SPOHOX™ – An exclusive interactive gathering of sport hosting industry professional
A new initiative, Spo Ho Xperience™, is bringing sport hosting professionals from Canada and the United States together for an exclusive, invitation only, gathering that will take place on October 11-12, 2023, in Ottawa, Canada.
SPOHOX™ was conceived through conversations with Canadians working in the sport hosting industry who are ready to tackle difficult topics and lead provocative discussions that will spark innovative approaches when it comes to bidding and hosting sport events in Canada.
The gathering is an unparalleled opportunity that will appeal to DISRUPTERS, FORWARD-THINKERS, and CHANGEMAKERS who represent destinations, sport event organizers/rights holders, venues, hospitality & travel professionals, and the education sector of the sport hosting industry.
The Spo Ho Xperience™ program features some of Canada’s top talent in the industry. SPOHOX™ speakers will not shy away from difficult topics and uncomfortable conversations and have joined the line-up to shake things up.
Confirmed headliners include Oorbee Roy (aka Aunty Skates), a motivational speaker and skateboarding content creator; Justin Kingsley, author, strategist, creative director and photographer who was named one of Canada’s most creative people by Marketing Magazine; and Oluseyi Smith P.Eng, MBA, a retired two-time summer (London-2012) and winter (Pyeongchang-2018) Olympian in athletics and bobsleigh who is the founder of Racing to Zero, a sports-focused sustainability consultancy firm. The full speaker line-up will be announced soon.
Three respected members of the sport hosting industry are co-chairs of SPOHOX™: Janice Barresi, CFRE, Vice-President of Brand and Social Impact, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG); Gary Curgin, Consultant, Event Management & Sport Travel; and Wayne Long, Manager Economic, Tourism and Cultural Development, City of Charlottetown.
“Our industry is changing, and we need to be ready for whatever the future holds. The Spo Ho Xperience™ gathering is going to challenge all of us to stretch our minds and see different possibilities,” said Barresi. “I’m pleased to serve as a co-chair and honoured that there will be a fundraising initiative to raise money for the OSEG Foundation so we can continue providing opportunities for children and youth to play, learn and develop through sport.”
Tourism Mississauga is on board as a sponsor of the event. According to Katelyn May, Sport Tourism Coordinator, “Mississauga welcomes partnerships with forward-thinkers and change-makers. We are looking for ways to lean into our vibrant community and create experiences that provide value to our industry partners. We look forward to supporting the first edition of Spo Ho Xperience™ as partners, as well as immersing ourselves in the dynamic environment that is being cultivated in October.”
Other sponsors/partners of SPOHOX™ include ADRENALIN Magazine, City of Charlottetown – SCORE!, Nothers The Award Store, and Makatew Workshops.
Although the event is by invitation only, Spo Ho Xperience™ is currently accepting applications from sport hosting professionals who are motivated to come prepared to CHANGE the game and score BIG in the sport hosting industry to fill any remaining spots.
The application and more information is available at www.spohoxperience.ca.