IMMAF were present at Major Events International’s 2024 Hosts and Federations Summit last week.
IMMAF CEO Densign White MBE, travelled out to Lausanne Switzerland on Monday 17th of June with the aim of representing our federation and further increasing our opportunities to take IMMAF’s championships further around the world.
The summit, designed to provide an environment to nurture the symbiotic relationship between major sports rights holders and host cities, proved productive for IMMAF after productive conversations were had with several new host cities regarding multi-year deals.
During day two of the summit, White participated in a panel discussing the benefits for host cities to host MMA events and the economic impact could benefit their cities.
Global marketing visibility, tourism, the positive impact it has for the national federation and the athletes were all discussed.
The legacy that IMMAF leave behind following our events, was also emphasised to potential new hosts. We look to leave a positive lasting impact behind us whether that be the volunteers or local officials who IMMAF train to help provide infrastructure for MMA events.
On his trip to Switzerland, White said:
“It was a worthwhile trip. We had productive meetings with new host cities who were very interested to host MMA. They can see the growth of the sport. This has lots of benefits for IMMAF.
I think it benefits us in the recognition process and it benefits us financially as a federation, in terms of sustainability. In terms of the recognition process, you’ve got a city who is prepared to take you on, and it implies recognition that the sport is mainstream – it’s accepted.
Lots of sports have been asking for really high hosting rights fees for their events which puts us in a good place because we are not asking for that. We’ve pitched ourselves at a level that makes us attractive and affordable. “I think the legacy benefits we provide for host cities are quite extensive and numerous.”
