Qatar Group Launches International Sports Security Conference
The first International Sports Security Conference will take place in Doha, Qatar, at Aspire Zone, March 9 and 10. This event gathers the key decision-makers, experts and practitioners in sports integrity and security throughout the world and aims to improve information-sharing and to explore best practices and pressing issues in sports security today.
The opening speech is by Qatar’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al-Thani.
The audience of 150 people will hear security leaders share their views on latest trends and best practices in sports security, as well as recent successes and failures. Speakers will highlight their views about security being a core issue in sports today, the need for enhanced international cooperation, the increasing need for flawless security practices to deter breaches in integrity (e.g. match-fixing and doping), and how to achieve success through an accurate risk assessment and the right combination of technology, personnel and training. Conference speakers include:
- Lord John Stevens (former head of London's Metropolitan Police);
- Ronald Noble (current secretary general of INTERPOL); and
- William J. Bratton (former chief of police of the Los Angeles Police Department, New York Police Department).
Monica Seles and Michael Johnson will discuss their views on athletic performance and security issues, and the dramatic consequences of security failures:
- Michael Johnson (four times Olympic champion and eight-time world champion); and
- Monica Seles (former No. 1 WTA, nine-time Grand Slam winner).
Key decision-makers in sports today will speak about the exciting challenges of organizing major events in emerging economies, or security implications of integrity breaches:
- Mohammed Bin Hammam (president of the AFC); and
- Rick Parry (former CEO of Liverpool FC)
.
Other speakers include Helmut Spahn (head of German security, 2006 FIFA World Cup), Peter Ryan (head of security, Sydney 2000 Olympics) and Larry Buendorf (chief security officer, U.S. Olympic Committee).
Attendance is exclusive, limited to 150 VIPs, and by invitation only
QIASS President Mohammed Al-Hanzab said, "Qatar is very excited to host the first International Sports Security Conference. Sports security is integral to the success of sporting events and we are determined to push the agenda and excellence of sports security further for the benefit of event organizers, athletes and fans. Qatar has a vital role to play in furthering sport around the world and we are proud to play such an active role in sports security".