Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 is shaping up to be as promised: A dynamic inaugural event covering the largest issues in sports.

Most recently, Andy Edwards, chief executive officer of Nitro Circus, the world’s biggest action sports entertainment brand, joined as a speaker. Edwards will participate in panel discussing rebranding opportunities that also features Jim Scherr, CEO of World Lacrosse, and Michael Miller, head of partnerships at Humana, Inc., and Leigh Steingberg, CEO of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment and the inspiration for the film, “Jerry Maguire.”

“I’m looking forward to sharing our experiences and discussing rebranding beyond the more traditional, simple understanding of an organization—perhaps changing its logo or color scheme,” Edwards says. “I want to talk about how we can navigate the challenges of expanding an existing brand to diversify without travelling too far away from the ethos of the core brand.”

In bringing Regional SportAccord Pan America to life in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dec. 10-12, SportAccord, an international events organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is building on its own model of informative and provocative topics and discussions.

Over 500 people from all aspects of sports business and sports tourism will convene at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Country Convention Center to discuss the matters most important to sport. 

As sports organizations—including planners, destinations and venues—attempt to maintain pace with cultural and technological shifts, this conference will place myriad important discussions under one roof. 

Doping, esports and diversity and inclusion will be discussed in detail during education sessions. Because of the unique nature of this first-time event, DMOs, rights holders and other attendees will gain perspective from peers from other parts of the world. 

CNN journalist Elizabeth Perez will moderate panels on topics ranging from the future of sports to sustainability, social responsibility, marketing and more.

Legendary Olympics gymnastic Nadia Comaneci will share her thoughts on the state of the industry during a fireside chat on Dec. 12.

Arlington Sports Commission Executive Director Matt Wilson, a pioneer in esports, will be among the experts discussing the prospects in the gaming industry. Angela Suggs, President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation, will address the why, when and where of inclusion efforts, and participate in a panel on the subject.

Raffaele Chiulli, president of SportAccord and GAISF, will officially open the Regional SportAccord program on Dec. 11. 

The tone of the conference will be set by a keynote address on “The Changing Landscape of the International Sports World” by Andrew Ryan, Executive Director of ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations). Other confirmed high-profile speakers include Stephan Fox, president of the AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport);  Willie Banks, Council Member, World Athletics, 2-time Olympian and former President of the US Olympians Association.

Beyond the education, Regional SportAccord Pan America will present unique networking opportunities and it brings togethers attendees from across the global. Attendees will get perspective they have never heard.