Successful AAM Euromeetings Forum In Valencia
03/28/2008
VALENCIA (ESP): In the first common project of the two associations, the Association of Athletics Managers (AAM) and Euromeetings (IAAF Grand Prix meeting organisers) met together at a forum organised in Valencia (nearly 70 participants) and spoke about the current state and how to improve the one day T&F Grand Prix meetings. With guests from the IAAF (vice-president Bob Hersh), EAA (president Hansjorg Wirz) and commercial partners (shoe companies and TV stations) the more than 7 hours long forum brought many interesting points and discussions.
The main goals for the future are to improve the calendar, the competitions system and structure, mainly in connection with possible qualification system (for example one day meetings could be the qualifying meets for big championships like Olympic Games, World or European Championships). The other part to work on is to make the one day meetings more attractive to the modern generation of fans, encouraging hip and cool events, specifically for the young generation. The top meetings are aiming to return to terrestrial TV stations, to improve the event presentation and programme in the stadium and to improve the needs of written media and photographers. An open question remained as who should lead this process as both groups (organisers and agents) are seeking more input into similar projects within IAAF and EAA. Other joint Euromeetings and AAM projects are planned for the future.