#SAS24 And That’s a Wrap: Day 2 Highlights

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the second annual TheStadiumBusiness ASIA (#SAS24) meeting. The new, innovative and modern Kai Tak Sports Park was ideal for discussing emerging trends and challenges reshaping our sector.

Day 1 delivered a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and networking opportunities, and Day 2 continued to build on that momentum. Here’s a look at some of the key highlights from Day 2:

• Opening Act: The Evolution of an Operator: Harvey Lister, a visionary in the live entertainment space, took us on a journey through his 50-year career, sharing insights into the past, present, and future of live entertainment venues. From concerts to conventions, his stories painted a vivid picture of how the industry has evolved and where it’s headed.
• Insights: Moving Home – Farewell HK Stadium, Hello Kai Tak: As the 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens prepares to move from its spiritual home to the new Kai Tak Sports Park, we took a deep dive into what this relocation means for fans and organisers. With only 24 weeks until the grand opening, the session provided a sneak peek into the future of sports in Hong Kong..
• Q&A: A Vision of the Future – Rajasthan Royals’ New Home: In an exclusive Q&A session, the Rajasthan Royals unveiled their vision for a new stadium that aligns with their goals of delivering world-class experiences for players, fans, and partners. As one of the founding franchises of the IPL, their aspirations signal a new era for cricket venues in India.
• Case Study: Sam Kerr Football Centre: This session explored the design and development of the newly-opened Sam Kerr Football Centre in Perth. Balancing community engagement with commercial realities, the $50.8m facility is a blueprint for modern high-performance training grounds.
• Panel: Content & Programming – The Science (or Black Art?) of Filling the Calendar: A lively panel discussion tackled the complexities of securing top-tier events. With intense competition for international gigs and tournaments, industry leaders shared their strategies for keeping their venues vibrant and profitable.
• Case Study: Sport, Sustainability & Community – Toa Payoh Integrated Development: Singapore’s Toa Payoh Integrated Development was showcased as a model of sustainable design. This 12-hectare project, reimagining a heritage sports park, offers a glimpse into the future of community-centred, eco-conscious venues.
• Panel: Gen Z – Tomorrow’s Fans Today: A must-attend session, where Gen Z panellists shared their unique perspectives on sports and entertainment. With Asia’s Gen Z showing strong engagement with events like the Paris Olympics, the panel explored how venues can meet the expectations of this digitally-savvy and socially-conscious demographic.

• Closing Panel: A New Era of Venues – AI & the IoT Impact on Venue Design & Operations: The day concluded with an in-depth look at how AI and IoT are transforming venue operations. From enhanced security measures to personalised fan experiences, this panel highlighted the cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of stadiums and arenas.

Interested in joining us in Hong Kong for #SAS25?

Read #SAS24 Day 1 meeting summary here!