Young Leaders Forum brings together future sports leaders in Zagreb

Alongside the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics European Championships in Zagreb, the Young Leaders Forum brought together 12 participants from different countries for a programme of discussions, workshops and exchanges focused on key topics in sports management and the future of the industry.

The Zagreb forum was the second edition of the event whose, after the first edition that was held in Rimini during the 2024 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics European Championships. Its aim is to bring together young professionals in gymnastics who are on the track of becoming the pillars of gymnastics in the future. The forum allows them to meet with their peers from all over Europe while also equipping them with appropriate skills to be as effective and successful leaders in the coming years.

The participants also had the opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremony and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus Finals, as well as the Team Final.

The programme featured a diverse group of experts and prominent figures from the world of sport: Vanessa Giese held a key-note workshop on change management, a topic that is extremely relevant in the current day and age. The participants were able to hear Ciaran Gallagher, Executive Committee member and Lisa Worthmann, General Director of European Gymnastics talk about European Gymnastics Strategy, focused on Governance restructure and Commercial strategy. Zdeslav Markoč, account executive from Elevien, a partner of European Gymnastics, did a presentation on their online platform. A Hybrid Panel discussion on topic “Sports events as entertainment model” was held with Colin Smith, International Skating Union ISU Director General, Glen Killane, EBU Sports Executive Director and Lisa Worthmann, European Gymnastics General Director. One of the biggest parts of the programme was the FIFA Forward Enterprise case study, which was presented to the participants, who then had to analyse case and then debate the pro vs. against stance in front of Julien Zylberstein, UEFA Executive Director of Strategic & Stakeholder Affairs.

The Young Leaders Forum provided participants with a valuable opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals, exchange ideas and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sport.