nilesh solanky’s Post

I had a student ask - Isn't the hidden work more important than the event itself? In sports management, the "hidden work" behind an event is often just as important—if not more so—than the event itself. This hidden work includes strategic planning, logistical coordination, marketing, sponsorship negotiations, risk management, and staff training. While the event is the visible culmination, its success hinges on the effectiveness of this behind-the-scenes preparation. Here’s why hidden work is critical: Preparation and Planning: Successful events require months (or even years) of meticulous planning. Every detail, from scheduling to crowd control, needs to be carefully organized to ensure a smooth event. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks (such as safety concerns, weather conditions, or legal liabilities) is essential to avoid crises during the event. Marketing and Public Relations: Building anticipation, promoting the event to the right audience, and handling media relations are key to drawing attendees and generating excitement. Financial Management: Budgeting, securing sponsors, and managing expenses determine the event’s financial viability. Without this, even a well-executed event could result in losses. Teamwork and Collaboration: Coordinating staff, volunteers, and external partners ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal. Effective leadership behind the scenes enables the event to run smoothly. While the event itself may be the focal point for spectators, the hidden work is what ensures its success.

"If we live stream our conference, won't people just buy an online ticket and not come?" "If we live stream our town hall, won't people just stay at their desk and watch it on their computer?" "If we live stream our investor day, won't people just stay at home instead of flying out to our event?" The biggest objection I get to live-streaming events, meetings, AGMs, conferences, aside from cost, is that it will cause people to "just stay home," "just watch from their office," or otherwise NOT come out to the in-person event. Let me ask you a question. People can watch Taylor Swift concert replays any time on their TV. And if you have got a home theater system, that concert might look and sound really good. Yet people still go to Taylor Swift concerts. Why? People can watch hockey or football at home. Yet the stadium and every bar is always packed with fans. Why? Because it's a different experience. Watching online can be a passive experience. Yes you can ask questions, you can see multiple camera angles, and you'll probably get a better view of the slides and people versus being there in-person. But you know what you don't (always) get in-person? Serendipity conversations. Meeting new people. Deepening relationships. By the objection's logic, every soccer, football, hockey, and baseball stadium should be EMPTY. After all, you can watch the game live on TV. Every Taylor Swift concert arena should be desserted. Every conference, AGM, investor day, town hall... being able to watch on Zoom should have totalled them all. They're not. People go for experience. They go to feel the energy of the room. To be with other people, to rally around a common cause. To be part of something amazing. I've yet to see an event we've produced where having a live stream somehow kept people from attending. In fact, in corporate meetings I've seen people try to get to the room early so they CAN be in-person, even when the town hall is available on Zoom with subtitles and headphones! So if you are worried about a live stream ruining your in-person attendance, one of three things is true (and both can be true at the same time). 1. Your in-person experience has always sucked and never added value. 2. You're afraid to put on a live stream because it's hard to do well. 3. You don't need an in-person component and you could just do a live stream/Zoom webinar/Teams meeting. It's okay to NOT have an in-person component if it doesn't make sense to. You need to be intentional about pulling people away from their busy lives to come be part of your event. Even when the in-person ticket is over 10x the online price people WILL come. I had a client that charged $87 for online and up to $1,250 for in-person. They sold out in-person tickets. Live streaming your event won't tank your attendance. And if it does, you're better off doing it on Zoom. Either way, my team and I can help you make that live stream and in-person event look, sound, and feel amazing.

If you’re trying to attract more people, sometimes they just need the key info! Because at its essence the value sports organisations are really offering is to coordinate a group of like-minded people - to share an interest at a time in a place. That may be a game, an event, a league… whatever it is, as an NSO, SSO, a Club or any provider, that’s the role we play. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿. So in our work in Sport Experience Design, we try and make sure we’re looking at the aspirational, transformational, emotional stuff, but we also try not to forget the fundamentals, the functional things we need to do for people. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 ‘𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸’, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵, 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 "𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮" - 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯, 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘮. Sports exist to address this problem, bringing like-minded people together every week. 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate and have worked through the complexity of the coordination, the fixturing, the planning etc - and/but - I think that is why we are valuable in our 'sports administration' roles, because that’s the problem we are solving for our participants, members, and supporters. Sometimes it's easy for us to get lost in the many things we need to do, but we do need to keep coming back to what is important. #sport #communitysport #sportexperiencedesign 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘐𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗳. 🎾 🏀 ⚽ 🏉 ⚾ 🏐 🏑

