Day 1 Recap:🚀 Behind the Scenes at the The Hosts & Federation Summit

In this special dispatch, we spotlight three of the standout voices from Day 1:

• Helen Helliwell (CEO, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027)

• Christophe Dubi (Executive Director, IOC) in dialogue with Dennis Mills (CEO, Major Events International)

• Enda Connolly (Director of Events, Team Services & Rugby Operations, World Rugby)

Scroll on for key takeaways, interview insights, and emerging themes echoing across the summit floor.

1️⃣Helen Helliwell: Leading the Charge for a More Inclusive Invictus Games🎖️

Why Birmingham 2027 isn’t just another Games — it’s a statement.

Helen Helliwell, the trailblazing CEO behind the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, isn’t content with merely staging another international event. She’s crafting a movement — one that places community, recovery, and human connection at its core.

Set to welcome over 550 competitors from more than 20 nations, Birmingham 2027 will unfold entirely on a single, accessible campus at the NEC. But it’s not just the streamlined logistics that set it apart. Under Helen’s leadership, the Games will break new ground by introducing events like pickleball, eSports, and laser run — chosen not just for novelty, but for their adaptability and appeal to newer, more diverse audiences.

Helen’s vision runs deeper than medals and schedules. She’s embedding inclusion into every layer of planning — from neurodiversity support and digital accessibility to mental health resources and local youth engagement.

Expect a Games that doesn’t just arrive — but stays. Long after the closing ceremony, Helen wants its echoes felt across Birmingham and beyond.

2️⃣Christophe Dubi on What the Olympics Should Leave Behind 🏟

Why legacy, not spectacle, is the new gold standard.

In a conversation that pulled no punches, Christophe Dubi — Executive Director of the International Olympic Committee — laid bare the IOC’s evolving mission. Joined by Dennis Mills, CEO of Major Events International, Dubi championed a bold pivot: from grandeur to grounded impact.

Drawing on moments from the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, Dubi described a scene in a disadvantaged district where children sang their own Olympic anthem. No torch. No ticker tape. Just identity and pride.

From this perspective, the real Olympic currency isn’t viewership or venue size — it’s about legacy — what remains after the banners come down.

From Marseille to AI: A Smarter, Sharper Hosting Model

Dubi cited Marseille’s €220 million net benefit from its Olympic hosting efforts, underscoring how thoughtful integration — not lavish spending — delivers dividends. Looking ahead, he noted the rising role of AI in event operations, from traffic flow to sustainability logistics.

The IOC’s reimagined framework is designed to open doors and decentralise power:

• Bidding is cheaper, smarter, and more inclusive, welcoming potential first-time hosts in Africa.

• Cultural tailoring is central, with LA 2028 expected to embrace U.S. sports and Brisbane aligning with Australia’s regional growth vision.

• Sport selection is co-curated, blending IOC global standards with host-driven local flavour.

“It’s no longer about just delivering an event — it’s about leaving a legacy that fits the place.” — Christophe Dubi, Executive Director of IOC

With new leadership on the horizon, Dubi’s focus is steady: make the Olympics more inclusive, more sustainable, and far more in sync with the people who live where they land.

3️⃣Enda Connolly: Delivering Dignity, Growth, and Legacy in World Rugby 🏉

How World Rugby is levelling up for 2025 — and why the details matter.

At the Summit, Enda Connolly — Director of Team Services & Rugby Operations at World Rugby — gave a compelling glimpse into preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Slated to begin August 22 across eight English venues, this tournament is designed for more than competition — it’s a cultural moment.

From fine-tuned logistics to upgraded training facilities, Connolly’s team is crafting a frictionless experience so athletes can focus solely on performance. But their ambitions stretch well beyond the try line.

Expect school visits, open sessions, and deep-rooted community initiatives — the kind that embed rugby into host cities’ fabric well before kickoff and long after the final whistle.

Enda’s closing comment? Get your tickets. Champion the women’s game. Help grow a sport whose next chapter is only just beginning.