Day 1 – Strategy, Investment & Innovation

8:00am – Registration
9:30am – Welcome to Soccerex Europe 2026
Moderator: Garrett Navia
Speakers:
• Gijs de Jong

Host introduction, Soccerex exec welcome note, KNVB speech Ajax intro and Arena comments

9:35m – Freestyle Show
Moderator: Guillermo
9:40am – One to One
Moderator: Diego Arrioja
Speakers:
• Tim Krul

We kick off Soccerex Europe 2026 with an exclusive one-to-one conversation with Dutch football icon Tim Krul. Drawing on an elite playing career and his experience now as an analyst and investor, Tim will share personal reflections, industry insights, and his perspective on football’s evolution, setting the agenda and tone for the days ahead at Soccerex Europe.

10:00am – Level Playing Field: Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Football
Moderator: Darren Isted
Speakers:
• Jeff Lahart
• Dennis Gerkes
• Josephina Oji
• Ben Miller

Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional, they are essential to the future of the game. This panel brings together leaders from clubs, governing bodies, and industry partners to discuss how football can better reflect the communities it serves. From pathways and representation to culture, governance, and opportunity, speakers will share practical strategies, real-world initiatives, and lessons learned in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable football ecosystem.

10:55am – Financing the Future: Investment, Ownership & Capital in Football
Moderator: Trevor Watkins
Speakers:
• Ollie Cantrill
• Charlie Methven
• Kyle Israel
• Christian Nourry

Private equity, sovereign wealth, multi-club ownership and new investment vehicles are changing football’s financial landscape. This panel examines what investors want, how clubs can position themselves for capital, and the risks and rewards of modern football finance

11:40am – Governance, Regulation & Competitive Balance
Moderator: Diego Arrioja
Speakers:
• Aaryaman Banerji
• Roy Vermeer
• Graham I Smith

With financial regulation tightening and competitive balance under scrutiny, this session examines domestic league policies and their real-world impact. How can football remain sustainable, competitive, and globally attractive while managing regulation effectively?

12:10pm – Lunch
1:00pm – The Performance Edge: Unlocking the Modern Footballer
Moderator: Sébastien Bassong
Speakers:
• Dr. Ravi Gill
• Tom Kopelman

As the demands on elite players continue to rise, performance has become a key differentiator on and off the pitch. This panel brings together leading voices from clubs, federations, and performance specialists to explore how data, sports science, technology, and holistic athlete management are reshaping player development, longevity, and match-day impact. Attendees will gain practical insights into how today’s teams are building faster, fitter, and more resilient players for the modern game

1:45pm – Stadiums as Strategic Assets: Beyond Matchday Revenue
Moderator: Cristian Petschen
Speakers:
• Sander van Stiphout
• Mauro Steentjes

Modern stadiums are year-round commercial platforms. This panel explores how clubs and cities are monetising venues through entertainment, mixed-use developments, data capture, and non-matchday experiences.

2:30pm – Women’s Football: From Growth Phase to Global Business
Moderator: Giuilio Tedeschi
Speakers:
• Frederique de Laat
• Bianca Rech
• Kirsten Sibbit

Women’s football has moved beyond potential into a serious commercial proposition. This panel explores investment models, media rights, sponsorship growth, club integration strategies, and what’s required to build a sustainable women’s football economy globally.

3:15pm – Fan Engagement in the Experience Economy
Moderator: Paul Rayment
Speakers:
• Derk van Kleeff
• Maiquel Mello
• Thomas Van Schaik

Today’s fans expect more than 90 minutes of football. This panel explores how organisations are building player brands, communities, leveraging data, personalizing content, and creating lifelong engagement through digital and physical experiences.

4:00pm – Media, Content & the New Football Narrative
Moderator: Michael Harmon
Speakers:
• Terry Flewers
• Nick Lewis
• Marc Bircham
• Sandy Mair

Traditional broadcasters, OTT platforms, creators and club-owned media are reshaping football storytelling. This session looks at monetisation, audience growth, and how football content is evolving globally.

4:45pm – Sponsorship: From Exposure to Partnership
Moderator: Patrick McCreanor
Speakers:
• Eva Gerritse
• Toan Ravenscroft

Modern sponsorship is about integration, storytelling, and measurable impact. This panel explores how brands and rights holders are building deeper, more authentic partnerships that deliver ROI beyond logos.

Day 2 – Technology, Infrastructure & Future of the Game

10:30am – Welcome to Soccerex Europe 2026 Day 2
Moderator: Garrett Navia
10:40am – Leading Modern Football Organisations
Moderator: Darren Isted
Speakers:
• Tom Gorringe
• Gareth Jennings
• Dirk Shluenz
• Jan Willem van Dop

What does leadership look like in today’s football industry? CEOs and presidents discuss culture, decision-making, crisis management, and leading organisations under constant public scrutiny.

11:25am – Football Without Borders: Expanding into New Markets
Moderator: Patrick McCreanor
Speakers:
• Marlon Glean
• Henning Bindzus
• Chris Kinnear
• Fernando Almeida

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, football’s future growth lies beyond traditional strongholds. This session explores market entry strategies, cultural considerations, grassroots development, and commercial opportunities in emerging football regions.

12:15pm – The Matchday Business: Tickets, Hospitality & Revenue Growth ( move to stadium)
Moderator: Darren Isted
Speakers:
• Jim McCarthy
• Francis Smith
• Dominik Schreyer

Matchday remains a core revenue driver. This panel explores pricing strategy, premium experiences, hospitality innovation and fan monetisation.

1:00pm – Lunch
01:45pm – The Business of Youth & Academy Football
Moderator: Cecilia Lagos
Speakers:
• Steyn Akkerman
• Florian Ingwersen
• Roger Bongaerts
• Ruben Jongkind

Youth development is both a sporting and commercial strategy. This panel examines global academy models, talent pathways, education, and long-term value creation.

2:30pm – Football Business TV: Media, Storytelling & Industry Influence
Moderator: Darren Isted
Speakers:
• Blair McNally
• Patrick McCreanor
• Maria Biguzzi
• Miles Addy

A look at the rise of football business media platforms, thought leadership, and how content is shaping industry narratives and commercial value.

3:15pm – Data, Analytics & Scouting Intelligence
Moderator: Cecilia Lagos
Speakers:
• Gareth Smith

Data is redefining recruitment and performance. This session explores how clubs are using analytics to identify talent, manage risk, and gain competitive advantage.

4:10pm – The Blue Wave, Curacao National Team
Moderator: Diego Arrioja
Speakers:
• GIlbert Martina

Curaçao has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in international football, combining a strong Caribbean identity with a strategic approach to player recruitment and development. By tapping into its diaspora, particularly players developed within European systems, the federation has built a competitive squad capable of challenging established nations across CONCACAF.

4:50pm – Closing Statements
Moderator: Garrett Navia

Get ready for an event packed full of insights and connections

See you in Europe.

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