CONTEXT
Monaco October 2009 and once again the major players in the sports industry descended on the shores of the Mediterranean for the annual Sportel conference.

The sports industry’s largest event for television and new media, Sportel Monaco celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, bringing together more than 2,000 delegates from roughly 950 companies from 68 countries worldwide. The packed exhibition space at the Grimaldi Forum featured 161 stands, kiosks, displays and exhibits.

RESULT
The conference organizers point to Sportel’s ability to gather top-level executives representing the full spectrum of the sports programming, content and distribution industry. Naturally, Eurovision was there.

Jean-Claude Gisiger, Head of Eurovision Sports Services, noted that Sportel is a critically important event.

“This exhibition is definitely the first exhibition to attend if you are dealing with the major players in Sports and Television. We were very satisfied with the participation during Sportel 2009 as we were able to meet all of our traditional customers. This exhibition is also a good opportunity to feel the market with the development of new media. Two hundred companies were present for the first time in Monaco. This mix between the regulars and the new participants is proof, if anyone needed it, that the sports market is not only very dynamic but that it offers new business opportunities for many players, including Eurovision.”

EUROVISION AND SPORTEL
Eurovision is a key supporter of the Sportel Monaco event, both in terms of exhibiting and hosting delegates in a social gathering. Once again this year we had a major stand presence in the main exhibition area. We used that as our base for meeting with customers and partners and discussing the Eurovision multi-platform offer under the banner of 'Eurovision – From Stadium to Screen… on Every Platform'.

As in previous years, we hosted the now famous Eurovision cocktail party on the first evening of the Sportel conference. This has become a 'must attend' event for our guests and it gives Eurovision the perfect opportunity for living our brand message as the partner of choice: bringing together key industry players to talk, network and catch up on what's new in a relaxed and informal setting.

"We are delighted to be present at Sportel and to host an event where so many leading figures in the industry can come together. We are proud of the role we play in this marvellous sports industry - as a holder of rights for top events, as a provider of contribution services and most importantly as a reservoir of expertise - savoir faire - for you all to draw upon." — Jean Réveillon, EBU Director General