26th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects | |||
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| 1 | Rethinking Mega Sport Events — Impacts, Legacies, and Future Directions Academic Responsible: Dr. Spiro Doukas, Deputy Head, Sports Unit, Athens Institute & Associate Professor, American Public University, USA. This microsymposium explores the complex world of mega sport events, such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and continental championships, through critical and interdisciplinary lenses. While these events promise global visibility, economic growth, and urban regeneration, they also raise pressing concerns regarding social displacement, environmental degradation, political instrumentalization, and uneven legacy outcomes. Bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policy thinkers, this microsymposium will examine the planning, governance, and long-term implications of hosting mega events in diverse contexts. Topics include stakeholder power dynamics, local community impacts, sustainability challenges, post-event urban transformations, and financial and economic implications. Special attention will be given to case studies from emerging economies, shifting geopolitical priorities, and the role of sport in nation branding and soft power. This forum aims to foster debate on whether mega events can be reimagined to serve more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable goals—or whether the model itself needs fundamental reform. | ||
| 2 | New Idea of Olympic Games: Venues, Sport and Timing Academic Responsible: Dr. Mario Nicoliello, Deputy Head, Sports Unit, Athens Institute & Researcher, Universiry of Brescia, Italy. The Olympic Games are undergoing a deep transformation in response to shifting societal values, environmental concerns and changing patterns of global engagement. The call for papers invites scholars, practitioners and policymakers to explore the evolving nature of the Olympic Movement through the lens of innovation in venues, sport formats and scheduling. How are host cities reimagining Olympic infrastructure to ensure legacy, sustainability and community engagement? What role do emerging sports and disciplines play in maintaining the Games’ relevance for new generations? How does the adjustment of event timing affect participation, viewership and global impact? We welcome theoretical and empirical contributions from a variety of disciplines, including sport management, urban planning, environmental studies, media studies and sociology. Comparative case studies, conceptual frameworks and policy analyses are encouraged. | ||
| 3 | Global Perspectives on the World Football Cup: Sport, Culture, and Innovation Academic Responsible: Dr. Gregory T. Papanikos, President, Athens Institute. We welcome acdemics and researchers from around the world to participate in an interdisciplinary exploration of football’s global impact. The microsymposium aims to bring together diverse perspectives on the cultural, economic, technological, and social dimensions of the World Cup. |
