Various world sporting leaders will attend the International Events Symposium hosted by the University of Stirling on October 30. They will share their real-world experience running international events with students.
The event will be hosted at Logie Lecture Theatre from 10am until 2:30pm. It will gather representatives from FIFA, Formula 1, the SFA, SPFL and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Tickets to the event were available for free on Eventbrite, but sign up closed when full capacity was reached.
The symposium can be attended by anyone with an interest in major sporting events. It aims to help students who would like to build a career in the sports event industry after they graduate.
Meet the Panel of Experts
The panel of experts attending includes:
- Claire Garratt, Senior Workforce Planning Manager at FIFA (International Federation of Association Football)
- Gary Storrie, Head of Health and Safety, Grand Prix and Events at Formula 1
- Jon Doig OBE, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive
- Diane McLeod, Director of Games Services and Workforce at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Martin Fitchie, Chief Information Officer at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Torquil MacLeod, Senior Event Industry Engagement and Development Manager at Visit Scotland
- Steven Leith, Event Accreditation and Operations Manager at the Scottish Football Association
- Nicky Reid, Scottish Professional Football League Trust Chief Executive
- Rhys Pearson, Senior Producer, Sports, at RWS Global; and
- John Dundas, consultant and Director at DundasTech Limited
The official Glasgow 2026 mascot, Finnie, will also attend the symposium, and be available for selfies with students!
Speakers highlight the fantastic opportunity for students
Several panel members expressed their delight with the event.
Storrie said: “It’s fantastic that students in Scotland will have the opportunity to hear from such a diverse panel of industry professionals.
“The event industry is incredibly competitive, and success often comes from staying flexible, focused, and building the right connections along the way.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my journey to show that there’s no single right path, it’s the destination that’s right for you that matters.”
Garratt said: “My journey to FIFA began outside the sports industry.
“That experience showed me that every role, no matter how small it may seem at the time, can be the starting point for an extraordinary career.
“I hope I can inspire anyone in attendance at the International Events Symposium that they also can have the same opportunities if they put their mind to it.”
Fitchie said: “The International Events Symposium is a brilliant opportunity to share how Glasgow 2026 is set to reimagine the way the Commonwealth Games are delivered, whilst building on the success of 2014.
“These Games have produced a new model that combines world-class sport with a future-focused, sustainable, accessible and inclusive vision.
“It’s great to be part of an event that brings together such a prestigious panel of senior leaders in sport and events, to share their insights and real-world experience.”
A will to ignite Stirling University student careers
Craig McIntyre, a Lecturer in Sport Management at the university, and a major events professional is organising the event.
He said: “It will be a privilege to welcome such a prestigious panel of experts to the University.
“The event will allow our audience to learn of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-35, and Scotland’s recognition of the importance of hosting international events.
“I secured my first events role at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, after an opportunity presented itself whilst at university.
“This opportunity has since launched a career in the industry and inspired me to continue working across various major sporting events internationally.
“Now, as a Lecturer in Sport Management at the University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, I hope the International Events Symposium will inspire attendees and provide similar opportunities for others.”
The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, and looks to continue highlighting its leading role within the sporting world with this event.
Featured Image Credit: The University of Stirling
