Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will feature an all-star lineup of speakers who will hit many of the hot topics in sports today. Nadia Comăneci, 5-time Olympic gold medalist and gymnastics legend, will be the headlining keynote.

“I am pleased to see that the protection of athletes and social responsibility are among the conference program’s major themes and I look forward to sharing my own experiences of being a young athlete propelled on to the world stage,” she says. “I want to talk about what federations and rights-holders can do to ensure the wellbeing of athletes.”

The inaugural meeting is aimed at international sports federations, cities and ministries, rights holders, subject matter experts, media and industry at the highest levels.

More than 50 international sports federations have already registered for the event, to be held Dec. 10-12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fittingly, organizers have selected “A United Approach to the International Sports Landscape in the Americas” as the theme.

“As a gateway to the Americas, Regional SportAccord will equip international sports federations and sports entities with the knowhow and connections required to engage the region,” says Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and the Global Association of International Sports Federations.

Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, bats leadoff with the opening night keynote describing the landscape of the sports industry.

Individual sessions will dive deep into discussions led by experts in myriad fields. Jason Jenkins, Vice President of Community Relations for the Miami Dolphins, will participate in a panel about diversity and inclusion in sports; Jim Scherr, CEO of World Lacrosse, will provide advice on rebranding; Vlad Marinescu, Vice President of the International Esport Federation and President of the United States eSports Federation, will deliver a Scene Setter on Esports and will be part of a panel discussing the booming video game industry.

The addition of Jenkins, in particular, is an effort by organizers to reach out to a community SportsAccord is meeting for the first time. Jenkins is proud to be part of this important conference for the region.

“I am excited to take part in this important event and talk about inclusion, diversity and the Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program,” says Jenkins. “The subject matter and themes deeply resonate with me as I feel that sports has the unique ability to bring about positive social change.”

Doping and protecting athletes are other subjects that will be examined in education sessions. The future of international sports governance will be the first panel discussion, including GAISF and Olympic leaders.

Also confirmed to be part of the program are Marius L. Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation and Ivo Ferriani, president of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.

“We are thrilled to have secured so many first-class speakers already, with many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks,” says Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord.