Marca España and World Football Summit (WFS) have signed a cooperation agreement to promote football as part of Spain’s image abroad.
The agreement was signed at the presentation of World Football Summit 2017, WFS17, the most important international event in the football industry, to take place at Teatro Goya in Madrid on October 16th and 17th.
The agreement, signed by Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros, High Commissioner for Marca España, and Marian Otamendi, Director of WFS, is aimed at promoting the congress worldwide while introducing football and sports at large as essential elements of the country brand.
Marca España commits for 3 years
The agreement, which will be valid for three years and renewable after this term, envisages promotional activities such as the distribution of digital contents to highlight the importance of sports to the country brand or the promotion of WFS using Marca España’s communication channels.
“Spanish football is appreciated, admired and respected around the world. It is a social phenomenon with a huge impact on our country’s image abroad. About a third of the news items about Spain published in the international press have to do with sports, mainly with football. Football is one of our main ambassadors,” said Mr. Espinosa de los Monteros at the presentation.
Madrid, World Capital of Football
The cooperation between Marca España and WFS will reach its climax in October, when Madrid hosts the World Football Summit for the second year in a row. The congress will gather more than 60 speakers and leading figures in the football industry, who will discuss such topics as broadcasting rights, fan engagement and new technologies in football stadiums.
In addition, there will be an Expo Zone where companies and organisations will be able to publicise their products and services, and a networking area to make professional contacts within an industry that accounts for almost 1% of the Spanish GDP.
Boosting Innovation
Innovation and technology will be the stars again at WFS17. Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC) and WFS are organising the GSIC-WFS StartCup, a space to present innovative technology projects applied to sports in general or football in particular. It will be the perfect showcase for startups to meet investors or partners and get media coverage.
Last year, StartCup drew about 40 start-ups from 11 countries. 3D Digital Venue from Spain was the winner, offering management solutions for the sports and entertainment industry through the use of 3D technology. With 70% business in international markets, the firm has just signed agreements with NBA, NFL and NHL.
Last year, WFS gathered more than 650 companies, organisations and clubs, 1400 visitors and 62 keynote speakers. WFS17 is expected to draw over 2000 attendees from 70 countries.
WFS is sponsored by Marca España in collaboration with the Region of Madrid, the City of Madrid, the National Sports Council (CSD), the Spanish Association of Football Players (AFE), the Leading Brands of Spain Forum and UNICEF, among other organisations.
