MLS to Host Innovation Showcase at All-Star Game in Atlanta
July 26, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
New York, NY - Major League Soccer announced today the inaugural MLS Innovation Showcase in collaboration with R/GA Ventures. Attendees from across the telecommunications, media and entertainment landscape will gather in Atlanta with leaders from soccer leagues around the world to explore the role technology and innovation can play in creating and delivering new, best-in-class experiences for fans across the sports landscape.
The event, hosted by MLS Commissioner Don Garber, will feature a keynote presentation from Cirque du Soleil President and COO Jonathan Tétrault, who will speak about Cirque du Soleil's legendary creative process which has been a driving force behind its reinvention and expansion over the last two decades.
Following the presentation by Tétrault, the Showcase will feature presentations and demonstrations from a group of selected startups who are working to create innovation for the sports industry.
Solutions discussed will include:
Blockchain and its application for sports merchandise
New ways to survey fan reaction in real time
Augmented Reality and the ability to easily create new experiences for fans in stadium
A new technology to increase fan engagement in sports broadcasts
New ways to enable digital ticketing and fan to fan payments
Innovation in on-field data for the sport of soccer "We're looking forward to having an event that brings thought leaders of all industries together through their shared interest in cutting-edge technology," said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director of MLS Business Ventures. "The MLS Innovation Showcase will reinforce the importance of creating technology solutions to enhance the soccer business and forge a deeper connection with fans."
MLS is producing the Innovation Showcase with R/GA Ventures, the investment and innovation arm of global agency R/GA. The two formed a partnership in June to launch a technology accelerator that provides MLS with a first look at cutting edge new startups in strategic areas of focus for the League. The Innovation Showcase is one of the first manifestations of the MLS Accelerator.
About Digital HQ presented by Wells Fargo
The Innovation Showcase will be hosted at the Digital HQ presented by Wells Fargo. The Digital HQ serves as the content hub of All-Star with daily player appearances, live shows, media briefings, official press conferences, eMLS FIFA matches and an adidas retail store.
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