ASPN INSIGHTS: 2024 Sport Event Taiwan Workshop International Forum: Tokyo Marathon Race Director and City Representatives Gathered for Exchange

Chinese Taipei

Author: 2024 Sport Event Taiwan Workshop

The "2024 Sport Event Taiwan Workshop (SETW) Series International Forum," hosted by the Sports Administration, was held on March 15th. Following this year's theme, "International Sport Event x City Branding," the forum featured discussions with representatives from international cities and well-known event organizers. It focused on topics such as integrating local culture into sports events and shaping sports cities. The aim was to assist Taiwan event organizers in enhancing capabilities and global perspective.

The forum featured Tad Hayano, the Race Director of the Tokyo Marathon, which is the only World Marathon Majors race in Asia. With experience in managing multiple editions of the race while concurrently serving as the CSO, Mr. Hayano shared insights into organizing the Tokyo Marathon and discussed strategies for integrating local cultural elements into international sports events to create a distinctive brand identity rooted in the local culture. 

Tad Hayano, the Race Director of the Tokyo Marathon

Another speaker from Japan was Marco Favaro, representing the Izu City Regional Development Cooperation Team. With a background in sports and travel journalism, Mr. Favaro has been actively involved in promoting and developing the cycling industry in Japan. He delved into how Izu has built a sports ecosystem centered around "cycling exploration," drawing international cycling events and fostering global exchange opportunities.

Marco Favaro, representing the Izu City Regional Development Cooperation Team

Additionally, Deputy Director-General Bi-Shun Chen from the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration discussed "Rural 2.0 vision and strategies", offering event organizers advice on utilizing local resources. Startups like Feebees showcased their unique sock-shoe products, while WhiizU presented their online cycling training platform, highlighting the latest trends in sports technology. The forum concluded with a panel discussion on various topics, opening up potential collaborations.

Kuming Chen, Founder of Feebees

Jason Hsu, Business Manager of WhiizU 

The Sports Administration stated that, to enhance the quality of sports events in Taiwan and the management capabilities of event organizers, it has been organizing the SET Workshop since 2021. By introducing diverse experiences from international cooperation to Taiwan, the goal is not only to advance Taiwan's international sports events but also to stimulate local tourism and economic development, showcasing Taiwan's rich and unique cultural characteristics to the world.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion on various topics, opening up potential collaborations

The international forum features simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English. Three additional sessions are planned for June 21, August 9, and November 8, with speakers from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Lithuania, Indonesia, and Sweden. Topics will include representative city sports events, building sports technology city, and more. For further details about the event and registration information, please click on the following link: 

https://forms.gle/6Z7TUu1zLg8s9y7R9