I recently wrote an article about #privatenetworks, #CBRS and shared #spectrum for temporary events and pop-up venues, published on the Spectrum for the Future website (disclosure: I'm an advisor). This is a vertical for #privatewireless that often gets overlooked, in my view. While there is rightly a lot of attention on top-tier events and premier sports venues, it is also worth considering the opportunities for running #private5G networks at the many smaller locations and lower-profile in-person venues. I'm seeing this occurring in the US, UK and other markets. Think music festivals, agricultural fairs, lower-tier sports events, community or religious celebrations, political rallies, seasonal parades, business conventions and many other types of temporary gathering. All have important needs for enhanced communications for better safety, lower costs and new business / engagement opportunities. These events can also add significantly to local economic development and regional growth or renewal, involving municipalities, local businesses and other groups. This type of application is a perfect example of the innovation enabled by shared, democratised spectrum access. Such networks can use both CBRS’s protected PAL tier of license, or its more freely available GAA access. (This article mostly focuses on the US, but I'm seeing similar moves with the UK's shared access licenses and equivalents elsewhere). In future, it may be helpful for regulatory authorities to enable some form of spectrum “booking system” so that temporary events can obtain short-term licenses in advance. It's also important that policymakers become more aware of the complexity of engaging with this type of dispersed and heterogeneous user group, which does not always have the resources to contribute to industry advocacy directly, especially on themes such as spectrum. The full article is available at the link below: #mobile #privateLTE #5G #networks #events

Who would you like to see on our site and who would you attend if they were speaking at an event? This might be my first venture in this side of the world but if theres something I have learnt through competing at world level for so long in sport is, DONT DO ANYTHING BY HALVES! Myself and Geoff Shepherd are not messing around when it comes to launching this agency. We have a growing roster of speakers - who have millions of social followers. The first speaker to be announced next week has over 6 million followers and is a globally recognised sports star. However, it's not all about big names - we're really interested in emerging speaker talent. So, if you're a budding speaker, a globally recognised speaker or anywhere in-between - sign up on the site to receive a better service and to retain a larger percentage of the booking fee. Keynote Kingdom is not just another speaker agency – it's a hyper-connected online marketplace designed to make booking speakers easy and hassle-free. Any speaker - Any Topic - Anywhere If you book events, or are planning to book one, sign up and we'll add you to the early adopters special pricing list. So, I'm after recommendations - who should we invite to register on the site? Most of us have been to events and listened to speakers - who do you rate? https://keynotekingdom.com

A Head of Sports Perspective Part 3: Planning a Sports Event - Key Considerations and Timelines Planning a successful sports event requires meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and a well-structured timeline. In this article, we'll explore the key things to remember when planning a sports event and the importance of sticking to timelines. Key Things to Remember: 1. Define the event's purpose, scope, and objectives. 2. Choose a suitable venue and date. 3. Develop a comprehensive budget and contingency plan. 4. Coordinate with stakeholders, officials, and vendors. 5. Plan the event format, schedule, and rules. 6. Ensure adequate infrastructure, equipment, and supplies. 7. Arrange for medical support, security, and emergency services. 8. Promote the event through effective marketing and publicity. 9. Manage registrations, ticketing, and accreditation. 10. Prepare for contingencies and have a plan B. Importance of Timelines: 1. Ensures a smooth and organized event. 2. Helps meet deadlines and avoid last-minute rush. 3. Allows for effective communication and coordination. 4. Enables contingency planning and risk management. 5. Reduces stress and minimizes errors. The Day Before: 1. Confirm venue setup, equipment, and supplies. 2. Conduct a thorough walk-through and sound check. 3. Ensure all officials, volunteers, and staff know their roles. 4. Distribute event materials, programs, and schedules. 5. Prepare for athlete and participant check-in. 6. Test scoring, timing, and results systems. 7. Have a backup plan for unexpected weather or technical issues. 8. Review emergency procedures and first aid protocols. 9. Ensure catering, hydration, and medical support are in place. 10. Get a good night's rest to be ready for the big day! By following these guidelines and sticking to your timelines, you'll be well-prepared to host a successful and enjoyable sports event that leaves a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike. Remember, attention to detail and effective planning are key to creating a memorable experience!

