Global Hockey Forum Launches in Nice, France
Next week, Nice, France, will host the inaugural Global Hockey Forum, an initiative aligned with the IIHF’s ICE26 strategic framework. This event aims to convene Member National Associations (MNAs), commercial partners, and IIHF stakeholders to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within the hockey community.
Purpose and Objectives
The Global Hockey Forum seeks to:
- Facilitate insights and feedback from various hockey stakeholders.
- Inspire collaborative solutions for shared challenges.
- Strengthen the alignment among the IIHF, MNAs, and partners.
- Encourage innovative approaches.
- Address sustainable growth for hockey on a global scale.
IIHF President Luc Tardif emphasized the significance of the forum, stating, “The Global Hockey Forum marks a pivotal moment for our sport. For the first time, stakeholders from every corner of the hockey world are coming together to openly discuss the future of our game.” Meanwhile, IIHF Vice President Bob Nicholson noted, “ICE26 is about increasing participation, driving innovation, and uniting the hockey community worldwide.”
Main Topics of Discussion
The three-day forum will feature three primary presentation streams:
- Development
- Marketing
- Women’s Hockey
Each stream will be helmed by industry experts. Notable figures include:
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall
- Henrik Lundqvist
- Kim Martin Hasson
- Kim Davis, NHL Senior Vice President focused on multicultural audience engagement
- Emma Terho, IIHF Women’s Committee Member
- Jonathan Potts, Lead Consultant at Two Circles
Strategic Timing and Venue
The timing of the Global Hockey Forum aligns with the IIHF’s Semi-Annual Congress, ensuring many national association representatives are already in attendance. Nice’s vibrant atmosphere and accessibility make it an ideal location, reinforcing the IIHF’s commitment to diverse, international hosting.
Long-Term Vision
The IIHF envisions the Global Hockey Forum as a cornerstone for the sport’s future, establishing a platform for ongoing international collaboration. Tardif remarked, “This forum is not just about dialogue; it’s about action. Our goal is to strengthen hockey’s global presence and create new opportunities for growth and professionalization across all levels.”
As part of its plans, the IIHF will also stream all presentations from the forum on IIHF.TV, set to launch in spring 2025. This platform will enhance fan engagement with live and on-demand international ice hockey content.
