Sunderland AFC set to offer unique insight into the business of football at the Sunderland Business Festival

Sunderland AFC is once again set to offer a unique insight into what it takes to run a football club in the modern game.

Taking place as part of Sunderland Business Festival, chief operating officer Steve Davison and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will be hosting a talk-in at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, October 10.

The evening event will offer attendees the chance to hear from SAFC’s senior leadership team as the club looks to build on a successful 2022/23 season in the Championship.

As well as learning more about work behind the scenes to build a sustainable club from a planned solar farm to secure greener energy; to summer concerts which have seen global superstars descend on the Stadium of Light as well as the club’s response to a Government-led White Paper that seeks to reform club football governance.

It will provide the opportunity to participate in an energetic and insightful discussion with Steve and Kristjaan, giving a unique glimpse into the off-the-pitch world of football.

Speaking about the event, Davison said: “Football Clubs are incredibly diverse organisations and the landscape and governance within the game is ever-changing. As a responsible community-based institution, it is imperative that we continually adapt to maximise our performance and progression, whilst also staying true to our strategy and values.

“From football to live music, we look forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the many industries we play a significant role in, as we also share more about our plans for the future and how they align with an incredibly ambitious time for the City of Sunderland.”

Sunderland Business Festival is running for the third time from 10 – 12 October, with the aim of inspiring enterprises from across the region, with a host of engaging speeches and sessions from high-profile business leaders.

The action-packed programme this year will feature headline speaker Gary Neville, who will be taking part in a ‘fire side’ chat on Wednesday 11 October. The festival will also include expert presentations, panel discussions, on the sofa chats, networking, workshops and more.

“It’s great to be a part of the Sunderland Business Festival again as the event continues to evolve. As a football club that’s deeply engrained within the city, we are hugely supportive of the event and are delighted to be a part of it,” added Davison.

The festival is being organised by Sunderland Business Partnership, a collective of organisations large and small all with an interest in the city’s development, creating opportunities for members to collaborate and grow, which in turn helps Sunderland to be a more dynamic destination for business.

The Business of Football event takes place on the first day of the 2023 Sunderland Business Festival, which is sponsored by the University of Sunderland.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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