Host City brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from across the sporting and major event ecosystem, providing valuable insight into how the industry is evolving and where we need to position ourselves over the next five years. For us here at GIG, the discussions around athlete support, broadcast operations and destination strategy aligned closely with the environments we work in every day.
CEO Bonnie May was included in a panel discussion on Innovation in Major Events. Alongside her fellow panellists Max Cobb, International Biathlon Union; Paul Bush OBE, Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 and chair Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, GB Olympians Association, there were conversations around the operational constraints that shape catering delivery at sporting events. Athlete requirements, rapid turnarounds and local sourcing pressures mean innovation needs to be practical and scalable. The room’s response reflected an industry increasingly focused on efficiency, sustainability and consistency.
A strong thread throughout the programme was the importance of community connection and long-term value. Insights from the Invictus Games, UEFA 2028 and the Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 showed how host cities are shifting from event delivery to broader impact. Accessibility, cultural programming and authentic engagement are becoming core to how major events measure success. These priorities align well with our role in supporting athletes, broadcasters and workforce teams with environments that help them perform.
The Americas’ Decade of Sport session highlighted the volume of opportunity ahead. With the World Cup, Olympics and multiple national celebrations converging, the US will require substantial specialist capability. For organisations with an established presence there, it represents a significant pathway for partnership and growth.
It was also valuable to hear again from Harvey Goldsmith during the programme. His focus on the fundamentals of delivery resonates strongly within sport, where the quality of behind-the-scenes operations directly shapes the experience for athletes, media and spectators.
Overall, Host City reinforced that major sports events are shifting towards a more collaborative, strategically aligned delivery model. For us, the conversations confirmed the critical role that well-executed food service and hospitality can play in the overall success of an event.
