photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation
Next week, Nice, France, will provide the backdrop for the inaugural Global Hockey Forum, a new initiative launched by the IIHF under its ICE26 strategic framework. The purpose of the event is to bring together the Member National Associations, commercial partners, and the IIHF to discuss, collaborate, and innovate around all things hockey.
Having the key actors gathered in one place gives the IIHF a unique opportunity to gather fresh insights and feedback from stakeholders across all areas of the game, inspire collaborative solutions to shared challenges, strengthen alignment between the IIHF, MNAs, and partners, encourage innovation, and shape a roadmap for the sustainable global growth of hockey.
“The Global Hockey Forum marks a pivotal moment for our sport. For the first time, stakeholders from every corner of the hockey world – Member National Associations, partners, and renowned specialists – are coming together to openly discuss the future of our game,” says IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“As Chair of the ICE26 Initiative, I am proud to work alongside global hockey leaders and partners to grow and strengthen our game. ICE26 is about increasing participation, driving innovation, and uniting the hockey community worldwide,” adds IIHF Vice President Bob Nicholson.
3 main topics: Development, Marketing, Women’s Hockey
The three-day event will feature three presentation streams focusing on Development, Marketing, and Women’s Hockey, each led by experts in their fields. Panel discussions will include such well-known hockey figures as Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Henrik Lundqvist, and Kim Martin Hasson as well as Kim Davis, NHL Senior Vice President responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining fans – with a focus on multicultural audiences – through culture, youth participation, and social impact initiatives. Other participants include IIHF Women’s Committee Member Emma Terho and Jonathan Potts, Lead Consultant at Two Circles, a data-driven sports and entertainment marketing agency.
To name just a few.
Also in attendance will be Renaud Muselier, President of Région Sud, the IIHF’s partner in the event.
Holding the Global Hockey Forum in late September aligns with the IIHF Semi-Annual Congress, when many national association representatives were already planning to travel. Thanks to its accessibility and infrastructure, Nice makes for a perfect venue and helps the IIHF showcase its commitment to hosting events in cities that are diverse, vibrant, and reflective of the international spirit of the game.
In addition, the 2030 Winter Olympic Games hockey tournament will be played in Nice.
The IIHF plans for the Forum to become a cornerstone of its long-term vision for the sport and a recurring, evolving platform for international collaboration.
“This forum is not just about dialogue; it’s about action. Our goal is to strengthen hockey’s global presence, ensure that women’s hockey development remains a priority, and create new opportunities for growth and professionalization across all levels. I am proud to see this unified effort and excited for the progress it will inspire,” Tardif says.
“We have made real progress – especially in women’s hockey and development programs – and with continued collaboration, I am confident we will reach even greater heights,” Nicholson adds.
All presentations from the Global Hockey Forum will be streamed on IIHF.TV, launched in spring 2025 to provide fans with greater access to live and on-demand international ice hockey content.
Having the key actors gathered in one place gives the IIHF a unique opportunity to gather fresh insights and feedback from stakeholders across all areas of the game, inspire collaborative solutions to shared challenges, strengthen alignment between the IIHF, MNAs, and partners, encourage innovation, and shape a roadmap for the sustainable global growth of hockey.
“The Global Hockey Forum marks a pivotal moment for our sport. For the first time, stakeholders from every corner of the hockey world – Member National Associations, partners, and renowned specialists – are coming together to openly discuss the future of our game,” says IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“As Chair of the ICE26 Initiative, I am proud to work alongside global hockey leaders and partners to grow and strengthen our game. ICE26 is about increasing participation, driving innovation, and uniting the hockey community worldwide,” adds IIHF Vice President Bob Nicholson.
3 main topics: Development, Marketing, Women’s Hockey
The three-day event will feature three presentation streams focusing on Development, Marketing, and Women’s Hockey, each led by experts in their fields. Panel discussions will include such well-known hockey figures as Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Henrik Lundqvist, and Kim Martin Hasson as well as Kim Davis, NHL Senior Vice President responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining fans – with a focus on multicultural audiences – through culture, youth participation, and social impact initiatives. Other participants include IIHF Women’s Committee Member Emma Terho and Jonathan Potts, Lead Consultant at Two Circles, a data-driven sports and entertainment marketing agency.
To name just a few.
Also in attendance will be Renaud Muselier, President of Région Sud, the IIHF’s partner in the event.
Holding the Global Hockey Forum in late September aligns with the IIHF Semi-Annual Congress, when many national association representatives were already planning to travel. Thanks to its accessibility and infrastructure, Nice makes for a perfect venue and helps the IIHF showcase its commitment to hosting events in cities that are diverse, vibrant, and reflective of the international spirit of the game.
In addition, the 2030 Winter Olympic Games hockey tournament will be played in Nice.
The IIHF plans for the Forum to become a cornerstone of its long-term vision for the sport and a recurring, evolving platform for international collaboration.
“This forum is not just about dialogue; it’s about action. Our goal is to strengthen hockey’s global presence, ensure that women’s hockey development remains a priority, and create new opportunities for growth and professionalization across all levels. I am proud to see this unified effort and excited for the progress it will inspire,” Tardif says.
“We have made real progress – especially in women’s hockey and development programs – and with continued collaboration, I am confident we will reach even greater heights,” Nicholson adds.
All presentations from the Global Hockey Forum will be streamed on IIHF.TV, launched in spring 2025 to provide fans with greater access to live and on-demand international ice hockey content.