Leaders Meet: Innovation 2026 – London, United Kingdom
Overview
Leaders Meet: Innovation 2026 is an exclusive, invitation-only summit held at the iconic 180 Studios in the heart of London. This prestigious event serves as a private playbook for 350 of the most senior figures in the professional sports industry, focusing on the intersection of technology, leadership, and commercial strategy. The Brutalist architecture of the venue provides a stark, modern backdrop for discussions on how the world’s most successful organizations are navigating the digital transformation of global sport.
The 2026 edition delves deep into the practical applications of artificial intelligence, transitioning from theoretical hype to real-world business transformation. The agenda is designed to challenge traditional leadership dynamics, exploring how to manage high-pressure moments and maintain operational efficiency in an increasingly turbulent global landscape. With two main stages of content, the event balances high-level strategic keynotes with intimate, data-driven breakout sessions that reveal hidden insights about modern fan behavior.
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Networking is the core of the experience, with the summit strictly limited to Director and C-suite level professionals from teams, leagues, broadcasters, and tech innovators. Attendees will participate in curated evening socials and interactive workshops designed to foster direct connections between decision-makers. The atmosphere is one of collaborative problem-solving, where leaders from different sectors come together to redefine how sports content is produced, packaged, and monetized for the next generation of consumers.
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Event Highlights
- Private Leadership Playbook: Gain access to exclusive insights and case studies shared by 80 global speakers that are not available to the general public or through standard industry reports.
- AI Transformation Sessions: Participate in deep-dive discussions on moving artificial intelligence from experimental stages to the core of your business and fan engagement strategies.
- Innovation Lab at 180 Studios: Explore the latest creative and technical displays within one of London’s most famous cultural centers, featuring hands-on demos of immersive fan technology.
- High-Level Networking: Connect with a curated group of 350 senior executives where 75% of the room holds CEO or Director-level positions within major sports organizations.
Why Attend
This summit is essential for senior leaders who need to understand the societal and technological shifts impacting sports today, from dopamine-driven scrolling culture to the rise of new fan segments. It provides a rare, safe space for high-level executives to discuss their challenges and successes with peers who face similar pressures. By attending, you ensure your organization remains match-fit by adopting world-class thinking from outside the sports bubble, including retail and pure-tech sectors.
The event is ideal for C-suite executives, rights holders, and tech investors who are looking for more than just a standard trade show. The benefit of attending lies in the quality of the audience and the depth of the curriculum, which focuses on sustainable growth and effective leadership dynamics. You will walk away with a redefined strategic roadmap and a strengthened network of global partners ready to collaborate on the future of sports entertainment.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: March 11 and March 12, 2026
- Event Duration: Two full days of sessions including evening social receptions
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold via the official website through an application-based system to ensure all attendees meet the senior leadership criteria.
- Admission Type: Private, invitation-only professional admission for C-suite and Director level executives.
- Ticket Pricing: Rights holder passes are approximately $973 and agency passes are approximately $1,953 including tax.
- Special Seating Options: Open-plan seating across two main stages with specialized areas for interactive workshops and private meetings.
- VIP Options: All attendees receive a high-level experience including full access to all stages, premium food and drink throughout the event, and entry to the official evening socials.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: London, United Kingdom
- Venue Name: 180 Studios
- Google Maps Address: Level 2, 180 Strand, Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom
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Contact Information
- Email: careers@leadersinsport.com
- Phone Number: +44 20 7042 8666
- Official Website: https://leadersinsport.com/sport-business/leaders-events/leaders-meet-innovation/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/leadersinsport_/?hl=en-gb
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/2547477
- https://x.com/LeadersBiz
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: London City Airport is approximately 8 miles away, while Heathrow Airport is about 15 miles from the venue.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Temple Underground Station is a 2-minute walk away, providing easy access via the District and Circle lines.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Numerous bus routes including the 1, 4, 26, and 76 stop directly on the Strand near the venue entrance.
- Parking Availability: Limited parking is available at nearby commercial garages such as Q-Park Chinatown or Covent Garden.
- Directions by Car: The venue is located on the A4 Strand in Central London, easily accessible via the A40 or A12 for those driving from outside the city.
What is this event?
Leaders Meet: Innovation is a boutique industry summit that brings together a global community of senior sports executives to discuss the future of the industry. It focuses on the practical application of new technologies and creative leadership strategies.
The event is part of the broader Leaders in Sport series, known for its high-quality networking and focus on business-to-business growth. It provides a structured environment for sharing best practices in broadcasting, fan engagement, and digital revenue.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because of its strict entry requirements which ensure that every person in the room is a decision-maker. This creates a high-value networking environment where real business deals and partnerships are formed.
It is also favored for its venue at 180 Studios, which offers a creative and immersive atmosphere unlike traditional hotel ballrooms. The content is consistently ahead of the curve, tackling difficult topics like the impact of AI and changing consumer habits.
Attendee Experiences
- The level of seniority in the room was impressive and I made three major connections before the first lunch break.
- 180 Studios is an incredible space that really made the innovation theme feel real and tangible for our team.
- I appreciated the honest and frank discussions on stage about the actual costs and challenges of implementing new tech.
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FAQ's
What is the participant criteria for this event?
To qualify for attendance, you must hold a current C-suite or Director level position at a sports team, league, brand, or broadcaster. This ensures the discussions remain at a high strategic level and that networking opportunities are relevant for all professional participants.
What is included in the price of the pass?
The pass includes full access to both stages of content, all workshops, and the Innovation Lab exhibition. It also covers all food and beverages for both days, as well as access to the evening social networking events hosted by the organizers.
Is there a way to see who else is attending?
Yes, approved participants can request a Participant Snapshot from the event team to see which organizations and executives have already confirmed their attendance. This allows for better pre-event planning and more targeted networking during the summit.
Will the sessions be available to watch after the event?
Certain sessions and highlights are often recorded and shared with attendees via the Leaders in Sport member portal after the summit concludes. However, many of the private workshops and deep-dive sessions are not recorded to allow for more open and confidential discussions.
Can I attend if I am not from the sports industry?
The event is specifically curated for the sports business ecosystem, but senior leaders from technology and retail sectors are often invited as speakers or partners. If your organization provides critical solutions to the sports industry, you may apply for a service provider pass.
