This week, the European Athletics CEO Conference was held for the first time since 2018, bringing together CEOs, directors and general secretaries from our Member Federations.
Although it is normally held every two years, this was the first time the event has been held for five years due to the pandemic. In total, 78 people from 43 Member Federations attended this latest edition, held in Belchin, Bulgaria, from 23-24 May.
The event is held as part of European Athletics’ Member Federation Networking and Education Programme, alongside convention workshops, the Member Federations Leaders Forum, and the Communication Managers Seminar. The objective of the whole programme is to provide learning opportunities and a networking environment to strengthen the athletics community in Europe.
Attendees in Belchin heard from European Athletics CEO Christian Milz and World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon who opened the proceedings on day one with a discussion about the future of athletics. This was followed by an insightful presentation on leadership in times of crisis by leadership coach Céline Beaurain.
On day two, Running Unit Director at European Athletics, Marko Vasic, was joined by Golazo CEO, Bob Verbeeck, and Head of Running at World Athletics, Alessio Punzi, for a discussion on all things running. Finally, European Athletics Deputy CEO, Célia Mendes, was joined by safe sport specialist Mathilde Grenet as well as Donna Fraser OBE - former World and European Athletics medallist and Director of Equality Diversity and Inclusion at the Professional Cricketers Association - for a talk on governance, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
There was also time to discuss European Athletics’ strategy, take part in team-building sessions, and each day began with morning running, yoga, stretching and outdoor gym sessions – so it was a busy couple of days for everyone involved!
European Athletics CEO Christian Milz said: “Our aim with the CEO Conference is to strengthen the bond among top operational leaders of our sport.
“Working together as a team between European Athletics and our Member Federations is ultimately key to the success of the development of athletics in Europe. We network, share knowledge and experience while addressing the European Athletics strategy and discuss the future of Athletics.”
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