World Rugby has announced a strong line-up of speakers to participate in the Fan engagement – connecting in a digital world panel at the World Rugby Conference and Exhibition 2016 (ConfEx) which will take place on 14-15 November at the Hilton London Metropole. 

The panel will feature leading experts in the area of fan engagement, including:

  • Lawrence Dallaglio, Founding Partner at BBH Sport and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner
  • Alex Trickett, Global Sports Chair at Twitter and Head of Sport at Twitter UK
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content and Digital at The AELTC and The Championships, Wimbledon
  • Mark Parkman, General Manager, Olympic Channel Services

This session will examine the converging worlds of digital, mobile and e-sports and explore what viewers, fans, participants and stadium audiences expect from sports media in today’s crowded entertainment marketplace. 

The experts will also explore how sports organisations, federations and rights holders are embracing growing entertainment trends such as virtual and augmented reality, how such bodies can change the way fans connect with sporting events and how this impacts sponsors’ choices.

World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “Rugby must innovate to ensure it continues to maintain its global appeal among its core fan base while also reaching out to potential new fans around the world. This panel will explore how we can engage with existing and new fans in pioneering ways via the latest digital and technological trends to ensure the sport continues its exponential growth worldwide.

“We are delighted with the growing list of high-calibre speakers at this year’s ConfEx. It promises to be a unique environment for members of the global rugby and wider sporting communities to network, share knowledge and develop relationships while participating in fascinating plenary sessions, workshops and an exhibition.” 

Under the theme The future of rugby, ConfEx will also examine other key opportunities and challenges the sport is facing, including the future of coaching, best practices in protecting sport from corruption and seeking answers to how rugby can make the most of its highly successful return to the Olympic programme at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Taking place on the eve of the event for the first time will be the World Rugby Awards 2016. The ceremony, which will celebrate the accomplishments of players, coaches and teams from across the globe, will be hosted at the Hilton London Metropole on 13 November. Showcasing the very best in rugby from 2016, it promises to be an occasion not to be missed.

Click here for information on tickets to the World Rugby Awards 2016.