A Microsymposium on “New Idea of Olympic Games: Venues, Sport and Timing”
as part of the 26th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects
11-15 May 2026, Athens, Greece
The Sports Unit of the Athens Institute is organizing a Microsymposium on “New Idea of Olympic Games: Venues, Sport and Timing” as part of the 26th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects, 11-15 May 2026, Athens, Greece, sponsored by the Athens Journal of Sports.
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.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
- Temporary and decentralised venue models
- Integration of urban and natural environments
- Inclusion of new sports and digital formats
- Climate-adaptive scheduling strategies
- The impact of time zones and broadcast-driven timing
You may participate as a presenter of one paper and/or an attendee.
Please submit an abstract (email only) to: atiner@atiner.gr, using the abstract submission form by 7 October 2025 to: Dr. Mario Nicoliello, Deputy Head, Sports Unit, Athens Institute & Researcher, Universiry of Brescia, Italy. Abstracts should include the following: Title of Paper, Full Name (s), Affiliation, Current Position, an email address, and at least 3 keywords that best describe the subject of your submission. Decisions are reached within 4 weeks.
Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.
Special arrangements will be made with a local hotel for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate. In addition, a number of special events will be organized, including a pragmatic symposium (as organized in Ancient Athens but fine-tuned to synchronous ethics), a special one-day educational island tour, a Mycenae and island of Poros visit, an Athens educational walking tour, a day trip to Delphi, and an ancient Corinth and Cape Sounion visit. Details of the social program are available here.
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