Events
Welcome to our events section, where you’ll find information on all upcoming events and webinars ran by the CIPR Sports Network.
You can also access all the previous recordings that have taken place.
View Previous Events & Webinars
Campaigns, Curiosity & the power of Compelling Narrative
John Zerafa
John Zerafa is an expert in campaign communications, reputation management and public affairs in sport, working on some of the biggest global campaigns in sport including Olympic bids, World Cup bids, Sport presidential campaigns and football club takeovers.
He is now also a strategic adviser to Signify, who use smart tech and data to police and change behaviours in online abuse.
Building a career in sport – creating networks, grabbing opportunity and the value of being a ‘generalist’
Dan Maisey
Another powerful conversation for the CIPR Sports Group, as Dan Maisey joined us to offer insights into building a career in sport, understanding the jobs market and how to navigate recruitment.
Building on his early years in management consultancy and guided by constant curiosity, his career has included performance roles, commercial roles and content creation before he set up his own recruitment company, aiming to change the way the sports industry finds and supports great people and allowing talent from other industries to thrive.
Representing the 15% - Paralympic sport, international communications and advocacy
Craig Spence
In this compelling conversation, Craig Spence, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), shares powerful insights into the world of Paralympic sport and the broader movement for disability inclusion. Representing the 15% of the global population living with a disability, Spence discusses the transformative role of international communication, advocacy, and media in reshaping perceptions and driving social change.
Into Touch: Leadership, Risk-Taking, and Reframing Communications in Sport
Aoife Clarke
We spoke to Aoife Clarke, Director of Communications at the IRFU, who shares her journey from Lidl to her leading communications role in rugby. During this conversation, she reflects on risk-taking, redefining the role of comms in sport, and championing women and working parents. Whether you are interested in sport, comms, or leadership, this webinar is full of insight and inspiration.
The Sports Journalism King
Henry Winter
In the latest CIPR Sports Network webinar we were joined by Henry Winter. Voted Footballer Writer of the Year by the Football Supporters’ Association in 2023, Henry has previously served as football correspondent for The Independent, The Telegraph, and The Times and now writes for World Soccer as well as having a regular column at https://www.henrywinter.football/
It's a fascinating conversation about the dynamics between sports journalists and PR teams in sport and why he believes the importance of trusted relationships between hacks and flacks is good for everyone.
From communications to leadership in sport
Drew Barrand
We spoke with Drew Barrand, Chief Executive of Aquatics GB. His story is a rare, inspiring example of a self-labelled “Comms Guy” who sits at the top of a national sport and fully deploys the power of communication.
Evolving role of communications with Olympic athletes, brand and audiences
Scott Field
The Sports Network spoke to Scott Field, Team GB Director of Communications and Marketing. Scott joined us to delve into the topic of “Evolving role of communications with Olympic athletes, brands and audiences” giving his expert insight into his role with Team GB, how the four-year cycle impacts communications planning, in-Games execution and his personal experience of success, resilience, and the importance of comms to Team GB Olympic success.
From Chelsea FC to McLaren - the varying skills of sports comms
Steve Atkins
The Sports Network spoke with Steve Atkins, Chief Communications Officer at McLaren Racing. Steve was previously Director of Communications for Chelsea FC and joined McLaren ahead of the 2023 season. He spoke about his sports communications experiences and lessons and provided some insight into the world of international sports communications.
The goldfish bowl of the England football team
Owen Hargreaves & Adrian Bevington
The Sports Network preview Qatar 2022 with Former FA MD & Comms Director Adrian Bevington and former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, talking all things comms and the FIFA World Cup.