We did it.
Again.
Last week, we hosted our second Internationalization and Athletics Summit!
We also had a few surprises throughout the week, most notably our fireside chat with Dr. Fanta Aw - NAFSA Executive Director and CEO.
Here are the numbers.
13 sessions. 26 speakers. 22 unique organizations.
7 countries. 5 continents. 4 time zones.
1 purpose – Internationalization and Athletics.
But quantitative metrics don’t define our success.
Because this is purpose and purpose is undefeated.
The 2023 Summit showed it was possible. 2024 was a reminder to keep going.
Below are three key insights from the Summit.
Strategy is missing. Throughout the week, several sessions pointed to the fact that the United States does not have a coordinated strategy for neither international education nor sports diplomacy. Travis Murphy, CEO at Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment, penned an op-ed in 2023 calling for the U.S. to do better -- especially in the wake of global megaevents taking place across the U.S. over the next decade. While we wait for updates from the U.S. government, businesses and non-profit organizations are building alliances and collaborating on projects to shape the future of both international education and global sport. Walk With TFB will continue to lead.
Digital internationalization. You may be familiar with virtual exchange or even piloted Collaborative Online Internatoinal Learning (COIL) in your curriculum. But digital internationalization embraces the use of all technologies to advance internationalization in your respective industry. We're watching this play out in real-time through the NFL's Global Markets Program. Clubs, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, are creating international content on Instagram to engage fans, enter new commercial markets, and grow American football globally. Technology is the present and the future. Those who embrace and experiment with digital internationalization now will yield immeasurable benefits for years to come.
Sports travel is bout to BOOM. Saudi Arabia is becoming a destination for sports travel. U.S. sport organizations such as the WNBA, NSWL, and NBA have all announced international competitions for the 2024-2025 seasons. Brazil was just named host for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Ireland features Florida State and Georgia Tech, while the NFL announced five international games across three countries for the upcoming season. While international sports travel will attract many fans, the United States is a large country and home to where many of the world's best athletes compete. Weekend trip to Las Vegas to see the Aces play? How about a roadtrip to Cincinnati to check out FC Cincinnati and TQL stadium. Expect a dramatic increase in domestic travel for sports. Indy 500 and Kentucky Derby are on our bucket list.
Today we share three insights, though this is not an exhaustive list. We will continue to reflect and share through our newsletter, podcast, and Instagram.
But we move! Here’s what’s next.
Stay connected. Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter below. Connect with our founder, TFB, on LinkedIn. This conversation will undoubtedly continue, and we would love to hear from you.
The Recordings. The IAA24 Summit session recordings will be uploaded on our YouTube channel no later than Friday, May 24. Listen, watch, and share! Thank y'all for your patience as we took time to prioritize rest last week.
Our Podcast. It’s been a minute and it’s time to dust off the mic. We’ll be relaunching the podcast sooner than later with a new, sustainable format. But our podcast is community work – as such, we will be looking for guests and sponsors very soon. Conversations will focus on international education, global sport, and internationalization. If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest or sponsor for The Walk With TFB podcast, hit our line!
Thank you again to all of our speakers who showed up and showed out for us during the 2024 Summit! Each of you added unique perspective and added value to the global conversation. We look forward to staying engaged with y'all as we shape the future of internationalization and athletics.
Oh, one last thing.
The 2025 Summit?! It’s going to be in-person…outside of the United States of America. I do not know where the event will be held and neither dates nor venues have been confirmed.
But I know who we are.
Mission driven. Vision oriented. God protected.
Make sure your passports are up to date and save several days of PTO for next June.
It’s happening.
It’s here.
We’re walking!
Opmerkingen