The event, centered on sports management, featured faculty and speakers from Johan Cruyff Institute, who offered lectures on various aspects of the sports industry
From October 18-20, Sport Fest Poreč, a sports forum that combines education, entertainment, and business in one space, will take place in Poreč, Croatia. This event served as a meeting point for athletes, professionals, and companies in the sports sector. Among the sports personalities who participated were Davor Komar, Croatian Paralympic athlete; Velimir Zajec, president of Dinamo Zagreb; and Maja Poljak, volleyball player and member of the Croatian Olympic team.
Aida Šehić, international agent for Johan Cruyff Institute in Croatia, highlighted the relevance of Sport Fest Poreč for the growth of the sports industry in the country: “All of us involved in organizing the forum believe that it was be a significant step forward for the entire Croatian sports community. I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to share the knowledge and values of Johan Cruyff Institute with sports professionals in Croatia.”
Through a series of lectures, panel discussions, and workshops, participants had the opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, and explore the latest industry trends. Specialists from Johan Cruyff Institute aimed to inspire attendees to become leaders in the sports sector and enhance their skills and knowledge.
Roman Pascual, Sales Manager at Johan Cruyff Institute, highlighted the growth opportunities for Poreč in the sports sector: “It has been an exciting weekend where we had the chance to learn about Croatia’s sports industry, which has incredible potential with plenty of room for growth and improvement. They must continue to invest in the professionalization of the sector, and events like Sport Fest Poreč contribute to this.”
“Poreč, the town that has welcomed us, is investing in sports tourism, and I believe it should continue to attract major sporting events. This could help seasonally diversify the sector. Achieving this will require key public-private cooperation.”
- Marco Mazzi, a sports event expert and travel manager with 18 years of experience working with national and international Olympic federations, delivered a masterclass on the benefits and legacy of international sporting events and how to prepare a destination to host such events.
- Jordi Viñas, an expert in sports management and founder of Itik Consultoría Esport y Lleure SL, is the author of numerous studies on the sports system. In his masterclass, Jordi addressed strategic planning as a key factor in the success of sports organizations.
- Edgar Romero Jara, Head of Corporate Relations at Johan Cruyff Institute, brings extensive experience managing global partnerships in Europe, the USA, and LATAM. In his masterclass, Edgar presented the latest trends in the sports industry, and offered valuable insights on strategic alliances, sponsorships, events, and international expansion.
- Carlos Arranz, commercial and marketing director at Real Zaragoza, has over 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising. In his masterclass, Carlos explained how to implement innovative marketing strategies to increase visibility and fan engagement, as well as manage sponsorships that generate value for clubs.
- Roman Pascual, Sales Manager at Johan Cruyff Institute, will share his expertise in sales management and business development in the sports sector. During his masterclass, Roman discussed key strategies for identifying growth opportunities, optimizing customer relationships, and maximizing commercial performance in the sports environment. He also explored how sports institutions can adapt to current market trends and establish effective connections to drive global expansion and success.
Edgar Romero Jara highlighted the presence of Johan Cruyff Institute at the event, contributing knowledge to promote the growth of the sports sector in Croatia: “Sport Fest Poreč 2024 was an enriching experience that allowed us to gain in-depth insight into the sports offerings of this city, which has great growth potential. It was a very productive meeting among professionals, experts, and sports enthusiasts, enabling us to exchange knowledge and create valuable connections. For Johan Cruyff Institute, it is very important to contribute to the growth of the local and regional sports industry, promoting not only sports tourism but also the development of a dynamic and international industry.”
“Croatia has all the elements to become a standout destination in the sports tourism sector and great potential in terms of sports management and talent development. We are proud to have been part of this great initiative.”
In addition to the conferences, Sport Fest Poreč included a professional trade show, providing an ideal setting for networking, and a fitness area where visitors can participate in various sports activities. In short, it was an essential event for sports industry professionals who wish to update their knowledge in sports management, offering an in-depth analysis of current and future trends in the sector.