Introducing Cloudclubs: The Complete Club Management Solution by Cloudathlete Managing a sports club involves juggling numerous tasks, from maintaining an online presence to handling bookings, payments, and event entries. That’s why Cloudathlete developed Cloudclubs—a comprehensive solution designed to simplify club management and streamline operations. With Cloudclubs, your club can have its own dedicated website, fully branded to showcase your organisation and engage members. The platform also supports event entry for tournaments, matches, or training sessions, making it easy to manage registrations and ensure smooth event planning. But Cloudclubs goes beyond the basics. Clubs can now offer asset booking directly through the platform, allowing members to reserve facilities, equipment, or even training sessions in just a few clicks. Combined with integrated payment processing, Cloudclubs provides a seamless experience for members and administrators alike, with payments handled securely and efficiently within the system. With Cloudclubs, your club has everything it needs to build a vibrant online presence, manage resources effectively, and keep members engaged. It’s a complete solution, purpose-built to help clubs operate smoothly and grow. Ready to transform the way your club operates? Get in touch today to learn more about Cloudclubs by Cloudathlete!

More than 100 top athletes have joined this platform, pre-launch It's been amazing to see so many top athletes from different sports join Keynote Kingdom We're also in negotiations with 2 prime time stars. Now, we’re turning our attention to onboarding our senior professional network - like HR Directors, CEOs, COOs, and CIOs, and inviting you all to join our platform. Keynote Kingdom isn’t just your usual speaker platform; it’s a hyper-connected marketplace that matches great speakers with event organisers. We're starting targeting the UK, but it's a global play. If you’ve led major corporate initiatives, tackled complex business challenges, or driven significant change, our platform is perfect for showcasing your expertise. You don't need to be an accomplished speaker. We can help you with that. Here’s why you should get involved: ✅ Reach a Global Audience: Connect with a range of event organisers looking for thought leaders who offer valuable insights. ✅ Easy Booking: Our platform simplifies the process so you can focus on delivering your message, not on administrative hassles. ✅ Stand Out: With enhanced visibility, your profile will catch the attention of those seeking top-notch speakers. We’re excited to support all of our speakers, as we grow. Your experience and insights can make a big impact, and we’re here to help make that happen. Get involved - DM me with any questions www.keynotekingdom.com

As event organizers, it’s important to consider every detail to create a welcoming and seamless experience for attendees. When selecting venues, factors like parking and safety often play a big role in ensuring everyone feels comfortable. A few key considerations: 1. Parking Accessibility: Ideally, parking should be close to the event location. If parking is far away or requires walking through dimly lit or unfamiliar areas, it can cause unnecessary discomfort, especially for events with a predominantly female audience. 2. Nearby Activities: If your venue is near a sports arena or event center, check for other scheduled events. Traffic and large crowds can create logistical challenges for your guests. By carefully considering these aspects, we can create spaces that allow attendees to focus on networking and connecting, free from avoidable stressors. Thoughtful planning makes all the difference in fostering a positive experience!

Over 100 top athletes have joined this platform, pre-launch It's been amazing to see so many top athletes from different sports join Keynote Kingdom. We're also in negotiations with 2 prime time stars. One thing that has been really interesting is watching my fellow Director, Joe Craven step into the business world - making the transition from World Champion fighter. He brings real energy and discipline. Now, we’re turning our attention to onboarding our senior professional network - like HR Directors, CEOs, COOs, and CIOs, and inviting you all to join our platform. Keynote Kingdom isn’t just another speaker platform; it’s a hyper-connected marketplace that matches great speakers with event organisers. We're starting tin the UK, but it's a global play. If you’ve led major corporate initiatives, tackled complex business challenges, or driven significant change, our platform is perfect for showcasing your expertise. You don't need to be an accomplished speaker. We can help you with that. Here’s why you should get involved: ✅ Reach a Global Audience: Connect with a range of event organisers looking for thought leaders who offer valuable insights. ✅ Easy Booking: Our platform simplifies the process so you can focus on delivering your message, not on administrative hassles. ✅ Stand Out: With enhanced visibility, your profile will catch the attention of those seeking top-notch speakers. We’re excited to support all of our speakers, as we grow. Your experience and insights can make a big impact, and we’re here to help make that happen. Get involved - DM me with any questions