies.

Also attending is Carsten Keller, vice president Direct-to-Consumer at Zalando. Keller is responsible for digital solutions at the online platform and will share his know-how as a digital expert at the Summit. Susanne Franz, Global Marketing Communication Director at SEAT will bring impulses from outside of the sports industry. She will provide insights into how the automotive group is responding to the increasing complexity and speed of digital transformation.

Other partners who will be sharing their expertise and know-how in the form of lectures, workshops and hands-on sharing are Color Digital, ECD, MobiMedia, Outdooractive, Redpoint Solutions, shopware and The Walt Disney Company.

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